Arm Sling Accessories You Never Knew You Needed
Arm and shoulder slings are a necessary part of postoperative recovery. They do however, present some obvious drawbacks when it comes to getting things done. As you get used to using a sling, you'll have to find new ways of getting everyday tasks done using only one hand. Simple things like cooking, getting dressed, washing and eating suddenly become much more difficult.
Whether you've got an operation coming up that will put you out of action, or if you've quickly discovered that wearing a cast isn't as easy as you expected, you're in the right place. We've put together this quick and easy guide to showcase some of our favourite intuitive solutions to assist you around the house.
What Exactly Does Our Guide Cover?
We've got solutions for everything. Designed to cover every aspect of postoperative recovery, dive right in by clicking the appropriate link below. Alternatively, keep scrolling to see some of our favourite arm-sling solutions.
- Different Arm Sling Styles
- How to Wash with an Arm Cast
- How to Sleep Better with a Cast
- The Most Comfortable Arm Sling Available
- Help Around the Home with a Grabber
- Help Putting Your Shoes On
- The Best Tool for Getting Dressed with an Arm Cast
- Cooking Safely with an Arm Cast
- Tips and Tricks for Living with a Sling
- The Final Word
Finding the Right Sling for You
Firstly, it's important to make sure the sling you're wearing is right for you and your recovery. Whilst this may sound obvious, wearing the wrong style sling or support can slow down rehabilitation and make it even harder to perform basic day to day tasks around the home.
Below are a few recommendations we've got from the expert suppliers we deal with. All these options are designed to maximise support and accommodate a cast during the rehabilitation phase of your recovery.
High Arm Sling
- Adjustable sling that can be used as an arm sling or shoulder immobiliser
- Treat trauma and injuries to the hand, wrist, elbow, arm, shoulder and collarbone
- Velcro strap keeps arm, shoulder and wrist immobilised against the body
- Strap on the shoulder allows you to position the arm to your needs
Procare Blue Vogue Arm Sling
- Sling for cast support, as well as injuries to the arm, wrist or hand
- Suitable for immobilisation and support of the arm, shoulder and elbow
- Fully padded 2" wide foam strap with easy adjustment
- Generous size polycotton pocket provides a comfortable fit
Universal Pro Collar and Cuff Sling
- Excellent value collar-and-cuff sling
- Suitable for broken wrist, upper arm or forearm
- Universal design for ease of application
- Secures in place with hook-and-loop fastening
ProCare Clinical Shoulder Immobiliser Arm Sling
- High-quality, durable sling with adjustable shoulder and body straps
- Suitable for shoulder injuries and to prevent shoulder rotation
- Features a comfortable shoulder pad for use over long periods
- Ideal for post-trauma use after shoulder dislocations
Rolyan Deluxe Shoulder Immobiliser
- Provides immobilisation of the shoulder.
- Comfortable soft neck pad for added neck protection
- Waist strap limits shoulder movement to improve security
- Thumb loop makes wearing the immobiliser more comfortable
Tips for Living with a Sling
We understand that living with a sling can get tricky. Discomfort, difficulty performing straight forward tasks, and having to use convoluted methods to get simple tasks done can quickly lead to frustration.
The section below includes some tips and tricks (some of which are also included further down) that will make living with a cast or sling that little bit easier.
- Find a Comfortable Sling - A surprising amount of people still get by on uncomfortable or home-made slings. It may seem obvious, but a comfortable sling like the Procare Blue Vogue Sling mentioned below will make living the sling life a lot more bearable.
- Dress Smart - Choosing the right clothes will help make dressing easier, and anything with a front opening (zips or buttons) will be easiest to get on and off. Always slide your injured arm in first, then use your good arm to do the rest. A great tool for assisting with buttons is the Button Hook that's also included further down the page.
- Sleep Supported - A lack of comfortable sleep is one of the most common complaints for arm and shoulder sling users. Putting one or two pillows under the injured arm can help prevent strains, and some may find it comfortable to sleep in a semi-inclined position, which can be comfortably achieved with a Harley Bed Relaxer Wedge Support Pillow.
