Pulse Oximeter

[no_hypocrisy]

How long do you leave it on for an accurate reading? 1 minute? 2 minutes? More?

The numbers change; that's why I'm asking.

[procon]

1. It changes because your body is dynamic not static.

I have multiple respiratory probs. I check my pulse ox when my breathing becomes more difficult. I look at the first numbers that pop up, but I'm more interested that those numbers are up in a "good" range vs in a lower range which makes my breathing more difficult.

Your doc probably told you what is the best range for you. You can also test yourself over several days to establish what your baseline reading is. That will give you a starting range for comparison.

[mr_lebowski]

2. Until the numbers show what you want them to show ...

That's how long you're supposed to do it

[still_one]

3. Make sure the finger you are using isnt cold or you will get false low levels

Oxygen saturation fluctuates somewhat normally

[Buckeye_Democrat]

5. Mine seems to stabilize within 10 seconds....

... of the initial reading.

O2 might change by 1%, but that's almost nothing.

Heart rate fluctuates more. I can seem to lower it with time, like biofeedback.

[Warpy]

6. Depends on the unit

Mine is a small one, just big enough for 2 AAA batteries, and it reads within about 10 seconds.

[Worried2020]

7. Just checked with mine.

Read 97/67 after about 5 seconds - stabilized at 96 /71 after about 30 seconds.

I always use the same finger - index on my left hand -

W

[vsrazdem]

8. The numbers will change. As you breath in deeper and take in more oxygen they will go up.

The initial reading is probably your normal resting sat, as we all pretty much do shallower breathing when we are doing nothing. As you breath in deeper your numbers should go up, unless you are having respiratory difficulties, then they would most likely go down with walking or exercise.