The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the use of pulse oximeters for home use. It was during that period that monitoring your respiratory health at home became more important than ever, making this small medical tool essential in every household.
Although COVID-19 is now almost part of history, the need to track oxygen saturation in your blood, along with your pulse rate, at your convenience, remains vital.
This guide presents the best pulse oximeters on the market, exploring how they work and providing guidance on proper usage to ensure accurate results.
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures two vital parameters simultaneously: the oxygen saturation level (SpO₂) in your blood and your heart rate. It performs a quick, non-invasive and painless procedure.
Although there are various types of pulse oximetry tools, the most common of all is the popular fingertip oximeter. This device clips onto your finger and displays fast results on a digital screen.
How does it work, though? With red and infrared light. The pulse oximeter emits a small beam of such light; this light passes through your skin and measures how much of it is absorbed by your red blood cells and circulates in your body.
Does it hurt? No. You simply clip it, and before you can count to five, you get an accurate snapshot of your oxygen saturation, which you can obtain without visiting the doctor and undergoing a more complicated test, such as spirometry.
Why Use a Pulse Oximeter?
Pulse oximeters are recommended for both medical and personal use due to their numerous benefits.
Here are the most important of them:
- They help you detect early low oxygen levels. If you have asthma, COPD, or pneumonia, you know very well how crucial this is. Additionally, pulse oximeters are particularly useful in cases of sudden health issues, such as dizziness or shortness of breath.
- They allow you to monitor chronic illnesses. On the other hand, if you have a family member with heart disease or chronic lung conditions, you can track their health from the comfort of your home, without needing to pay frequent clinic visits.
- They support smooth post-surgery recovery. Likewise, monitoring oxygen levels with the top pulse oximeters for home use provides reassurance during the recovery process.
- They assist athletes and fitness enthusiasts. You don’t have to be a patient to benefit from the best pulse oximeters. Many athletes, for instance, often use them to check their oxygen saturation during training or at high altitudes.
- They ensure peace of mind. Ultimately, such a device provides valuable insights when dealing with viral infections that can affect breathing, such as influenza or COVID-19.
Tip: Learn all you need to know about home oxygen therapy!
How to Use a Pulse Oximeter Correctly?
Although using these small, portable devices is relatively easy, you still need to follow the proper steps to ensure the most accurate readings:
- Warm your hands – Cold fingers may reduce accuracy. Rub your palms before clipping your finger.
- Stay still – Don’t move while monitoring. Sit still and lay your hand on a stable surface or on your knee. Movement can interfere with results.
- Place the oximeter correctly – Ensure your nail bed is facing upwards inside the device. Gently push your fingertip inside the device.
- Wait a few seconds – Allow the device to stabilise before recording your reading. The best pulse oximeters often make a distinct sound when monitoring and when the measurement is over.
- Track regularly – Don’t trust a single measurement, as it may vary. Instead, track your oxygen levels frequently to get more precise and more reliable insights.
How To Choose the Best Pulse Oximeter?
To find the best oximeter for your needs, consider the following factors:
- Accuracy – Ensure you look for clinically tested, CE-certified devices when looking for the most accurate pulse oximeters.
- Display clarity – Opt for a bright and user-friendly display. It will come in very handy, especially for the elderly family members.
- Speed – Typically, the best fingertip pulse oximeters deliver results within seconds. The faster the better.
- Portability – Go for a lightweight and compact device. For everyday or casual use, simplicity is the key.
- Battery life – Look for long-lasting batteries, so you won’t have to worry about a lack of power supply affecting the results.
- Ease of use – Opt for one-button operation, which is ideal for home users.
The 4 Best Pulse Oximeters For Tracking Your Oxygen
Here are the best pulse oximeter types worth considering:
1. The Best Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
As already mentioned, these are the most common and practical devices for personal use. One of the best pulse oximeters for home use is the Contec CMS50D, available in several colours.
It’s lightweight, compact, and features a bright digital screen. It’s easy to use and delivers on its promise.
2. The Best Wearable Pulse Oximeter
Another practical option is the Contec CMS50F wrist pulse oximeter, which features integrated software.
It comes with a soft finger sensor, extended battery life and audio and visual alarms for oxygen drops. Wearable technology is now a growing trend in health monitoring.
Slightly larger and more advanced, these are often used in clinical environments. They provide higher accuracy but are less convenient for everyday home monitoring.
3. The Best Blood Pressure & Pulse Oximeter Combo
Sometimes, a pulse oximeter might not be enough, especially when older adults live with you. This is where the Contec blood pressure and adult oximeter 08C steps in.
This tabletop, fully automatic digital arm blood pressure monitor measures your oxygen saturation simultaneously with the detachable sensor and can store up to 99 measurements for up to three users.
4. The Best Fingertip Pulse Oximeter for Kids
Contec, the leading brand in medical devices, has launched a child-friendly version of its best pulse oximeters for home use, featuring a fun animal face that can easily encourage children to cooperate during oxygen level monitoring.
The Contec CMS50Q1 offers the same accuracy and features as its adult version. The only extra is the DIY stickers that your child can play with!
Conclusion
At Advanced Healthcare, you will discover a comprehensive range of some of the top pulse oximeters on the market, in various types.
Ready to count your oxygen saturation?
FAQs About Pulse Oximeters
1. What Is The Normal Oxygen Level On A Pulse Oximeter?
Look for a result that ranges from 95% to 100%. It is the normal and healthy reading for all ages in general. At times, lower than 95% metrics can appear without you needing to worry, though. However, if you consistently detect levels below 94%, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
2. How Can I Choose The Best Pulse Oximeter?
Consider your needs first. The ideal option for a household is to strike a balance between accuracy, practicality, and affordability. Look for the best fingertip pulse oximeters that are CE-certified and clinically validated.
3. Can I Use A Pulse Oximeter With Polished Nails?
Better not. It is advisable to first remove any nail polish or fake nails before proceeding with the measurement, because both can interfere with the readings, even for the best pulse oximeters.
