The best pulse oximeters in the UK 2023

The Covid-19 pandemic affected the entire world. People began to adapt by looking for methods to monitor their health without going to a doctor or a specialized center. The pulse oximeter is one of them. This small medical device measures the level of oxygen saturation in the blood as well as the heart rate. Are you looking for one too? Follow the guide.

Pulse oximeter PO-40 Beurer 1
8/10

Best value for money

Pulse oximeter PO-40 Beurer

The best pulse oximeter in 2021

From a value-for-money perspective, you won't find a better pulse oximeter than the Beurer PO-40. It provides an accurate measurement of your oxygen saturation level, but also of your heart rate.

49,18 £ on Boulanger

Although pulse oximeters are basically portable devices, there are some that are heavier and larger than others. And the Beurer PO-40 is smaller and lighter than the others, which increases its practicality. In fact, it weighs only 55 g and can easily fit into a bag or trouser pocket. Moreover, it has a shoulder strap and a belt pocket.

The special features of this Beurer oximeter include an automatic shut-off and a battery indicator. In this regard, it should be noted that this device works with two AAA batteries. In addition to accurately measuring the oxygen saturation level in the blood, the Beurer PO-04 also displays your heart rate and pulse modulation index (PMI). In addition, you can adjust the brightness of the color LCD screen for optimal reading of the results.

Konjac Saturomètre 2
7/10

Best value for money

Konjac Saturomètre

The best entry-level pulse oximeter

Despite its price positioning, this Konjac pulse oximeter is very accurate and has a good quality of manufacture. If you are looking for a cheap model, this one will not disappoint you!

See price

The Konjac Saturometer pulse oximeter is a versatile and comprehensive model. It can be used in healthcare facilities or at home. In addition, its compact design and light weight make it easy to hold. You can store it perfectly in your bag or your pocket without risk of damaging it. Moreover, thanks to the cable provided, you can wear it around your neck or wrist.

The Konjac Saturometer measures the oxygen saturation in the blood over a range of 0 to 100% with an accuracy of ±2%. It should also be noted that this pulse oximeter also measures heart rate with an accuracy of ±2 bpm over a range of 30 to 250 bpm, but also the perfusion index. It comes with two AAA batteries and can be used by anyone.

iHealth Air PO3M 3
9/10

Best value for money

iHealth Air PO3M

The best high-end pulse oximeter

High-end pulse oximeters are becoming rare on the market. But if you want the best, go for the iHealth Air PO3M. Aside from its high accuracy, this model stands out with its free dedicated app.

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The iHealth Air PO3M is a professional quality oximeter that can be used at home. In fact, many doctors use it. It can display an accurate measurement of your blood oxygen saturation level, as well as instantly indicate your heart rate and perfusion index. This model has a blood oxygen level measurement range of 70 to 99% with an accuracy of ±2%. For the measurement of heart rate, it is between 30 and 250 bpm with an accuracy of ±2 bpm

You can pair the iHealth Air PO3M with an Apple or Android smartphone. To do this, you need to download and install the free iHealth MyVitals application. It provides a curve of your pulse wave on your smartphone. You will also be able to track and analyze all your results, view your past measurements and share your data with your doctor.

Riester RI-1905 4
7/10

A great choice

Riester RI-1905

Excellent pulse oximeter

The Riester RI-1905 provides fast and accurate measurement of heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. It can be used in health care facilities and at home.

See price

The first thing that sets the Riester RI-1905 pulse oximeter apart is the bright LED display. The blood oxygen saturation level, perfusion index and heart rate are very easy to read. In addition, a visual signal makes it easy to recognize signal strength and arrhythmias. This model comes with two AAA batteries that guarantee 30 hours of continuous operation.

Of course, when it comes to pulse oximeters, accuracy is the most important thing. Thus, the Riester RI-1905 offers a measurement range of SpO2 from 70 to 100% with an accuracy of ±2%. The range of measurement of the heart rate is located between 30 and 235 bpm with an accuracy of ±2 bpm.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best pulse oximeter

Any specific needs?

The best pulse oximeter in 2021

The best entry-level pulse oximeter

The best high-end pulse oximeter

Excellent pulse oximeter

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best pulse oximeters

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Pulse oximeter PO-40 Beurer 5
8/10
Konjac Saturomètre 6
7/10
iHealth Air PO3M 7
9/10
Riester RI-1905 8
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Pulse oximeter PO-40 Beurer
Konjac Saturomètre
iHealth Air PO3M
Riester RI-1905
From a value-for-money perspective, you won't find a better pulse oximeter than the Beurer PO-40. It provides an accurate measurement of your oxygen saturation level, but also of your heart rate.
Despite its price positioning, this Konjac pulse oximeter is very accurate and has a good quality of manufacture. If you are looking for a cheap model, this one will not disappoint you!
High-end pulse oximeters are becoming rare on the market. But if you want the best, go for the iHealth Air PO3M. Aside from its high accuracy, this model stands out with its free dedicated app.
The Riester RI-1905 provides fast and accurate measurement of heart rate and blood oxygen saturation. It can be used in health care facilities and at home.
Display type
Color LCD
LED
LED
LED
SpO2 measurement range
70-100%
0-100%
70-99%
70-100%
SpO2 measurement accuracy
±2%
±2%
±2%
±2%
Heart rate measurement range
30-250 bpm
30-250 bpm
30-250 bpm
30-235 bpm
Additional features
Heart rate, perfusion index
Heart rate, perfusion index
Heart rate, perfusion index, dedicated smartphone app
Heart rate, perfusion index

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Buying guide - pulse oximeter

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How to choose your pulse oximeter

You might think that all pulse oximeters look the same, but that's not the case. By making your choice blindly, you may come across a poor quality model that will not meet your needs at all. So before you buy your pulse oximeter, here are some criteria to consider.

