Best Pulse Oximeter: Benefits, Features & How to Measure SpO2

A pulse oximeter is one of the must-have tools, especially during COVID-19. This small and portable device helps to check the blood oxygen level and pulse rate at home. The tool is easy to use and does not require any medical assistance. This device is also helpful to monitor the health of middle-aged or elderly people. While there are many types of oximeters available in the market, there are only a few brands that can be trusted as it is a matter of your life. Here we have shortlisted best pulse oximeter for home use. Before that, let’s have a look at its benefits and features.

What is Pulse Oximeter?

A Pulse Oximeter is a lightweight and small device that is used to measure the pulse rate and monitor the level of oxygen carried in the body. One has to insert his or her fingertip in this tool to check the SpO2. The results would be displayed on the screen, and since the entire process is painless, anyone can use it.

Blood Oxygen Saturation (SpO2)

SpO2 is the estimated amount of oxygen in the blood. SpO2 reading of 95% or above is considered a normal oxygen level. However, if it is 92% or less, it suggests a poor blood saturation level. Low saturation can lead to a number of health conditions such as increased heart rate, shortage of breath and pain in the chest.

Pulse Rate

It is the estimated number of times the heart contracts in a minute. The normal PR of an adult is between 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). A lower heart rate implies better cardiovascular fitness and efficient functioning of the heart. Pulse rate below 60 bpm can be an indication of slow heart action, which could further give way to chest pain, fatigue and other health problems.

Features and Benefits of Pulse Oximeter

This small device can be used at home or clinic to know the oxygen level and pulse rate. It can be used to monitor the health of individuals who are suffering from any of the following health condition that affects their oxygen level which includes COVID.

• Breathing problem
• Lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, pneumonia, and asthma.
• Anaemia
• Heart-related problems like heart failure & congenital heart defects.

Pulse Oximeter also helps in the following ways:

• Assess the effect of a new lung medication.
• Monitors SpO2 during or after any kind of surgery.
• Assess one’s ability to tolerate an increase in physical activity.
• Evaluate the breathing pattern

List of Best Pulse Oximeter in India to Measure SpO2

There are many types of Oximeter available on e-commerce platforms like Amazon, Flipkart etc. You can also buy such type of medical devices from online medical portals like 1MG, Medlife, PharmEasy and Apollo. Following are the best Pulse Oximeter for home use.

1. Dr Trust (USA) Professional Series Finger Tip With Audio Visual Alarm and Respiratory Index Pulse Oximeter (Blue)

Dr. Trust is one of the best Oximeter brands in India. This professional oximeter can be attached to the finger in order to accurately determine pulse, respiratory rate, pulse graph and oxygen level. It is water-resistant and can even withstand a few splashes of water. This Oximeter has a bright multi-directional OLED display that allows you to read all the measurements without any problem. Since it displays reading in large fonts thus, older adults can also use it without any hassle.

This pulse oximeter also boasts alarm and brightness settings which makes it a handy tool. In the box, you will get Finger Oximeter, battery, a lanyard and a user manual.

Price: ₹4,750

2. Smart Saver Fingertip Pulse Oximeter for Health Pulse Oximeter

Next in the list of top-rated pulse oximeter for home use is this Smart Saver pulse oximeter which is available in black colour. It is clinically tested and claims to provide the most reliable and fast pulse and SpO2 reading. Its fingertip clip is covered with silica gel which makes the tip soft and painless. This pulse oxygen saturation monitoring device is small, lightweight and perfect for carrying in handbags. It also comes with a detachable lanyard through which one can check the oxygen saturation even on the go.

The USP of this oximeter is its auditory alarm that would notify when your pulse or SpO2 rate goes beyond the set limit. The box carries a finger pulse oximeter, user manual and 2*AAA batteries along with a year after-sale service.

Price: ₹2,799

3. MEDITIVE MPO 03(G) Pulse Oximeter

MEDITIVE is yet another best oximeter brand in India. This fingertip pulse oxymeter is designed according to the CE and FDA standards and is suggested by professionals. The tool is ideal for obtaining the blood oxygen saturation level, pulse and even respiratory rate, and perfusion index. It is very convenient to use; all you have to do insert your finger and press the button. Soon the readings would be visible on the screen. Since this tool has an LED display thus, anyone can check the reading.

It comes with the 2 2 AAA batteries and a one-year manufacturer warranty.

Price: ₹3,799

4. Sahyog Wellness Fingertip OLED Type Pulse Oximeter

This compact pulse oximeter is the perfect tool to add to your medical box that too during COVID. It has long battery life and allows you to measure SpO2, perfusion index and PR level instantly at home. This device automatically turns-on as you attach your finger to it. This Oximeter is available with one year warranty that is an additional benefit of buying the tool. A special mention to its price which makes it affordable as compared to its competitors.

Price: ₹1,248

5. Beurer PO30 Pulse Oximeter

This pulse ox is equipped with an LED display that shows a clear and accurate reading of pulse and SpO2 in seconds. One can adjust the brightness of the screen according to preference. It is suitable for sports and high altitudes. This device has a low battery indicator that allows you to know when to change its batteries. The tool comes along strap and belt pouch.

On top of this, Beurer PO30 Pulse Oximeter is available with five years warranty. Beurer is one of the trusted German brands globally known for manufacturing medical equipment and blood pressure machines.

Price: ₹ 3560

Read Also: Covid-19 Vaccine Registration for 18+ Years in India

COVID-19: Step by Step Guideline to use Oximeter at Home

Pulse ox is easy to use and can be used even while travelling since the tool is handy. However, one should follow a step-by-step guide to track the blood oxygen level, especially COVID-19 patients.

• Step 1 – Remove nail polish or fake nails and warm your fingers if they are cold before putting the pulse oximeter.
• Step 2 – Rest for a while, and then take the measurement.
• Step 3 – Rest your hand on your chest near the heart level and hold it for some time.
• Step 4 – Switch on your pulse oximeter and insert your index finger or middle finger in the fingertip clip.
• Step 5 – Wait for some seconds, as readings would fluctuate in the beginning. Once it is stable, you can check the reading.
• Step 6 – Record the highest reading.
• Step 7 – Identify all the recordings carefully.
• Step 8 – Record the reading from baseline, and it is best to record three times a day that too at the same time.

Conclusion:

A pulse oximeter is a need of the hour; with the increase in the cases of COVID, it has become almost a necessity. Why? It saves your trips to hospitals as you can check your oxygen level and pulse rate at home itself and find out whether you need medical assistance or not. Make sure you buy an oximeter from a trusted brand as it would give you reliable readings. To help you, we have listed best pulse oximeter in India that you can add to your medical box.

Also Read: Pregnancy and COVID-19 – Challenges & Safety Measures

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