The apparatus for measuring pressure is called a tonometer. This is a convenient, comparatively simple, and most importantly, accurate device. The last parameter for the most part depends on the quality component of the device itself, so some frankly cheap and amateur options will not work here.
The medical device market offers a ton of options for any pocket. In this diversity, even experienced users are confused, not to mention inexperienced consumers. Therefore, choosing a device for measuring pressure is not so simple as it seems at first glance. At the time of purchase, you need to take into account some critical factors, because otherwise you will just get an expensive toy with a minimum of return.
So, let's try to figure out how to choose a tonometer and what to look for first of all, so as not to miscalculate with the purchase. We also denote the list of the most sensible devices for measuring blood pressure, which are distinguished by their effectiveness and are popular among users.
Criterias of choice
Here we have such parameters as measurement accuracy, the convenience of the device, the place of measurement and the ability to work with arrhythmia. In order to more clearly determine which pressure measuring device is better than another, we also consider design features.
Accuracy
Not all devices of such a plan measure pressure with equal accuracy. The most truthful indicators are the devices for measuring blood pressure based on mercury. But they have several significant shortcomings: the fragility of the design, a very modest assortment of products in general, and a high price.
Mercury blood pressure monitors are for the most part professional equipment and are rarely used in everyday life, mainly because of their fragility and finicky service, so experts strongly recommend that ordinary users adopt conventional mechanical models. Here, breakdowns are minimal, as well as a low probability of harming yourself with mercury vapor, accidentally damaging the main unit.
Convenience
Surely everyone remembers, and some still use old Soviet apparatus for measuring pressure with a pear, a phonendoscope and a large remote pressure gauge. It is quite problematic to take measurements using such equipment, and accuracy suffers noticeably when you try to listen to the heart rate, pump up the pear, and concentrate on the arrow of the device.
Electronic pressure measuring devices greatly facilitate the entire process and minimize the time spent on it. They cost, of course, more expensive, but the price more than pays for obvious advantages. Which pressure measuring device is better - electronic or mechanical - is, of course, up to you, but for lonely hypertensive patients the choice is more obvious.
Place of measurement
Modern instruments allow you to take readings not only from the shoulder, but also from the wrist or even the finger. But the most common pressure measuring devices are those that are attached to the bend of the arm. Such a measurement location is more suitable for the integrity of the image, because a very important brachial artery passes here.
In people of retirement age, blood circulation in small capillaries is much slower, so measuring on the finger, where small vessels are located, is less effective. So the place of measurement plays far from the last role when choosing a device for measuring pressure.
Measurements for arrhythmia
Frankly cheap models, mediocre or not at all, cope with pressure calculations for atrial fibrillation. More modern and expensive devices are able to take into account or ignore jumps, giving accurate readings even in case of serious violations of the heart muscle.
Type of construction
Here we have automatic devices for measuring pressure, semi-automatic and mechanical. In the first case, pressure is pumped due to a special compressor, and the result is displayed on the liquid crystal display.
Semi-automatic models gain pressure due to a manual bulb, but measurements are calculated automatically, with subsequent display on a similar LCD display. We examined the mechanical type in the "Convenience" section, where the main tools are a pear, a phonendoscope and a manometer. The whole process takes place in manual mode and in complete silence in order to hear the rhythm of the heart.
Apparatus for measuring pressure on the machine are much more expensive than mechanical counterparts, but for those who value convenience and comfort, this is the best option.
Manufacturers
Many companies are engaged in the production of medical equipment, but not all of them get really effective models. Branded devices are, of course, more expensive than analogues from little-known companies or, even worse, Chinese no-name manufacturers, but here you can at least not worry about their quality.
The best manufacturers of tonometers:
- Omron
- B. Well.
- A&D.
- Little Doctor.
- Beurer
- Microlife
- CS Medica.
These companies have been operating in the medical equipment market for a long time, and the manufactured pressure measuring devices have proven themselves in both professional and amateur household environments. The companies have wide distribution networks, branches around the world and an enviable product warranty.
Next, we consider the best pressure measuring devices, which are distinguished by their effectiveness, high-quality assembly and a lot of positive feedback from users. The list is presented as a rating for a clearer picture. All devices can be purchased both at branded offline points of sale and on the online platforms of distributors, so there should not be any problems with “feeling” before buying.