#1 - Precision

The main purpose of a pulse oximeter is to measure your oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate. The key selection criterion is therefore to find one that produces accurate results within its operating range in a consistent and reliable manner. Pulse oximeters generally use similar mechanisms to read data and differ in the way they are manufactured. The best pulse oximeters can take a measurement in less than 5 s and have an accuracy of ±3%.

#2 - Ease of use

Pulse oximeters typically work by inserting your finger into a sensor and then simply pressing a button to start measuring the oxygen saturation in the blood. So, generally, pulse oximeters work the same way and are easy to use. Also, make sure the screen is large enough for you to read. Some may display data in different ways, making them easier or harder to read.

#3 - The size of the sensor

Make sure you can comfortably insert your finger into the sensor. Generally, the clip that you put on your finger fits all finger sizes, regardless of the model of pulse oximeter. Also, for children and people with small hands, consider a pediatric pulse oximeter.

#4 - Certification

The

pulse oximeter is a Class II medical device and CE certification is required for sale in the European Union. While almost all oximeters on the market are now certified, this was not the case a few years ago. You can check the certification of a pulse oximeter by accessing the European Commission's medical device database and entering the manufacturer's name in the dedicated search field to learn more.

#5 - Additional features

In a pulse oximeter, there are also other, non-essential features that will bring you more convenience.

  • Memory: to save readings with measurements, time and date.
  • Shared memory: to save readings for multiple people.
  • PC connectivity: to save readings on a computer for later analysis
  • Accessories: storage pouch, note card, spare battery.

How does a pulse oximeter work?

Oxygen is absorbed by a protein in your blood called hemoglobin. When you breathe, your lungs load blood cells with oxygen, and then the pumping of your heart circulates oxygen-rich blood throughout the rest of your body. Fresh, oxygen-rich blood keeps your entire body, from your brain to the tips of your toes, working and healthy.

A pulse oximeter measures the amount of oxygen carried by the blood cells through your system and reports it as a percentage. This percentage is your oxygen saturation level (also called SpO2). Normal oxygen levels are between 95 and 100%.

A level below 95% may indicate problems with your body's circulation, but your normal baseline level may vary. A person's SpO2 may also be lower due to pre-existing conditions, the type of device taking the measurement or even the amount of light in the room.

A pulse oximeter is a convenient and painless way to get an instantaneous oxygen reading. It also has the advantage of measuring heart rate. Very easy to use, you just have to place the sensor of the device (in the form of a clip) on one of the extremities of the body (finger, toe, ear).

Once placed, the red and infrared light beams of the sensor will detect the quantity of oxygen in the blood. As these beams pass through your finger, the oximeter's photodetector measures the amount of red and infrared light transmitted through it. Deoxygenated hemoglobin has a blue-violet color, but when this protein is full of oxygen, it turns bright red.

Pulse oximeter or smartwatch with integrated oximeter?

Pulse oximeter

Oximetry is a non-invasive method of measuring the level of oxygen (SpO2) in the blood and the heart rate of a person. These measurements are obtained using a pulse oximeter. This Class II medical device uses wavelengths of light to measure the amount of oxygen in the blood.

Pulse oximeters are used in health care facilities to assess whether patients are getting enough oxygen during strenuous activity, when they are taking certain medications, or when they are undergoing surgery that requires sedation.

But today, pulse oximeters are widely used by individuals in their homes as a simple and painless way to determine how efficiently oxygen is being transferred to different parts of the body and how often the heart is beating. In addition, the results are very accurate and easy to read.

Smart watch with integrated oximeter

Today, the latest smartwatches are equipped with sensors that can measure the oxygen saturation in your blood. Garmin and Fitbit were the first manufacturers to integrate an oximeter into their smartwatches. Now, tech giants like Samsung and Apple have integrated an oxygen saturation sensor on the Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Series 6 respectively.

Obviously, conventional pulse oximeters are much more accurate than smartwatches with oxygen saturation sensors. Fingertip oximeters are only meant to measure oxygen saturation, while on smartwatches the oximeter is just one of many features.Moreover, pulse oximeter manufacturers are usually also companies that specialize in the manufacture of all kinds of medical devices. They know what they are doing and are more likely to be trusted than the technology giants.

