Living With ALS

Equipment That Can Help

ALS can affect breathing, speaking, swallowing, eating, walking, transferring, hand function, posture, sleep, personal care, and the ability to control the environment. Different equipment may become useful at different stages.

Start with the problem

What problem are you trying to solve?

This question box finds a relevant ALS Hub page. It does not diagnose or provide medical advice.

Equipment should be selected with the appropriate member of the ALS care team whenever possible, including respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, dietitians, seating specialists, and physicians.

This directory covers major categories of medical equipment, assistive technology, communication devices, feeding equipment, mobility equipment, and daily-living aids commonly used by people with ALS. Specific products and needs vary by individual.

Search equipmentFilter by need

Breathing and ventilation

Breathing and ventilationClinical category

Respiratory support and secretion equipment

Includes: BiPAP / bilevel PAP · noninvasive ventilator · portable ventilator · invasive ventilator for tracheostomy · mouthpiece ventilation where appropriate · nasal mask · nasal pillows · full-face mask · total-face mask · mouthpiece interface · cough-assist device · portable suction machine · home suction machine · suction tubing · Yankauer suction tip · humidifier · ventilator humidification · external ventilator battery · portable battery pack · backup power planning

What problem it solves: Supports breathing, cough clearance, secretion management, and backup planning when respiratory muscles are weak.
When it may be useful: When respiratory testing, symptoms, cough strength, or the care plan indicate that support may help.
Who should help select it: Respiratory therapist, ALS neurologist, pulmonologist, and ALS clinic team.
Typical acquisition path: Often prescription and DME supplier; coverage and backup-power options vary.

Representative commercial product: Representative ventilator information: ResMed Astral ↗

Safety note: Settings, interfaces, suction, and oxygen decisions require clinical guidance. Oxygen alone may be inappropriate when hypoventilation is present.

Sources: Managing Breathing Issues · Respiratory symptoms in motor neurone disease

Feeding tubes and enteral equipment

Feeding tubes and enteral equipmentClinical category

Feeding tubes and enteral supplies

Includes: PEG tube · RIG / PRG tube · G-tube · low-profile gastrostomy button where appropriate · enteral feeding pump · portable feeding pump · feeding pump backpack · gravity feeding set · bolus feeding supplies · enteral syringes · feeding bags · extension sets · ENFit connectors · tube clamps · tube-cleaning supplies · tube securing devices where appropriate

What problem it solves: Supports hydration, nutrition, and medication access when eating or swallowing becomes difficult.
When it may be useful: When the ALS team and person discuss nutrition, weight, hydration, swallowing safety, or meal fatigue.
Who should help select it: Speech-language pathologist, dietitian, gastroenterology team, nurse, and ALS neurologist.
Typical acquisition path: Procedure plus DME or enteral supplier; insurance and Medicare coverage depend on eligibility and documentation.

Safety note: Tube type, formula, medications, and feeding schedule must be individualized. Do not change them without the clinical team.

Sources: Nutrition and feeding tubes · Feeding tubes

Eating and drinking

Eating and drinkingClinical category

Adaptive eating and drinking aids

Includes: adaptive utensils · lightweight utensils · built-up handles · angled utensils · universal cuffs · scoop plates · plate guards · non-slip mats · lightweight cups · handled cups · nosey cups · cup holders · straw holders · drinking systems · insulated cups · feeding assistance devices

What problem it solves: Reduces effort or improves control during meals and drinks.
When it may be useful: When hand weakness, fatigue, posture, or swallowing changes make meals harder.
Who should help select it: Occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and dietitian.
Typical acquisition path: Often direct purchase; some items may be supplied through therapy or DME pathways.

Safety note: Some drinking devices or straw systems may not be appropriate with swallowing impairment. Ask the speech-language pathologist.

Sources: Nutrition and feeding tubes · Practice Parameter update: The care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Communication and voice

Communication and voiceClinical category

Communication and AAC systems

Includes: alphabet boards · communication boards · picture boards · yes/no cards · topic boards · partner-assisted scanning boards · voice-banking software · personalized synthetic voice services · message banking · portable voice amplifier · smartphone text-to-speech · tablet text-to-speech · computer text-to-speech · dedicated AAC devices · tablet-based AAC devices · ruggedized communication systems

What problem it solves: Preserves reliable communication when speech, hand use, or energy changes.
When it may be useful: Before communication becomes urgent; voice and message banking are time-sensitive when speech remains sufficiently clear.
Who should help select it: Speech-language pathologist and assistive-technology specialist.
Typical acquisition path: Assessment, prescription, insurance, Medicare, DME supplier, loan program, or direct purchase depending on device.

Representative commercial product: Representative AAC information: Tobii Dynavox ↗

Safety note: AAC assessment should involve a qualified speech-language pathologist.

