The best arm sling should be both supportive and comfortable. Luckily, Vive’s arm sling fulfills both of these requirements, with its contoured shoulder strap, thumb loop, and breathable fabric. It also features two mesh pockets where to store your personal belongings on the go. Keep reading to find out more!
Best Choice - Arm Sling by Vive
Suitable for either the right or left arm, Vive’s arm sling features an adjustable shoulder strap, an integrated thumb loop, and two internal pockets.
Buy on AmazonAn arm sling is used to support your shoulder, elbow, or wrist following an injury or surgery. Wearing an arm sling also restricts your range of motion to protect your arm and accelerate healing. Some arm slings feature an extra strap that wraps around the waist to keep your arm securely against your body. Check out our list of the best arm slings and get back to your favorite activities.
Our Top Picks
Best Choice
Vive
Arm Sling
Top Performance
Vive
Shoulder Abduction Sling
Can’t Count Out
Think Ergo
Lightweight Arm Sling
The Seven Best Arm Slings
| Product | Brand | Latex - Free | Sizing | Men or Women | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arm Sling | Vive | Not specified | One size | Men and Women |  |
| Shoulder Abduction Sling | Vive | Latex - Free | One size | Men and Women | |
| Lightweight Arm Sling | Think Ergo | Not specified | Three sizes | Men and Women | |
| Shoulder Immobilizer | Velpeau | Not specified | Three sizes | Men and Women | |
| Ultimate Arm Sling | Joslin Sling | Latex - Free | One size | Men and Women | |
| Elastic Shoulder Brace | Wonder Care | Not specified | Seven sizes | Men and Women | |
| Medical Arm Sling | Flexguard Support | Not specified | Two sizes | Men and Women | |
Best Choice: Arm Sling by Vive
Buy on AmazonLightweight and breathable, this arm sling comes with a padded strap that contours to the shape of your shoulder and can be easily adjusted with a forward-facing buckle. The built-in thumb loop alleviates hand fatigue while the two internal mesh pockets let you bring your personal belongings with you wherever you go. Plus, it is reversible and can be used on either the right or left arm.
Main Features
- Adjustable padded strap
- Thumb loop
- Reversible—can be worn on either arm
- 2 pockets
- 60-day unconditional guarantee
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable
- Machine-washable
- Keeps your arm cool
- Easy to adjust
Cons:
- Can be too short for tall individuals
- Some reviewers have found the shoulder strap uncomfortable
Top Performance: Shoulder Abduction Sling by Vive
This arm sling provides heavy-duty support and immobilization to accelerate healing after surgery or an injury such as dislocation or subluxation. It can be used with or without the contoured abduction pillow, and features a built-in thumb loop, and adjustable waist and shoulder straps.
Main Features
- Cushioned neck strap
- Adjustable straps
- Two interior pockets
- Removable contour pillow
Pros:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Immobilizes the arm
- Includes removable foam ball
- Can be worn on either arm
Cons:
- Bulky
- Velcro closures can lose their grip over time
Can’t Count Out: Lightweight Arm Sling by Think Ergo
Suitable for either the right or left shoulder, this affordable arm sling provides stability and comfort to help you heal. It is made from polyester and knitted mesh, and features a neoprene-padded strap for maximum comfort. The front-facing Velcro closure at the bottom of the strap allows one-handed adjustments. Plus, the elastic thumb loop supports your hand to prevent fatigue.
Main Features
- Made from polyester and knitted mesh
- Elastic thumb loop
- Front-facing closure
- Padded strap
- Suitable for either arm
Pros:
- One-handed adjustments
- Minimizes moisture build-up
- Affordable
- Protects the arm
Cons:
- The seam at the bottom of the sling can be uncomfortable
- Some users have complained that the fastener can come undone
The Other Arm Slings We Reviewed
Shoulder Immobilizer by Velpeau
Made from sponge, this adjustable arm sling is soft and breathable to keep you dry and cool as you go about your day or sleep. It features an upper back cross design to alleviate pressure on the shoulders and neck, while the wide bust and arm straps keep your arm securely in place. It’s one of the simplest to use, being easy to slip on and take off. Our only complaint about this sling is that it will not easily fit under clothes or a jacket.
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Ultimate Arm Sling by Joslin Sling
Made from non-allergenic cotton and spandex, this US-made arm sling for the shoulder can be used to support either the right or left arm. Plus, it is adjustable and comfortable enough to be worn all day long, and can be popped in the washing machine for easy cleaning. On the downside, some users have complained that this arm sling does not deliver sufficient support.
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Elastic Shoulder Brace by Wonder Care
Made from breathable cotton, this adjustable arm sling comes in seven sizes and fits either the left or right arm. Unlike standard arm slings, it does not come with a shoulder strap but features two cuffs that keep the arm in place and limit movement. Take care when ordering this product as some users have reported that the size chart is inaccurate.
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Medical Arm Sling by Flexguard Support
Flexible and lightweight, this adjustable arm sling features an upper back cross design for maximum comfort. Plus, it comes with an immobilization band that keeps your arm securely against your body. It comes in two sizes and can be worn on either arm. On the downside, this product can be difficult to put on and take off.
Buy on AmazonWhat Injuries Require an Arm Sling
Arm slings are used to immobilize and protect the arm after an injury. They are particularly beneficial for the following arm and shoulder conditions.
- Broken bones and fractures
- Rotary cuff injury
- Dislocated shoulder
- Shoulder sprain
Tips for Wearing Your Arm Sling
Provided that you use it correctly, an arm sling can accelerate healing after an injury or a surgery. Here are a few tips to maximize the benefits of an arm sling.
How to Wear an Arm Sling?
Wearing an arm sling correctly is crucial to the healing process. To ensure that you get the most out of your arm sling, follow the product’s sizing instructions before making your purchase. Many arm slings come with adjustable straps so you can customize them to your exact specifications.
Ideally, when wearing an arm sling, your hand and forearm should be slightly above your elbow to stop blood and fluid from accumulating in your hand and wrist. Place some cloth under the shoulder strap if it is uncomfortable or irritates your skin.
Should You Shower with a Sling?
Many patients are advised by their doctor to keep their arm sling on while bathing. There are slings on the market specifically designed for use in the shower—they are usually made from a fast-drying material such as neoprene or nylon. Alternatively, buy a second sling for use in the bathroom and hang it out to dry after each shower.
Should You Sleep with a Sling on Your Arm?
Depending on the type of injury, you may need to wear your arm sling in bed. It is best to speak with your doctor about how long you will need to sleep in your sling. When wearing an arm sling in bed, it is best to sleep on your back with your arm propped up on a pillow. Some people also find it comfortable to sleep in a semi-seated position following an arm injury.
How Do You Know If Your Arm Sling is Too Tight or Too Loose
An overly tight arm sling can restrict blood flow, depriving your arm of vital oxygen and nutrients. Numbness, tingling, or swelling can be signs that your arm sling is too tight. A sling that is too loose, on the other hand, will not offer your arm sufficient support to heal. When wearing an arm sling, your elbow should be at approximately a 90-degree angle.
Weighing All the Factors
After a thorough review, we believe that Vive’s arm sling offers the most support and comfort for your buck. It is easy to adjust and comes with a padded shoulder strap and an in-build thumb loop to reduce hand fatigue. Vive’s shoulder abduction sling and Think Ergo’s lightweight arm sling also stand out among other products on the market. Check out our guide to the best arm slings and don’t let your injury get the better of you.
Best Choice - Arm Sling by Vive
Suitable for either the right or left arm, Vive’s arm sling features an adjustable shoulder strap, an integrated thumb loop, and two internal pockets.
Buy on Amazon