So even if you place the watch in the right place, the measurement can be affected by a multitude of factors. This is especially true for watches that are not standard readers that you put on your fingertips, but around your wrist. These potential inaccuracies are why Samsung, Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin are very careful to emphasize that the readings you get with their smartwatches are not intended to be used for medical diagnosis.

Verdict

It is clear that if you want to have a pulse oximeter for medical purposes, a medical device that you put on your fingertips will always be the best choice. You will have more guarantees on the accuracy. On the other hand, if you are an athlete and want a portable and practical device to both listen to music and measure your performance (distance traveled, heart rate, blood pressure), having an oxygen saturation sensor will be a plus, but not necessarily a must.

Why buy a pulse oximeter?

Easy to use

The pulse oximeter understands that it is non-invasive, simple and can be used to assess trends such as oxygenation assessment during exercise, sleep, etc. In practice, we all know how simple these small devices are. Evaluations show that their use by the public leads to fewer errors than self-measurement of blood pressure.

Ensures patient safety

Pulse oximeters are like doctors to assess patient safety during physical activity or exercise, for example, in people with cardiovascular or respiratory problems. This pulse oximeter is also a value to be detected systematically in case of suspicion of COVID-19. It is clear that in these times, this early measurement of oxyhemoglobin saturation has real diagnostic and prognostic importance, influencing medical decisions.

Specifies

The pulse oximeter is an optical device consisting of a transmitter of light waves, red and infrared, transmitted through a measurement site such as the fingers or earlobe, and a photodetector that receives the signal after it passes through this site, transmits it to the monitor which analyzes it and returns a SpO2 value from a plethysmography curve. For example, it can indicate dangerous side effects in people taking medications that affect breathing or oxygen saturation. It can also monitor oxygen saturation levels in people under anesthesia.

Indispensable and Provides Peace of Mind

Today, it can be said that, for example, during the initial consultation of a patient suspected of having COVID-19, the use of the pulse oximeter to measure SpO2 is indispensable, along with the use of temperature. The pulse oximeter also offers peace of mind to people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.

Alert

This device can also provide an alert for dangerously low oxygen levels, especially in newborns.

Tips

Conditions that require regular monitoring of oxygen saturation

Certain conditions, such as those listed below, require regular monitoring of your blood oxygen level: lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, asthma, anemia, pneumonia, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For those who wish to lead a healthy and active life (despite their health condition), it is essential to constantly monitor their blood oxygen levels.

Consult a doctor if you are unsure about the results

As with

any measuring device, medical or otherwise, there is always the risk of an inaccurate reading. If you use a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen levels and are concerned about the reading, contact your primary care physician. And don't rely solely on a pulse oximeter. It's important to track your symptoms or how you feel.

Instructions for using a pulse oximeter

When

using a pulse oximeter, sit still and do not move the part of your body where the pulse oximeter is located, do not use the device on your hands when your hands are cold, remove nail polish if you have it

.

Normal blood oxygen saturation is not a guarantee of safety

It is

important to note that an abnormal SpO2 level alone is not sufficient to diagnose Covid-19, or any other disease. Conversely, if a pulse oximeter is not taking measurements correctly, a seemingly normal SpO2 score can belie other underlying problems and give users a false sense of

security

Why should you monitor your blood oxygen level?

SpO2 sensors are often used by climbers, free divers, marathon runners, and enthusiasts who like to do exercises that lower their body's oxygen saturation level. Think of them as oxygen super users. The rest of us don't really need to check our Sp02 as often. In medical situations, monitoring blood oxygen saturation can be critical. SpO2 is an important metric for monitoring patients with respiratory diseases such as sleep apnea, emphysema, or Covid-19.

FAQ

What is the best pulse oximeter?

The best pulse oximeter depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide for the best products available.

How do I use a pulse oximeter?

Most finger pulse oximeters turn on instantly when you insert your finger into the sensor in the form of a clip. Other models require you to press a button and then insert your finger into the sensor.

Is it painful to use a pulse oximeter?

A pulse oximeter is a painless device. Since there is no needle insertion or pressure on your skin. You will not feel any pain when using a pulse oximeter.

Who can use a pulse oximeter?

A pulse oximeter can be used by almost anyone, regardless of age. It is just important that your finger can easily fit into the clamp-like sensor.

Why use a pulse oximeter?

There are many different reasons and purposes that support the use of oximeters, including: monitoring daily oxygen levels in the home,monitoring daily oxygen levels in the home of patients after surgery requiring sedation (or during surgery),determining if a patient needs help breathing,evaluating the effectiveness of supplemental oxygen therapy,evaluating the effectiveness of new medications.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
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  12. , materielmedical.fr
  13. , pharma-gdd.com
  14. , sante.journaldesfemmes.fr
  15. , oxymetre.org
  16. , mediprostore.com
  17. , bastideleconfortmedical.com
  18. , girodmedical.com
  19. , amazon.co.uk
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  22. , mediprostore.com
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Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Pulse oximeter PO-40 Beurer 9
Pulse oximeter PO-40 Beurer
Konjac Saturomètre 10
Konjac Saturomètre
iHealth Air PO3M 11
iHealth Air PO3M
Riester RI-1905 12
Riester RI-1905

Lecteurs

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