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{"id":4093,"date":"2022-04-20T15:18:45","date_gmt":"2022-04-20T15:18:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scienceandnerds.com\/2022\/04\/20\/how-to-measure-your-spo2-on-your-smartwatch\/"},"modified":"2022-04-20T15:18:46","modified_gmt":"2022-04-20T15:18:46","slug":"how-to-measure-your-spo2-on-your-smartwatch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scienceandnerds.com\/2022\/04\/20\/how-to-measure-your-spo2-on-your-smartwatch\/","title":{"rendered":"How to measure your SpO2 on your smartwatch"},"content":{"rendered":"

Source: https:\/\/www.theverge.com\/23031829\/how-to-measure-spo2-smartwatch<\/a>
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If you\u2019ve been hunting for a new smartwatch, you\u2019ve probably come across the terms SpO2 sensors, pulse ox, or blood oxygen levels. SpO2 sensors measure your blood oxygen saturation<\/a> \u2014 or, put more simply, the amount of oxygen you have in your blood. In fact, these sensors and metrics are included in most modern smartwatches and fitness trackers. The only issue is that not every wearables maker uses these sensors in the same way. <\/p>\n

Some smartwatches measure your SpO2 passively as you sleep while others will let you take a direct measurement. But don\u2019t worry, we\u2019ll get into what SpO2 sensors are, how they work, and their limitations. We\u2019ll also dive into how to set up SpO2 measurements on some of the more popular wearables that support this metric.<\/p>\n

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A fingertip pulse oximeter is generally more accurate than the SpO2 sensors in your smartwatch.<\/em><\/figcaption>Photo by Amelia Holowaty Krales \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n

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How SpO2 sensors work<\/h2>\n

You might be familiar with pulse oximeters, which are clips you wear on your finger<\/a> that measure your blood oxygen saturation. These devices became more well-known during the early days of the pandemic, as low oxygen levels were a common symptom<\/a> for many people with COVID-19. This led to pulse oximeters becoming a must-have item.<\/p>\n

SpO2 sensors in smartwatches work similarly to the photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors used to measure heart rate. PPG \u2014 or optical heart rate \u2014 sensors work by shining a green light into your skin to determine your heart rate based on the light that\u2019s reflected back. The difference is that, instead of green light, smartwatch SpO2 sensors shine red and infrared light into your skin. Then, based on the way light reflects back, the devices use an algorithm to estimate your blood oxygen levels. <\/p>\n

A \u201cgood\u201d score is generally defined as anything above 95 percent, but results above 90 percent are also considered normal. Also, each wearable maker defines what a \u201cgood\u201d or \u201cnormal\u201d measurement is, so be sure to thoroughly read any included explainers. <\/p>\n

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The sensor array on the Series 6 includes red and infrared lights to measure SpO2.<\/em><\/figcaption>Vjeran Pavic \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n

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Limits of wearable SpO2 sensors<\/h2>\n

There are lots of reasons why wearable makers have begun adding these sensors to their devices. Most have added it as a factor in determining your sleep quality. Others, like Fitbit<\/a> and Withings, have added SpO2 sensors as a potential way to identify conditions like sleep apnea. <\/p>\n

But while fingertip pulse oximeters are a Class II medical device<\/a>, smartwatch SpO2 features are meant <\/strong>for general wellness only. As such, they generally do not require FDA clearance<\/a>. (The Withings ScanWatch<\/a>, however, has received FDA clearance for its SpO2 feature<\/a> to detect breathing disturbances during sleep.) Blood oxygen measurements taken from the wrist are also usually<\/a> less accurate<\/a> than those taken from the fingertip. That\u2019s because while fingertip pulse oximeters shine light through your entire finger, wrist-based sensors use the less reliable method<\/a> of measuring the reflection of light. <\/p>\n

In short, you should not use wearable SpO2 readings for any medical purpose whatsoever. You also shouldn\u2019t put too much stock in these readings. The best they can do is give you a sense of what your baseline is. Even then, you should expect wonky readings from time to time.<\/p>\n

Now that we\u2019re aware of the limitations, here\u2019s how to use SpO2 settings and spot checks on various wearable platforms.<\/p>\n

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Here\u2019s the SpO2 sensors in action on the Series 6.<\/em><\/figcaption>Vjeran Pavic \/ The Verge<\/cite><\/p>\n

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Apple Watch<\/h2>\n

Apple introduced SpO2 sensors in its Series 6<\/a> Watch. That means if you want to take SpO2 readings, you\u2019ll need either a Series 6 or Series 7<\/a>. The Apple Watch SE<\/a> does not include SpO2 sensors. <\/p>\n

On the Apple Watch, you can take 15-second spot checks of your blood oxygen levels. If you wear the device to sleep, it\u2019ll also take background readings while you snooze. <\/p>\n

To set up Blood Oxygen on your Apple Watch:<\/p>\n