Abstract: A patient positioning apparatus including a base, a support column, at least one positioning arm on the support column capable of being positioned over a bed and having a buckle and strap capable of securing to a patient support connected to bed linens or other flexible member so that a patient can be partially or totally suspended when an adjustable bed is lowered or when the patient support is raised. The apparatus may further include a telescoping support column and horizontal support for supporting positioning arms. Patient repositioning may be effectuated by positioning the arms over a patient, extending straps with buckle inserts into receiving buckles on a patient support or support bar secured to bed linens. A patient positioning apparatus may be free-standing or may be mounted to a ceiling or a wall or may include a swiveling support column. A fabric gripper with a support bar and an insert bar may be used to connect the bed linens or other flexible member to the apparatus.