Best Pulse Oximeter

Last updated on January 08, 2021

Taking your health metrics on a regular basis is one of the best ways to keep your health in check. One such device to help you monitor your oxygen saturation level is the pulse oximeter. It is a pretty small device that can help measure the level of oxygen in your blood without using any invasive means. A pulse oximeter is a small portable device that clips on the finger and provides you with your oxygen level within seconds. The device can also be used to measure your pulse rate and strength from the comfort of your home. It is a great way to notice any anomalies early enough and take necessary steps.

If you’re on the market for the best pulse oximeter, then you’ve come to the right place. You can easily purchase a quality and inexpensive pulse oximeter for use from home online. With our extensive buyer’s guide and reviews, we are helping you choose some of the best pulse oximeters on the market. Our selections are the best on the market carefully selected from some of the leading brands in the industry. Make sure you read through and choose a device that best works for you.

Table of Contents

10. Innovo Deluxe Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

Amazon's Choice for best pulse oximeter Zacurate Pro Series 500DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor with Silicon Cover, Batteries and Lanyard (Royal Black) 1 Count (Pack of 1). 12 hours ago COVID-19: What is a pulse oximeter and how to use it? Step-by-step guide - Oximeters are used to measure the oxygen level and heart rate and are extremely useful for coronavirus patients. Sitting at the top of our list of best pulse oximeters is none other than the Mibest Dual Color OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter. This is one of our favorite pulse oximeters for 3 primary reasons — quality, reliability, and, of course, affordability.

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This is a reliable and accurate oximeter that will deliver accurate and consistent results in all your clinical tests. It is a top-notch device on the market and one that is highly rated and recommended. The oximeter features a perfusion index and plethysmograph to help know if your measurements are correct. There are no guess works when measuring your pulse rate or SpO2. It also features an audible alarm that easily warns you when the set oxygen levels and pulse rates are beyond the normal limits. Overall, this is a simple and easy to use device with a large bright screen for accurate readings. It is a perfect fit for sports athletes and comes ready to use out of the box with 2 AA batteries.

Pros

Very accurate and reliable
Detects when taking wrong measurements with a perfusion index
Audible alarms when levels are beyond normal
Easy to use

9. Zacurate 500BL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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This is a top-rated blood oxygen saturation monitor and one that comes with a lanyard and batteries for immediate use. It is an accurate and reliable monitor that gives consistent blood oxygen level, pulse strength and pulse rate in a fast 10 seconds. This monitor is a perfect fit for the sports enthusiast, mountain climbers, bikers, skiers and much more. It is a versatile and easy to use monitor that works on persons of all ages. The monitor features a finger chamber with a smart spring system to accommodate all fingers sizes. You then need to press the start button and get your blood oxygen levels and other measurements on the LED screen. Overall, this is a quality oximeter with a 12 months warranty and USA based technical support.

Pros

Pretty easy to use
Excellent USA based technical support
Suitable for persons of all ages
Reliable and accurate

Cons

Takes a little longer before giving the true reading

8. Deluxe SM-110 Two Way Display Finger Pulse Oximeter

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The Deluxe SM oximeter is a newly upgraded design from the old model and one that comes with a two display for easy reading in different directions. It is a reliable and precise oximeter that will quickly measure your SpO2 levels, pulse rates, and strength. The monitor then easily displays all the readings on the screen for easy reading. The device is a perfect fit for fitness gurus, sports athletes, bikers, skiers and hikers. It is versatile and fits fingers of all sizes making it ideal for all persons. This pulse oximeter further comes with a neck carry cord and carrying case for easy storage and portability. It is one device that can be carried with you everywhere. It is also backed with two years warranty for worry-free buying.

Pros

Suitable for persons of all ages
Fast determination of your SpO2 levels
Reliable and precise
Two-way display feature for easy reading

7. Concord Emerald Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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The Concord pulse oximeter is another reliable device that comes with a lanyard, reversible display, and a carrying case. It is a quick and easy-to-use one-button device that will easily show your SpO2 levels, pulse strength and pulse rate in seconds. The device is also pretty versatile and works for children from seven years and adults. It comes with everything you need to get started right away. Some of the included accessories are the lanyard, batteries, carrying case, custom foam-padded box, and shock resistant protective cover. It is an efficient device with a two-way rotating display and an automatic shut off after 8 seconds of removing the finger. The device also features a low battery indicator to warn you when the battery is almost.