The rating of pressure measuring devices is as follows:
- A&D UA-1300AC.
- B. Well WA-55.
- Omron R2
- A&D UB-202.
- Microlife BP W100.
- A&D UA-705.
- Omron M1 Compact.
- Little Doctor LD-71.
- B. Well WM-62S.
Consider the participants in more detail.
B. Well WM-62S
This is a mechanical tonometer with shoulder measurement. One of the strengths of the model is its wide cuff. Either in Europe everyone’s hands are thin, or for some other reason, but a good half of such equipment has insufficient cuff width.
The stethoscope is easily fixed on a special ring, so you can measure the pressure and one. It is also worth noting the high-quality assembly of the pressure gauge and the excellent cuff material. The first is hard to break, and the second is tearing.
Reviews of the pressure measuring device are mostly positive. Domestic consumers especially liked the cost of the device. But the quality component here is at the proper European level, so the device will serve faithfully and for a long time, and nothing will crumble in your hands, as is the case with goods from the Middle Kingdom.
Estimated cost - about 700 rubles.
Little Doctor LD-71
This is the best apparatus for measuring pressure among other classic counterparts. A couple of obvious advantages of the model are more than affordable cost along with practicality. On sale you can find two modifications - with a removable stethoscope head (LD-71) and with a built-in (LD-71 A). The latter option will come in handy for those users who themselves measure the pressure.
You can also note the extremely high-quality cuff made of nylon, a seamless air chamber and a sturdy, pretty vinyl cover in the kit, which neatly fits the entire device.
Users leave completely positive reviews about the model. It really is one of the best and most affordable options among other classic counterparts. The owners also respond positively to the sensible, and most importantly, understandable pressure gauge and convenient pear.
Estimated price - about 800 rubles.
Omron M1 Compact
The semi-automatic pressure measuring device Omron of the M1 Compact series has distinguished itself by its modest dimensions, which hide a very good potential. The model easily reads the pulse and saves the received data in its memory (up to 30 entries), which will be useful for those who prepare the dynamics for the attending physician.
The device will be an excellent tool for measuring pressure for users with arrhythmia. The tonometer takes into account all the errors of the heart rhythm and gives the most accurate result for semi-automatic models.
In addition, the device has a good indicator of battery life. A standard and fully charged power kit allows you to take up to 1500 measurements, which is very good for this kind of equipment.
Users respond very warmly about the tonometer itself and its capabilities. Here are interchangeable cuffs of various sizes of conical shape (from 17-22 to 32-45 cm), and an intuitive display with a convenient pear, as well as the relatively low cost of the device itself. Perhaps the only drawback that owners sometimes complain about is the 4 AAA batteries (pinky batteries), while the AA type (finger-type) would be noticeably more practical.
There is a tonometer of about 1700 rubles.
A&D UA-705
The model from the famous Japanese brand was distinguished by its simple, reliability and efficiency. The compact device measures pressure with high accuracy, does not take up much space in the bedside table and has an extremely long operating period.
The cuff itself is made using innovative SlimFit technology and practically does not leave any marks on the arm, and also does not cause serious discomfort, as is the case with classic models. All controls are reduced, in fact, to only one key, which makes the device as simple as possible to operate.
Users speak very well about the model. Here, recognized Japanese quality, measurement accuracy along with comfort, and the usual finger-type (AA) battery. I was also pleased with the warranty for the device - 7 years.
The estimated price of the device is about 2000 rubles.
Microlife BP W100
This is an automatic device for measuring pressure on the wrist from a well-known Swiss brand. A good half of such devices are equipped with a small memory chip for 30-40 cells (records). There are enough of them for about a week, if you use a tonometer two to three times a day. But for completeness and more visual dynamics, this is usually not enough.
Mikrolife decided to correct this defect and significantly increased the memory of the device up to 200 cells. There are only a few devices with such a memory capacity, so this is the best option for long-term observation and in-depth analysis of dynamics.
In addition, the model was distinguished by its compact dimensions - 70 by 80 cm with a weight of 130 grams. Judging by the reviews, users also liked the large liquid crystal display with large and understandable numbers. Two pinky AAA batteries serve as a battery element for the device, which also does not contribute to the addition of dimensions.
