Pulse oximeters, which simply clip onto your fingertip, are non-invasive devices that can measure blood oxygen saturation as well as pulse (heart rate). They are relatively inexpensive (about $20) and can be purchased for home ("non-medical") use.
The best pulse oximeter for home use will probably be different from the best pulse oximeter in a hospital. Although pulse oximeters for home use are not as accurate as FDA-approved "medical" pulse oximeters, which cost much more and undergo more rigorous testing, comparison studies indicate that some (but not all) non-medical pulse oximeters can help signal when medical attention is needed in conditions such as COVID-19, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Collecting data on oxygen levels is crucial because people with COVID-19 may suffer from "silent hypoxia", a dangerous condition in which they do not outwardly appear to be short of breath, but are confirmed to be so through a pulse oximeter test. Pulse oximeters, or pulse ox, measure the amount of oxygenated blood (SpO2) in your body, giving medical professionals an idea of how much oxygen your body is carrying to vital organs and tissues.
Pulse Oximeter Readings - If your SpO2 is around 90 - 94% at rest, you are at the yellow zone or a caution zone. If your SpO2 drops below 90%, you are clearly at the red zone (hypoxic - lack of oxygen in the tissue; hypoxemia - lack of oxygen in the blood) and you'll need to go to the emergency room or the hospital immediately to be evaluated for oxygen support. Do take note that you should not have any nail polish on your nails as it might affect the readings.
Patients with COVID-19 who don’t need immediate hospital attention but are at high risk of developing serious symptoms are to be given pulse oximeters to use at home to reduce the risk of serious deterioration, The BMJ has learnt (BMJ, October 2020).
NHS England is believed to have purchased around 200,000 pulse oximeters for the scheme, which clinical commissioning groups across England will be able to access.
Be careful, however. Many cheap models found on the internet don’t do much to measure accurately. They’re labeled “for recreational use” and aren’t going to give you the measurements you need.
Best Pulse Oximeters for Home Use 2021
What is the best oximeter to buy for home use? We’ve put together a list of fingertip oximeters designed to deliver accurate results and peace of mind.
1. Santamedical Generation 2 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
- Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor with Batteries and Lanyard
- Our pulse oximeter has been clinically tested and consistently beat other pulse oximeter in terms of accuracy and reliability, it is found to be a fast and absolutely reliable gadget to use.
- It is ideal for the oxygen and pulse readings, and have a very small error margin.
- Taking your oxygen and pulse readings with this digital oximeter is as simple as pressing a button.
- It uses patented technology and can show readings in four different directions with 6 display.
- Take the SpO2 readings (blood oxygen saturation levels) at convenience of your home or outdoor
- Bright OLED display allows clear reading in dark, inside home or in bright sunlight.
- Oxygen saturation monitor shows real time Pulse Rate, Pulse Rate Bar and SpO2 level.
- Light Weight, Easy to carry & Accommodates wide range of finger sizes.
- Accommodates wide range of finger sizes, long battery life, automatic power off after 10 seconds.
- Fingertip Pulse Oximeter, Neck/Wrist Cord, User Manual, 2-AAA Batteries, plus our no-hassle 1 year warranty
Aside from the fact that the pulse oximeter agrees with the one in the doctors office, I like the appearance. I also like the protective carrying case.It does the job it is supposed to do.
4.7 out of 5 - 7,575 global ratings
2. AccuMed CMS-50D1 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
- Blood Oxygen Sensor SpO2 for Sports and Aviation.
- Portable and Lightweight with LED Display, 2 AAA Batteries, Lanyard and Travel Case (White)
ACCURATE OXYGEN SATURATION AND PULSE RATE READINGS IN ONE DEVICE: The Fingertip Pulse Oximeter fits all finger sizes from kids above four years old to adults as it measures the level of oxygen in the blood and reads the pulse rate in just eight to ten seconds. It is crucial to use the device in a stationary position and not while in motion for precise readings.
LOW POWER CONSUMPTION: Equipped with two AAA batteries, the oximeter automatically powers off when not in use and delivers up to 20 continuous hours of battery life.
PORTABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Weighing only 50 grams, every AccuMed oximeter comes in a convenient travel case that protects it from scratches when carried on its own or inside your gym bag or backpack. Attach the included lanyard to the case or directly to the oximeter for easy reach anytime.