Pros

Rotating two-way display for easy data reading
Easy to use with a single button press
Versatile and works on children from seven years and adults
Excellent customer support

6. AccuMed CMS-50DL Finger Pulse Oximeter

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The AccuMed is another versatile pulse oximeter that measures oxygen levels on blood a pulse rates from the age of 4 upwards. It is a fast working device that will deliver results in 8-10 seconds. You easily get to read the results on the bright LED screen. The display features a lid cover that prevents washout and ensures the screen stays in perfect condition for long. Overall, this is a quality pick running on two AA long-lasting batteries. The batteries can deliver up to 24 continuous uses. The device will also shut off automatically when not in use further helping preserve the battery. This is a compact and highly portable device that comes with a convenient travel case for easy use everywhere you go. It also includes a lanyard for easy reach every time you want to use.

Pros

Included lanyard for easy reach
Low power consumption
Fast and convenient readings
Portable and lightweight

5. FaceLake Blue Pulse Oximeter

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The Facelake pulse oximeter is another sleek looking device that will measure your pulse rate and SpO2 in less than 10 seconds. The results are displayed in the large display screen for easy reading. This is a quality monitor designed for mountain climbers, skiers, bikers and other sports enthusiasts. It is a quality oximeter that comes with a carrying case for easy storage when traveling. It is also backed with a one-year warranty for confidence buying. The device features an automatic shut off feature helping you preserve battery when not in use. Overall, this is an excellent pulse oximeter with 2 AA batteries, a free carrying case, and a one-year limited warranty.

Pros

Large display for easy result reading
Automatic shut off feature
Faster measurement of SpO2 in less than 10 seconds
Portable and compact

4. Children digital fingertip pulse oximeter

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This is a fast-reading pulse oximeter that usually gives readings in 5-10 seconds. The device delivers accurate results as long as the finger is properly fitted and there are no movements. It is quite easy to use with a one-button press. Users only need to put their finger in the chamber and press it on to get their SpO2 and pulse rate measurements. This is a specially designed oximeter for kids with a special anime theme. It is beautiful with a sleek looking design to appear attractive and friendly to children. For added accuracies, the device includes a plethysmograph to indicate the amount of blood flow. Overall, this is a high-quality pulse oximeter with a multi-directional OLED screen for easy reading of the results. It works well for children from the age of two and more.

Pros

Easy one-button press use
Anime friendly children finish
Fast 5-10 seconds data reading
High accuracies with a plethysmograph

Cons

Gives wrong reading with a slight movement of the finger

3. Winfi Pulse Oximeter, Upgrade Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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The Winfi is a multipurpose pulse oximeter that will measure your PI, PR, and SpO2 fast and precisely. It is an automatic device that will take your readings even when you’re asleep. It will then store the readings for up to 8 hours for easy tracking and monitoring. The device finger chamber accommodates from pediatric to adult finger sizes. It is a versatile device for use by persons of all ages in different fields. It is a small, compact and low energy consumption device that comes with long-lasting AA batteries. The device features a one-button operation and a user-friendly design for fast and efficient use. It also features an alarm that alerts you when readings go beyond normal.

Pros

Easy one-button operation
User-friendly design for easy use
Multipurpose and ideal for all persons
Multi-directional display for easy reading

2. Vive Precision Finger Pulse Oximeter SpO2 Device

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This is one of the most rigorous and highly tested pulse oximeter. Each of the devices that come to the market undergoes rigorous testing and is approved by the FDA for safe use. It is an incredibly easy to use device. Users need to place a finger on the chamber, and your pulse rate, pulse strength, and SpO2 readings re shown on the screen. The device features an alarm function that will alert you of any anomalies detected. Overall, this is a ready-out-of the box device that comes with AA batteries, a lanyard and a convenient carrying case for easy usage. It also comes with two years warranty so that you can buy with confidence

Pros

Easy to use
Quick reading
FDA approved
Alarm feature

1. Choicemed Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

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The Choicemed Fingertip oximeter is our final choice on the list and one of the best picks to get you reliable and accurate readings. It is a simple device that gives fast on the spot checks. The oximeter features a large display for easy reading of the SpO2, pulse strength and pulse rate in seconds. It is an efficient one-button operation with a reliable and durable construction. The device features low power consumption and an automatic off design when not in use. When the battery is low, the device gives a low battery warning indicator. Overall, this is a versatile device intended for all sports and with all accessories included.

