Pulse oximeters for home usage aren't new, but as Covid's second wave has struck devastation across India, more individuals are seeking it. Thousands of individuals have died as a result of this terrible virus and have infected millions of others. During this wave, more people needed oxygen support. Many people have become critically ill as a result of failing to check their oxygen levels.
India is currently responsible for more than half of the world's active covid cases. Because the conditions are so serious, having a basic awareness of essentials such as medications, medical gadgets, and other items is important. A pulse oximeter can be used at home to check the oxygen level at any time. However, there are low-quality devices in the market that can hinder not only your health but can cost you your life.
We have curated the 10 Best Pulse Oximeters you can use at Home in India along with what a typical read looks like, how to pick the right equipment for your requirements and more.
What is an Oximeter?
A Pulse oximeter is a medical equipment that allows you to test the percentage of oxygen in your blood, also known as oxygen saturation. It's a non-invasive sensor that can measure even little changes in your body's oxygen levels in real-time. An oximeter is a clip-like medical device that connects to a pointed body part such as fingers or toes.
Oximeter - A Necessity in Pandemic
Oximeters were traditionally used in emergency rooms or hospitals during life-threatening situations. However, it can now be found in the majority of urban houses due to the COVID-19 situation. A high-quality oximeter can be quite helpful in detecting the virus's early symptoms. This early discovery allows the patient enough time to seek medical help as soon as possible.
Until 2019, health workers were the only ones who could use this life-saving device. However, sales of the oximeter rocketed in 2020. The worldwide pulse oximeter market was worth $2.3 billion in 2020, and it is predicted to increase at a 6.4 per cent annual pace over the following seven years.
Uses of Pulse Oximeter
Here are some of the common and needful uses of an Oximeter –
- Oximeters can identify if a person with Asthma requires breathing support.
- To determine whether or not a ventilator is effectively increasing the patient's oxygen levels.
- It can tell if a new drug is working for patients with lung functioning problems.
- Many surgical procedures need sedation of the patient. An oximeter is used to measure the oxygen level in such instances.
- Athletes use it to assess their oxygen capacity as a result of increased physical activity.
- While undergoing an oxygen therapy treatment for the first time.
- A pulse oximeter is used for a patient with sleep apnea to determine the breathing and oxygen level.
Oximeters used for the following Medical Conditions.
We now know what the uses of a Pulse oximeter for home use are, let look at the medical condition it can come in handy.
- Asthma
- Lung Cancer
- Congenital Heart Defects.
- Pneumonia
- Anaemia
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
- Heart Attack
If you or a loved one suffers from any of the medical conditions listed here, it is a good idea to keep an oximeter for instant reading.
How to Use a Pulse Oximeter at Home?
Using a Pulse Oximeter at Home is very easy as most work the device does, you just have to follow the following points –
- Relax your breathing.
- Clean your hands and nails. Remove nail paint and henna if there is any.
- Your hands should be at room temperature. Not cold or warm.
- Use the Pulse Oximeter on the index or middle finger.
- Let it stay on for 1 min to get an accurate reading.
- It will display the oxygen level.
According to Chaim Backman, a typical pulse oximeter reading is between 98 and 99 percent. Anything below 90% suggests a more significant problem that requires immediate attention.
How to Read a Pulse Oximeter?
There are a number of different Pulse Oximeter brands, finding the best Oximeter in India just got easier with the list we are about to provide you. Before that here is how you read an Oximeter reading and what it means -
SpO2
It is a measure of the oxygen saturation level in your arteries. Higher oxygen saturation indicates more oxygen in the arterial blood. If your SpO2 is between 97 and 100 per cent, your body is normal; if it is below 96 per cent, you may need extra rest and recovery. It's common for your SpO2 to be 3 to 5% lower at greater elevations above sea level, starting at roughly 3,000 feet. Your SpO2 will decrease as you ascend in altitude.
PI Perfusion index
It is an indication of the pulse strength or blood flow at the sensor site. The perfusion index may vary with time, exercise or any health condition. The PI's values range from 0.02% for the very weak pulse to 20% for an extremely strong pulse.
RR Respiration rate
The normal respiration rate for an adult at rest is 12 to 20 breaths per minute. A respiration rate under 12 or over 25 breaths per minute while resting is considered abnormal.
10 Best Pulse Oximeters you can use at home.
1. Hesley Pulse Oximeter Fingertip
Hesley is a renowned name when it comes to health devices and equipment. The brand employs cutting-edge technology, and its goods have received FDA and CE approval. A standard pulse oximeter has a battery life of 1-2 hours, whereas the Hersey Pulse oximeter has a battery life of up to 24 hours. You can measure your Pulse Rate, Spo2, PI Accurately which make it one of the best Oximeters in India.
Price – Rs 2,199
Key Features –
- Multi-Directional OLED Display
- It features a simple one-button design that makes it simple to operate.
- The oximeter shuts down on its own.
- Low Power Consumption
- Alarm for abnormal readings
2. Dr Trust Signature Series Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
People looking for a low-cost Pulse Oximeter in India for home use can go for this very model. This non-invasive medical device is necessary equipment for patients with heart disease and athletes. It's a fast-reading oximeter that takes only 6 seconds to display results. It also displays the PI, or perfusion index, which indicates the intensity of the pulse.
Price - Rs 2005
Key Feature –
- Water-resistant.
- Hypoallergenic Design
- Rotatable multidirectional display
- This oximeter has long battery life.