Our Most Comfortable Sling
Winner: Procare Blue Vogue Arm Sling
Whilst choosing the right sling for you requires some analysis of your condition, we can safely say that if you're after a deep and accommodating sling for cradling an arm cast, the Procare Blue Vogue Arm Sling is a brilliant option. Made using comfortable materials, it's soft and skin-friendly for long term wear.
What We Love Most
✔ Deep pocket is spacious and accommodating
✔ Easy to adjust the cradle angle
✔ Affordable wrist to elbow immobilisation and support
Perfect for...
✔ Purchasing prior to a cast setting or operation
✔ Rehabilitation and recovery following a break
Editor's Review: It wouldn't be right to talk about comfort without suggesting our most comfortable arm sling. Despite being our most popular sling, the Procare Blue Vogue Arm Sling is soft, supportive and highly affordable. It's great for immobilising the arm, shoulder and elbow, and features a fully padded 2" foam strap with D-rings for easy adjustment and comfortable wear. Tried and trusted, this sling is the clear favourite amongst our customers and you can see why below.
Customer's Review: "Most slings cut into one's neck and as a small woman, they are often much too long or hang down too low. The Procare blue vogue arm sling fits me exactly, with the functionality of adjustment for comfort. It does not dig in to my neck, is very well designed to support without putting any pressure on the neck area. This product really does what it says on the tin and more" - J ★★★★★
Our Number One Pick for Showering with an Arm Cast
Winner: LimbO Full Arm Plaster Cast and Dressing Protector
Washing is an obvious necessity that is made incredibly difficult by an arm cast. You need to wash, but how do you ensure your cast stays 100% dry? The LimbO Full Arm Plaster Cast Protector is a reusable solution that's tried, tested and loved by our customers, letting you finally wave goodbye to plastic bags and awkward baths...
What We Love Most
✔ Waterproof neoprene tightly seals the cast in
✔ Reusable design air dries after each use
✔ Easy to fit and seal
Perfect for...
✔ Restoring dignity and getting rid of bin bag covers
✔ Taking the hassle out of washing with an arm cast
Editor's Review: The LimbO Full Arm Plaster Cast and Dressing Protector is arguably the most important recommendation we have. Sanitation is vital, and you don't want to be faffing around with bin bags, or compromising your safety by dangling one arm out the shower. Simply insert your arm in and seal the protector shut. It's that simple. You can even leave it on your towel rail to air dry afterwards, ready for the morning.
Customer's Review: "I ordered the Limbo product to use while I had my whole arm in a cast because of fractures in my elbow. What a relief it was to have a shower. It made me feel human again to feel clean and to be able to wash my hair! I live alone, so without help from another person the bag was easy to use and a lifesaver. Very happy with my purchase" - Karen ★★★★★
Our Pick for Sleeping Better with a Cast
Winner: Harley Bed Relaxer Pillow
We understand that the most troublesome issue during postoperative recovery is getting to sleep. Thankfully, the Harley Bed Relaxer Pillow allows the user to sleep in a semi-reclined position which is preferable to side sleeping during recovery.
What We Love Most
✔ Allows the user to sleep semi-reclined
✔ Supportive and strong foam core
✔ Has dual-purpose use as a positioning wedge
Perfect for...
✔ Sleeping in a safe and secure position
✔ Removing the need for mountains of pillows
✔ Improving posture in bed
Editor's Verdict: The Harley Bed Relaxer Pillow is one of our most popular products, period. Positioned at an angle between 20° and 30°, the Harley Bed Relaxer allows the user to sleep in a semi-reclined position without compromising the position of the arm. This is a game changer, especially during those first few nights when you're still acclimatising to sleeping with your cast.
Customer's Verdict: "I bought the wedge before having my shoulder op, it has been brilliant at supporting me as I find it uncomfortable to lie flat at the moment, also good just for reading in bed!" - Fiona ★★★★★
Our Pick for Help Around the Home
Winner: Drive Medical Handy Grabber Stick
Wearing an arm cast can make it harder to pick things up comfortably. Crouching and leaning to pick up the remote control or reaching down for your slippers can force the arm into tense positions that can cause pain and compromise healing. Unlike other multipurpose grabbers, the Drive Medical Handy Grabber Stick is specifically designed for medical use.
What We Love Most
✔ Stable and secure grabber end couldn't be safer
✔ Manufactured specifically for medical use
✔ Intuitive design uses a quick-release trigger
Perfect for...
