Help choosing an SpO2 monitor

[night_rainbow1]

I have been on APAP for half a year and haven't had any noticeable effect yet. I actually am more tired and have worse brain-fog and daily headaches than ever.

I want to get a pulse oximeter to measure my SpO2 while on APAP and compare to if I try sleep without using it. I have found a few options for devices but am not sure what to go for as I read some reports that the non-medically approved devices can be inaccurate when SpO2 drops below 90%. I'll include the possible devices I have found and would like to hear feedback from anyone who has tried any of them or has any other suggestions.

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/pu ... r=PDP_Reco

https://www.amazon.ca/Vibrating-Notific ... 466&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5L57M4

https://www.ebay.com/c/1551158374

https://smile.amazon.com/CONTEC-CMS50F- ... 216&sr=8-1

[Dog Slobber]

Consider getting one that is compatible with OSCAR.

I don't know where or if there is a definitive list of Oximeters compatible with OSCAR, but member bonjour posted some in this topic:

this is from OSCAR, SleepyHead is similar.

posting.php?mode=quote&f=1&p=1293680

Welcome to the Oximeter Import Wizard
Pulse Oximeters are medical devices used to measure blood oxygen saturation. During extended Apnea events and abnormal breathing patterns, blood oxygen saturation levels can drop significantly, and can indicate issues that need medical attention.
OSCAR gives you the ability to track Oximetry data alongside CPAP session data, which can give valuable insight into the effectiveness of CPAP treatment. It will also work standalone with your Pulse Oximeter, allowing you to store, track and review your recorded data.
OSCAR is currently compatible with Contec CMS50D+, CMS50E, CMS50F and CMS50I serial oximeters.
(Note: Direct importing from bluetooth probably not possible yet)
You may wish to note, other companies, such as Pulox, simply rebadge Contec CMS50's under new names, such as the Pulox PO-200, PO-300, PO-400. These should also work.
It also can read from ChoiceMMed MD300W1 oximeter .dat files.
Please remember: If you are trying to sync oximetry and CPAP data, please make sure you imported your CPAP sessions first before proceeding!
Important Notes: For OSCAR to be able to locate and read directly from your Oximeter device, you need to ensure the correct device drivers (eg. USB to Serial UART) have been installed on your computer. For more information about this, click here.
Contec CMS50D+ devices do not have an internal clock, and do not record a starting time. If you do not have a CPAP session to link a recording to, you will have to enter the start time manually after the import process is completed.
Even for devices with an internal clock, it is still recommended to get into the habit of starting oximeter records at the same time as CPAP sessions, because CPAP internal clocks tend to drift over time, and not all can be reset easily.

[palerider]

I have been on APAP for half a year and haven't had any noticeable effect yet. I actually am more tired and have worse brain-fog and daily headaches than ever.

I want to get a pulse oximeter to measure my SpO2 while on APAP and compare to if I try sleep without using it. I have found a few options for devices but am not sure what to go for as I read some reports that the non-medically approved devices can be inaccurate when SpO2 drops below 90%. I'll include the possible devices I have found and would like to hear feedback from anyone who has tried any of them or has any other suggestions.

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/pu ... r=PDP_Reco

https://www.amazon.ca/Vibrating-Notific ... 466&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5L57M4

https://www.ebay.com/c/1551158374

https://smile.amazon.com/CONTEC-CMS50F- ... 216&sr=8-1

1) no
2) no
3) no.
4) yes
5) yes (it's the same unit as 4).

The contec CMS50F and CMS50I are the recommended/affordable ones.

[palerider]

Consider getting one that is compatible with OSCAR.

I don't know where or if there is a definitive list of Oximeters compatible with OSCAR, but member bonjour posted some in this topic:

this is from OSCAR, SleepyHead is similar.

posting.php?mode=quote&f=1&p=1293680

Welcome to the Oximeter Import Wizard
Pulse Oximeters are medical devices used to measure blood oxygen saturation. During extended Apnea events and abnormal breathing patterns, blood oxygen saturation levels can drop significantly, and can indicate issues that need medical attention.
OSCAR gives you the ability to track Oximetry data alongside CPAP session data, which can give valuable insight into the effectiveness of CPAP treatment. It will also work standalone with your Pulse Oximeter, allowing you to store, track and review your recorded data.
OSCAR is currently compatible with Contec CMS50D+, CMS50E, CMS50F and CMS50I serial oximeters.
(Note: Direct importing from bluetooth probably not possible yet)
You may wish to note, other companies, such as Pulox, simply rebadge Contec CMS50's under new names, such as the Pulox PO-200, PO-300, PO-400. These should also work.
It also can read from ChoiceMMed MD300W1 oximeter .dat files.
Please remember: If you are trying to sync oximetry and CPAP data, please make sure you imported your CPAP sessions first before proceeding!
Important Notes: For OSCAR to be able to locate and read directly from your Oximeter device, you need to ensure the correct device drivers (eg. USB to Serial UART) have been installed on your computer. For more information about this, click here.
Contec CMS50D+ devices do not have an internal clock, and do not record a starting time. If you do not have a CPAP session to link a recording to, you will have to enter the start time manually after the import process is completed.
Even for devices with an internal clock, it is still recommended to get into the habit of starting oximeter records at the same time as CPAP sessions, because CPAP internal clocks tend to drift over time, and not all can be reset easily.

