In recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, many households have added a new device to their first-aid kits — the pulse oximeter. This small device plays a big role in monitoring your oxygen levels and keeping track of your overall respiratory health. But how do you use it correctly at home?
If you’ve just bought a pulse oximeter or are planning to, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — in simple, everyday language.
What is a Pulse Oximeter?
A pulse oximeter is a small, clip-like medical device that measures two key health indicators:
- Oxygen Saturation (SpO2): This tells you how much oxygen your red blood cells are carrying. A normal SpO2 reading is usually between 95% to 100%.
- Pulse Rate (heartbeats per minute): This is the number of times your heart beats in one minute. A normal resting pulse is around 60 to 100 bpm for most adults.
Most pulse oximeters are clipped onto a fingertip, but they can also be used on your toe or earlobe.
Why You Might Need a Pulse Oximeter at Home
Having a pulse oximeter at home is useful for:
- People with respiratory issues (like asthma, COPD, or COVID-19)
- Monitoring oxygen levels during illness
- Keeping track of oxygen saturation while exercising
- Watching for early signs of low oxygen (hypoxia)
How to Use a Pulse Oximeter Correctly: Step-by-Step
Here is a simple, step-by-step guide on how to use your pulse oximeter at home:
Step 1: Wash Your Hands and Rest
Make sure your hands are clean and warm. Sit down and relax for 5–10 minutes before taking a reading. Your body needs to be at rest for the most accurate results.
Tip: Avoid using the device right after exercise, walking, or taking a bath.
Step 2: Remove Nail Polish or Artificial Nails
Nail polish, especially dark colors, or artificial nails can block the light sensor in the pulse oximeter. It’s best to remove them before taking a reading.
Step 3: Place the Oximeter on Your Finger
Open the device and slide it gently onto your index finger or middle finger. Ensure your hand is resting on a flat surface, like a table or your lap, and keep it still.
Important: Don’t squeeze or move your finger once it’s inside the device.
Step 4: Turn On the Device
Most pulse oximeters turn on with a single button. Once on, the screen will light up and start reading your pulse and oxygen level. This usually takes 5 to 15 seconds.
Step 5: Read the Results
You’ll see two numbers on the screen:
- SpO2 (%) — your blood oxygen level
- PR bpm — your pulse rate
Record the numbers if you’re tracking your health over time or sharing them with a doctor.
Step 6: Turn It Off and Clean
Once done, remove your finger and turn off the device (some models do this automatically). Clean the device with a soft cloth or alcohol wipe, especially if more than one person uses it.
Tips for Accurate Readings
To get the most reliable results, follow these tips:
- Stay still while the reading is being taken.
- Keep hands warm — cold fingers may give false readings.
- Avoid bright light (sunlight or strong lamps) hitting the sensor.
- Don’t talk or move during the test.
- Use the same finger every time if you’re tracking changes.
What Do the Readings Mean?
Here’s a general guide to understanding what your pulse oximeter is telling you:
| SpO2 (%) | What It Means |
| 95% – 100% | Normal |
| 90% – 94% | Slightly low, watch for symptoms |
| Below 90% | Low oxygen — seek medical help ASAP |
| Pulse (bpm) | What It Means |
| 60–100 bpm | Normal (resting adults) |
| Below 60 bpm | Low – can be normal for athletes |
| Above 100 bpm | High – may indicate stress, fever, or illness |
Note: Always talk to a doctor if your numbers are out of the normal range or if you feel unwell, even if the readings seem fine.
When to Seek Medical Help
Call your doctor or go to the hospital if:
- Your oxygen level drops below 90%
- You feel short of breath, dizzy, or confused
- Your pulse is consistently very high or very low
- You feel weak or unable to stay awake
Who Should Not Rely Solely on a Pulse Oximeter?
While pulse oximeters are helpful, they’re not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis. They may not be accurate for:
- People with dark nail polish or poor circulation
- Those with very cold fingers
- People with skin pigmentation differences (some devices may show lower readings)
If you have a chronic condition, always discuss with your doctor how to interpret your results and when to take action.
How Often Should You Check Your Oxygen Level?
This depends on your health:
- Healthy people: No need to check regularly unless advised by a doctor.
- People with lung/heart issues: As recommended by your healthcare provider.
- During illness (e.g. COVID-19): 2–3 times a day or as symptoms require.
Keep a log of your readings if you are monitoring a condition.
Conclusion
Using a pulse oximeter at home is easy and helpful, especially if you or a loved one has breathing or heart issues. It helps you keep an eye on your oxygen level and pulse — two very important signs of how your body is doing.
Remember: rest before taking a reading, stay still, and make sure your hands are clean and warm. While a pulse oximeter can’t replace medical advice, it can be a powerful tool when used the right way.
Always follow up with a healthcare professional if you’re unsure about your readings or feel unwell. Your health matters — and now you know how to use this little device to keep a closer eye on it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is a normal oxygen level on a pulse oximeter?
A normal oxygen level is between 95% and 100%. Anything below 90% is considered low and may need urgent medical attention.
2. Can I use a pulse oximeter while moving or walking?
It’s best to stay still during a reading. Movement can cause incorrect or inconsistent results. If you want to check oxygen during activity, rest for a moment before taking a reading.
3. Is it okay to use the oximeter on my toe or earlobe?
Yes, if your fingers are not an option, you can use the toe or earlobe. Just make sure the area is clean and warm, and hold still during the reading.
4. How long should I wait between readings?
You can take multiple readings during the day, but wait a few minutes between tests to give your body time to settle, especially if you’ve been moving around.
5. Do I need a prescription to buy a pulse oximeter?
No, you can buy a pulse oximeter over the counter or online. However, for people with medical conditions, it’s best to choose a clinically approved model and consult your doctor.