Best Pulse Oximeter in India - Comparison and Reviews 2021

There are five(531.43) types of pulse oximeter available in the market, and they are as follows:

1. Finger Pulse Oximeter: Also known as portable pulse oximeters, these are used on the fingertips. You have to simply clip the oximeter on your finger (preferably the index finger), and the display screen will give you the results in no more than 10 seconds. They are lightweight, compact and portable.

   They are battery operated pulse oximeter and are usually used at home to check blood oxygen levels.

2. Handheld Pulse Oximeter: The handheld oximeters are better than the finger pulse oximeters since they give more accurate results.

   This type of pulse oximeter consists of 2 parts – the probe and the display screen. These two parts are connected via a cable, and the screen is handheld. The probe is to be attached to the finger (preferably the index finger), and you can see your blood oxygen levels on the screen.

   It provides continuous oxygen saturation monitoring and is commonly used in clinics, hospitals, emergency medical services (EMS), and medical institutes.

3. Wrist-Worn Pulse Oximeter: As the name suggests, a wrist-worn oximeter is worn on the wrist, and it is excellent for continuous monitoring. Doctors usually use this type of oximeter to measure your blood oxygen level while you are sleeping.

   It also has two parts - the probe and display screen. They are connected through a short cable. The probe is to be attached to the patient's finger, and reading can be seen on a screen worn on the wrist.

   Some of these oximeters are capable of storing the data, which can be transferred via Bluetooth. Some models also come with USB connectivity to make the data transfer job easier.

4. Tabletop Pulse Oximeter: These oximeters are similar to handheld pulse oximeters but a bit bigger than them. It also consists of a probe and the display screen that are connected using a cable. They are used in hospitals and other medical facilities. They allow checking of the plethysmograph, due to which they are preferred for monitoring newborns, kids, and adults. They can even store data of the patients. Tabletop pulse oximeters also come with audio and visual alarms that warn the user if there is a low pulse rate or blood oxygen level.

5. Pediatric Pulse Oximeter: As the name goes, this type of oximeter is used by paediatricians to monitor infants or kids below an age group of 4 years. These are finger pulse oximeters designed especially for the tiny fingers of the babies.

   Some pediatric pulse oximeters come with an alarm feature to alert you whenever the oxygen saturation level is low. And since it is designed for children, most of them have an anti-motion feature, so, despite the child is moving the hands, the device provides accurate results.

Accuracy is of prime importance when it comes to the oximeter. The deviation in most of the oximeters is within ±2% of the actual blood oxygen saturation level. This level of precision is acceptable in analysing the trend.

To buy an accurate pulse oximeter, you can either consult a doctor or choose a branded device as a reputed brand ensures more precise readings.

Pulse oximeter coming from a few brands are certified by authorised organisations. These certifications ensure the quality and standards of the device, ensuring that it is good to use. Some reliable certificates for oximeter are FDA, RoHS, CE.

A pulse oximeter is a small device, so screen size and display clarity matter more. These two things determine how easily you can see the readings. It is always good to have a decent screen size, auto-brightness feature, large numbers on display and different ways of arranging the data.

The display feature also includes a backlit display and colour combinations. You can select a combination as per your choice.

There are pulse oximeters available that allow you to adjust the brightness levels to check the readings under any lighting conditions comfortably. Moreover, most models nowadays have a multi-directional display, i.e. you can check the data from multiple angles.

The pulse oximeter must fit in your fingers properly to generate correct readings. But, how will you come to know if the oximeter will fit your finger perfectly or not? Perhaps, that’s why the latest pulse oximeter models come with an adjustable spring system to help you adjust the device according to the finger size. Therefore, a pulse oximeter can accommodate a wide range of finger sizes from children and adults.

However, if you are getting the pulse oximeter for an infant or a kid below four years, then choose a pediatric pulse oximeter. The sensors in this oximeter are calibrated correctly to get the job done in the right way.

Earlier, a pulse oximeter could take around 30 seconds to show the reading. However, the latest models can give accurate results even in as few as 5 seconds.

Durability is not about the long life of the device. It also prevents damage to the unit and shows accurate readings. In other words, buying an oximeter that is not durable can put your life at risk. Another feature of a durable device is that it is water, dust and humidity-resistant and can even withstand any condition.

There are oximeters available in the market with removable silicone covers to guard the device against scratches or damages. Similarly, some models have ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic shell because that is more durable than the polypropylene plastic shells.