Pros

Low power consumption
Automatic shut off
Durable and reliable
Easy to use

Cons

A bit hard when to read when numbers are inverted

Pulse Oximeter Buying Guide

Choosing the best pulse oximeter can be really challenging with a wide range of options on the market. However, from our narrowed selections above, your selection becomes a lot easier. However, there are still a few things you need to consider. These things include:

Accuracy

Accuracy is one of the most crucial features when buying a pulse oximeter. Selecting the most accurate oximeter is never easy but choosing from the best brands increases your odds of getting an accurate and reliable device.

Features

You need to look at a number of features and choose those that best meet your needs. Some of the main features to consider include a clear and easy to read screen and audible alarm. These two features enable you to obtain information fast and take necessary precautions. There are also brands that offer history of your previous readings helping you keep track of your health. You also need to consider the battery life and automatic preservation mode that shuts off the device after a certain amount of time. Finally, the device needs to be durable and highly portable for easy use everywhere you go.

Price

The price usually varies from one brand to the next, but one can easily get a decent pulse oximeter from 15-60 dollars. You also need to consider guarantees and warranties when buying.

Conclusion

These are the best pulse oximeters on the market currently to help you measure your pulse rate and blood oxygen levels with ease from home. The brands above come with quality features that allow for easy use and setup. They are a great buy to help you keep check of your health. You can order any from our list with confidence knowing you’re buying one of the best picks on the market. Go right ahead and take the necessary steps to monitor your health today.

A pulse oximeter is a medical device that measures the oxygen level of a person’s blood as well as their pulse. It is most commonly placed over the end of the finger and uses light to determine blood oxygen levels.

The device is completely non-invasive and is considered generally accurate by health professionals. People with asthma or emphysema, athletes, and those diagnosed with the coronavirus can all benefit from a pulse oximeter.

There are scores of pulse oximeters on the market, but not all are created equal. After a comprehensive vetting process, we determined that the following are the best pulse oximeters of 2021.

Rankings

1. CKeep Pulse Oxygen Monitor

CKeep makes several different pulse oximeters, and this is our favorite of theirs. It’s a reliable piece of tech to have in the family health kit or to have in the gym bag or the backpack for the athletically inclined.

What we like: We appreciate the outstanding build quality of this oximeter. We like the comfortable manner in which it grasps your finger and that it’s not too heavy. It typically works fast and has a modest margin of error.

Flaws: Can’t really clip it to your belt when hiking or walking.

2. Choicemed Finger Pulse Oximeter

The Choicemed Finger Pulse Oximeter is one of the smaller, lighter, and more comfortable of the units we tested. Yet despite its lack of heft, it doesn’t feel cheap or insubstantial. You’ll get fast, reliable results in about 10 seconds in most cases.

What we like: The device is ready to go right out of the box. We appreciate that it doesn’t burn through batteries and that it weighs a modest 3 ounces. Hikers will also enjoy being able to sling it via the included lanyard.

Flaws: The readout is oriented toward the person using it. So, it’s not for medical professionals.

3. Mibest OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter

The Mibest OLED Finger Pulse Oximeter has a sleek contemporary look and one of the best displays you’ll find. The margin of error is typically less than 1%, and the device tips the scales at a very svelte 3 ounces.

What we like: We appreciate the clarity of the display on this pulse oximeter. The device is also easy to set firmly on the finger and has a low margin for error. We also like that it comes with batteries and a nifty carrying case.

Flaws: Has a pretty insubstantial feel to it. And it’s not so great if you have thick fingers.

4. Metene Pulse Oximeter

The Metene Pulse Oximeter is very popular. And when you see it in action, you’ll know why. It’s fast and accurate and displays the information in a very easy to read format. The Metene Pulse Oximeter is an excellent choice for mountaineers or anyone with respiratory issues.

What we like: This is a handsome, affordable device that is highly accurate and has a nice clear display. There’s a detachable lanyard for carrying it on your hike or even to work. And the silicone body feels comfortable against the skin.

Flaws: It’s pretty small, so those with less than perfect eyesight may have difficulty reading the display.

5. SantaMedical Generation 2 Pulse Oximeter

While the display on this pulse oximeter is a bit cluttered, the device itself is simple, fast, and reliable. It’s one of a growing number of oximeters that will record blood oxygen levels for you while you sleep. Great for those with sleep apnea.

