Omron 7 Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

Omron 7 Series Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

The Omron blood pressure monitor is a similar design to the Microlife. They are both wrist monitors that use the oscillometric measuring method. The Omron is more convenient in that it guides the user to the proper arm position. The Microlife requires the user to set the arm in the standard position but does not provide any guidance.

The Omron takes measurements from low to high while the Microlife usually takes three measurements and, like most other monitors, goes from high to low. The three measurements are meant to provide a more accurate averaged reading, but it does take over three times as long. The Omron has a feature that automatically averages the last three readings taken within 10 minutes, so it can provide an averaged reading if desired.

The low to high measurement is particularly convenient and beneficial. This means there is no delay waiting to inflate the cuff and then waiting for the cuff to deflate while monitoring pulse related pressure changes. For people with elevated blood pressure, this also means no need to have the monitor inflate, waiting for the measurement criteria, and then re-inflating above the original pressure. I am surprised Omron does not highlight this feature more. It really makes this monitor stand out.

The Microlife is more sophisticated, has built-in charts, and comes with software and an interface for connecting to the computer. The charts show trends and display more information than the Omron. For some people, this may be helpful, but I prefer the simpler and much faster Omron.