A Halo Safety Ring Review: An OT's Advice to Gain Independence with Bed Mobility

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by Mike DeWilde, OTR/L

Each year more than 2.5 million people in the United States develop pressure ulcers leading to pain, increased risk of infection, and increased utilization of healthcare services. Of the many risk factors that lead to pressure ulcer development, the most modifiable is immobility. The Halo Safety Ring was created to facilitate increased independence with bed mobility by providing users a multi-functional handle allowing for more efficient rolling, repositioning, and transfers.

Why We Love the Halo Safety Ring

Unique Design

The Halo Safety Ring and Wing were developed with a multi-pronged handle to allow the user a variety of gripping options at various angles and heights. Its unique 90-degree swivel option provides an ergonomic point of contact that not only assists with supine-to-sit transfers but also, entry and exit to and from the bed. The telescoping tube and adjustable height provide adaptability to suit your needs and increase confidence with bed mobility.

Halo Safety Ring comfortable design close up

Choose Between Rings Or Wings

To accommodate all clients, the Halo was created in both a “ring” and “wing” type design. The former is the original construct that guards against critical zones 1, 2, and 3 of the established critical zones of entrapment. The subsequent wing design was developed to provide even more protection, for more impaired individuals, guarding against critical zones 1, 2, 3, and 4. Both designs were mindfully created to attach to the same bracket mounting system allowing for a seamless transition from the ring to wing versions to suit your needs.

1,000 lb Weight Capacity

The high weight capacity of this product can accommodate most individuals and allows for use across many patient populations. While most traditional bed rails were created to only accommodate up to 250 lbs, the Halo Safety Ring was developed with steel construction and a 1,000 lb weight capacity providing practicality with our growing bariatric populations. Its direct attachment to the bed frame enables a safe and reliable point of assistance for you or your loved ones.

Halo Safety Ring rotating motion

Models For Hospital Beds And Home Beds 

In addition to its high weight capacity, The Halo Safety Ring System has been produced in two distinct models to allow consumers adaptable options for both hospital beds and home beds. The mobile design features an adjustable bracket that can accommodate twin, full, and queen sized metal frames and a variety of heights. Please note, that the system was not designed to be used on adjustable beds or wooden frames.

Halo Safety Ring attached to bed

DIY Installation

While RehabMart does provide an option for White Glove Assembly, the Halo Safety Ring is an easy-to-install product that can be completed following the provided instructions. There are also PDFs and videos on our product page which provide assembly instructions. Both the hospital and home bed designs utilize a bracket mounting system to attach directly to the bed frame with width and height adjustments to accommodate various bed sizes.

Single Or Double Sided Mount

In addition to various bed type attachments, single and double sided mounts are available to give you the highest degree of customizable safety for your unique needs and home setup. Depending on the individual’s limitations, the single mount can provide sufficient support in a daybed or for a person with an unilateral impairment. Conversely, the double sided mount provides additional support and safety for those looking for comprehensive assistance from both sides of the bed. 

Halo Safety Ring attached to mattress base

Eliminates Entrapment Zones

Critical zones of entrapment are defined as spaces within the bed where the chances of patient entrapment are highest. The Halo Safety Ring and Wing were designed to provide protection against various entrapment zones giving you and your loved ones increased comfort and safety in bed.

Halo Safety Ring solving seven bed entrapment zones

What Are Customers Saying? 

“The Halo Safety Ring is the best moderately priced alternative to a side rail on the market today. I am a long time registered nurse and recommend this device to all of my patients who need assistance with bed mobility and identifying the edges of the bed. The design of the ring allows for a variety of surfaces which the user can grip and reduces the risk of rail entrapment.” 

-Karen R. 

“The Halo Safety Ring was recommended by my mother’s occupational therapist and it is a significant improvement from the previous railing she was using for bed mobility assist. The ring is extremely sturdy and isn’t going anywhere!”

-Mac S.

“I have been bed ridden for quite some time and recently found this product. The Halo Safety Ring has helped me significantly when it comes to rolling in bed and pulling myself up to sitting. I wish I knew about this product a while ago. Thank you!” 

-Shirley F.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a safety ring used for?

The Halo Safety Ring is a medical device used to promote functional independence and increase the ease of bed mobility thereby reducing skin breakdown and the adverse effects of prolonged bed positioning.

Are bed handles safe for elderly? 

Bed handles are safe for the elderly and essential for individuals who are cognitively or physically impaired and have difficulty completing bed mobility or identifying the borders of the bed.

When should you not use a halo safety ring?

A Halo Safety Ring is not intended to prevent individuals from falling out of bed and/or prevent rail entrapment. It should never be used for transport purposes or as a restraint device.

Final Thoughts

Safety and efficiency in bed is an often overlooked concept but setting yourself or your loved ones up for success in the bed system is imperative to improving quality of life and independence. The Halo Safety Ring provides a unique, sturdy, and customizable option for manual assistance with bed mobility and transfers. It eliminates various zones of entrapment, gives the user increased confidence with rolling and sitting, and attaches to a variety of home and hospital frames making it a highly useful tool for modifying bed systems.

We appreciate the time you took to read this article, and we hope you found it informative! You can find a wealth of helpful information and caregiving tips at Caregiver University, which is our free educational resource for caregivers and their families.

Author:

Mike DeWilde is an occupational therapist in the acute hospital and inpatient rehabilitation settings. He has experience working with a wide range of patients from all walks of life, and he is especially skilled in helping people recover from traumatic and neurological conditions. He’s also trained in the outpatient mental health setting, working with veterans in addiction recovery and holistic health improvement. Mike is motivated in helping drive future improvements to our health care system, such as the development of preventative health programs.

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