Written by Hulet Smith, OT
Effective organ function requires a consistent oxygen supply, making oxygen saturation a vital indicator of how well the lungs work. Finger pulse oximeters are essential for patients needing regular blood oxygen monitoring, particularly those on specific medications or with certain medical conditions. These compact devices are invaluable for managing health conditions like sleep apnea, COPD, and post-surgical recovery by providing real-time oxygen level data.
 | 1) Drive Medical View SpO2 Deluxe Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter View Product |
For anyone living with a condition requiring regular lung function and blood oxygen level monitoring, a fingertip pulse oximeter can provide information to determine real-time updates and track trends. When the data points measured by a pulse oximeter are shared with your doctor, the information from this device can help determine what, if any, treatment and intervention you should have.
Finger pulse oximeters accommodate different sizes of patients. If you have kids in your house and want to monitor all family members, a pediatric pulse oximeter, or at least a model that can accommodate children and adults, is optimal. If you only need it for yourself, the ability to accommodate various sizes is not a consideration.
The finger pulse oximeter you choose should have an easy-to-read display. It can be in color, and the screen can show results from various measurements. The oximeters come in different sizes and, depending on the model, show results from a variety of measurements.
Poor circulation, different skin tones, and even having cold hands can seriously impact the readings on a finger pulse oximeter. If you fall into any of these categories, you should research whether it has been proven effective with those who have your condition or your skin tone.
These devices use different power sources. Rechargeable or corded versions would be a good choice for someone who doesn’t want to deal with replacing batteries. If you choose a battery-operated option, you don’t have to keep up with a charger or get tangled up in a cord.
These are very sensitive machines, and they are not inexpensive. Like all products supplied by Rehabmart.com, the pulse fingertip oximeter must be well-made and durable enough to withstand long-term use. A padded carrying case and a protective cover protect it if it’s getting jostled around a lot.
The first number that comes up most often indicates the pulse rate. Often, this number is marked by a small heart. The second number that comes up is the oxygen level in the blood. In models displaying a plethysmograph, a wave indicates pulsatile blood flow.
Oxygen saturation of 95 to 100 percent is normal for healthy children and adults.
A normal resting heart rate for adults usually ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute, although this is impacted by the level of efficient heart function and cardiovascular fitness.
Normal pulse rate for children is determined by age. Generally, it is 80-130 for children up to age 2, 80-120 for 3 and 4-year-olds, 75-115 for 5 and 6-year-olds, and 70-110 for kids aged 7-9.
During a pulse oximetry reading, a small clamp-like device is placed on the end of a finger. Small beams of light pass through the blood at the tip of the finger, measuring the amount of oxygen by determining changes in light absorption in oxygenated or deoxygenated blood. This reveals the oxygen saturation levels along with the heart rate.
A pulse oximeter works best if used on the index or middle finger.
 | Oximeter For Fingertip Pulse Reading with Red LED from HealthSmart View Product |
The Oximeter For Fingertip Pulse Reading with Red LED by Mabis HealthSmart is our number 5 choice for individuals seeking an innovative health monitoring device. This oximeter delivers rapid results within seconds and is designed to accurately and easily measure blood oxygen saturation levels, pulse rate, and pulse waveform. It is an essential tool for individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, allowing them to determine their blood oxygen levels and pulse rate with minimal effort. The device effectively alerts users to dangerously low oxygen levels, making it a perfect tool for on-the-go health monitoring. With its user-friendly design and accurate readings, the HealthSmart Fingertip Pulse Oximeter ensures users can easily manage their health.
 | Drive Medical Fingertip Pulse Oximeter View Product |
The Fingertip Pulse Oximeter by Drive Medical is our number 4 option for reliable and user-friendly health monitoring. This device enables easy pulse rate and oximetry measurement, making it ideal for many pediatric and adult users. The large, easy-to-read LED display ensures improved visibility for accurate readings, while the low power consumption and auto-off function contribute to efficient battery use. Capable of approximately 30 hours of normal operation, this oximeter is perfect for sports enthusiasts and individuals needing to regularly monitor their oxygen saturation and pulse rate. Including a lanyard and two AAA batteries enhances its portability and convenience, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go health monitoring.
 | Fingertip Pulse Oximeter - Pulse and Oxigen Saturation Reading Device by Selectis View Product |
The Selectis Fingertip Pulse Oximeter by Emerald Supply comes in at number 3 for individuals seeking a travel-sized, convenient, and precise health monitoring device. This oximeter is designed to provide accurate vital metric monitoring on the go, making it an ideal choice for those with chronic heart and lung conditions. Its lightweight design and power-saving mode enhance portability and device longevity. The Selectis Fingertip Pulse Oximeter simultaneously displays heart rate and oxygen saturation, ensuring easy observation of both metrics. With its low voltage indicator and ability to function even with nail polish on, this device is perfect for patients needing reliable and consistent monitoring wherever they are.
 | Portable Fingertip Pulse SpO2 Oximeter View Product |
The Portable Fingertip Pulse SpO2 Oximeter by Proactive Medical Products is our number 2 choice for reliable and portable health monitoring. This lightweight and durable device is designed to help users keep track of important health metrics such as heart rate and SpO2 levels on the go. Powered by two AAA batteries, it offers long battery life and features an automatic power-off function to conserve energy. This oximeter is perfect for use in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home care, sports centers, or any high-altitude activities. Its noninvasive monitoring method is ideal for exercise, sports, and other physical activities. Additionally, the included lanyard ensures that the device is easy to carry and hard to misplace.
 | Drive Medical View SpO2 Deluxe Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter View Product |
The View SpO2 Deluxe Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter by Drive Medical is topping our list of best pulse oximeters. It can accommodate the widest range of finger sizes and can deliver an accurate reading when placed on the largest finger of an adult or the finger of the smallest of children.
It is conveniently operated by two AAA batteries, which are easy to find and replace. You don’t have to worry about digging up a power cord. It also turns itself off automatically when not in use to preserve battery life, and one set of batteries will last for around 30 hours of operation.
The View Sp02 Deluxe Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter has a reader-friendly OLED screen with dual-color high resolution and multiple display modes. It measures blood oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and pulse signal bars, and is also a plethysmograph to indicate changes in blood flow. The display has six modes for easy reading from all sides and light conditions, and the screen brightness has 10 levels of adjustment.
Because the sensors will work on fingers sized from pediatric to adult, this fingertip pulse oximeter is a great all-around choice if multiple family members would benefit from having it for home use. Additionally, this device goes beyond measuring pulse and blood oxygen levels, gathering and displaying additional valuable information to allow for real-time analysis of trends and markers of health and well-being.
Choosing the right pulse oximeter is crucial for effective health monitoring, and our top five selections offer a range of features to suit different needs.
At the top of our list, the View SpO2 Deluxe Finger Tip Pulse Oximeter by Drive Medical stands out for its versatility, accuracy, and user-friendly design. Its ability to accommodate a wide range of finger sizes and its comprehensive display of health metrics make it an excellent choice for families.
For more topics and information to help caregivers or individuals, be sure to check us out at Caregiver University!
Co-founder/CEO of Rehabmart, Pediatric Occupational Therapist, husband, and father. Passionate about connecting special needs kids with superb nutrition, sensory integration, and complementary health strategies. Excited about Rehabmart's mission to become the premier online educational platform which empowers caregivers by spotlighting innovative devices and interventions to achieve optimal patient response and recovery.
