USD 420.2 million
Report ID:
SQMIG35A3043 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: May, 2025
Pages:
192
|Tables:
88
|Figures:
71
Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market size was valued at USD 420.2 million in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 462.64 million in 2024 to USD 998.95 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The increase in the global geriatric population is contributing largely to the patient lateral transfer market. With advancing age, the population becomes susceptible to diseases like arthritis, osteoporosis, and neurodegenerative disorders that affect mobility. This age shift results in increased hospital admissions, long-term care requirements, and assisted living placements. Thus, healthcare providers are compelled to improve patient handling efficiency while maintaining safety and dignity. Lateral transfer equipment—air-assisted transfer systems and slide sheets—become critical instruments to transfer frail elderly patients with minimal physical exertion, preventing injury and enhancing the quality of care.
Occupational injuries to healthcare workers, and more so manual patient handling, are a subject of concern. Recurring patient lifting, turning, and moving may cause long-term musculoskeletal conditions that translate to vacancies, elevated compensation claims, and lower staff morale. As such, hospitals are shifting their focus towards employee protection through the introduction of ergonomic equipment such as lateral transfer devices. Such systems not only reduce the physical burden on caregivers but also meet safety standards and encourage zero-lift policies. Due to this, healthcare facilities are increasingly investing in such solutions because safeguarding employees means reduced costs of operation and enhanced service provision.
What Role does Sensor Fusion Play in AI-Enabled Patient Transfer Systems?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the patient lateral transfer market by improving safety, efficiency, and customization in patient handling. AI-enabled transfer systems apply sensor fusion, real-time posture detection, and adaptive force control to achieve accurate and gentle patient handling, thus minimizing the likelihood of injury to patients as well as caregivers. For example, the "Baize" robot utilizes AI-based navigation and touch sensors to unaidedly lift and reposition patients with mobility restriction for safe and comfortable transfers. The technology responds to the growing need for enhanced patient handling solutions, particularly in the light of an aging population and the necessity to reduce caregiver injuries.
In 2024, Canadian company Able Innovations released the ALTA Platform, an artificial intelligence-activated robotic system to automate the transfer of immobile patients. The technology allows a single care provider to transfer immobile patients easily and efficiently, decreasing the physical workload for healthcare professionals and lessening the risk of injury for staff and patients. The system has sensors to measure the type of mattress and positioning of the patient, guaranteeing efficient and safe transfers.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
USD 420.2 million
Largest Segment
Air-Assisted Transfer Mattress
Fastest Growth
Slide Sheets
Growth Rate
10.1% CAGR
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Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market is segmented by Product Type, Type, Usage, End User and region. Based on Product Type, the market is segmented into Air-Assisted Lateral Transfer Mattresses, Regular mattresses, Split-leg mattresses, Half mattresses, Sliding Sheets and Accessories. Based on Type, the market is segmented into Regular Mattress, Split-Leg Mattress and Half Mattress. Based on Usage, the market is segmented into Reusable Air-Assisted Lateral Transfer Mattress and Disposable Air-Assisted Lateral Transfer Mattress. Based on End User, the market is segmented into Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Center and Others. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
Based on the global patient lateral transfer market forecast, Air-assisted transfer mattresses lead the industry, with more than half of market share in 2025. The devices use air chambers to form a low-friction surface that allows easy lateral transfer of patients and greatly reduces the physical load on caregivers. They are designed to reduce the chance of musculoskeletal injury among care workers and improve patient comfort during transfer, especially for immobile and bariatric patients.
Slide sheets are projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the global patient lateral transfer market due to their affordability, ease of use, and versatility across various care settings. These low-friction, lightweight sheets greatly minimize the physical effort caregivers need to exert when transferring patients, thus reducing the potential for musculoskeletal injuries.
Reusable patient lateral transfer devices are leading the global patient lateral transfer market due to their cost-effectiveness, durability, and alignment with sustainability goals. In 2023, the reusable segment accounted for half of the market share, fueled by healthcare facilities' need to minimize operational expenses and environmental footprint. These devices, constructed from durable materials, endure multiple cycles of cleaning, providing long-term cost savings compared to disposable options. Technologies such as antimicrobial coatings make them safer and maintainable, suitably designed for high-usage environments like long-term care homes and hospitals.
