Pulse Oximeters – Blood Oxygen Saturation and Pulse Measurement

A pulse oximeter is a small device placed on the finger that within seconds shows blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and pulse rate. This category is part of Medical devices for home use and offers finger oximeters from Medisana, Rossmax, Prizma, Jumper, Microlife and others.

The oximeter shines red and infrared light through the finger and measures how much light the blood absorbs. It is painless and needs no blood sample. At home it is used mostly by people with chronic lung or heart disease, those recovering from respiratory infections, hikers and athletes.

What an oximeter shows and typical values

Which pulse oximeter to choose

• Display – an OLED or colour TFT display (e.g. Medisana PM100) is readable in low light; a rotating display is useful
• Pulse waveform (plethysmogram) helps you judge whether the signal is stable
• Alarms for low saturation or unusual pulse are useful for older people and overnight monitoring
• Power – most models run on AAA batteries; check for automatic switch-off
• Finger size – adult oximeters are not designed for small children; for children choose models the manufacturer lists as paediatric

From our range we highlight the Medisana PM100 with OLED display, the Rossmax SB100 and the Jumper JPD-500E as reliable home oximeters, along with Prizma models YM201, YM301, UC-60E and MD-651P.

How to measure saturation correctly

• Rest seated for about 5 minutes; your hand should be warm and supported at heart level
• Remove nail polish, gel or artificial nails from the finger you measure on – usually the index or middle finger
• Keep your hand still and do not talk during the measurement
• Read the value once it settles (after about 30 seconds) and note it with the time
• Cold fingers, poor circulation and bright light can affect the result; on darker skin oximeters sometimes read slightly higher than the true value

For home health monitoring also see blood pressure monitors, thermometers and inhalers for children and adults.

Related categories and guides

• Medical devices for home use
• Blood pressure monitors
• Digital and non-contact thermometers
• Inhalers for children and adults