What we like: The device provides SpO2 levels, pulse, Perfusion Index, which roughly translates to the strength of the pulse, and the pulse waveform. You get more than 30 hours of continuous operation on one set of batteries.

Flaws: The readout is a nice size, but sometimes half the readout can be in portrait mode and the other half in landscape mode.

6. Asobilor Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

The display on the Asobilor Fingertip Pulse Oximeter can be reformatted half a dozen different ways. The device is also very reliable and fast, although it is a bit larger than most other entries on our list.

What we like: We appreciate that the device does an equally good job on adults and kids. What the readout is modest in size but very clear. We love that the display rotates to suit the situation.

Flaws: Some of the info on the display screen is too small. Also, it sometimes gives slightly different readings depending on the finger you use.

7. Facelake FL400 Pulse Oximeter

The Facelake FL400 is a simple device with a simple design that typically produces accurate results in about 10 seconds. It’s surprisingly durable, and, unlike a lot of other pulse oximeters, it comes with a full one year warranty.

What we like: We like how easy the device is to use, the uncluttered display, and the affordable price. We also appreciate that hikers can sling this device using the lanyard loop. And the nylon carrying case is well made.

Flaws: Has a cutesy air that isn’t going to appeal to everyone. It also feels a bit fragile.

8. Zacurate Pro Series 500DL

Zacurate has the outdoor users in mind. The robust build quality is evidence of that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use it in your home. It has a low margin of error of typically around 1%. And while not waterproof, it is moderately water-resistant.

What we like: The Zacurate 500DL is light, accurate and has a large easy to read display. We like how light it is and that the lanyard loop enables you to take it anywhere. It’s also one of the best at carving out readings for those with low blood pressure.

Flaws: Battery life isn’t exactly robust. It can sometimes be slow in displaying the result.

9. Atmoko Pulse Oximeter Fingertip

Atmoko specializes in personal care and grooming products. But they also just happen to make one of the best pulse oximeters on the market. Compact and comfortable, it’s a perfect choice for home or gym.

What we like: This is a take-anywhere pulse oximeter with a low margin of error. We like the portability and comfort. We like the rapid results, and we like the affordable price point. And we like that you can adjust the screen brightness.

Flaws: Installing the battery can be a clumsy process. Doesn’t always like it when you switch fingers.

10. AccuMed CMS-50DL Fingertip Pulse Oximeter

The last of our pulse oximeters comes from AccuMed. Their CMS-50DL has an unremarkable appearance but is nonetheless accurate, quick, and reliable. An excellent choice for traveling, hiking, camping, or vigorous walks in the park.

What we like: We appreciate that it’s accurate and doesn’t make you wait all day for results. That the screen is easy to read and that it comes with batteries and a durable lanyard. We also like that it turns itself off to save battery power.

Flaws: The readout isn’t meant to be read by the person using the meter as it displays away from them.

Who Needs a Pulse Oximeter?

Anyone suffering from asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, heart disease, chronic bronchitis, or any other respiratory condition should have a pulse oximeter. Also, anyone who has contracted the coronavirus will want to have a pulse oximeter on hand to monitor their condition. That’s because most fatalities related to covid-19 occur when the person develops Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as a result of the virus.

Parents may also want to have a pulse oximeter to monitor the health of their children. When a child has a cold, this information can be as valuable as knowing their temperature. Because oxygen delivery to the muscles is vital to physical performance, athletes can also benefit from having a pulse oximeter. That way, they can monitor their blood oxygen levels.

How We Ranked

With a pulse oximeter, the most important thing is that it be as accurate as possible. However, short of having your doctor do a blood test to confirm your blood oxygen levels, there is not an ironclad way to verify the accuracy of the device. So it comes, at least to some degree, to common sense.

Therefore, if we tested a device on a person who was in robust health and the oximeter indicated an SpO2 level less than 90%, the device was likely having problems and did not make our list. Likewise, if the instrument returned different readings for the same person, it didn’t make our list. But, to be sure, troublesome devices were rare.

Beyond accuracy, we considered things like comfort and useability. Did the device pinch the finger to any degree? Was it too heavy? Was the readout large and bright? Was the display confusing? These devices also provide the user with their heart rate. Was that reading accurate?

We also gave extra points to devices that are easily synced with smartphone health apps, units that exhibited long battery life, and oximeters that were more reasonably priced. Build quality, durability, warranties and customer service were also part of the vetting process.