Sources: Augmentative and alternative communication · Communication boards

Communication and access

Communication and accessClinical category

Eye-gaze, switch, and head-tracking access

Includes: eye-tracking communication device · eye-controlled computer · eye-gaze speech-generating device · button switches · proximity switches · pressure switches · scanning systems · sip-and-puff access where appropriate · head mouse · head-tracking camera · head-controlled cursor systems

What problem it solves: Provides computer, communication, phone, and environmental control when hand or speech access is limited.
When it may be useful: When a person can no longer reliably use a touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, or speech alone.
Who should help select it: Speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and assistive-technology specialist.
Typical acquisition path: Usually evaluation and funding documentation; may involve DME, insurance, Medicare, loan programs, or direct purchase.

Representative commercial product: Representative eye-gaze product: Tobii Dynavox TD I-Series ↗

Safety note: Access methods need fitting, calibration, mounting, and ongoing reassessment.

Sources: Augmentative and alternative communication · AAC for people with ALS

Mobility and seating

Mobility and seatingClinical category

Mobility, wheelchair, and seating systems

Includes: cane · quad cane · walker · front-wheeled walker · rollator · transport wheelchair · manual wheelchair · custom manual wheelchair · power wheelchair · complex rehabilitation power wheelchair · tilt · recline · elevating leg rests · seat elevation · power foot platform · head array · chin control · attendant control · switch control · sip-and-puff control · programmable joystick · pressure-relief cushion · positioning cushion · lateral trunk supports · pelvic positioning belt · headrest · arm supports · foot supports

What problem it solves: Supports walking, fall safety, endurance, posture, pressure relief, and independent mobility.
When it may be useful: When weakness, foot drop, falls, fatigue, head control, or longer distances limit participation.
Who should help select it: Physical therapist, occupational therapist, seating specialist, and ALS clinic team.
Typical acquisition path: Often prescription and DME or complex-rehab supplier; coverage depends on documentation.

Safety note: Fitting and seating need professional assessment; a device that is unsafe or poorly fitted can increase falls or skin risk.

Sources: Mobility in ALS · Orthotic devices

Transfers and caregiver safety

Transfers and caregiver safetyClinical category

Transfer and lift equipment

Includes: gait belt · transfer board · sliding transfer board · pivot disc · transfer pole · sit-to-stand lift · powered sit-to-stand lift · full-body patient lift · hydraulic lift · powered patient lift · portable lift · ceiling lift · track lift · transfer sling · toileting sling · slide sheets · repositioning sheets

What problem it solves: Reduces risk during bed, chair, toilet, shower, and vehicle transfers.
When it may be useful: When standing, pivoting, or repositioning is no longer reliably safe for one person.
Who should help select it: Physical therapist, occupational therapist, nurse, and caregiver-training team.
Typical acquisition path: Often prescription, DME supplier, insurance, Medicare, loan program, or rental.

Safety note: Never improvise a lift or sling setup. Training and the correct weight-rated equipment matter.

Sources: Mobility in ALS · Caregiver resources

Bathroom, toileting, and bathing

Bathroom, toileting, and bathingClinical category

Bathroom and personal-care safety equipment

Includes: grab bars · toilet safety frame · raised toilet seat · bidet · bidet toilet seat · bedside commode · drop-arm commode · rolling commode · shower chair · rolling shower chair · shower/commode chair · tub transfer bench · handheld shower · shower grab bars · non-slip surfaces · toilet hygiene aids

What problem it solves: Improves safety and reduces transfer effort during toileting and bathing.
When it may be useful: When balance, transfers, fatigue, or caregiver assistance make the bathroom difficult.
Who should help select it: Occupational therapist, physical therapist, and home-accessibility specialist.
Typical acquisition path: Direct purchase, DME supplier, insurance, Medicare, loan program, or home-modification program depending on item.

Safety note: Bathroom layouts and weight ratings need review before installation.

Sources: Mobility in ALS · Caregiver resources

Bed, sleep, and positioning

Bed, sleep, and positioningClinical category

Bed, positioning, and sleep-support equipment

Includes: adjustable bed · hospital bed · electric hospital bed · pressure-relief mattress · alternating-pressure mattress · foam mattress overlay · gel mattress overlay · positioning wedges · body pillows · side-positioning supports · bed ladder · bed assist rail where safe · over-bed table · bed trapeze where appropriate · powered turning system where available

What problem it solves: Supports repositioning, pressure relief, sleep positioning, and caregiver access.
When it may be useful: When turning, breathing position, transfers, skin protection, or nighttime care becomes difficult.
Who should help select it: Occupational therapist, physical therapist, nurse, respiratory therapist, and ALS clinic team.
Typical acquisition path: Prescription, DME supplier, insurance, Medicare, rental, loan program, or direct purchase depending on item.

Safety note: Bed rails, trapezes, and turning systems require individualized safety assessment.