ROTATING, CRYSTAL CLEAR LED DISPLAY: Read your oxygen saturation level and pulse rate results with remarkable clarity in portrait or landscape formats with auto rotation that detects your hand movement in the CMS50D1 models.
DESIGNED FOR HOME USE, EXERCISE OR TRAVEL: While the AccuMed Fingertip Pulse Oximeter is handy for detecting vital signs, it is not intended for medical use but rather for situations where you need to know your oxygen level before and after your workout or sports such as running, hiking or cycling, or while traveling in an aircraft.
I have been having problems with oxygen intake and must monitor my oxygen levels several times a day. I began by taking my BP with a machine that measures that, plus my pulse level, and I've found that my personal machine and the readings of the Accumed CMS-50D1 finger tip pulse Oximeter are frequently identical to or less than 0.50% off. I've been using the finger tip pulse reader for nearly two weeks and I trust the readings I get with it.
4.6 out of 5 - 2,233 global ratings
3. iHealth Air Wireless Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
The iHealth Air Wireless Pulse Oximeter is a non-invasive device intended for spot-checking of functional oxygen saturation of arterial hemoglobin (SpO2) and pulse rate.
The wireless pulse oximeter is intended to measure blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate of adults above 16 years old in home and hospital environments (including clinical use in internist / surgery ,anesthesia, intensive care , etc.).
- Pulse Oximeter with Plethysmograph and Perfusion Index on the App
- Measures Blood Oxygen Saturation, Perfusion Index, Pulse Rate
- Built-in Li-On Battery
- Has both Plethysmograph and Perfusion Index (PI) in smartphone by the iHealth Myvitals App. Easy to see how your activity affects your oxygen level and pulse pre and post workout!
Accurate and Reliable - Trusted smart blood pulse oximeter for many telemedicine programs in the U.S. Accurately detect your SpO2 ( blood oxygen saturation levels) , pulse rate and pulse strength in seconds and display results conveniently on a XL digit LED display and even in your smartphone.
99% SpO2 Value - iHealth Air Bluetooth pulse oximeter that can read and display up to 99% for SpO2.
Smart App & More Details - With the help fo the free iHealth Myvitals App, you can simultaneously track those results in the app and see the real time plethysmograph (The SpO2 waveform) and Perfusion index. All your results will be stored in the app and free secured iHealth cloud. Powerful digital logbook in the app and no more hand writing.
Sport & Health Enthusiasts - Suitable for mountain climbers, skiers, bikers, aviators or anyone interested in measuring their SpO2 and pulse rate while on the move.You should only use the pulse oximeter before or after your exercise when you remain stationary.
Packaged with accessories: A high quality lanyard for easy to go. Micro-USB for simply charging the oximeter. Comes with 12 months WARRANTY and California based support.
I like be that my pulse can be recorded on my iPhone & I can show my doctor when I see him.
4.4 out of 5 - 2,208 global ratings
4. Zacurate Pro Series Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor
- The Zacurate Pro Series pulse oximeter is one of the Best Sellers in Home Use Medical Supplies & Equipment category of the Amazon Best Sellers 2021.
- #1 in Athletic & Aviation Pulse Oximeters (Amazon Best Sellers)
- The Zacurate 500C Pro Series pulse oximeter is the deluxe version of the Amazon top rated Zacurate 500DL Pulse Oximeter. In addition to measuring your SpO2 (Blood oxygen saturation level) value and pulse rate accurately and reliably, the deluxe version has many other helpful features like the plesthymograph and alarm.
- NEW SOFTWARE UPGRADE - 1) Auditory alarm to warn you when your SpO2 and Pulse Rate are beyond set limits. 2) Auditory Beeps for every detected pulse. 3) Adjustable display brightness. 4) OLED display now includes plethysmograph.
- MEET & EXCEED FDA STANDARDS - Designed for mountain climbers, skiers, bikers or anyone sports enthusiasts interested in measuring their SpO2 and pulse rate
- ACCOMODATES WIDE RANGE OF FINGER SIZES - Finger chamber with SMART Spring System. Works for ages 12 and above.
- LOADED WITH ACCESSORIES - Include 2X AAA BATTERIES that will allow you to use the pulse oximeter right out of the box, a SILICON COVER to protect your pulse oximeter from dirt and damage and a LANYARD for convenience.
