We all went through a life changing pandemic. As a result, words like “oxygenation” and “pulse oximetry” have gained acceptance and the general public has increased the use of pulse oximeters. This should come as no surprise as hypoxia (i.e., low levels of oxygen in the blood) is one of the hallmarks of COVID-19 pneumonia. There are many affordable personal pulse oximeters on the market today. Traditional clip-on designs have several limitations. For example, they do not allow continuous monitoring, which may be appropriate for some people. For example, Wellue, a China-based medical device company, O2Ring.
O2Ring is a ring-shaped pulse oximeter that continuously monitors the user’s peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) on the thumb. At Medgadget we had the opportunity to try O2Ring over the past few weeks. You will find our product rating below.
Design and fit
Wellue’s O2Ring is made from flexible medical grade silicone, weighs just fifteen grams, and has a slim, flat design. However, since its face contains a small LED screen, it is a bit bulkier than comparable devices on the market such as the Oura ring or SLEEPONs Go2Sleep Ring.
O2Ring is only available in one size. The manufacturer recommends wearing it on the thumb or forefinger. It’s very comfortable to wear and stays securely in place all day and while sleeping. One of the advantages of a ring over a clip-on, at least for some people, is that the device can be used without removing fingernail polish.
user friendliness
O2Ring is easy to use. It turns on automatically when you slide it over your finger and turns off a few seconds after you remove it. When you tap on it, the LED screen will light up and show your SpO2 and heart rate in real time. You can also view these readings using the smartphone app.
O2Ring uses vibrotactile feedback to warn the user when the SpO2 value drops below a preset value or the heart rate is outside a certain range. The intensity of the vibration can be adjusted.
The device is charged via a micro USB cable. This is a disadvantage of the more convenient charging station that its competitor, the Go2Sleep ring, offers. The O2Ring has a battery life of twelve to sixteen hours and takes two to three hours to fully charge.
software
Wellue offers a free app for iOS and Android smartphones. The O2Ring itself has a built-in memory that can store up to 4 sessions or 40 hours of data. Each session ends when the ring is removed. When the app starts, the data is transferred to your smartphone, provided the ringtone is within Bluetooth range.
Overall, the app is easy to use. Each session is reported separately with a simple overview of the data. It shows the average SpO2 and heart rate, the lowest SpO2 value, the number of oxygen drops and the time spent below a certain value. The report can be shared with loved ones or health care providers via email or SMS. According to Wellue, the accuracy of the device has been validated through several clinical studies.
Conclusion
We’ve found O2Ring to be a convenient, easy-to-use pulse oximeter. It is a particularly attractive option for conditions that require prolonged monitoring of blood oxygen levels, such as: B. Sleep apnea, chronic lung disease and, more recently, COVID-19 pneumonia.
O2Ring can be purchased at Wellues official website and Amazon. It costs $ 165, which is slightly higher than the price of other comparable products. Nonetheless, the device can keep both users and loved ones safe.
Product Page: O2Ring Oximeter Continuous ring oxygen monitor
Similar flashbacks: Smart Ring monitors body temperature, can detect COVID fever early on; GO2SLEEP wearable sleep tracker to detect sleep apnea
