Groupon has pulse oximeter

[pikov22]

http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-fingert ... imeter?p=3

$29.99 for Santa Medical Finger Pulse Oximeter with a Case and Neck/Wrist Cord

No storage, though.

Deal expires in 34 hours.

[Nooblakahn]

Does this in any way integrate with a resmed s9 vpap adapt?

[cosmo]

I don't think that it records data. Wasn't a good buy anyways.

[pikov22]

Does this in any way integrate with a resmed s9 vpap adapt?

No. It's a standalone non-recording device, like the one they use in the doctor's office.

[Goofproof]

A brick O2 meter, it will work with a brick xpap. Jim

[msvaleriah]

Rats! I just bought one of these (same brand, inclusions) from Amazon for $34.95. Should have checked in with the group first I guess. I'm gathering from some of the responses here that it's not such a good unit?

[pandatx]

I bought it too. Guess we'll see when it gets here. I've been having heart rate issues (resting pulse very high). If nothing else, maybe it can be used for monitoring that and its smaller than my blood pressure cuff. Or for exercising intensity? Or, of course, there is the "fancy paperweight" option.

[msvaleriah]

Yeah, Panda. Well even if it doesn't record, it will be helpful to do quick checks during workouts, etc. Got myself a better bp cuff to go with the oximeter for that very reason.

Did a nuke stress test just last week feeling all smug about being able to get my heart rate up where they need it on the treadmill, only to have them pull me off the machine when my heart rate hit 100 - my blood pressure had spiked to 200-something over 93. They had to give me the injection instead because of that. It was very alarming, needless to say. I talked to my cardiologist's nurse the next morning just to clear myself for continuing workouts and was told that because I'm not having chest pains or shortness of breath, and my bp recovered quickly once off the treadmill, I would be okay unless they called back b/c of finding something from the stress test. Haven't heard back, so no news is good news on that score.

It would be nice to be able to monitor 02 levels during sleep as well though, and it seems this unit isn't really much good for that. Which brings up the question - is there a consumer model oximeter that does that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

[Pugsy]

is there a consumer model oximeter that does that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

Yep several models. Sometimes you can find exact same thing on EBay from China for less but you gotta know your models.
http://www.pulseoxstore.com/Downloadable-Pulse-Ox.html

I got the CMS 50D Plus and I got it from this link because the guy there goes the extra mile to help you get the software up and running.
I knew I wasn't going to want it except for occasional overnight spot checks so didn't worry about the fancier "more comfortable" ones.
I was right...I used it twice.
It also works with SleepyHead.

No Mac software though....so unless you have a Windows computer or Windows environment on the Mac....out of luck using the software.

[Muse-Inc]

I second the pulseox store. Great guy! Bought 2 from him, a spot check and an overnight recording unit that I use most nights.

[archangle]

Unless it records, it's pretty much useless for apnea. You could be on the edge of death from apnea, but once you wake up, take a breath or two, and look at the meter, your O2 will be normal.

Right now, the CMS 50D+ and related models are about the only thing to get. Be careful to get one of the ones that records, though. For instance, the CMS 50D (without the plus) doesn't record.

[zoocrewphoto]

It would be nice to be able to monitor 02 levels during sleep as well though, and it seems this unit isn't really much good for that. Which brings up the question - is there a consumer model oximeter that does that doesn't cost an arm and a leg?

I'm going to a cardiologist tomorrow, so I'm going to ask if I can get a prescription for a recording pulse ox with alarm. Then I can let insurance pay for most of it. If he says no, I will try my sleep doctor.

I'd like to get a better blood pressure monitor too. I have bought a couple used ones for cheap, but I am not happy with them. One is a wrist style, and it used to work well and seemed accurate. But the last few months, if gives me mostly error messages instead of readings.

The two cuff style ones I got are not working right. The first one put welts on my arm as it went up so high, and both times I tried it, I got readings of over 200 which I really doubt. I think 179 is the highest I have ever recorded at home or had recorded in a doctor's office with the one exception of a trip to the ER. Even at the dentist, it didn't go higher than 175. So, I really doubt 215. And the other one I bought only gives me an error message.

I just spent $1000 at the vet a couple weeks ago, so I really don't want to spend a lot of money on this, but I do need something more accurate and reliable.

[pandatx]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but do you sleep with that on all night every night?

[Pugsy]

Sorry if this is a dumb question, but do you sleep with that on all night every night?

Some people do...some people don't.
It's all about what gives a person the peace of mind.

For me it was enough to sleep with it for 2 nights...nothing exciting happened. No significant desats.
I got mine because I was having some morning headaches and nothing of great excitement was showing on the reports.
I really didn't think the headaches were related to O2 levels or sleep apnea or breathing in general but I was curious.
I haven't used mine again since last summer. Thought about selling it but a cheap little plastic thing holding the batteries in broke and I have to scotch tape it closed..so decided not to. It's available for down the road in case I get curious again.

I have some cervical spine issues and those are what are causing my morning headaches...usually related to sleeping position or getting weird head and neck placement on the bed pillow.

For a newbie already having trouble with all this "stuff" we have attached to us....I would put the pulse ox overnight thing on the back burner for now. I think it might aggravate your insomnia right now.

[fredr500]

I second the pulseox store. Great guy!

+1 Great guy, we have been having ongoing email discussion, he is familiar with SleepyHead and how to make his devices work with it, what is best to use with SH, etc.