The CMS50x models are compatible with Oscar.

[night_rainbow1]

I have been on APAP for half a year and haven't had any noticeable effect yet. I actually am more tired and have worse brain-fog and daily headaches than ever.

I want to get a pulse oximeter to measure my SpO2 while on APAP and compare to if I try sleep without using it. I have found a few options for devices but am not sure what to go for as I read some reports that the non-medically approved devices can be inaccurate when SpO2 drops below 90%. I'll include the possible devices I have found and would like to hear feedback from anyone who has tried any of them or has any other suggestions.

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/pu ... r=PDP_Reco

https://www.amazon.ca/Vibrating-Notific ... 466&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5L57M4

https://www.ebay.com/c/1551158374

https://smile.amazon.com/CONTEC-CMS50F- ... 216&sr=8-1

1) no
2) no
3) no.
4) yes
5) yes (it's the same unit as 4).

The contec CMS50F and CMS50I are the recommended/affordable ones.

1) Is the cheapest and on the website for the device it shows "Health Canada Registration number: 90629".
When I look that up on Health Canada it actually shows up as "Manufacturer: CONTEC MEDICAL SYSTEMS CO., LTD" with all of the CMS50# device numbers. So I'm gonna assume its just a rebranding of the CMS50 devices.

[palerider]

I have been on APAP for half a year and haven't had any noticeable effect yet. I actually am more tired and have worse brain-fog and daily headaches than ever.

I want to get a pulse oximeter to measure my SpO2 while on APAP and compare to if I try sleep without using it. I have found a few options for devices but am not sure what to go for as I read some reports that the non-medically approved devices can be inaccurate when SpO2 drops below 90%. I'll include the possible devices I have found and would like to hear feedback from anyone who has tried any of them or has any other suggestions.

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/pu ... r=PDP_Reco

https://www.amazon.ca/Vibrating-Notific ... 466&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5L57M4

https://www.ebay.com/c/1551158374

https://smile.amazon.com/CONTEC-CMS50F- ... 216&sr=8-1

86 is less than 69? Oooookay

A finger clamp is much harder to wear all night than a wrist unit.

[night_rainbow1]

I have been on APAP for half a year and haven't had any noticeable effect yet. I actually am more tired and have worse brain-fog and daily headaches than ever.

I want to get a pulse oximeter to measure my SpO2 while on APAP and compare to if I try sleep without using it. I have found a few options for devices but am not sure what to go for as I read some reports that the non-medically approved devices can be inaccurate when SpO2 drops below 90%. I'll include the possible devices I have found and would like to hear feedback from anyone who has tried any of them or has any other suggestions.

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/pu ... r=PDP_Reco

https://www.amazon.ca/Vibrating-Notific ... 466&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5L57M4

https://www.ebay.com/c/1551158374

https://smile.amazon.com/CONTEC-CMS50F- ... 216&sr=8-1

86 is less than 69? Oooookay

A finger clamp is much harder to wear all night than a wrist unit.

I'm guessing you're looking at the one in CAD and the other in USD. Since i'm looking in CAD for both, for me its $84.50 & free shipping vs $81+$20 shipping. So yes $84.50 is less than $101.

Even with the wrist unit you still have to wear the probe on your finger so I'm not sure is see your argument there.

[palerider]

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/pu ... r=PDP_Reco

https://www.ebay.com/c/1551158374

86 is less than 69? Oooookay

A finger clamp is much harder to wear all night than a wrist unit.

I'm guessing you're looking at the one in CAD and the other in USD. Since i'm looking in CAD for both, for me its $84.50 & free shipping vs $81+$20 shipping. So yes $84.50 is less than $101.

Even with the wrist unit you still have to wear the probe on your finger so I'm not sure is see your argument there.

The eBay listing shows $69cad with free shipping.

Hanging a finger clamp on your finger is less stable compared to the rubber finger cot of the wrist unit.

You *asked* for advice and you do nothing but argue.

Do what you want, I'm *done*.

[Jas_williams]

With the wrist unit, the finger probe only has to hold its own weight and is rubber, its much more comfortable to wear compared to a plastic clothes peg type thing that uses a spring to hold it on your finger. I have used both and that is my opinion

[night_rainbow1]

With the wrist unit, the finger probe only has to hold its own weight and is rubber, its much more comfortable to wear compared to a plastic clothes peg type thing that uses a spring to hold it on your finger. I have used both and that is my opinion

Thanks Jas. That's helpful. I assumed the peg type one was a lot less bulky being a single unit without any wires. But having tried both if you find the wrist one more comfortable that might sway me to spend the extra bit to get that one.

I have found when I've done my overnight sleep studies that my finger got sore from the pulse ox, where it kinda felt like the constant LED was burning my finger, but hopefully it won't be too uncomfortable with these.