Benefits

A pulse oximeter can help those with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Patients with respiratory conditions like asthma (1) need to know their blood oxygen levels to know if their treatment is effective. With a pulse oximeter, they can track their blood saturation levels and then share those numbers with their doctor. The doctor can then use that information to refine their treatment if necessary.

A pulse oximeter can help people with sleep apnea. Many folks who suffer from sleep apnea (2) use CPAP machines (3) to keep their airway open as they sleep. It’s the most effective treatment known for this troubling condition. If they have a pulse oximeter that allows them to record results (not all do), they can review those results with their doctor. This will help the doctor determine if the pressure needs adjusting on the CPAP machine.

A pulse oximeter may help improve physical performance. Vigorous exercise is the key to good health at every stage of life. But people don’t always make the most of their workouts. That’s because they aren’t always aware of their blood oxygen levels at any given time. And blood oxygen levels are the key to effective exercise (4). A pulse oximeter can help you keep track of oxygen in your blood an adjust your workouts accordingly.

A pulse oximeter can help those with the coronavirus. The device helps those who’ve tested positive for coronavirus (5) stay up to date on how efficiently their lungs are working. And that’s crucial because pulmonary function is a clear indication of whether their coronavirus is in danger of morphing into the much more dangerous ARDS or Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (6). ARDS has been responsible for most of the covid-19 related deaths.

A pulse oximeter is very easy to use. In fact, it’s one of the easiest medical devices known. Just turn the device on and squeeze the ends to open it up then close it over the tip of your finger. Some units work faster than others. But in any case, you should have your blood oxygen level and blood pressure in 10 or 15 seconds. It might take a little more if you move your hand about.

A pulse oximeter can help someone with cardiac problems. People are often advised to use supplemental oxygen at home (7) if they have lung disease, or they’ve had open heart surgery (8). If you’ve been sent home with the instructions to use supplemental oxygen, a pulse oximeter can be of immense help. It can tell you when oxygen levels in your blood are dropping, so you know it’s time to don the mask and use the supplemental oxygen.

A pulse oximeter is affordable. 50 years ago, when the oximeter as we might recognize it today first appeared, the device was several times the size of the average PC. It was so big it was rolled around the hospital on a cart. It also cost more than $20,000, which at the time was a substantial amount of money. Today, the pulse oximeter can be had for less than $50 and is so small and light you can carry it in your pocket.

A pulse oximeter can help protect mountain climbers from hypoxia. If you’ve ever seen a documentary about Mount Everest, you no doubt noticed that on the upper part of the mountain just about everyone is using supplemental oxygen. That’s to prevent hypoxia (9), commonly known as ‘altitude sickness.’ A pulse oximeter can help you avoid hypoxia by altering you that your blood oxygen levels are falling.

A pulse oximeter is extremely portable. In fact, today’s pulse oximeters are so small that they’ll slip easily into your pocket. If you’re traveling, they’ll take up almost no space in your purse or carry on. If you’re a casual hiker or mountain climber, you can sling it from your belt or put it in one of the pockets of your backpack. The point is the pulse oximeter will go wherever you go and never get in the way.

A pulse oximeter can help pilots avoid hypoxia. Pilot spend a large portion of their lives up in the thin air. It’s important that they stay alert at all times. In the air it is crucial that blood oxygen does not drop below the 90% threshold. A pulse oximeter can provide a pilot with valuable, real-time information regarding his or her blood oxygen level. This, in turn, increases safety for everyone on board the aircraft.

A pulse oximeter is non-invasive. That’s one of its most attractive qualities. So many procedures, therapies, and diagnostic tests today are invasive. We’re thinking anything that involves drawing blood (including diabetic test strips (10) that require the user prick their finger), arthroscopic and laparoscopic surgery (11), and more. It’s rare to find any type of test that is both important and non-invasive like the oximeter.

A pulse oximeter can alert people to the side effects of different medicine. Most people aren’t aware of it, but there is a laundry list of medications that have the potential to create respiratory problems (12). These include seizure medications, rheumatoid arthritis medications, chemotherapy drugs, and more. If you are taking a medicine that has the potential to cause breathing problems, you’d be smart to have a pulse oximeter on hand.

A pulse oximeter can provide peace of mind. Uncertainty is a major cause of stress. And stress is a well-known aggravator of numerous ailments (13). If you suffer from a respiratory illness, the last thing you need is stress to make things even worse. A pulse oximeter that enables you to keep tabs of your pulmonary condition can go a long way toward alleviating unnecessary levels of stress and improving your health and quality of life.

