Once you've decided to buy a pulse oximeter, make sure you choose a seller with a good reputation. Read our guide to digital thermometers - we give typical costs plus pros and cons of different types to help you choose Where to buy a pulse oximeter OLED screen Most devices have basic LCD screens, but a handful have slightly more advanced OLED screens.Display orientation Some pulse oximeters give you the option to rotate the display so it's easier to read when the device is on your finger.Most people are unlikely to need this on a regular basis, and we don't test it in our lab. It measures the ratio of pulsating to non-pulsating blood in your finger, and is used as an indication of how strong your blood flow is. Perfusion index Usually only pricier pulse oximeters will have this feature.On most pulse oximeters this is displayed as a number, but it can also be in the form of a bar graph or plethysmographic waveform (a continuous curve showing your heart rate). For a healthy adult, this is usually around 60-100bpm. Pulse rate The number of times your heart beats per minute.A SpO2 reading of less than 92% (or 88% for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) can suggest someone is seriously ill and needs immediate medical attention. Every pulse oximeter has this feature, as it's the main thing they're designed to measure. SpO2 reading A measurement of how much oxygen is in your blood.We've listed some of the phrases you might see when you're looking for a pulse oximeter, and what they mean: While our in-depth reviews can tell you which Best Buy pulse oximeters provide the speediest, most accurate readings – and are most comfortable to use – you might still be baffled by some of the terminology used. Head over to our AAA battery reviews to find out which brands we recommend. The charge can run down quite quickly, especially if you're using it regularly, so it's worth making sure you always have spare batteries to hand if rely on regular readings. You'll need to account for the cost of batteries too, as all the pulse oximeters we've tested use them - usually AAA, but you may come across some that use AA. You don't necessarily have to pay more to get a great model some of our Best Buys cost less than £20.īut if you're after particular features (such as a perfusion index function or a larger, OLED screen), the extra functionality will usually cost you more. Pulse oximeters typically cost around £15-30, although prices can vary from £5-50. Pulse oximeters are not a substitute for medical advice, and any at-home monitoring should be part of a clear health management plan.įind out more about the debate over pulse oximeters and Covid-19. If you're concerned about your respiratory health and think a pulse oximeter would be beneficial, speak to a medical professional first. Trials are ongoing, but if you're unwell, it's important not to rely on these devices without advice from a medical professional. For these patients, a drop in oxygen levels could point to something much more serious.ĭuring the pandemic, some doctors have suggested buying pulse oximeters to test your oxygen levels at home as a precaution, in case you become severely unwell with Covid-19. Pulse oximeters are useful monitoring devices to have at home for certain groups of people, such as those who are prone to respiratory failure, suffer from a chronic respiratory condition or require oxygen therapy. You might not even need to buy it yourself, as it might be supplied by the NHS, depending on your condition and circumstances. If you need a pulse oximeter, your doctor will usually advise you to buy one. The pulse oximeters in the table below came out on top in our testing, producing accurate readings while being comfortable to wear and easy to use. If you just want to see the pulse oximeters we've tested, head straight to our pulse oximeter reviews. Find out more about how our Great Value recommendations will help you save money. We implemented a Great Value badge that highlights good products that are at least 20% cheaper than the average product we've tested in pulse oximeters. We also advise on the best places to buy one and include links to our expert pulse oximeter reviews so you can see which models we recommend. Here, we explain how much pulse oximeters typically cost, the key features worth looking for and how to decide if buying one is right for you. Pulse oximeters are small medical devices that let you keep tabs on key health measures such as your blood oxygen levels and pulse rate at home, and share them with your doctor or clinician if needed.
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