What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a medical device that is designed to provide you with various important readings regarding the respiratory system. They are highly useful devices, which have been used in a variety of settings from hospitals to homes, in order to ensure that a person’s blood oxygen levels are what they should be.
Currently, there are more pulse oximeters available to consumers, rather than just mattress professionals, than there ever has been. This is great, as it means that you have a wide selection of pulse oximeters to choose from. However, it also makes the process of choosing the right one that is going to suit your particular needs, all the more difficult.
Below we have compiled a list of the best pulse oximeters of 2021 based on Customer Reviews, Our Reviews, Precision of the Device, Usability etc.
5 Best Pulse Oximeters of 2021
1. Masimo iSpO2 Pulse Oximeter Review
The leading producer of pulse oximeters has taken the first place in our list. Masimo has been producing pulse oximeters for over 25 years and they have established a well-know brand in the hospital and personal pulse oximeters. Masimo's products provide the most accurate measurements because of their revolutionary Signal Extraction Technology ®(SET) which uses five parallel signal processing engines that measure through challenging conditions like low blood flow and movement. This technology is available only on Masimo's Pulse Oximeters.
iSpO2 Pulse Oximeter by Masimo is very practical and easy to use. You can take it with you wherever you go as it is small in size. For measuring with iSpO2 you need to have a smartphone and the app installed which you can download on the AppStore and Play Store for free.
Currently iSpO2 supports Apple iPhone, Apple iPad, Apple iPod and Android Phones including Samsung Galaxy Note 10 (2014 edition), Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Samsung Galaxy Note II, Nexus 9, Nexus 7, Nexus 6, Nexus 5, Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy S5, Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S3, Huawei Ascend Mate 7, Droid Mini, Motorola RAZR M and many others.
2. VIVE Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Review
VIVE Fingertip Pulse Oximeter comes second in our best pulse oximeters list. Vive has really gotten ahead of the competition with this portable, lightweight and easy-to-use pulse oximeter. Just take the product out of the box and it's ready to be used.
VIVE promises very accurate readings as it states that each device undergoes through rigorous testings to guarantee the customer the most accurate measurements.
Some other features of this pulse oximeter are:
- Quick Readings: Vive promises instant readings as soon as you place your finger within the device.
- Alarm Functionality: If the device reads low oxygen saturation levels or irregular heartbeat, it has a built-in alarm function that will go off.
- 2 Year Guarantee: Vive stands behind their products which is why the provide a 2 year limited warranty.
When you buy the Vive Pulse Oximeter the box also includes the following:
- Durable carrying case
- 2 AAA Batteries
- Lanyard
3. Santamedical Generation 2 SM-165 Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Santamedical 2nd Generation Pulse Oximeter is filled with features and long battery life. This is why it is 3rd on our ranking list.
Some of the features that this device offers are:
- FDA Approved
- Quick and Accurate SpO2 and Pulse Rate measurments
- BRIGHT OLED Display
- Lightweight and Easy to Use
- Long Battery Life
- 1 Year Warranty
4. Masimo MightySat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Even though Masimo MightySat Oximeter by our testings provided the most accurate measurements, we have ranked it on the 4th place because of it's price, which is not affordable for everyone. Masimo's products have the best measurement technology called SET (Signal Extraction Technology) which is patented and used by Masimo's products only. This technology provides hospital-grade measurements.
MightySat is far ahead of the competition for its accuracy, technology, and features. It not only measures Pulse Rate and Oxygen Saturation Levels, but it also measures Perfusion Index (PI), Respiration Rate (RRp) and Pleth Variability Index (PVI).
For people with serious conditions that need the most accurate readings we strongly recommend buying this Pulse Oximeter. To back this product mattress coupon Masimo offers 4 year warranty which is way above the competition's average.
Features of Masimo MightySat:
- Hospital-grade technology SAT (Signal Extraction Technology) which uses five parallel signal processing engines which in a study was found to be the most accurate on the market on challenging conditions.
- High resolution display
- Bluetooth connection with smartphone apps on AppSore(Apple) and Play Store)
- Flexible Pad: Easy conforms to the finger shape.
