Pulse Oximeters

The stethoscope and blood pressure monitor may be the most recognizable medical tools we have, but pulse oximeters are a close second for the most-used medical device. Pulse oximeters, or pulse ox, measure the amount of oxygenated blood (Spo2) in your body, giving medical professionals an idea of how much oxygen your body is carrying to vital organs and tissues. Pulse oximeters for home use allow patients to monitor vital signs with an extra layer. These tools give you a better view of your health and allow you to coordinate with your healthcare provider. If you have a condition that affects your blood oxygen levels — think sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, lung cancer, or heart failure, among many other conditions — you may benefit from an at-home pulse oximeter. Be careful, however. Many cheap models found on the internet don’t do much to measure accurately. They’re labeled “for recreational use” and aren’t going to give you the measurements you nee...