Best Oxygen Monitor Fingertip buying guide
An oxygen monitor, or an oximeter as it’s commonly called, is clip-like equipment usually worn on the tip of the finger to detect the level of oxygen available in the blood. To do so, oximeters fire an infrared pulse through your finger. Don’t worry; it doesn’t hurt. The oximeter will then display the percentage of oxygen present in your blood at the moment on the screen of the device. The best oxygen monitor for fingertips can help you keep a close eye on your health, especially in these adverse times.
So, what do you look out for when looking to buy an oximeter? Where do you start? Browsing through tons of products on the internet can be overwhelming. In this guide, we have discussed all you need to look out for to find the best oxygen monitor for you. But let’s start with why you need to have one in the first place.
Why should you get an Oximeter?
Let’s face it. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the world. With the number of cases still on the rise, many people have become more aware of their health and are now investing more in devices that can help them keep track of their health. The oximeter or oxygen monitor (if you prefer) is one of the best devices for staying on top of your health. It helps users to measure their oxygen saturation primarily and heart rate.
The COVID-19 virus is a respiratory disease that can disrupt breathing and heartbeat rate. Constant check with a pulse oximeter can give you a heads-up way before things get out of hand. However, the device is only an indicator. It is neither prevention nor a cure for any symptom you might experience. Once your oximeter picks up any strange readings, you should check in with your doctor immediately.
Tons of medical conditions require that you keep constant tabs on your oxygen levels. Some of these conditions include lung cancer, asthma, pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases, Anemia, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
What should you look out for when choosing an Oxygen Monitor
Now that you know how important having an oxygen monitor is, we guess you are now ready to get one for yourself and your loved ones. But hold your horses! There are lots of manufacturers out there, and we cannot vouch for all of them. So, we have a checklist of factors you should look out for when choosing an oxygen monitor.
Certification
When an oximeter has a reputable certification, it simply means that it has been tested and found to be accurate, high quality, and fit for consumer use. Always check for the certification of a pulse oximeter before you buy it. Several organizations offer oxygen monitor certification. Some of the most renowned ones include FDA, RoHS, and CE.
FDA Classification
Lives depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of medical devices, so it is vital to choose a device that has been subjected to a great deal of scrutiny. To ensure that users understand the level of risk a device poses, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) provides three classifications for medical devices.
Class I devices are the least risky, while Class III devices are the riskiest. The FDA often clears the best pulse oximeters as a Class II device. This shows that it is safe and reliable to use. Always ensure that this is the case before using any oximeter. If you are not sure, give your doctor a call right away.
Accuracy
Pretty obvious, right? If you would assume your health from a few random digits flashing on a clip, it better be accurate. To get the most accurate and reliable oximeters, look out for FDA-certified devices. However, this is still not a sure-fire guarantee of its accuracy.
What are the different types of Oximeter?
There are different types of oximeters, with each having varying characteristics.
Continuous Reading Oximeters
Have you ever been hospitalized for any form of respiratory issue? If you have, then you must have been hooked up to a medical-grade oxygen monitor. This kind of monitor provides you with a continuous figure for your oxygen saturation level.
Personal Use Oximeters
These are the small portable clips we've been discussing throughout this guide. Although most doctors do not encourage its use, it can be a helpful tool for staying up to date with your health. As long as it is used properly, only good can come. Luckily, they are priced fairly cheap. You can get yourself a personal oximeter for under $25.
Infant Monitoring Oximeters
These are the small oxygen monitors used for infants to tell parents how well their child's heart and lung performance is doing. These days, parents can connect some of these monitors to a mobile app. This way, parents can easily keep track of their child’s vitals. However, this type of oximeter can be quite expensive.
Oxygen Monitor FAQs:
How does an Oxygen monitor work?
The heart pumps blood to the finger once it contracts and when it is resting. The blood then travels from the heart to the finger, back and forth. The oxygen monitor picks up the velocity of the movement and uses it as the measurement of oxygen saturation.
What is a good pulse oximeter reading?
It depends on the kind of medical condition you are experiencing. However, an oximeter reading of about 90% and above is pretty good for most people. Anything less might be considered a potential symptom or a sign of risk. Nonetheless, we strongly advise that you reach out to your doctor as soon as you notice any irregularities in your body.
Are oxygen monitors very expensive?
Fingertip oximeters are fairly cheap — you can get one for around $20 to $30. Medical-grade oxygen monitors are much expensive.
