Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive technique that helps you measure oxygen saturation, i.e., how much oxygen your blood contains. It helps assess your heart pumping function and detect early signs of possible respiratory or cardiac arrest. This is done using pulse oximeters, small devices usually worn on a finger or an earlobe. Oximetry is easy to use and painless and has become very popular among patients with some chronic health problems.
This moderately priced oximeter combines accuracy with a sleek design that will fit almost any finger size. Made of latex-free silicone, it’s ideal for people with allergies. It’s also lightweight and offers pulse rate and pulse bar graph readings apart from the blood oxygen monitor.
Buyer’s Guide
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If you aren’t sure whether you need a pulse oximeter at all, answer the following questions:
If you answer to at least one of the questions is “yes”, a pulse oximeter is a worthy investment. Apart from 24/7 oxygen saturation monitoring, most models measure your heart rate. Visualization techniques such as pulse bar graphs make oximeter reading easier to interpret.
The main advantage of wearing a finger pulse oximeter is that you will see when your blood oxygen level is lower than normal, prompting you to see a doctor. Some physicians advise it as a means of monitoring your health during the pandemic. Normal pulse oximeter readings range from 95 to 98% for an adult. If you see 92 or less, it’s time to make an appointment. You can google “pulse oximeter readings normal chart” for details.
Oximeters work by searching for oxygen-carrying hemoglobin molecules with the help of light waves that it emits. The patient doesn’t feel anything during the procedure.
One thing to remember is that most fingertip pulse oximeters are designed to be read by medical staff rather than the patient, so make sure you aren’t looking at your device upside down. Wear an oximeter on your dominant hand, preferably on the middle finger. Dark nail polish can interfere with pulse oximeter readings.
Below are four other excellent products to choose from.
This inexpensive oximeter has all the functions you might need for self-monitoring, including SpO2, heart rate, and pulse bar graph. It will fit most hands provided that you are at least 12 years old. The finger chamber is made of hypoallergenic silicone.
Buy on AmazonA highly reliable model with additional plethymosgraph and perfusion index measurement functions for advanced users, this oxygen meter also looks better than most models. The multicolor screen layout is very convenient to read due to its horizontal orientation.
Buy on AmazonThis model boasts a very sturdy and straightforward design for easy measurement except that it needs to be flipped so you can read the values. The readings are quite accurate, and the finger chamber will fit any adult finger size. A convenient carry case is included.
Buy on AmazonIf you don’t feel like investing in several oximeters for monitoring your blood oxygen level and that of your kids at the same time, this device is the perfect solution as it can be used in pediatric patients as well as adults. Adjustable screen brightness adds a lot to the convenience.
Buy on AmazonAn SpO2 of 92% or lower means you have hypoxia, that is, your body is deprived of oxygen. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
Two types of light are used. Hemoglobin molecules that carry oxygen absorb one type, while empty ones absorb the other. The ratio of these light types is converted into the percentage that you see on the screen.
It can if it contains the red spectrum. Heat lamps and phototherapy lamps might be incompatible with pulse oximetry.