A Pulse Oximeter is a device that measures the proportion of oxygenated haemoglobin in the blood (SpO2). It normally takes the form of a finger clip or ear clip device.
Pulse Oximetry monitoring should be part of the management strategy for anyone with respiratory health / COPD sufferers.
What was initially the reserve of health care professionals is now available for home use at under £50.
Pulse oximeters allow you to quickly and accurately determine your blood oxygen saturation levels, pulse strength, and pulse rate.
However, the sheer number of options might make your choice challenging.
To help you select the best pulse oximeter, check out the following top models and the subsequent Buyer’s Guide.
Pulse Oximeters Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
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EDITOR'S CHOICE  |
1. Masimo MightySat
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RUNNER UP  |
2. Innovo Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
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3. Oxygen Pulse Fingertip Oximeter
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4. iHealth Air Wireless
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5. Concord Sapphire Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
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Our Pulse Oximeters Reviews
1. Masimo MightySat
Courtesy: www.masimopersonalhealth.com
The Masimo MightySat’s readability is second to none. The large LCD screen displays color-coordinated values, battery life, and Bluetooth status.
This pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation, pulse rate, perfusion index, respiration rate, and plex variability index. These five measurements make it one of the most well-rounded pulse oximeters.
Considering all that, it is easy to guess that the MightySat comes with precision sensors. It uses Masimo’s SET technology for on-the-go pulse rate and oxygen saturation readings.
The technology also allows the device to provide accurate measurements even at a low blood flow. And the unit features Bluetooth connectivity for data analysis and sharing.
Masimo’s Personal Health App lets you share the readings on TrainingPeaks and Apple Health. The app is available for Android and iOS and features an easy-to-navigate interface.
The MightySat is a compact and durable pulse oximeter. Since this is a clip-on device, it can work with a variety of finger sizes. It comes with a 2-year limited warranty.
- Readability: Yes
- Alarms/Alerts: No
- Sensors: Yes
- Battery life: N/A
- History lookup: Yes
- Durability: Yes
- Mobility: Yes
- Accuracy on low circulation and dark skin tones: Yes
- Finger sizes it works on: Any
- Warranty: 2years limited
- Lead-free, RoHS-compliant: Yes
- WHAT I LIKE
- WHAT I DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
- VIDEO
2. TempIR Pulse Oximeter (Temporarily Unavailable)
Courtesy of www.tempir.com
The TempIR pulse oximeter features an LCD screen with 4 different pages. You just need to press the button to switch to the display mode of your preference.
This device is an entry-level model, so it comes with only pulse rate and oxygen level sensors. Nevertheless, it is quick and accurate with a small waveform included.
Even though the TempIR is not engineered for continuous hospital-like monitoring, it does feature pulse rate and oxygen level alarms. The alarms can be turned off and on in the Alarms Menu.
In addition, there is a beep for each detected heartbeat. The TempIR requires two AAA batteries which are included (but don’t expect the free batteries to last long).
There’s no history lookup but you get excellent durability and mobility. This pulse oximeter can also fit any finger size since it’s a clip-on. It is CE 0482 compliant and FDA-approved.
- WHAT I LIKE
- WHAT I DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
- VIDEO
The budget-friendly Vive Precision is capable of precise pulse rate and blood oxygen level measurements.
This finger pulse oximeter is characterized by an all-black design and a clear LCD screen. The screen is not as big as on some other models, but it is multi-directional and easy to read.
The screen shows battery life, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, and a plethysmograph. There is also an alarm to inform you about low oxygen levels and irregular heartbeats.
The Vive Precision uses 2 AAA batteries, rated at 30-hour battery life. The device is compact and durable and comes with a carrying case for some extra protection.
The unit features a self-adjusting spring mechanism to fit most fingers without pinching. This mechanism also makes it perfectly suitable for different age groups.
In addition, the Vive Precision finger pulse oximeter is FDA-approved and comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.
- Readability: Yes
- Alarms/Alerts: Yes
- Sensors: Yes
- Battery life: N/A
- History lookup: Yes
- Durability: Yes
- Mobility: Yes
- Accuracy on low circulation and dark skin tones: Yes
- Finger sizes it works on: Any
- Warranty: 2years
- Lead-free, RoHS-compliant: Yes
- WHAT I LIKE
- WHAT I DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
- VIDEO
With its innovative design, accurate sensors, and wireless connectivity, the iHealth Air Wireless is truly a pulse oximeter for the 21st century.
The simple LEDs are installed flush on the device’s top section. They show only blood oxygen levels and pulse rate, but you can get more readings with the device’s smartphone app. The app adds perfusion index and plethysmograph.