The cost is about 3,000 rubles (with a power adapter).
A&D UB-202
This is an automatic wrist blood pressure monitor from a Japanese brand. One of the key features of the model is its excellent ergonomics. The device is really easy to use: quick start, convenient and intuitive controls along with an intelligent LCD display.
Another distinctive feature of the tonometer is the presence of advanced Intellitronics technology. Each user has their own indicators and features of blood flow. Now there is no need to pressurize the cuff every time to the maximum level. Innovative technology allows you to blow air only to a key indicator and calmly analyze the current pressure.
Users respond very warmly about the model and its capabilities. Here, effective measurements, and very simple operation, and new technologies, as well as spacious memory cells with 90 units and a 10-year warranty from a reputable manufacturer. Quite adequate cost also pleased many consumers. The device will cost 1900 rubles.
Omron r2
This is perhaps the best that the automatic tonometer segment for the wrist can offer. Equipment of this type does not differ in high-precision indicators, but thanks to innovative solutions of the developer, this device can be called an exception.
If you measure the pressure not by the usual jumps in the pulse, but by analyzing the pulse wave, the readings of the device are as accurate as possible. In this case, the device simply ignores most of the interference and produces an excellent result.
Users leave completely positive reviews about the model. The device turned out to be compact - 71 by 41 cm with a weight of 117 grams, with an understandable and convenient LCD display, as well as in an assembly of exceptional quality. The only drawback owners sometimes complain about is the small amount of memory — only 30 cells.
Estimated cost - about 2200 rubles.
B. Well WA-55
This is an automatic blood pressure monitor with a cuff for the shoulder. Most manufacturers position their devices as individual devices. But statistics with practice show that a significant part of consumers (surveys of domestic users) buy blood pressure monitors for the whole family.
It was such a family blood pressure monitor that introduced the European brand on the market. Its distinctive feature is a pair of memory blocks, that is, the device records data not for one, but for two people at the same time. And the power supply from the network makes the device as versatile as possible: operability is maintained even with dead batteries.
Judging by user reviews, it is also possible to record a wide cuff, a clear backlit display, a convenient carrying case, and the possibility of triple measurement as a plus. The last point will be especially useful for people with severe cardiac arrhythmia.
Estimated price - about 2800 rubles.
A&D UA-1300AC
Another multifunctional automatic device with a cuff for the shoulder. The device during the measurement process duplicates the measurements, and at the output the user receives an average and most objective result.
As for memory, the volume of ninety cells with the head is enough for the average user. In pluses, you can also write a cuff that is pleasant to the touch, designed according to a painless principle. The device can be powered by standard four-finger AA batteries, as well as from a normal network, so there is no need to constantly monitor the charging of batteries.
Users respond extremely positively about the tonometer and its capabilities. The owners liked the convenient and intuitive display, the presence of additional functions (calendar and organizer), as well as the relatively compact dimensions of the device - 140 by 60 cm with a weight of 300 grams. The model fits comfortably in a small handbag, so you can take it with you for a walk.
The price of the device is about 4800 rubles.
Summarizing
When choosing medical equipment of such a plan, it is necessary first of all to consult your attending physician - a cardiologist or therapist. The doctor will tell you about some important features of your body and outline the tasks that need to be assigned to the future device.
All of the above tonometers do their job well, but for the most part they are individual, so buying at random will not work here. It is also worth considering the fact that sensible medical equipment simply cannot be cheap and you need to purchase it only at specialized points of sale, which has the appropriate licenses.
What can be found on the market or on random Internet sites does not always correspond to the specified quality and specification. The multimillion-strong army of manufacturers of celebrities from the Middle Kingdom is not asleep and, as it should, clutters up the domestic market with fakes and other falsifications.
Take, for example, the aforementioned Omron R2 apparatus, duplicates of which can be found in great numbers. Only now it is called not Omron R2, but Ormon R2 and is quite successfully sold under such an attractive, almost branded name and with almost identical appearance, which can not be said about the internal component. So with such a technique, you need to keep your eyes open and not buy the assurances of woe-marketers about another stunning "action".