Buying guide for Best Omron blood pressure monitors
High blood pressure is a serious health issue that can lead to a variety of other problems, such as heart attack, heart failure, and stroke. Almost one-third of adults in the U.S. suffer from it, which means plenty of us are at risk. Fortunately, high blood pressure can be managed through diet, exercise, and medication prescribed by a doctor, which is why your physician may recommend keeping track of your blood pressure at home.
When it comes to home blood pressure monitors, Omron is a trusted brand that provides accurate results to help you take control of your health. But Omron offers so many models that it can be difficult to know which is best for you. Your blood pressure goals may change depending on medical conditions such as diabetes, age, and kidney disease. Please consult with your doctor about your blood pressure goals.
If you’re ready to buy an Omron blood pressure monitor, take a look at our top recommendations. For general info on how to choose an Omron blood pressure monitor, continue reading this shopping guide.
What is high blood pressure?
Blood pressure is a measurement of the force your arterial walls experience as your blood circulates.
The measurement feature two numbers. The systolic (top) number refers to the pressure that your heart exerts as it sends blood rushing through your body. The diastolic (bottom) number refers to the pressure experienced between heartbeats, when your heart is not working so hard.
Normal blood pressure is a systolic reading that’s equal to or less than 120 and a diastolic reading equal to or less than 80.
If your systolic reading is consistently above 135 and your diastolic reading is above 85, you very likely have hypertension, or high blood pressure.
There are two types of Omron blood pressure monitors: those that read the upper arm and those that read the wrist. We note the pros and cons of each type. Typically, upper arm monitors are more accurate.
When researching upper arm blood pressure monitors, we look at two different styles:
D-ring cuffs and expandable cuffs. While D-ring cuffs are used in medical offices, expandable cuffs tend to be much more comfortable.
Because consumers appreciate a blood pressure monitor that’s easy to use, we look for models that have digital displays with large buttons.
We appreciate quality Omron blood pressure monitors that store readings so you can track health trends. Many models can store between 100 and 200 readings.
Some Omron blood pressure monitors sound an alert when irregular heartbeats are detected. Bonus points go to products that offer this feature.
We find out how long each Omron blood pressure monitor takes to give a reading. Some models can take two to three readings at one-minute intervals. Other models need 10 minutes to accomplish the same task.
We appreciate Omron blood pressure monitors equipped with Bluetooth, as this allows consumers to see detailed readings and track results with ease.
An Omron blood pressure monitor with a protective storage case is helpful, especially for consumers who use their monitor every day. We take note of products that include a protective case.
We research the accuracy of each Omron blood pressure monitor because we want to know which models give the most reliable readings.
Some Omron blood pressure monitors can be easily switched between two users. Others can be set up to save information for multiple users. We note these capabilities in our research.
Who can benefit from an Omron blood pressure monitor?
It’s a good idea for everyone to maintain an awareness of their blood pressure. By tracking your blood pressure at home, you’re alerted to any high blood pressure issues that might arise. This knowledge could lead to an early diagnosis and the treatment of a potential problem as soon as possible.
If your doctor has already diagnosed you with high blood pressure, an at-home monitor allows you to track your treatment to see how you’re responding to medication, diet, and exercise changes. It can also help motivate you to make healthy choices that positively impact your blood pressure.
Many people experience an increase in blood pressure at the doctor’s office as a result of anxiety. For this reason, an at-home monitor provides a bit of extra data that can help confirm if you really do have high blood pressure.
Expert Tip
Consistency is key to monitoring your blood pressure, so you should measure your blood pressure daily at the same time.
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Arm BP monitor vs. wrist BP monitor
Omron offers both upper arm and wrist blood pressure monitors.
Arm blood pressure monitors
An arm blood pressure monitor features a cuff that is placed around the bicep and automatically inflates to determine blood pressure. Arm monitors are usually more accurate than other types of monitors and can alert you to especially dangerous readings.
Wrist blood pressure monitors
A wrist blood pressure monitor includes a cuff that fits around the wrist. Wrist monitors tend to be smaller in size, but they are usually more comfortable for the wearer. However, a wrist monitor may not be as accurate as an arm monitor.
"The American Heart Association recommends the use of an upper arm BP monitor, as these monitors tend to be more accurate than wrist models. However, wrist monitors can be more comfortable than upper arm styles. If you experience discomfort with a traditional bicep cuff monitor, you may prefer a wrist monitor."
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Testing Omron blood pressure monitors
We spent 24 hours researching 9 different models of Omron blood pressure monitors before choosing our top five. We also consulted with health professionals before making our choice.
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D-ring cuff vs. expandable cuff
The proper fit for a blood pressure monitor is key to obtaining accurate readings. Omron upper arm blood pressure monitors have two cuff styles: D-ring cuffs and expandable cuffs.