- Prevents Hypoxia
- Shows Accurate results
- Self-turn off feature
3. BPL Smart Pulse Oximeter
The BPL brand has been serving India since 1963 and is one of the most well-known in the country. This smart oximeter from BPL Medical Technologies is a must-have during these COVID days. The BPL Oximeter is perfect for measuring blood oxygen levels.
This oximeter has a battery life of 20 hours and comes with two AAA batteries for immediate use. It also has an alarm system that notifies consumers when severe lows or highs occur.
Price – Rs 4,699
Key Features –
- Perfusion Index Display
- Measures the pulse date with a maximum deviation of +/-2 bpm
- Visual and audible alarm indication alerts.
- Connects to a smartphone through Bluetooth (Android 4.3 or higher)
- Four directions and six display modes OLED display
4. HealthSense Accu-Beat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
While developing this medical equipment, Health Sense took every precaution possible. Made of medical-grade silicone and devoid of latex to avoid any adverse reactions when measuring. It is one of the best Oximeters in 2024 thanks to its design and accurate readings.
It's adaptable and can fit any finger size. In under 8 seconds, the colourful display shows SpO2, Perfusion Index (PI), Pulse rate, and a Plethysmograph.
Price – Rs 1699
Key Features –
- Hypoallergenic
- One Button Operation
- 8 Sec Fast Reading & Smart Display
- One Year Warranty
- Four Direction Displays
5. Dr Odin Pulse Oximeter
Dr Odin is a well-known health and awareness brand. The Pulse oximeter reads in 10 seconds giving you an exact reading of your blood oxygen level, pulse rate, and PI. It also has a pulse sound mechanism that will alert the user. The oximeter from Dr Odin has a six-display mode and a low-battery alert. It is a fantastic option for sports fans.
Price – Rs 1800
Key Features –
- Comes with OLED Display
- Alarm alert Function
- Fingertip pulse oximeter
- Six display mode
6. Beurer PO30 Pulse Oximeter
Patients with heart failure, bronchial asthma, and other cardiac problems will benefit from this product. Its shape makes it an excellent choice for athletes and high-altitude activities. It's a user-friendly gadget with a straightforward UI that's straightforward to operate. For effective power conservation, it has four visual display modes, a low battery warning, and an auto-switch off.
Price – Rs 3,560
Key Features –
- Four Visual Display Mode with LED
- Automatic Power Off
- Low Battery Indicator
- Includes 2 x AAA Batteries.
- Lightweight & Compact
7. DR VAKU Pulse Oximeter with OLED Display
DR VAKU Pulse Oximeter with OLED Display is one of the best pulse oximeters in India. It has a 4.5 rating on Flipkart and is a customer favourite for home use. The pulse oximeter allows you to assess your blood oxygen saturation and pulse rate quickly and accurately. The one-button design of this self-adjusting oximeter makes it simple to use.
Price – Rs 2,199
Key Features –
- Accurate Blood Oxygen Monitor
- 6 seconds SpO2 detection
- Bright OLED display
- Portable and lightweight make it easy to carry.
- This oximeter has excellent battery life.
8. Choicemmed Finger Pulse Oximeter
The choice mind oximeter features a dual-colour OLED display for simple reading of SpO2 and pulse. It has a tough construction that makes it suited for harsh handling activities like mountain climbing, cycling, and other athletic activities. To save battery life, the oximeter switches off automatically after 5 seconds of use.
Price – Rs 1899
Key Features –
- Accurate and Reliable
- Read and display up to 100% for SpO2.
- For sports enthusiasts like mountain climbers, skiers, bikers, etc
- Finger chamber with SMART Spring System.
- Works for ages 12 and above.
9. Dr Morepen PO-15 Pulse Oximeter
Dr Morepen PO-15 Pulse Oximeter for home is a quick and easy way to monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels. You can simply monitor your pulse rate and SpO2 levels with this tiny and portable instrument. The oxygen saturation, pulse rates, Perfusion Index, Pulse Strength Bar Graph, and Plethysmography values are all displayed on the pulse oximeter's colourful display.
Price – Rs 1,799
Key Features –
- Accurately determine your SpO2 (blood oxygen level) in under 7 seconds
- Perfusion Index (PI) helps determine if you’re taking your pulse rate properly.
- High contrast LED display that features bright and large digits.
- AAA batteries will last for over 6 months.
- 6 Display Modes
10. MEDITIVE Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
The MEDITIVE Fingertip is one of the Best Pulse Oximeter in India currently. It is a non-invasive device that can assess your pulse rate and oxygen levels within seconds. The MEDITIVE Fingertip Pulse Oximeter can be used at home or in a hospital setting. It has an easy read LED-Display that displays Blood oxygen SPO2 value, Pulse Rate PR value, Blood oxygen bar graph, pulse waveform graph, PI, Respiratory Rate (RR).
Price – Rs 1390
Key Features –
- Non-Invasive and Easy to Use
- Unique Feature of Displaying Respiratory Rate
- Auto Power On & Off
- Water-Resistant
- Buzzer- Visual Alarm.
If you want to precisely measure your heart rate and oxygen level, always go for a reputable brand of the oximeter. Let us know if the article above is helpful to you and what are your views on the growing need for the medical device due to the pandemic.
An important parameter is being missed here when ranking Pulse oximeters:
FDA, CE and RoHS certification/ approval
Using Microtek Pulse Oximeter which meets these criteria and has proven to be good use when I was Covid affected.
This ensures that the medical device conforms to certain defined medical standards.
Otherwise they are just fancy chinese toys with light and sound.