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How accurate is the pulseOx?

darisg
over 5 years ago

Always gives me a reading too low 90-94% while an external devise is in the range of 97-99%

also cant always take a measurement, too many "measuring" and "keep still"  cycles with no results.

The fitting is fairly tight just above the wrist bone 

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to C.sco

    I can't tell if it's inaccurate, or if I'm actually not breathing at night.  My daughter recorded me snoring something awful.  It could be slight apnea.  I'll continue to monitor it.  Thanks for the replies!

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to B Michael Caine

    If you sleep on your arm where the watch is that will suppress what it reads materially.  I find that it's reasonably-close, but not lab-grade.  Then again I don't wear my band very tight (I have a NATO style strap on mine) during the day or evening normally; I do cinch it up one more notch when running as otherwise I sometimes get abrasion from the case and/or buttons.

    I have a finger SpO2 unit to compare with.  If I pay attention and run both at the same time (watch and the finger unit) they're within 1%, with the Garmin typically 1% low (96% .vs. 97%); that's within one tick and so perfectly acceptable.  But if it's randomly measuring then exactly how well the watch is resting against my arm at that particular time I don't know.

    For its intended purpose I find it adequately informative.  It will be interesting next time to travel somewhere at higher altitude to see what sort of differential I see with it.

  • 0 over 4 years ago

    I recently spent 5 days in hospital with a chest injury. I was constantly monitored. The hospital readings were constantly between 94-98% My F6 varied between 85% (sleeping)  90% - 94% awake. The highest my F6 has recorded is 96%. Make of that what you will, I certainly won't be relying on it!

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to JasonCollins
    JasonCollins said:
    Make of that what you will, I certainly won't be relying on it!

    Sounds pretty much like what Garmin advises:

    Accuracy of Wrist-based Pulse Ox

    Pulse Oximetry (Pulse Ox) readings are available for certain Garmin wearables. It can provide an estimation of the user’s peripheral blood oxygen saturation (SpO2%) at any given time the feature is accessed. The feature can also be set to track in a continuous manner during a period while the user is asleep. For certain devices, it can also be used to track periodically throughout the day along with a view of the user’s altitude or elevation.

    While every effort is made to ensure a high degree of accuracy, there are certain limitations that can cause inaccurate measurements. The user’s physical characteristics, fit of the device, and presence of ambient light may impact the readings. Garmin may release device software over time to improve aspects of the measurements. The Pulse Ox data is not intended to be used for medical purposes, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or condition.

    Excessive motion and the position of the device can impact the accuracy of the readings. It is important to keep your arm/sensor still for approximately one minute for best accuracy.

  • 0 over 4 years ago in reply to JasonCollins

    It's consistently low for me when I sleep, which I put down to the fact that I often end up lying on my arm. 

    The person who replied saying that they're at 5000 ft and have a reading between 85-94% should visit their doctor. 

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to gaijin

    It seems low, even with the altitude factor. I’m at 7.5k MSL and get readings form watch between 91 to 100. Averages 80 at night. Dedicated o2 meter clocks always over 96 to 99 (rarely 100). I do believe the watch under scores result, given the method of reflexión it uses seems limited for the test. 

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago

    My reading was 94-95 for the first week and I expected it to be higher. I checked it while at the doctors office and it was a bit lower than the finger read pulse ox. I would say the Garmin fenix 6 pro is a few points lower than actual. Just my opinion

    l.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago

    I have the same. 90-94 with my watch and 96-99 with finger device 

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 4 years ago in reply to Former Member

    Same here