What would you think if we tell you that there is a parameter that brings together people with respiratory problems and athletes? It seems like a joke but it is true. It is about blood oxygen saturation or SpO2 and today we explain what it is and what are the main smartwaches and activity bracelets that allow us to measure it to avoid health problems.
What is SpO2 and what does it mean to have a low value?
SpO2 is a measurement that represents the saturation of oxygen in our blood or, more technically, the amount of oxygen that is bound to hemoglobin cells within our circulatory system. SpO2 therefore indicates the degree of “effectiveness” of a person’s breathing and how well oxygen is being transported through the body. This parameter is usually represented as a percentage whose usual reading in a healthy adult is between 95% – 100% of SpO2.
Equipment such as a pulse oximeter or saturator is used to calculate SpO2 . And the measurement is made based on a rather curious parameter: the coloration of our blood. Using a probe that can be attached to a finger, for example, it emits an infrared wavelength. Depending on how this wave passes through us, the percentage of SpO2 that we have at that time can be calculated.
A SpO2 value below 90% produces hypoxemia , that is, a low oxygen saturation in our bloodstream that can be caused by lung diseases or sleep apnea. This problem can generate hyperventilation, since the body needs a greater number of inhalations to obtain the necessary oxygen, producing dizziness, weakness, a feeling of suffocation, respiratory problems, among many other pathologies.
For what or for whom is measuring SpO2 useful? This is a good question. Knowing the oxygen saturation in blood is useful for many types of users, and here are some of the main examples:
- Athletes : knowing this parameter can be of vital importance, especially for those who practice high-altitude sports. As altitude increases, oxygen saturation drops dramatically and, therefore, a thorough control of this data can be vital.
- People with respiratory problems : if you suffer from this type of convalescence such as asthma or sleep apnea, having control of the SpO2 value in your day to day is very useful to detect the beginning of major problems.
How do activity bracelets and smartwatch measure SpO2?
In the case of activity and smartwatch bracelets, the measurement is made in the most translucent part possible where these equipment can be placed, that is, our wrist. Despite not performing the measurement exactly as a pulse oximeter would, these smart bands have a series of sensors whose purpose is to calculate this parameter using infrared light.
The main drawback of one of these devices is, of course, its veracity when carrying out the measurement. Although there are scientific studies that certify an approximation of 90% with the real value , you should take into account a series of details when using them.
- Take the measurement while resting as much as possible : small movements or vibrations can affect the final result of this measurement. Therefore, and despite the fact that these devices are intended to be used during full physical activity, try to carry out the measurement while sitting and without moving your wrist abruptly.
- Rotate the sensor if you want a more accurate measurement : these teams perform the SpO2 measurement on the top of our wrist and, although it is a valid area, perhaps it is not the most suitable since it is not entirely “translucent” for facilitate measurement. For this reason, whenever possible, try to rotate your device and place the sensor on the lower part of the wrist where, now, we will facilitate the work of this element.
Best activity wristbands and smartwatch with SPO2 measurement
Now that you know everything about SpO2, it is time to get to know some of the best devices that will allow us to carry out its measurement in our day to day.
HONOR Band 5
The first of these devices is the HONOR Activity Band. With the Band 5 we can know our heart rate, track while we do sports, calculate the daily steps we take and, as we were looking for, know the value of the oxygen saturation in blood.
What we like
- Price
- Up to 10 sports modes
What we don’t like
- The design is quite sober
UMIDIGI UFit
The UMIDIGI company also gets on this car with its UFit smartwatch. A smart watch that will keep track of the different physical activities we do with its 9 sports modes. It is resistant to immersion in water, so we can use it while swimming. They also perform heart rate measurement and of course the SpO2 value and do sleep monitoring.
What we like
- Price
- Long battery life (according to manufacturer)
What we don’t like
- Sober design
Huawei Watch GT 2e Active
The Huawei Watch GT 2e active is another of the possible alternatives to consider within these teams. With its battery life of up to 2 weeks (according to the manufacturer itself), the GPS system and its 85 personalized training modes, it becomes a perfect smart watch for athletes. In addition, it has monitoring of VO2Max and SpO2 max to keep controlled the oxygen level in your body.
What we like
- 85 training modes
- Designed for athletes
What we don’t like
- Price somewhat high, although not excessively
Garmin Vivoactive 4
Garmin , a recognized brand in the sector of devices for sports fans, also has several teams that have the ability to calculate SpO2. This is the Vivoactive 4 model, a device capable of calculating this parameter in addition to heart rate, hydration, sleep, stress, menstrual cycle. It also has GPS, music storage and a battery that promises to reach the week of use without problems.
What we like
- Long duration battery
- sober but elegant design, for those looking for that extra aesthetic
What we don’t like
- High price
Garmin Fenix 6X Pro
For those looking for the most premium ranges of this type of equipment we have this Garmin Fenix 6S . A smartwatch with an elegant design, a pre-installed world map system, an altimeter, advanced training metrics and a garmin pay payment system. It also has a battery that promises to last up to 14 days in smartwatch mode and 72 hours in a row with ultratrac gps mode. Of course, it also has a large number of training modes, water resistance and SpO2 measurement.
What we like
- Design
- Advanced training systems
- Pre-installed global maps
- Long duration battery
What we don’t like
- High price
These are some of the best smart devices capable of measuring blood oxygen saturation . Now is the time for you to make the decision to go for a more basic model or, if the design calls for you and a greater number of sports modes and more accurate measurements, go for one of the most premium. Of course, whichever you choose, you can control SpO2 and avoid possible future problems.