A pulse oximeter can help you determine if your inhaler is effective. The inhaler is one of the most commonly used medical devices. People with COPD (14), asthma, acute bronchitis (15), and more all use inhalers to obtain relief. But in many cases, they’re not getting what they need from their inhaler, and they don’t even know it. A pulse oximeter can provide evidence that their inhaler is or isn’t working.

A pulse oximeter can be useful during an emergency. The pulse oximeter is incredibly easy to use. You don’t need special training, and it doesn’t present a threat to the person being tested. For this reason, it’s an outstanding device to have on hand in case of an emergency. If someone is suffering from a respiratory event, virtually anyone in the family can get a read on their blood oxygen levels and relay that to EMTs.

A pulse oximeter doesn’t require an external power supply. No matter if you’re on the beach or in your yard or halfway up a mountain, you can obtain a quick and accurate measure of your blood oxygen level. And in most cases, your blood pressure and heart rate too. That’s because these devices are entirely battery-powered. So there’s never a need to search for an outlet.

A pulse oximeter can be used in conjunction with other health-related apps. While most pulse oximeters won’t sync directly with your smartphone, the information they provide can be entered into a variety of health-related apps to provide more comprehensive feedback. This enables the user to put the information that oximeter is giving them to better use. Since the food you eat can affect blood oxygen levels (16), this information can be used to adjust your diet in a way that produces better results.

FAQs

Q: What is a pulse oximeter?

A: A pulse oximeter is a compact medical device designed to quickly and accurately determine and display the level of oxygen in a person’s blood; their SpO2 level. It is a non-invasive device that uses light to make its determinations. The pulse oximeter typically measures heart rate as well. And recent experiments show that it is useful in determining blood pressure too (17).

Q: How does a pulse oximeter work?

A: As we mentioned briefly, the pulse oximeter determines your blood oxygen levels by using light. That might seem a strange thing to say, but this method is actually very accurate. It is well-known that oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood affect light in different ways (18). As such, the oximeter emits light into the finger and measures the amount that passes through. That data is then fed through a complex algorithm that determines the SpO2.

Q: Are pulse oximeters safe to use?

A: The pulse oximeter is among the safest diagnostic devices in existence. Because it is completely non-invasive, there are no side effects to using it. And because it only emits broad-spectrum light into your finger, there is no chance of a person having a bad reaction to it. They’re also lightweight, so even elderly individuals with weaker fingers can use them. And they don’t pinch or damage the skin in any way.

Q: What is considered a normal blood oxygen reading?

A: Of course, a pulse oximeter isn’t much good if you don’t know what you’re looking at when the number comes up on the display screen. For an average, young otherwise healthy individual blood oxygen saturation, or SpO2, should be 97 – 100%. Older individuals will typically have a lower concentration level. But as a general rule, the SpO2 level should never be below 90% (19).

Q: Who should use a pulse oximeter?

A: Because it is used to test the efficiency of the lungs, a pulse oximeter will be useful for anyone with a respiratory condition. That includes people with asthma, COPD, lung cancer, pneumonia, and those with heart conditions. In addition, a pulse oximeter can be useful for anyone with the coronavirus or covid-19. That’s because it can alert them if their condition is morphing into the very dangerous Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Q: Which finger is best to use with a pulse oximeter?

A: Although most people will attach the pulse oximeter to their index finger, the middle finger of the right hand actually provides a more accurate reading (20). The difference is not vast. In fact, the NIH considers it to be ‘clinically unimportant’ in most cases. That means it’s not a big enough discrepancy to make any difference in a person’s treatment. But if you’re a stickler for accuracy, use your middle finger on your right hand.

Q: Why are the readings sometimes erratic?

A: There are a number of possible reasons. Beginning with low-quality equipment. But other things like moving your hand while the device is attached can interfere with the ability of the device to obtain an accurate measurement. Keep in mind that if you are experiencing dizziness, shortness of breath, or general difficulty breathing you should seek medical attention immediately.

Q: Is a low reading cause for concern?

A: It depends on your age, overall physical condition, and just how low the reading is. Anything under 90 should send up a red flag, regardless of your age or condition. Also, if you feel fine, but the device is saying your SpO2 level is hovering near 90, you may want to turn the device off, let it sit for a few minutes, then power it back up and try again. If the 90-ish reading returns, you may want to call your doctor even if you feel alright.