5. Innovo CMS 50F PLUS
This product is mostly designed for athletes who want to measure their pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels before and after sports.
Features of CMS 50F:
- Quick and Accurate
- Lightweight
- Built-in Alarm
- Rechargeable Battery
- Automatic Power-Off
How To Use a Pulse Oximeter?
Pulse oximeters are used worldwide in both medical settings and residential settings. Oximetry is a medical process that has been around for decades, and it has greatly improved patient safety, and the general overall health of the population. Pulse oximeters are widely used in hospitals when patients are having a general anesthetic administered, as it allows medical staff to keep an eye on a patient’s blood oxygen levels and heart rate. Now, however, pulse oximeters are used in many more settings and situations. They are used by people who want to monitor their blood oxygen levels in their own home.
Some people have to monitor their hemoglobin oxygen levels, as they have a medical condition, such as emphysema, which means that they could be at risk of reduced oxygen saturation. Other people may want to measure their blood oxygen level as they are interested in health and fitness, so are curious about their levels. Whatever your reasons for using a pulse oximeter, it is important that you know how to properly use the device to get the most accurate reading.
How to Use your Pulse Oximeter
Using a pulse oximeter is fairly easy, but there are a few things you must do in order to get the most accurate reading. Please note that the following tips refer to pulse oximeters that are worn on the finger. Tips for pulse oximeters worn on the wrist will be discussed later.
- Prepare your Finger: If you don’t prepare your finger before using your pulse oximeter, you could get an inaccurate reading. Firstly, remove any nail polish that you may have on your fingernail, as this can prevent the infrared light used by the oximeter from properly reading the oxygen level of the blood. No other items should be covering the fingertip. If you have a cut on your fingertip, use another finger.
- Place the Device on your Finger in the Correct Position: Take the pulse oximeter and place your fingertip in the device, so that it lines up with the red light within the device. Your finger should be out straight, and not bent and your finger should feel comfortable in the device.
- Wait for your Results: Once you have placed the pulse oximeter onto your finger in the correct position, you need to give the device time to take the measurement of your blood oxygen saturation level. The device may take ten seconds or more to come back with a result. The instructions you received with the device should tell you how long the device generally takes to come back with a reading. If the device is taking longer than expected to generate a result, then remove the device, and place it onto another finger.
Here is a video explaining exactly how to use a pulse oximeter:
Other Types of Pulse Oximeters
When using an oximeter that is placed on the wrist, it is important to attach the device to the wrist properly. Ensure that the device is properly lined up, and always follow the instructions that you get with the device, To get an accurate reading, always give the device time to calculate the result properly.
Reading your Pulse Oximeter Results
After you have put your pulse oximeter on, make sure that you give it enough time to properly calculate your results. Some people take their oximeter off too soon, and don’t allow the device to properly measure the oxygen saturation level of the haemoglobin. Leave the device on for at least ten seconds, and even when numbers start to appear on screen, make sure that you still leave it a few seconds to make sure the device has an accurate reading.
Once you have your reading, you then need to check if this is a healthy reading for you. Generally speaking, a healthy persons oxygen haemoglobin saturation level is between 94% and 99%. If your pulse oximeter tells you that your reading is within this range, then this means that you have a healthy blood oxygen level, and no action is required. This is great and your mind is at ease after using the device.
Sometimes, however, certain health issues can cause the oxygen saturation to be lower than this. If your oxygen level is lower than 94%, and it is between 90% and 93% it is not immediate cause for alarm. Certain health issues, such as mild hypoxia, or any type of respiratory disease, can cause oxygen levels to be lower. However, unless you have a previously diagnosed condition, which your doctor has informed you about, and that your doctor has told you can affect your oxygen levels, you must visit your doctor if your oxygen level is in this category. You doctor can then run the appropriate tests to see if you have a health problem that is causing you to have a lower oxygen saturation level. If your reading is less than 88% you need to see a doctor as soon as you can. If your oxygen saturation level is this low, then you will need supplementary oxygen.