Sources: Mobility in ALS · Managing Breathing Issues · Caregiver resources

Pressure relief

Pressure reliefClinical category

Pressure-relief surfaces and supports

Includes: wheelchair pressure-relief cushions · gel cushions · air cushions · foam cushions · alternating-pressure mattress · heel protectors · positioning pads

What problem it solves: Helps distribute pressure and support skin protection when movement is limited.
When it may be useful: When sitting or lying for long periods, sensation is reduced, or repositioning is difficult.
Who should help select it: Occupational therapist, physical therapist, nurse, and seating specialist.
Typical acquisition path: DME supplier, prescription, insurance, Medicare, loan program, or direct purchase.

Safety note: Pressure relief does not replace regular skin checks and a repositioning plan.

Sources: Mobility in ALS · Caregiver resources

Hand weakness and daily living

Hand weakness and daily livingClinical category

Hand, arm, dressing, and grooming aids

Includes: mobile arm support · forearm support · wheelchair arm trough · universal cuff · grip aids · pen grips · adapted pens · key turners · jar openers · electric can opener · lightweight dishes · reacher · grabber · book holders · page turners · button hook · zipper pull · long-handled shoehorn · elastic shoelaces · dressing stick · sock aid · long-handled sponge · electric toothbrush · electric razor · pump dispensers

What problem it solves: Reduces hand effort and supports eating, writing, dressing, grooming, and reaching.
When it may be useful: When hand or arm weakness makes daily activities slow, tiring, or unsafe.
Who should help select it: Occupational therapist.
Typical acquisition path: Often direct purchase; some supports may be supplied through therapy, DME, or insurance.

Safety note: The right tool depends on strength, range of motion, posture, and safety.

Sources: Mobility in ALS · Practice Parameter update: The care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Computer and phone access

Computer and phone accessClinical category

Computer and phone access tools

Includes: touchscreen · stylus · adapted keyboard · compact keyboard · onscreen keyboard · trackball · joystick mouse · head mouse · eye tracking · switch scanning · voice control while speech remains usable · phone mounts · tablet mounts

What problem it solves: Keeps communication, work, entertainment, and services accessible as movement changes.
When it may be useful: When standard keyboards, mice, or handheld devices become tiring or unreliable.
Who should help select it: Occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist, and assistive-technology specialist.
Typical acquisition path: Direct purchase, technology loan program, insurance, DME, or disability-access funding.

Safety note: Set up access around posture, fatigue, vision, and reliable emergency communication.

Sources: Augmentative and alternative communication · Mobility in ALS

Smart home and environmental control

Smart home and environmental controlClinical category

Smart-home and environmental control

Includes: smart lights · smart plugs · smart thermostat · smart door locks · automated doors · video doorbell · smart blinds · TV control · fan control · nurse-call system · emergency call button · voice assistant where speech remains usable · eye-gaze-controlled environmental system · switch-controlled environmental system

What problem it solves: Lets a person control lights, temperature, doors, media, and calls with less physical effort.
When it may be useful: When reaching switches, walking to a door, or using a remote becomes difficult.
Who should help select it: Occupational therapist and assistive-technology specialist.
Typical acquisition path: Direct purchase, home-accessibility funding, DME or technology program depending on system.

Safety note: Keep a reliable backup way to call for help and operate essential equipment.

Sources: Augmentative and alternative communication · Mobility in ALS

Home accessibility and transport

Home accessibility and transportClinical category

Home and vehicle accessibility

Includes: portable ramps · permanent ramps · threshold ramps · stair lifts · vertical platform lifts · porch lifts · widened doorways · offset hinges · automatic door opener · accessible bathroom modifications · roll-in shower · wheelchair-accessible vehicle · wheelchair ramp · vehicle lift · transfer seat · swivel transfer seat · portable ramp · wheelchair tie-down system

What problem it solves: Improves access to the home, bathroom, vehicle, and community.
When it may be useful: When stairs, thresholds, narrow doors, bathing, or vehicle transfers limit safety or participation.
Who should help select it: Occupational therapist, physical therapist, home-modification specialist, and vehicle-access specialist.
Typical acquisition path: Home-modification program, insurance, grants, DME supplier, direct purchase, or vehicle-access funding.

Safety note: Do not recommend driving when function is unsafe; assess transfers, braking, steering, vision, and judgment clinically.

Sources: Mobility in ALS · Caregiver resources

Caregiver safety

Caregiver safetyClinical category

Caregiver safety equipment

Includes: gait belt · transfer board · mechanical lift · ceiling lift · repositioning sheet · slide sheet · transfer sling · shower/commode chair · adjustable bed · powered positioning system

What problem it solves: Helps caregivers assist with movement, transfers, bathing, and positioning while reducing injury risk.
When it may be useful: When care tasks exceed what can be safely done by hand or by one person.
Who should help select it: Physical therapist, occupational therapist, nurse, and caregiver educator.
Typical acquisition path: Prescription, DME supplier, insurance, Medicare, rental, loan program, or home-care agency.

Safety note: Caregiver training and a realistic assessment of capacity are essential; ask for more help when one-person care is unsafe.

Sources: Caregiver resources · Caregiver education course

Sources & Further Reading

These source cards link directly to the original material. External websites open in a new tab.

The ALS Association