But the smart features don’t stop there. The iHealth can store 100 measurements that wirelessly synchronize with the smartphone app to facilitaterecord lookup and analysis.
In addition, this pulse oximeter comes with a built-in 390mAh Li-ion battery which charges via a micro-USB cable.
The iHealth Air Wireless has gone through rigorous clinical tests to meet European and US standards including an FDA approval. This pulse oximeter comes with a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- Readability: Yes
- Alarms/Alerts: No
- Sensors: Yes
- Battery life: N/A
- History lookup: Yes
- Durability: Yes
- Mobility: Yes
- Accuracy on low circulation and dark skin tones: N/A
- Finger sizes it works on: Adult
- Warranty: 1year
- Lead-free, RoHS-compliant: Yes
- WHAT I LIKE
- WHAT I DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
- VIDEO
If you are looking for a simple yet precise and reliable pulse oximeter, you can’t go wrong with the Concord Sapphire. This fingertip pulse oximeter is also reasonably priced, so most people can afford it.
It features a brightly-lit display which is reversible for easier reading. It monitors only blood oxygen levels and pulse rate, without any waveforms.
One interesting feature, albeit not crucial for its usability, is that this pulse oximeter comes in 4 different colors. Each includes a lanyard and a carrying case for some extra protection. The 30-hour battery life is reasonable, and the two required AAA batteries are included.
When it comes to finger size, this device is designed for adults and children of 7 years or older. All in all, this unit is surprisingly accurate for an entry-level model. It comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Readability: Yes
- Alarms/Alerts: No
- Sensors: Yes
- Battery life: N/A
- History lookup: No
- Durability: Yes
- Mobility: Yes
- Accuracy on low circulation and dark skin tones: N/A
- Finger sizes it works on: 7+ year old
- Warranty: 2years
- Lead-free, RoHS-compliant: Yes
- WHAT I LIKE
- WHAT I DON'T LIKE
- Pros/cons overview
Buyer’s Guide
How Does a Pulse Oximeter Work?
A pulse oximeter utilizes infrared and the blood’s absorption of red light to estimate oxygen saturation levels.
Once you clamp the device onto your finger, minute infrared beams are let off and reach the blood in your finger. The light that is not absorbed by your finger gets to the light detector. The oximeter basically measures the difference in light absorption between the deoxygenated and oxygenated blood in your veins to estimate its oxygen saturation.
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Common Pulse Oximeter Terms
Pulse Rate
Pulse rate is equivalent to the heart’s number of beats per minute (BPM).
For those who are 18 and older, normal pulse rate is generally defined as 60 to 100 BPM. On the other hand, 70 to 100 BPM is considered normal for children.
It’s useful to know your pulse rate when you exercise as it signifies an influx of oxygenated blood. Pulse rate measurements can help you optimize your gym routine.
Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)
Sp02, or oxygen saturation, is a measurement which indicates the amount of oxygen in your red blood cells. A hemoglobin molecule is capable of carrying four oxygen atoms.
Per definition, oxygen saturation is the percentage of hemoglobin molecules that carry all 4 oxygen atoms.
Normal people have SpO2 levels between 95 and 100%. If the level is between 91 and 94%, you should monitor them closely. But if it drops below 90%, you need to go to the emergency room.
Perfusion Index (PI)
The perfusion Index indicates how strong your pulse is. It is the ratio of pulsatile blood flow (in your veins) to static blood (in your non-vein tissue). Pulse oximeters utilize the same infrared technology to measure PI,which is shown in percentage.
The usual PI goes from 0.02%,which is considered very weak,to 20%, which is considered very strong. There isn’t a universally accepted normal PI.
On the other hand, lower PI is usually associated with a medical condition while the higher values are considered as healthy.
Pleth Variability Index (PVI)
PVI, or Pleth Variability Index, is the changes in the PI index over one or more respiratory cycles.
To get an accurate PVI, a pulse oximeter records the PI differences (lows and highs) in a waveform. PVI changes might indicate some physiological conditions like intrathoracic pressure excursion.
Respiration Rate (RRp)
Respiration Rate shows how many breaths per minute you take. It is a function of your lungs and heart and is indicative of the recovery speed after exercising.
The normal respiration rate for adults is 12 to 18 breaths per minute. It translates to about 2-second inhalation and 3-second exhalation.
Endnote
This best pulse oximeter review should give you a clear idea about the best pulse oximeter for you. If you consider the number of features, durability, and connectivity, one of them stands out.
The Masimo MightySat is the one and it covers a wide range of uses and applications. However, if you’re more into a budget option, you can’t go wrong with the TempIR Pulse Oximeter.
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