Demand for pulse oximeters has soared during the pandemic. However, these devices—an essential part of oxygen therapy for covid-19 treatment—are no longer easy to get. And the market is flooded with faulty devices. There are, however, smartwatches and fitness wearables that can track blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) level too. While they aren’t medical devices, they can provide vital information for reference and help you seek timely medical advice. Here are some options.
OnePlus Band
The OnePlus Band comes with a dedicated sensor that tracks your SpO2 level with the help of red and infrared light sensors. This dust-resistant band is also water resistant up to 50m for 10 minutes and has an impressive battery life of up to 14 days.
Available, starting ₹2,499, at Oneplus.in
Oppo Band Style
The SpO2 sensor on the Oppo Band (above) can monitor blood oxygen levels even as you sleep. This wearable also comes with 50m water resistance, 12 exercise modes and a range of design and clock faces.
Available for ₹2,799 at Oppo.com
Also read: Digital fitness booms in 2020 due to covid-19 lockdowns
Amazfit Bip U
Apart from its sturdy, lightweight design and multiple sports modes, the Amazfit Bip U watch comes with an optical tracking sensor that not only supports measurement of blood oxygen saturation but also tracks stress, with the help of the heart rate monitor. The stress monitoring feature shows a “stress curve” to display your stress levels. The supporting app for the watch lets you start breathing exercises to calm down.
Available, starting ₹3,999, at In.amazfit.com
GOQii Vital 4
Launched recently, the GOQii Vital 4 fitness tracker has an integrated pulse oximeter. Apart from monitoring your heart rate round the clock, the device can also measure body temperature and blood pressure. The Vital 4 comes with 17 exercise modes and promises a battery life of up to 10 days.
Available, starting ₹4,499, at Store.goqii.com
Also read: All you need to know about oxygen concentrators
