CMS-50F Finger Probe - How to Stabilize?

I tried the CMS-50F oximeter last night, but there was a very long period when it did not record any data - presumably due to the probe on my finger not being in position to allow it to get a stable reading. Even while awake I have difficulty getting the finger probe into position so that it records data reliably - and the smallest movement loses the 'connection.'

Kevin (pulseoxstore.com) offered an idea about taping the probe and cable more securely - and I will try that - but wondering if y'all have any tried and true solutions for insuring the probe is able to supply readings to the device throughout the night and with a modest (normal) amount of movement during sleep?

Hello:DHC


May i suggest that you switch to a different finger perhaps this would help, i don't know your gender and don't know if you may have long finger nails that may be interfering with the probe.Also nail polish does affect the probe signal,the taping doesn't sound like a bad idea specially if you have small finger's..


Phil

I tuck the hand with the oximeter under the pillow. No tape needed.

ZQuest wrote:May i suggest that you switch to a different finger perhaps this would help, i don't know your gender and don't know if you may have long finger nails that may be interfering with the probe.

Hi,

Dittos. I found that my ring finger worked much better. I ended up taping it on to keep it from moving, and to keep me from yanking it off. My finger gets kind of warm when using oximeters (both the 50E that I have, and the one at the hospital), so I want to take it off after an hour.

-john-

DHC wrote:I tried the CMS-50F oximeter last night, but there was a very long period when it did not record any data - presumably due to the probe on my finger not being in position to allow it to get a stable reading. Even while awake I have difficulty getting the finger probe into position so that it records data reliably - and the smallest movement loses the 'connection.'

Kevin (pulseoxstore.com) offered an idea about taping the probe and cable more securely - and I will try that - but wondering if y'all have any tried and true solutions for insuring the probe is able to supply readings to the device throughout the night and with a modest (normal) amount of movement during sleep?

I used to run into this problem once in a while. I use my middle finger as it seems to work the best for me. What I've found is that every time I wake up during the night, I take my other hand and push down on the end of the probe to make sure my finger is securely inside the probe. I've gotten into the habit of doing this and I haven't had any periods of no data since I started doing that.

My probe is pretty tight on my fingers (leaves marks), but I still manage to get my finger out sometimes, so this habit of waking up and giving it a nice shove seems to work for me.

The CMS sensors are too big for my skinny fingers...had a loaner (CMS50D handheld) for several wks. I used it on my ring finger; to keep it stable, I wrapped a piece of delicate release blue painter's tape around the sensor, a piece of Velcro around the cord and my knuckle, then taped the cord to the top of my hand.

Folks,

I am a pretty average sized male - so no problems with things like nail polish or really thin fingers.

I *have* tried to position the probe on different fingers, but there is nothing I can do to stabilize the probe to the point it will provide a continuous and reliable reading throughout the night. Taping it did absolutely nothing - though taping several fingers together along with taping the probe and cord seemed to help slightly. The frustrating part is that I have this problem with the probe losing contact while sitting here trying to be as motionless as possible. If I am perfectly still, I can maintain the connection - but the slightest movement causes a connection loss. I seriously doubt anyone could get a reliable connection from this particular unit - so I may just have a defective part.

Am going to look at the possibility of using the oximeter designed for use with the IntelliPAP AutoAdjust. Since I use (or soon will) different brands of machines (DeVilbiss and Resmed), the CMS-50F seemed the better option - but with such unreliable results, I cannot depend on the output for much of anything.

I put a little piece of all purpose sports tape on the very top and bottom edge of the clip, then a little piece on the wire across my wrist and
it stays on all night long..

the first night I wore it, I didnt do that, it came off, and recorded five hours of a straight line!

Have you try the oximeter on someone else? Just to see if you get the same results..Just a though, you may have a defective unit..




Phil