Battery life becomes a crucial feature if you use a pulse oximeter daily or often. An oximeter usually comes with two of the batteries, either good-quality rechargeable lithium batteries or cheap AAA batteries, which has a life of a minimum of 30 working hours.

Talking about the battery, some oximeter models even have the low battery indicator feature. It is essential to have this function, especially if you rely on the oximeter for health management. With the help of a low battery indicator, you can charge or replace the battery in time.

Another function associated with the battery is auto power-off. A pulse oximeter with this feature turns off automatically in a few seconds of inactivity to save the battery.

There are typically two warnings you should look for in a pulse oximeter:

• Irregular Heartbeat: Irregular heartbeat refers to unsteady and not constant beats. If this is the case, a pulse oximeter would produce an audio warning.

• Low SpO2: Oximeter displays reading on the screen; however, yet a warning in the form of a beep or buzzer is helpful to tell you that the SpO2 level has dropped down.

An oximeter is not only used by patients who need to monitor their SpO2 levels often. Pilots, sportsperson, mountaineers also use an oximeter. And they can carry the device only if it is compact, lightweight and portable. The usual size of a finger pulse oximeter is 2 inches * 1 inch (length*width). You can easily carry the oximeter in a pouch or pocket. If that’s not your style, then get a device with a lanyard so that you can hang it around your neck.

A pulse oximeter especially purchased for home use, should be easy to use and not demand any know-how. This is one of the reasons that finger pulse oximeter are most widely used at home. You simply have to clip the device on your finger or toe, turn on the button and wait for 5-10 seconds for the output.

Some models of pulse oximeters display the readings in more than one way to make it easier to read and understand the details.

Automatically activated, as the name suggests, the pulse oximeters with this feature turn on when you place your finger or toe in it. It is not an essential but a good-to-have feature.

Memory or history saving is another good-to-have feature. It allows you to check the older reading and compare it with current readings to keep a track record and maintain a tab on your body’s performance.

A good quality pulse oximeter will cost you around ₹2000. The price will increase if the device has more advanced features like memory, backlit lighting, auto-brightness, etc.

Not all pulse oximeter comes with warranty. For the one who does, the warranty period remains six months or a year. Brands usually offer a warranty, therefore, prefer buying from a well-known brand. Moreover, if the manufacturer is providing a warranty, customer support service and easy return policies, you can be sure that the product is worth buying.

An oximeter measure oxygen in blood and pulse rate, and not co2 retention.

No. You lose the readings once the power is turned off. However, if your oximeter has a ‘memory’ feature, the readings are automatically saved, and you can check the reading history.

A pulse oximeter can help in detecting the symptoms of the diseases.

The strain of coronavirus enters the body via the respiratory system, directly affecting the lungs and often resulting in inflammation or pneumonia. It eventually reduces lung efficiency and the amount of oxygen in the body. Therefore, the pulse oximeter helps in detecting coronavirus symptoms more quickly.

Pneumonia is caused by inflammation and infection of the lungs leading to respiratory problems. Since it affects the lungs, it reduces blood oxygen level, which can be detected by a pulse oximeter, ultimately detecting pneumonia.

Pulse oximeters are being widely used for assessing haemoglobin oxygen saturation. However, they can also be used to detect heart rate at rest and during exercise.

Experts say that the right middle finger and right thumb have statistically higher value, making them perfect for clipping on for a pulse oximeter. 

Pulse oximeters work when the sensor is able to detect light passed through body tissue and the amount of light being absorbed by haemoglobin. If ambient light enters the probe site, this will stop the pulse oximeter from producing a reading at all or giving an incorrect reading.

Follow the step by step instruction for correct use of the oximeter:

• Place the clip-like oximeter on any finger, preferably the index finger.

• It won’t be painful, but you will feel a slight pressure.

• Wait for a few seconds. Usually, devices take 5 to 10 seconds.

• The device will display readings for a pulse, SpO2 and other vital signs it is designed for.

• The readings will be in real-time.

• Note the oximeter readings before removing the device. 

• Turn off the device if it doesn’t have an auto power-off feature.

• Sit quietly and comfortably before taking the reading.

• Keep still while taking the reading. Do not move your hands or shake the oximeter.

• Do not use the oximeter while wearing false nails or nail varnish, as that can affect the accuracy of the reading.

• Dr Trust oximeter determines blood oxygen saturation level (SPO2), Perfusion Index, respiratory rate, pulse rate and pulse bar graph.