Disposable patient lateral transfer devices are experiencing rapid growth in the global patient lateral transfer market, primarily due to heightened infection control measures and the need for efficient patient handling solutions. These disposable devices reduce cross-contamination risks, in line with strict hygiene standards in healthcare environments. Their ease of use eliminates cleaning and sterilization requirements, saving time and resources.
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As per the global patient lateral transfer market analysis, North America leads the industry with its strong base of advanced healthcare facilities, high rate of safe patient handling practices awareness, and rigorous occupational safety guidelines. High prevalence of top players in the region and the flow of investment into ergonomic medical devices facilitate growth of the market. The high number of the aging population and incidence of chronic conditions also elevate the demand for effective and safe transfers in hospitals and long-term care centers.
The United States leads North America's patient lateral transfer market, driven by its advanced healthcare infrastructure and stringent patient safety regulations. The availability of major industry players such as Stryker and Hill-Rom promotes ongoing innovation, such as AI-enabled and air-assisted transfer devices. Government policies, including the Affordable Care Act, focus on minimizing caregiver injuries, further driving market growth. Moreover, the growing geriatric population and rising prevalence of chronic diseases increase the need for effective patient transfer solutions.
Canada plays a major role in the North America’s patient lateral transfer North American market by prioritizing patient safety and caregiver ergonomics. Healthcare innovation in Canada is realized through the integration of advanced transfer technologies, such as AI-based systems like Able Innovations' ALTA Platform. Government-funded healthcare and rigorous occupational safety laws fuel the need for effective transfer technologies, responding to the demands of an aging population and growing hospitalization rates.
Asia Pacific is witnessing high growth in the global patient lateral transfer market, fueled by population aging, rising chronic diseases, and growing healthcare infrastructure. China, Japan, India, and South Korea are driving the adoption of sophisticated transfer technologies to improve patient safety and minimize caregiver injuries. Market growth across the region is being driven by demand for ergonomic and efficient transfer solutions.
Japan's aging population greatly propels the need for patient lateral transfer devices. Japan prioritizes ergonomic solutions to improve caregiver safety and patient comfort. High technologies such as air-assisted transfer mattresses find broad application in hospitals and long-term care facilities. Organizations like Arjo supply innovative products, furthering the growth of the market. Government programs also help promote the adoption of these devices in healthcare facilities.
South Korea's medical industry is fast embracing patient lateral transfer devices with a growing number of elderly citizens and a push to minimize caregiver injuries. The market is observing a rising demand for air-assisted transfer mattresses, especially among hospitals and clinics. Domestic manufacturers and foreign companies are increasing their presence, providing sophisticated and affordable solutions to satisfy the growing needs of the medical industry.
Europe’s patient lateral transfer market is experiencing steady growth, driven by the aging population and a growing emphasis on reducing caregiver injuries. Their countries of origin are the major contributors as they possess a well-established healthcare infrastructure and strict safety measures. Moreover, rising demand for ergonomic products like air-assisted transfer mattresses propels market growth. Initiatives to enhance patient handling practices and lower hospital-acquired injuries contribute further to regional outlook.
Germany is a leading market in the Europe’s patient lateral transfer market, prompted by strict regulation to minimize musculoskeletal disorders among healthcare staff. The use of mechanical aids, such as air-assisted transfer mattresses and slide sheets, is common among hospitals and long-term care institutions. Such a regulatory framework promotes innovation and guarantees high standards in patient handling procedures.
France's patient lateral transfer market is characterized by a strong presence of key competitors and a growing emphasis on patient safety. The use of air-assisted transfer mattresses, sliding sheets, and accessories is increasing due to the efforts of healthcare facilities to improve patient comfort and minimize caregiver injury. The French market will continue to grow steadily, underpinned by continued healthcare infrastructure development.
The UK has a strong hold in Europe’s patient lateral transfer market, with much emphasis on ergonomic solutions and safety regulation compliance. Products such as air-assisted transfer mattresses and sliding sheets are used extensively throughout hospitals and care homes. GBUK Group Ltd is one of the companies that offer innovative solutions, hence driving the growth of the market.