✔ Retrieving television remotes, magazines and slippers
✔ Leaving next to your bedside or sofa
Editor's Verdict: Thanks to a strong and secure design and a quick-release trigger, the Drive Medical Handy Grabber Stick is a must have on-hand tool if you're recovering from a break or fracture. Avoid forcing yourself into tricky positions with this simple, easy to use tool. Available at an incredibly affordable price point, it's an absolute no brainer. Keep it next to the sofa or at your bed side for easy access.
Customer's Verdict: "My mum is over eighty and has difficulty bending down to retrieve objects on the floor, etc, I bought this handy grabber and she is so pleased with it she uses it for loads of jobs that she had difficulty with. Thank you Health and Care for delivering it so quickly" - Sandra ★★★★★
The Best Tool for Getting Dressed with an Arm Cast
Winner: Button Hook with Built-Up Handle
Getting dressed in a dignified manner is really hard when you've only got the use of one arm. The Button Hook with Built-Up Handle is a quick little tool for doing up buttons. Simply push the hook end through the hole, clasp the button and pull it back through. This affordable tool is a lifesaver that allows you to continue dressing in a smart and stylish manner.
What We Love Most
✔ Allows you to wear button-up and dress shirts with a cast
✔ Great value for money
✔ Stripped back design couldn't be simpler to use
Perfect for...
✔ Wearing smart shirts
✔ Staying independent despite injury
Editor's Verdict: Wearing a cast doesn't have to mean a costume change. Whether your job or taste means your wardrobe is full of button-up shirts, the Button Hook is a must have. The thick handle and stripped back design couldn't be easier to use. Use one of these a few times and you'll be getting dressed in under a minute in no time.
Help Getting Your Shoes on With an Arm Cast
Winner: Hewitts Beech Wood Shoe Horn
If you're struggling to get your shoes on post-op, you're not alone. This once simple task can appear near impossible now that you're only using one arm. The Hewitts Beech Wood Shoe Horn is our number one shoe horn. With a robust and strong core, the Hewitts Horn allows you to quickly use your able hand to force the heel inside any style shoe with ease.
What We Love Most
✔ A handy tool that's often ignored until you need it
✔ Lightweight design doesn't compromise longevity
✔ Two length options reduce need for bending
Perfect for...
✔ Reducing the need to bend
✔ Maintaining independence during recovery
Editor's Verdict: As we've alluded to, you'll find that a cast quickly makes tasks you thought you'd get along fine with almost impossible. The Hewitts Beech Wood Shoe Horn is another useful tool to have on hand prior to your operation or cast fitting. A must have for maintaining independence and dignity, it's available in two different handle lengths and is made using premium quality, brand stamped wood.
Customer's Verdict: "Light and easy to use" - Marion ★★★★★
Customer's Verdict: "Good service and good product" - Vivian ★★★★★
Our Number One Product for Cooking with a Cast
Winner: Pan Handle Holder
Another overlooked issue with wearing a cast is cooking. If you aren't lucky enough to have someone to cook for you, this will do the trick instead. The Pan Handle Holder is as much a safety necessity as it is a convenient tool to make life easier. Attached via suction cups, the Holder ensures pots and pans can't slide off the hob or stove when handled.
What We Love Most
✔ Grants peace of mind when cooking
✔ Suction cups make application and removal easy
✔ Can be placed in whatever position works best for you
Perfect for...
✔ Maintaining independence and a good diet
✔ Stabilising pots, pans and frying pans
Editor's Verdict: Having all the bases covered when you're living with an arm cast is a must. The Pan Handle Holder prevents a pot or pan from tilting and spinning when you're stirring it. Simple to apply and easy to remove when no longer needed, the Pan Holder grants peace of mind and allows you to safely and independently continue cooking for yourself.
Live Better with Your Arm Sling
Living with an arm sling certainly has a learning curve, but with the right accessories, it can be easier than you think. Sleeping, eating, cooking and dressing don't have to be a hassle, and if you prepare correctly, they won't be. If you're still on the look out for helpful products, there are plenty of ideas in our Help Around the Home to help those with arm slings, as well as a number of other ailments or disabilities.
Do you have any questions about our one-handed living products, or another product to help you with your arm sling? Please don't hesitate to let us know in the comments, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