Expandable cuffs
An expandable cuff is a pre-formed style that expands to accommodate regular and large upper arms that measure between 9 and 17 inches in circumference. They’re often considered more comfortable than D-ring cuffs.
Wrist monitors tend to have smaller cuffs, but they’re usually adjustable, which allows them to fit wrists with a circumference between 5 1/4 and 8 1/2 inches.
D-ring cuffs
A D-ring cuff is the type of cuff that you usually find in a doctor’s office. One end of the cuff is looped through a metal ring. The cuff is placed around your arm.
D-ring cuffs come in small, standard, and large sizes. You can determine the proper size for your arm by measuring the circumference of your upper arm and comparing it to Omron’s sizing chart.
Small adult cuffs fit upper arms with a circumference between 7 and 9 inches.
Standard adult cuffs fit upper arms with a circumference between 9 and 13 inches.
Large adult cuffs fit upper arms with a circumference between 13 and 17 inches.
To measure your arm circumference, use a cloth tape measure and wrap it around the arm approximately halfway between your elbow and shoulder. Be careful not to pull it too tight.
Expert Tip
For arm cuff blood pressure monitoring, you should be in a seated position with your cuff arm and chest level. Relax, and then take your blood pressure.
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Other factors to consider
Ease of use
To achieve accurate blood pressure readings, a BP monitor should be easy to use. Fortunately, Omron blood pressure monitors have digital displays that are easy to read, so you can get your reading quickly. Large buttons make it easy to activate the monitor.
Multiple users
Some Omron blood pressure monitors are designed for two users. You and another family member can both easily use the device.
Portability
Many Omron blood pressure monitors include a storage case. The case protects the monitor, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged while traveling or otherwise on the go.
expert Tip
Ideally, blood pressure checks should be done one hour after waking up.
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Bluetooth compatibility
Some Omron blood pressure monitors are equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. This allows you to connect with an app that tracks your readings. You can even email the results to your doctor, so your medical records are kept up to date and your progress is accurately tracked.
Data tracking
You can find Omron blood pressure monitors that store as many as 200 readings. With so much data at hand, you can easily track trends in your blood pressure readings.
Irregular heartbeats
There are some Omron blood pressure monitors that detect irregular heartbeats to alert you to other health issues.
For your safety
Avoid taking your blood pressure within a half hour after working out. The reading likely won’t be accurate.
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Omron blood pressure monitor prices
Omron blood pressure monitors vary in price based on type and other features. In general, you can expect to pay between $40 and $100.
For a basic upper arm Omron blood pressure monitor, you’ll usually pay between $40 and $60.
For an upper arm Omron blood pressure monitor with special features, you’ll usually pay between $70 and $100.
For a basic wrist Omron blood pressure monitor, you’ll usually pay between $50 and $70.
For a wrist Omron blood pressure monitor with special features, you’ll usually pay between $80 and $100.
Tips
To get a good feel for your blood pressure, use your monitor twice a day. Measure it in the morning before you eat and take your medications and again in the evening. It’s best to do it at the same times every day.
While you should use your blood pressure monitor in the morning, don’t do it as soon as you get out of bed. Start your morning routine, such as brushing your teeth or taking a shower, before you take the day’s first reading. But be sure to measure your blood pressure before you eat breakfast or take any medication.
Avoid taking your blood pressure less than half an hour after working out. The reading likely won’t be accurate.
Don’t eat any food or consume caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol for a half hour before you use your blood pressure monitor.
When you’re taking your blood pressure, sit still and stay quiet. Make sure that you’re as comfortable as possible, and remain calm to get an accurate reading.
Always measure your blood pressure using the same arm. Rest the arm on a table at heart level to ensure accuracy.
Place your blood pressure monitor cuff against bare skin. Securing it over clothing can affect the result.
Whenever you use your blood pressure monitor, take two to three readings, waiting for a minute or two between each. This allows you to verify the accuracy of the readings.
Expert Tip
Averaging out the blood pressure readings would give a good indication of what your blood pressure would be throughout the day.
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FAQ
Q. Are readings different between Omron wrist monitors and Omron arm monitors?
A. You may get a different reading using an Omron wrist monitor and an Omron arm monitor because they measure blood pressure at different points. Blood pressure can vary throughout the body, which can account for some differences. However, all Omron blood pressure monitors undergo the same validation methods and must meet the same accuracy specifications.
Q. How do measurements from Omron monitors differ from those taken at the doctor’s office?
A. Digital blood pressure monitors like those that Omron manufactures measure oscillometrically, which means that the vibration of the blood as it travels through the arteries is converted to digital readings. At a typical doctor’s office, blood pressure is measured through auscultation (using a stethoscope to listen for heartbeat sounds). With the digital process, you don’t need a stethoscope.
Q. What size cuff do I need for my monitor?
A. To determine the correct size cuff for your Omron blood pressure monitor, measure either the circumference of your bicep or your wrist, and then compare it to Omron’s sizing charts.
