The best Pulse Oximeter: Shopping Guide and Recommendations (01/23)

Welcome to Monederosmart! A few years ago, the use of pulse oximeters was reserved for hospitals or medical institutes, especially for patients with cardiovascular problems. Nowadays, however, they are frequently used by athletes of different disciplines and patients with various health problems. But which model and brand is best for you?

At Monederosmart we provide you with all the technical and commercial details for each model. Our aim is to provide you with the right information so that you can make an optimal purchase decision in terms of price-quality ratio. Here you will find everything from the most sophisticated models, such as purchase characteristics, to dispel the most frequent doubts of use.

Summary

• Pulse oximeters or pulse oximeters are medical devices that indirectly measure oxygen saturation in the bloodstream, without the need for finger pricking.
• One of the main advantages of the new generation models is their easy portability and size, allowing them to be used outside hospitals or medical institutions. In addition, there are models with multiple functions such as heart rate, respiration rate or perfusion index.
• Accuracy levels, readability and durability are some of the most relevant features to consider when buying an oximeter, in addition to knowing the precautionary measures for the proper functioning of the device.

The best Pulse Oximeter: Our Picks

Buying guide: What you need to know about pulse oximeters

For years now, the portability and affordability of devices that previously assessed vital signs only in hospitals or medical centres to home use has increased. As a result, the wide range of devices available for home use has become an ally for doctors, athletes and patients in monitoring the body, such as pulse oximeters.

Purchasing criteria

Whether you are a health expert in the process or just unfamiliar, there are important features to consider when purchasing an oximeter; we will classify the different models of oximeters on the market within each criterion to make it easier for you.

• Location
• Continuous or on-the-spot monitoring?
• Adults, children or infants

Location

Pulse oximeters will vary in characteristics if they are used at home or in hospitals and medical institutes; therefore, there are two types: hand-held or portable.

The former is commonly used at home as it is small and lightweight, has a display screen on the probe, uses batteries and is usually for intermittent use. Its accuracy is best with a strong pulse.

On the other hand, unlike the finger or handheld, the portable is used daily in hospitals, its readings are more accurate, the display of readings is linked by a cable connected to a screen and it is capable of prolonged monitoring.

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Continuous or on-the-spot monitoring?

This purchase factor is subject to the frequency of use of the device, whether it is sporadic or on the spot or, on the contrary, continuous monitoring.

Models of pulse oximeters for on-the-fly monitoring can be any available on the market, e.g. sensor boards. For continuous monitoring it is very popular to choose wrist or watch monitors, because of their practicality as they are wireless, day and night use and long power durability.

Adults, children or infants

Due to the dimensions of the devices for use with children or babies, it is necessary to look for special brands. The design for them is designed to fit small fingers; they are also available for use on the foot or head as required.

Another reason for the children’s variant is that the limbs are not of the same size and strength for the use of the device. And for something more high-tech, there is the prenatal variant, which is commonly monitored within medical facilities.

(Featured image source: Clickandphoto/ 123rf.com)