How much Oximeter do we need?

[LinkC]

Y'all have convinced me. I'm in the market for an oximeter.
I could get:
the highly-recommended SPO-7500 ($410);
the very similar in features CMS50F ($235);
the alarming CMS50E ($135);
or the bare bones CMS50D (under a c-note)!

Sure, I've read the specs and features of each, and I see why there's a large range of prices, but...

How much capability do we really need for monitoring CPAP therapy? They all record; they all come with software/cable to save and report results. What are the important distinctions that would justify one over the others?

All you O2-freaks out there, now is your chance to cheerlead for your favorite model! And, if there's a good candidate I've missed, tell us why it's better.

Thanx.

[Pugsy]

I will be watching what is said here also. Is it a matter of how much data we "need" compared to how much data we "want" to see just to satisfy curiosity. Desats tell us a lot but the lack of desats doesn't always mean that there isn't a problem with effectiveness of therapy.

[mallen4258]

I have the SPO 7500 and I am very happy with the equipment. I like the fact that the unit is on my wrist and only the very light sensor is on my finger. The finger sensor is soft rubber, VERY light and stays on without taping or velcro. The unit automatically comes on when you slip in on your finger. I like the software and the reports that are generated, it would be nice if you could annotate the reports though. A couple of negatives, recording at 1 sec interval stores only about 7-8 hrs, but at 2 sec interval will give you 16+ hrs (about 2 nights), but I think this is common to most small units. The 2 sec interval gives me almost the same data as 1 sec. The sensor is not user replaceable if it gets damaged.

I do like the SPO7500 and I am glad that I bought this model. My S02 levels correspond with any events that my xPAP records. I really think that if you want to be proactive in your treatment of OSA, having an oxyen level recording device really helps. I don't know enough about the other models you list to comment, but I am sure that they will do most if not all that the SPO7500 will do.

[LinkC]

Thanx, Mallen. I've experienced both types of sensors (the soft slide-on and the heavy clamp-on) in Drs offices and hospitals. That's ONE difference between the first two models and the others. Fortunately, I've learned I can sleep with either style attached.

[Uncle_Bob]

I purchased the CMS 50-E Oximeter which cost me under $100 as i purchased it using my Flexible Spending Account. So far i have found it to be OK. I know its made in china and the instructions are poorly translated into english but I was happy with it once i got used to it.

I've only had mine a few months so i cannot rate its durability. I only wear mine about once a week to check my average SpO is in the 90s.

I have loaned the CMS 50-E to two work colleges who told me about their loud snoring (i talk openly about my condition at work) I printed out their nightly reports which showed low SpO and suggested they take it with them to speak with a doctor.
Both colleges are now hose heads too, and with full data capable machines

Good luck with whatever one you choose.