• It is water-resistant and not waterproof.

• It is suitable to be used at home, clinic, and hospitals.

• It is feasible to record patients' vital signs with respiratory issues like COPD, COAD, emphysema, asthma, etc.

• It helps in preventing hypoxia by knowing about your asthma trigger.

• You can use it to count the number of breaths you are taking in one minute while resting.

• It has a wide, dual colour and multi-directional OLED display.

• It is a durable device, thanks to the high-quality ABS material. Also, the hypoallergenic latex-free material coated inside the finger chamber makes it anti-allergic and suitable for people with sensitive skin.

• The perfusion index of this device is quite precise at 0.2, whereas other devices usually have 0.6.

• It is certified and approved by the US FDA and European Conformity.

• It can be used by children as well.

• The anti-motion technology ensures accuracy despite slight body movement.

• The equipment has a low battery indicator, alarm, auto-power off feature, adjustable brightness, etc.

• It is suitable to check SpO2, PI and pulse rate.

• The pulse rate range is 25-250bpm, and accuracy is ±2bpm.

• The SpO2 range is 0% - 100% and accuracy is ±2%.

• Its compact size and lightweight make the device portable.

• It has an OLED display, and you can see data even at a low ambient light level.

• The pulse oximeter switches off automatically in 5 seconds after the finger is removed from the unit.

• Due to the universal finger clip, it fits a range of finger sizes.

• It has both audio and visual alarm.

• It records 12 groups of data of Sp02 and PR value. 

• The Hypoallergenic design makes it suitable for all those with sensitive skin.

• It is also water-resistant and not waterproof.

• It comes with six months warranty.

• You can use the BPL Medical technologies oximeter to check SpO2, PI and pulse rate.

• It is suitable for adults and kids. 

• The display is OLED and four directional.

• You can see the data even in dim lighting conditions.

• The minimum deviation for oxygen concentration in the blood is +/-2% and for the pulse rate is +/-2 bpm.

• It features visual and audible alarm indication alerts in case of high/low measurement readings.

• It is a lightweight device with a portable design.

• Meditive oximeter is suitable for measuring pulse rate, SpO2, PI Index, and respiratory rate.

• The pulse rate range is 25-250bpm, and accuracy is ±2bpm.

• The SpO2 range is 35% - 100%, and accuracy is ±2%.

• The device has OLED and a multi-directional screen.

• It is the only LED pulse oximeter that can read and display up to 100% for SpO2 value.

• It is a low power-consuming device. It automatically turns off when not used for 8 seconds.

• The one-button operation makes it easy to use.

• It has been manufactured as per the standards for pulse oximeters used by doctors and other health professionals.

• It is fit for a wide range of finger size.

• Low battery indicator, water-resistant, buzzer- visual alarm, and long battery life are some of its unique features.

• It is a lightweight and compact oximeter.

• The oximeter has one year warranty.

• Dr Vaku oximeter is our best value product with maximum customer reviews.

• It is suitable to check SpO2 levels, PI, pulse rate and respiratory index.

• The brand claims high reading accuracy.

• The oximeter powers off after 10 seconds of inactivity.

• It can be operated continuously for more than 20 hours.

• It has OLED, a large, and multidirectional display.

• Anyone with age 5+ can use it.

• It comes with six months warranty.

• FP 910 determines SpO2, pulse rate, Perfusion Index and Plethysmograph.

• It is aesthetically designed for precise readings.

• The high-performance sensors ensure accurate and reliable data.

• It comes with an alarm function for low and high readings.

• It has OLED and a multidirectional display.

• The oximeter is equipped with anti-motion technology.

• The response time is 8 seconds for this pulse oximeter.

• The medical-grade silicone finger chamber is allergen & latex-free, which helps in avoiding microbial reactions while measuring.

• Sound on/off, demo mode, auto-sleep mode are some of its unique features.

• It comes with one year warranty.

• Mievida gives an accurate reading for SpO2 and pulse rate.

• It has 0.9 inches OLED screen.

• The device auto-adjusts the brightness to save battery.

• Low or high SpO2 and pulse rate are indicated via a visual alarm.

• It has auto power off and low battery indicator features.

• It is a water and dust resistant device.

• It is a lightweight and portable device.

• This device adapts all size of fingers from children to adults due to the finger chamber design.

• The oximeter comes with one year warranty. Checkout buying guide, reviews and comparison of best glucometer in India.