Keep in mind that certain factors can effect the reading of a pulse oximeter, so always ensure that you use it in the right conditions.
Pulse Oximeters History
Early Years of Oximetry
In the past, people did not realize that it is hemoglobin that carries the oxygen in the blood. However, in 1864, this all changed when George Gabriel Stokes discovered that it was hemoglobin that was responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood. After this, the method of oximetry was greatly expanded upon. In 1935, a German physician named Nectar Mattress Coupon developed the first device that would detect oxygen saturation levels in the blood.
Development of the Oximeter
Matthes paved the way for pulse oximeters with the invention of his device. After this, Glenn Allan Millikan, who was an American physiologist, invented the first oximeter device. His device was very similar to the pulse oximeters that consumers know today. It was a portable device, which was fairly easy to use. However, it was more invasive than the oximeters used today, and, as it used a different method for measuring the oxygen levels, it did not always provide an accurate reading.
Development of the Pulse Oximeter
After the development of the first oximeters by Millikan, Shaw developed another more advanced oximeter. However, it was Japanese bio-engineer Takuo Aoyagi who developed the first pulse oximeter that measured saturation using infrared light. It was his pulse oximeter that is most akin to those still used today.
Wide Use of Pulse Oximeters
After many brands began to produce and commercialize pulse oximeters, the device soon revolutionized the medical profession. Pulse oximeters made using anaesthesia a much safer process for patients, and by 1987, pulse oximeters were made part of standard procedure during the administration of general anaesthetic. Pulse oximeters were popular not just because they helped a patient’s safety, but also because they were non-invasive. In the past, techniques to test a patient’s hemoglobin oxygen saturation levels were time-consuming, inconvenient and invasive.
Pulse Oximeters Today
Nowadays, pulse oximeters are used highly frequently in the western word. They are used in a wide range of different settings on many different people for a variety of reasons. They are used in hospitals, doctor’s offices and other medical settings. They are also used in emergencies by fire fighters and other emergency staff. Aside from their use in medical settings and emergencies, they are now also used in homes by those who want to monitor their oxygen saturation levels. They are also used by healthy people who are just interested in their heart rate and blood oxygen saturation level for health and fitness reasons.
Do I Need a Pulse Oximeter?
If you have even gone into hospital for a medical condition, the chances are that you have been hooked up to a pulse oximeter and that you never really thought twice about it. But what if these devices could benefit you when used either at home or when out and about?
Do you suffer with a medical condition which requires you to constantly be aware of your own health and need for medical attention? Such conditions may include;
Asthma
Emphysema
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
chronic obstructive airway diseases
Emphysema
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
chronic obstructive airway diseases
If you are a sufferer of any of these conditions you could easily and quickly check your own SpO2 levels, especially if you were not quite feeling 100% and the machine will almost instantly indicate to you whether your SpO2 levels were what they should be or not. This can be a great early indication as to whether you needed medical attention or not, allowing you to make provisions early on and prevent any serious concern from occurring.
Even if you do not suffer with a medical condition you may still greatly benefit from having a device such as a pulse oximeter. You may be a little sceptical of this but what if I told you that if you were a pilot, mountain climber or free diver this machine may give you an early indication would could in fact save your life?
I know this sounds extreme but it is a true fact. A pilot who was feeling unwell could simply check his SpO2 level and within seconds would know if this was a contributory factor to him feeling unwell. The same could be said for free divers or mountain climbers. A mountain climber may well check their SpO2 level before taking on another section of a mountain to ensure that their SpO2 level was not already getting too low, therefore giving them an indication that they should not take on the next part of their climb.
As you can see there are a number of reasons why you should have a pulse oximeter, not only if you suffer with certain medical conditions but also if you are super fit and like to be a bit of a dare devil!
The scenarios are endless; the examples above are not exhaustive so there will be people amongst you who may well do other activities which you may now consider purchasing your very own device.
You will quickly have peace of mind that you are investing in your health and well being.
That's it. If you have a suggestion or a pulse oximeter that's worked best for you then please write it on the comment section below.