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Rising Chronic Illnesses
Strict Occupational Safety Regulations
Limited Healthcare Infrastructure
Risk of Device Malfunctions
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Global patient lateral transfer market outlook is highly competitive with the major players providing new and innovative solutions to enhance patient handling and safety. Major international players are Arjo, Hill-Rom, Stryker, and Guldmann. Arjo concentrates on growing its product range through buying companies and innovation through technology, while Hill-Rom focuses on strategic associations and collaborations to gain broader market penetration. Stryker spends on product innovation, and Guldmann focuses on ergonomic solutions to improve patient and caregiver well-being.
As per the global patient lateral transfer industry analysis, the startup landscape in the market is marked by emerging companies focusing on technological innovation to improve safety and efficiency in patient handling. These new companies are creating innovative solutions focused on automation, intelligent technology, and affordability, posing alternatives to conventional systems. Their innovations are initiating competitive forces and shaping the market toward more sustainable and ergonomic patient care procedures.
SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
As per SkyQuest analysis, the global patient lateral transfer industry is being fueled by leading factors of the rising population, growing chronic diseases, and increasing concerns regarding caregiver safety. With healthcare centers looking to enhance patient care, air-assisted and AI-based transfer systems are becoming increasingly prominent, ensuring safer and improved patient handling.
The increasing use of ergonomic, reusable, and disposable devices also contributes to the market's growth. Even with setbacks like limited infrastructure in developing countries and device reliability issues, innovation and regulation within the industry will continue to improve both patient and caregiver health. The future of global patient lateral transfer market trends is in ongoing innovation in high-tech, affordable, and safe solutions.
Report Metric | Details |
---|---|
Market size value in 2023 | USD 420.2 million |
Market size value in 2032 | USD 998.95 million |
Growth Rate | 10.1% |
Base year | 2024 |
Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Million |
Segments covered |
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Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
Companies covered |
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Customization scope | Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
COVID IMPACT
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
Market Size by Region
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
Methodology
For the Patient Lateral Transfer Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Patient Lateral Transfer Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
Analyst Support
Customization Options
With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Patient Lateral Transfer Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Patient Lateral Transfer Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.
Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.
Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
Global Patient Lateral Transfer Market size was valued at USD 412.4 Million in 2023 poised to grow from USD 449.93 Million in 2024 to USD 903.11 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.1% in the forecast period (2025-2032).
Global patient lateral transfer market outlook is highly competitive with the major players providing new and innovative solutions to enhance patient handling and safety. Major international players are Arjo, Hill-Rom, Stryker, and Guldmann. Arjo concentrates on growing its product range through buying companies and innovation through technology, while Hill-Rom focuses on strategic associations and collaborations to gain broader market penetration. Stryker spends on product innovation, and Guldmann focuses on ergonomic solutions to improve patient and caregiver well-being. 'Arjo (Sweden)', 'Hill-Rom (USA)', 'Stryker (USA)', 'Guldmann (Denmark)', 'Invacare Corporation (USA)', 'Handicare (Norway)', 'EZ Way, Inc. (USA)', 'Medline Industries (USA)', 'Liko (part of Hill-Rom) (Sweden)', 'Sunrise Medical (USA)', 'Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare (USA)', 'Joerns Healthcare (USA)', 'Vancare (USA)', 'Rifton Equipment (USA)', 'Rex Medical (USA)'
The increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases is driving the demand for patient lateral transfer solutions. Mobility-impaired patients need to be handled using specialized transfer devices to make them comfortable and safe. Health workers are investing in high-tech lateral transfer systems to take care of such patients efficiently.
Increasing Adoption of Air-Assisted Transfer Systems: The global patient lateral transfer market is experiencing a surge in the adoption of air-assisted transfer systems. Such systems minimize physical exertion of caregivers and maximize patient comfort through smoother, more efficient, and more comfortable transfers. This development is motivated by the requirements of more secure and more ergonomic solutions in healthcare environments.
What Factors Drive the Growth of Patient Lateral Transfer Devices in North America’s Healthcare Sector?
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