- Comes with 12 months WARRANTY and USA based technical phone support.
Must monitor oxygen level regularly and this product is excellent for accurate readings. Very easy to use. I highly recommend it.
4.7 out of 5 - 137,340 global ratings
5. Innovo Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter — Most advanced
The Innovo Pulse Oximeter is the #21 Best Seller in Home Use Medical Supplies & Equipment category of the Amazon Best Sellers 2020. 4.8/5 overall rating with more than 13,000 customer reviews on Amazon.com.
The Innovo choice provides SpO2 level, pulse rate, and perfusion index with a plethysmograph on a customizable LED with six display options. The deluxe version sends you a soundless, vibrational alert when your levels drop too low, giving you time to adjust your position or make changes directly after you’ve taken your levels.
It comes with batteries and a holder, so you’re set to go right out of the box. The display is multidimensional and easy to read. It offers fail-safes so that you know your positioning is correct for highly accurate readings.
It’s been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and comes with a one-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects. Once you set alarms, they’re saved for each time you take your pulse. It’s only for stationary use.
I would like to start by saying I am a registered nurse with ICU experience. I have used many brands of pulse oximetry devices. This one is great for an inexpensive home device. I tested its accuracy with those at the hospital and was spot-on. One thing you always want to have when you buy a pulse oximetry monitor is that waveform which is called the Pleth. Why Is that important? Because it relates to the accuracy of your reading. If that waveform is dampened that means your Reading is inaccurate because it is not picking up on ALL of the red blood cells that carry oxygen. A flattened waveform is most likely. A false low reading. I suggest always getting a device with that waveform
4.8 out of 5 - 26,271 global ratings
Buy on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What does a pulse oximeter measure?
A pulse oximeter measures the oxygen saturation of your blood. Essentially, this percentage is a calculation of how much oxygen is in the blood, with 100% being 'fully saturated' and the optimal level.
And while this simple non-invasive medical tool is available over the counter in many pharmacies, it's not necessary for most people.
"Unless you have a chronic heart or lung condition that affects your oxygen saturation on a regular basis, most individuals don't need one in their home," says Albert Rizzo, MD, Chief Medical Officer for the American Lung Association.
Those with lung or heart conditions — such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or heart failure — may be prescribed home oxygen therapy by their doctor, says Rizzo, and a pulse oximeter can help them to monitor whether the use of oxygen at home is improving their condition or not.
Other warning signs of low blood oxygen levels may include:
- Increased heart rate
- increased breathing rate
- Feeling shortness of breath or gasping for air
- Inability to do an activity that you did before without getting out of breath
How does a pulse oximeter work?
To get the most accurate reading on a pulse oximeter, there are a few simple steps, according to the
World Health Organization:
- Position the probe correctly. Depending on the device, this will usually be on the finger, toe, or earlobe. Make sure it is well-fitted, and not being forced on: for example, try the second toe rather than the big toe. If the probe is too loose or too tight, it may allow extra light in, which will impact the reading.
- Make sure you're sitting still. Shaking or shivering will affect the reading, and may make it seem much lower than it actually is.
- Remove any nail polish. If you're wearing colored nail polish, this might affect the reading. Finger tattoos or henna dye can also affect the reading: in this case, choose a different finger, toe, or earlobe. Cold fingers or toes can also cause false readings.
A
2016 comparison between the accuracy of the pocket or standard pulse oximeter found that the standard oximeter had a precision error of 1.8%, while the pocket version showed 2.21% error. One
2018 study of pulse oximeters used in heart patients suggested that earlobe probes had greater accuracy.
If you think your pulse oximeter might not be accurate, you can check the pulse reading or heart rate on the pulse oximeter against
your own reading of your pulse.How to read a pulse oximeter According to
WHO, a reading of 95% to 100% on the pulse oximeter is considered healthy and isn't a cause for concern.
If you have no underlying medical conditions, your levels should generally be at 95 or higher. But for people with chronic conditions, it's important to talk with your doctor about what the appropriate reading should be for you, and when you should seek medical attention. For reference, lower levels of
blood oxygen saturation may indicate:
- Blocked airways
- Difficulty breathing
- Lung infection
- Poor blood circulation
- Drug interference from anesthesia, muscle relaxants, or anaphylaxis
Related
Comments
Post a Comment