You can do so much more than just take a blood pressure reading with the monitors available from Omron. Depending on the series level, you can store previous readings, share the device with another user with dual settings and even sync the Omron blood pressure monitor with a smartphone or Microsoft Health Vault. The company specializes in producing medical devices for a variety of users, from the constant traveler in need of something light to the home user who wants all of the features. With price ranges from $50 to more than $100, there is a device available for any budget. Before shopping, do a little research to find the best Omron blood pressure monitor for your needs.
1. Omron 3 Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor: $46.99, Amazon
This basic monitor is small and portable, so you can take your blood pressure anywhere. The Omron 3 stores the last 60 readings in its memory, so you can access your history at the touch of a button. The Advanced Averaging feature shows the average numbers of three readings taken within the span of 10 minutes. Users are also alerted to potential hypertension and an irregular heartbeat, if detected, when their reading is outside of internationally recognized ranges. The indicator is a nice, big vertical bar with accepted ranges marked on it. It shows at a glance when your readings are outside these ranges.
2. Omron 5 Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Wide-Range Cuff: $47.99, Amazon
Get a few more features in the Omron Series 5 with the ability to store the past 100 readings in memory. This blood pressure monitor also offers dual settings for two different people, so a couple can share their monitor and keep their readings separate in memory. In addition to the hypertension alert, the Omron 5 also alerts users to an irregular heartbeat if detected during the test. A larger D-Cuff now fits users with arm circumferences of 9 to 17 inches.
3. Omron 10 Series Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Wide-Range ComFit Cuff: $64.99, Amazon
For a more accurate reading, consider the Omron Series 10 blood pressure monitor. This device includes a preformed ComFit Cuff, which inflates securely around the arm to prevent misplacement. This cuff is also expandable for users with larger arms. The Omron 10 is able to store the last 200 blood pressure readings. TruRead software gives users the average blood pressure from three readings taken automatically within one minute of each other. A display change with a black background and large, white, backlit numbers makes the screen easier to read. Users will also notice the multicolored indicator lights on the blood pressure range meter makes a possible hypertension reading more obvious. It also syncs with your smartphone to allow easy access to this information from anywhere, even the doctor's office.
4. Omron 7 Series UltraSilent Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor: $53.99, Amazon
Those in need of a very lightweight option can try the Omron 7 monitor, which only weighs 3 ounces. This little device is great for those who like traveling but don't want bulky equipment. The blood pressure monitor also stores the last 100 readings. It will automatically detect when your wrist is at heart level and start taking the reading. This Omron blood pressure monitor uses Advanced Averaging to display the average results of three readings in 10 minutes. The Omron 7 gives users a heads up with a hypertension alert and an irregular heartbeat alert if one is detected during the reading.
5. Omron 10 Plus Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with ComFit Cuff: $110.98, Amazon
Of course, the end all be all of choices is the Omron Series 10 Plus blood pressure monitor. This device ensures an accurate reading every time with multiple features, including the Calibration Check System, Cuff Wrap Guide, TruRead and Advanced Averaging. In fact, the Omron 10 offers every single feature of the previous models, and it is also compatible with Microsoft Health Vault. It is also backlit with a black background like the other Omron Series 10 model mentioned earlier to make interpreting readings easier. The Omron 10 will store the last 200 readings and is set up with dual settings for two users.
The Verdict
As far as this Omron blood pressure review is concerned, each of these devices offers similar basic features, such as memory storage, reading averages and hypertension alerts. Those in need of something cheap yet reliable should try the simplest Omron 3 Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor. When traveling and in need of something that won't add too much weight to a carry-on bag, go for the Omron 7 Series UltraSilent Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor. Finally, users can't go wrong with the deluxe Omron 10 Plus Series Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with ComFit Cuff.