Pulse Oximeter - recommendations ?

[snopercod]

So if I purchase one of those, will I be able to return it if it doesn't work for me?

[PerfTech]

Originally Posted by snopercod

So if I purchase one of those, will I be able to return it if it doesn't work for me?

?. As long as you have a heartbeat, no beat voids the warrantee. Absolutely,
if it doesn't work for you, send it back! Thanks, Allan..

[FORANE]

Originally Posted by snopercod

I have a blood condition called Thalassemia Minor where my red blood cells are smaller than normal. Many pulse oximeters - like the cheap ones from Wal-Mart - won't work for me. The ones at the hospital or doctor's office work just fine. Can any of you experts recommend one that will work for me?

John

Anemia, as you may have, shouldn't effect the spo2 reading as it represents a % saturation with oxygen of whatever hemoglobin you do have, albeit lower number of cells or normal.

Altitude should not have an effect on the reliability of the spo2 reading.

What does effect the spo2 monitors typically are low perfusion states from factors such as cold fingers, low blood pressure, decreased peripheral perfusion, some types of ambient lighting, and what is called artifact from moving the extremity as it is trying to obtain a reading. Other types of hemoglobin such as methemoglobin and carboxyhemoglobin can fool a traditional pulse oximeter but I do not think Thalassemia Minor can.

The expensive monitors can overcome these factors, and others that I have not mentioned, better than the less expensive monitors.

[snopercod]

Originally Posted by FORANE

Anemia, as you may have...

Hi Steve. No, I don't have anemia. I have plenty of red blood cells but they are just smaller than "normal". I can breathe just fine at altitudes up to 12,500'; Above that, I get a headache. My condition fools many pulse oximeters.

[NewbRVator]

Typically you get what you pay for. Having said that the one Alan at Aerosat (no pun intended) works well enough. Movement artifact is the usual problem with the cheap (and expensive units too for that matter) units. Also you only need intermittent readings to figure out when to turn the oxygen on.

[FORANE]

Originally Posted by snopercod

I can breathe just fine at altitudes up to 12,500'; Above that, I get a headache.

This sounds pretty normal for the average 50+ year old person who doesn't live at high altitude. Just a sign of hypoxia, which is probably more likely for you given your condition.

Originally Posted by snopercod

My condition fools many pulse oximeters.

By fools you mean it doesn't give a reading or you believe it gives a consistently incorrect reading?

[Ezburton]

My Long EZ had no heat and when operating in a cold cockpit (i.e., cold fingers) my pulse oximeter didn't read. I assume because of cold and little activity to get my circulation going.

I'm sure all RVs are toasty warm inside and this probably isn't an issue, but maybe someone knows the answer to this question.

db

[FORANE]

Originally Posted by Ezburton

when operating in a cold cockpit (i.e., cold fingers) my pulse oximeter didn't read. I assume because of cold and little activity to get my circulation going.

db

Yes, this is quite likely in my experience. When perfusion to the extremities is reduced, we often cannot obtain readings even with multiple different sensors. In those cases, we can sometimes obtain readings with a probe across an ear, nare or cheek.

At altitudes most of us typically fly, an occasional reading for reference would be beneficial. Personally, I carry a pulse oximeter for reference but only use it if symptomatic. After using one at various altitudes you may find you can predict the altitude at which you would benefit from wearing supplemental oxygen; this altitude may be significantly lower than what the regs mandate.

[snopercod]

Originally Posted by FORANE

By fools you mean it doesn't give a reading or you believe it gives a consistently incorrect reading?

It's a Santa Medical SM-110 (made in China) and the reading just bounces around from 18 to 90, interspersed with error codes. I just tossed it.

[PerfTech]

Originally Posted by snopercod

It's a Santa Medical SM-110 (made in China) and the reading just bounces around from 18 to 90, interspersed with error codes. I just tossed it.

?.Like I said, I think the unit we have will perform well for you, and should it
not, just send it back and we will both be better informed. Thanks, Allan..