Q: Do you need a prescription for a pulse oximeter?

A: Unlike a CPAP machine or other medical devices, you do not need a prescription to buy a pulse oximeter. As such, you can pick one up from countless brick and mortar or online retailers. Including Amazon. It’s in the same category of devices as wrist or chest heart rate monitors: non-invasive tech that provides simple information by using no-impact methods that have proven themselves effective.

Q: Are pulse oximeters good for athletes?

A: Yes. A pulse oximeter can be a useful tool for an athlete. Muscle performance is dependent on the delivery of oxygen (21). So it follows that if an athlete is better able to track the oxygen levels in their blood that they’d be better able to make adjustments that would result in better performance. Especially when it comes to endurance. An oximeter is a cost-effective way to improve athletic performance.

Q: Are all pulse oximeter FDA approved?

A: As long as the device is designated ‘not for medical use,’ the FDA does not approve or reject such a device. They do, however, provide copious guidelines regarding how they believe pulse oximeters should perform (22). These guidelines are not enforceable, but most manufacturers abide by them anyway.

Q: Should people with respiratory conditions use a pulse oximeter?

A: Those with emphysema (23), asthma, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and more can all potentially benefit from a pulse oximeter. In many cases, people with such conditions who are able are advised to exercise. Exercise helps open up airways and improve the person’s overall physical state. Having an oximeter on hand can help these folks avoid respiratory trouble as they exercise.

Q: Can ambient light interfere with an oximeter?

A: Yes, ambient light can interfere with the oximeter. But not all ambient light. Only light contain from the red end of the spectrum. Devices that emit red light include heat lamps and certain red light anti-wrinkle therapy (24) devices. The solution is to either switch these devices off while using the pulse oximeter, leave the room where the red light is, or drape a bit of aluminum foil over the oximeter.

Q: Is it safe to use a pulse oximeter on a child?

A: Yes, it is safe to use a pulse oximeter on a child, no matter how young (25). In fact, it’s something all parents should consider. Colds, the flu, asthma, bronchiolitis (26), and more (27) are all common among the very young. A pulse oximeter can enable parents to monitor their child’s respiratory condition at all times. This is particularly important now as the coronavirus works its way through the population.

Q: How much does a pulse oximeter cost?

A: One of the many great things about the pulse oximeter is its affordability. Most of the best commercially available pulse oximeters cost less than $50 and will provide years of reliable service. Keep in mind that most private insurers cover the cost.

Q: Will Medicare pay for my pulse oximeter?

A: Medicare does not cover the cost of a pulse oximeter itself. However, if the oximeter indicates that your blood oxygen level is less than 88% (and you can get your doctor to confirm this), Medicare will cover 80% of the cost of any necessary oxygen equipment (28). If you are getting readings below 90% on your oximeter, you should always consult your doctor immediately.

Q: What do the alarms indicate on a pulse oximeter?

A: An alarm can mean any one of numerous things. The primary alarm alerts the user to the threat of hypoxia (low blood oxygen) and is often triggered by a reading of less than 90%. Another common alarm is for a low pulse rate. (After all, these are ‘pulse’ oximeters.) Additional alarms may indicate an abnormally high pulse rate or that the device is unable to detect any pulse rate.

Q: Can nail polish interfere with a pulse oximeter reading?

A: Yes, nail polish can interfere with a pulse oximeter in some instances. Researchers recently conducted a test of this hypothesis and concluded that black, blue, and green nail polish have a significant effect on the accuracy of pulse oximeter readings. Therefore, remove any black, blue, or green nail polish before using a pulse oximeter on a particular finger.

Q: What does ‘PRbpm’ mean on a oximeter display?

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A: ‘PR’ stands for ‘pulse rate’ and ‘bpm’ stands for ‘beats per minute. Monitoring your heart rate is the 2nd major function of a pulse oximeter, so this information is always prominently displayed.

Heart rate monitors
Glucose meters

Recap

The pulse oximeter is a valuable tool in helping people with respiratory problems monitor their condition. It has also found an important role to play in the battle against the coronavirus, as it can alert virus sufferers if their condition is deteriorating.

But the value of the oximeter doesn’t stop there. Athletes can use it to fine-tune their training regimen. Parents can use it to monitor the health of their children, infants too. And of course, anyone interested in just maintaining a high degree of overall health will find the information it provides useful.