which oximeter?

[pitrow]

I've decided to pull the trigger and buy a recording oximeter to better keep track of my sleep. I'm not in a position right now to spend lots of money, but somewhere around $100 would be acceptable, maybe more if needed. Can anyone recommend a good meter? Thanks!

[HoseCrusher]

There are two basic styles of oximeters to choose from. One style has the whole unit mounted together and it sits on your fingertip. The other style puts the sensor on your finger and then the unit is mounted on your wrist or placed in a pocket.

You first have to decide which style you are interested in, then you can narrow your search down from there.

I use a finger tip unit (CMS50E). It works well. The main issues are how to keep it on all night, and how to minimize any damage done to the skin from the steady clamping pressure if you use it several nights in a row.

The units that use a separate sensor on the finger are more comfortable, cost more, and have an extra wire and connection that has caused some problems with a few people.

Choices, choices, choices, ... decisions, decisions, decisions...

[Tired Linda]

I use a finger tip unit (CMS50E). It works well. The main issues are how to keep it on all night,

I'm curious about these, also. Can one use tape to keep it on the finger, if necessary?

I'm thinking of buying one. Not so much to monitor my O2 levels, but I have a daughter that seriously needs a sleep test but requires some convincing first. I suppose it's possible she may not have significant desats, but with her symptoms this could help.

[HoseCrusher]

Tape can be used, but it is better to just try to get a good fit. If your finger is fat, you need to move toward your little finger. If your finger is thin, you move up toward your thumb. Sometimes putting the unit on sideways works better. When you get the right fit, there is only enough pressure to hold the unit in place and very little pressure passed on to your finger. The foam material is a little sticky so that helps hold it in place. It is important to wash your hands prior to using the unit because the oils of the skin will tend to make it slip off.

If you do end up using tape, put the unit on the "thinnest" finger you have. The unit should just be gently held in place and the tape will keep it from falling off.

[xenablue]

I find the lit display wakes me up, so I use self-clinging Ace bandage around my finger. It's never tight, not even that firm - just enough to cover the display and secure to my finger to help keep it in place all night. If there is anything too firmly over the oximeter, it gives an error reading - so I had to experiment a bit.

Cheers,
xena

[Bright Choice]

I have purchased the CMS (contec) 50f off of eBay. I really like it. Finger probe is soft,very comfortable and it stays is place. The display turns off so it does not emit light at night. On screen dIsplay very simple. Software easy to use. Very good printable reports. On eBay sites and in the instruction brochure very broken English but really not a problem. I was hesitant at first to use these sites on eBay but really no problem. Had a technical glitch and they were very responsive. It takes a while to get delivery from Beijing but well worth the $100 price.

[Mr Bill]

There are two basic styles of oximeters to choose from. One style has the whole unit mounted together and it sits on your fingertip. The other style puts the sensor on your finger and then the unit is mounted on your wrist or placed in a pocket.

You first have to decide which style you are interested in, then you can narrow your search down from there.

I use a finger tip unit (CMS50E). It works well. The main issues are how to keep it on all night, and how to minimize any damage done to the skin from the steady clamping pressure if you use it several nights in a row.

The units that use a separate sensor on the finger are more comfortable, cost more, and have an extra wire and connection that has caused some problems with a few people.

Choices, choices, choices, ... decisions, decisions, decisions...

I have the unit in my sig. Its got the separate sensor and is fairly comfy to wear and does not come off your finger. comfort again comes from finding the right finger that does not squeeze to much. IIRC the CMS50E costs $120 and my unit costs $234 so its quite a bit more cost. I reviewed it at Amazon. At the time of my purchase, I had no idea I could get one $100 cheaper that would also record. Only other reason I can think for comparison might be software, signal quality/accuracy and battery type. Mine are dual AAA which make it pretty easy to use.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A2 ... _cr_pr_pdp