Clinically validated home health devices: Braun and Rossmax upper-arm blood pressure monitors, Braun ThermoScan and digital thermometers, pulse oximeters and smart scales. We will show you how to take an accurate reading, in store or over WhatsApp.
- ✓ In Stock
- Health & Monitoring Devices
Rossmax Automatic Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
- €49.95
- Fully automatic upper arm blood pressure monitorClinically validated with irregular heartbeat detectionLarge display, reading memory and colour coded indicatorFrom Rossmax, a trusted medical device brand
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Choosing and using home health devices
Blood pressure monitors
Choose an upper-arm monitor rather than a wrist one; they are more accurate and are what your GP will trust. Every monitor we stock is clinically validated. The Braun ExactFit range differs mainly in features: the 1 is a straightforward monitor, the 3 stores readings for two users and flags irregular heartbeats. Rossmax is a reliable lower-cost option. Make sure the cuff fits your arm; a cuff that is too small reads high.
To get a useful reading: sit quietly for five minutes, feet flat, arm supported at heart level, no caffeine or smoking for 30 minutes before, cuff on bare skin. Take two readings a minute apart, morning and evening, for a week, and bring the average to your GP. One high reading means nothing; a pattern does.
Thermometers
For babies and children, an ear thermometer such as the Braun ThermoScan is fast and accurate from six months, and the lens filters keep it hygienic. Under six months, a digital stick thermometer under the arm is more reliable than ear or forehead readings. A non-contact forehead thermometer such as the Salter is handy for a sleeping child but reads slightly lower than ear or oral temperatures. A fever is 38°C or above by any route.
Pulse oximeters
A finger pulse oximeter measures blood oxygen and pulse rate and is useful for anyone with COPD, asthma or a chest infection who has been told to monitor at home. Normal is 95% or above. Cold hands, nail varnish and movement all give false low readings, so warm up and sit still first. A reading below 92% that does not improve needs medical advice the same day.
Smart scales
Body-analysis scales estimate fat and muscle through a small electrical current and are reasonably consistent for tracking trends, less so for absolute numbers. Weigh at the same time each day, before breakfast, for a fair comparison.
Common questions about health & monitoring devices
Which blood pressure monitor do pharmacists recommend?
An upper-arm, clinically validated monitor. We stock Braun ExactFit 1, 2 and 3 and Rossmax, all of which meet that standard. Choose based on cuff size, whether you want memory for two users, and irregular heartbeat detection.
Are wrist blood pressure monitors accurate?
They are less reliable than upper-arm monitors because wrist position affects the reading. If you must use one, keep the wrist at heart level. For anyone managing diagnosed high blood pressure, we recommend an upper-arm model.
What is a normal blood oxygen reading on a pulse oximeter?
95% to 100% is normal for most healthy adults. People with lung conditions may normally sit a little lower. A reading under 92% that does not improve after warming your hands and resting needs medical advice that day.
What is the most accurate thermometer for a baby?
For babies under six months, a digital thermometer under the arm. From six months, an ear thermometer such as the Braun ThermoScan is fast and accurate. Forehead non-contact thermometers are convenient but read slightly low.
Written and reviewed by the pharmacist team at Laois Pharmacy, Portlaoise. General information only, not a substitute for advice about your own health. Ask us in store or on WhatsApp.