[Product Review] Pulse Oximeter CMS-50D+

[greatunclebill]

Pulse Oximeter CMS-50D+

Want to get a recording pulse oximeter but unsure of what to buy? If you're like me, you want the best you can buy for the littlest amount of money. You must keep in mind that too cheap isn't always best because you usually get what you pay for. At the same time if money is a considerable consideration, you don't need to spend thousands of dollars for the Lamborghini when the Ford will get you there just as soon and just as safe.

The CMS-50D+ is definitely the Ford model, being the lowest priced recorder in the CMS line (that I know of). At seller 19, The Pulse Oximeter Store, it cost me $75 + $6 for traceable priority US Mail shipping, for a total of $81 USD. I had it in my mailbox 2 calendar days after ordering. It came in a box with padding and the oximeter was in its own little metal box with padding inside the shipping box. Included in the shipment was the oximeter, a usb cord, 2 aaa batteries, directions and a program to read it on the computer on a mini cd. also in the box was a freebie little electronic pedometer that was not advertised or listed.

There is definitely a trial and error learning curve with the directions provided. however, if i can figure it out you can figure it out. the machine has 3 operating modes. first, the machine shows o2 data, pulse rate and a heart graph on the front of the unit so you can check those things at any time. You can make the data point in any of 4 directions so you don't have to turn your finger to read it. second, you can turn the machine on, plug it into the computer thru usb, run the program and watch your data in real time on graphs. third, you can put the machine in record mode, wear it overnite or any length of time you want, take it off and plug into the computer with usb and see your overnite data. all data you view thru the usb cord is stored on your computer for future viewing. anytime you record, the previous recording is erased.

The machine produces a number of reports that you can view on the computer or print out to show your doctor. it produces a full study report, a summary report, an oximetry report and a strip chart report. each of these reports are pretty comprehensive, compete with printouts of the graphs. among other things it shows total events, time in events, average event duration, SPo2 index, basal o2 rate, time <88%, events <88%, minimum o2, average low o2, average low o2 < 88%, average pulse, low pulse, number of events at different o2 % levels. The included software worked for me on the win7 64 bit and winvista 32 bit laptops.

The reason i chose this oximeter was price and things i've seen written in forums. Also the fact that Sleepyhead supports the CMS-50 line of oximeters. I haven't tried it in sleepyhead but I'm sure it will work fine.

What more would I want in a pulse oximeter? What other features would make me want to pay more? If you're sitting on the edge thinking about getting a recording pulse oximeter, jump on this one.

Note to SS - It does not make coffee.

sample oximetry report:

[attachment=73]

[Dreamcatcher]

I went for the wrist one that has a seperate finger probe, CMS 50E+, the reason I got this one was because it looked more comfortable

[PaulaO2]

Do a review of it in another thread, DC. I'd really like to know how it worked for you. And if it really is more comfortable.

[Dreamcatcher]

Do a review of it in another thread, DC. I'd really like to know how it worked for you. And if it really is more comfortable.

OK will do

[SuperSleeper]

Also, just a reminder to add 1 to 5 of "stars" to your review... kind of a visual thing, as described here.

[greatunclebill]

i need to invest in a couple sets of rechargeable batteries. i've used this thing every night since i got it and have gone thru 2 sets of 2 aaa batteries already.

if the battery light is blinking when you go to bed, don't expect it to run all night.

i also learned that if the batteries go dead during the night, all data up til that point is saved. you can put in new batteries in the morning and view the data before it died.

[pssnn]

i need to invest in a couple sets of rechargeable batteries. i've used this thing every night since i got it and have gone thru 2 sets of 2 aaa batteries already.

if the battery light is blinking when you go to bed, don't expect it to run all night.

i also learned that if the batteries go dead during the night, all data up til that point is saved. you can put in new batteries in the morning and view the data before it died.

Very true!! I have gone through 2 sets of batteries already and had the device quit in the middle of the night once. For that evening I got a whole 45 minutes of data

[PaulaO2]

I've had this oximeter for 8 nights now. I'd give it 5 stars but the poorly translated documentation made some things very difficult.

Pulse Oximeter CMS-50D+

Pros:

• small, relatively light weight. Yes, I do notice it but quickly got used to it
  
• easy to set up initially. Put in batteries, put on finger, push button, viola, instant O2 and pulse
  
• little screen is very easy to read and can be changed so the view is different, depending on which hand it is on. It also has two views with moving graphs (of the pulse)
  
• the software, once I figured it out, is good (I'll review it further down)
  
• the USB cord that came with it is huge long. I was able to plug it into the back of my computer and it STILL has enough length to practically lay in my lap! Be aware, though, the USB end is large and you may have problems plugging it in next to other cords.
  

Cons:

• batteries! It came with two and those lasted maybe three nights? I figured they had a long time on the shelf so wasn't surprised. But I got rechargeable but they last just 2 nights.
  
• I developed a sore spot on my finger the first few nights so I kept changing fingers. I guess my finger (left index) finally got used to it but while not red, there is a small lump where the skin settles into the hole on the top. Could be just me?
  
• I've used it for 8 nights and I'm having a hard time keeping it on. It is as if the spring isn't as tight. Could also be why the finger has healed. Could be that it is just as tight but I am not as aware of it when I am asleep so I knock it off more. I turn on the alarm after I am laying down so that if it comes off, it beeps and wakes me. But then it beeps when the batteries are low...
  
• the documentation that came with it can be difficult to understand. Not all of it, but enough of it that I had problems. Especially when it discussed the software.
  
• The meter does not know the time. It knows the time span (8hrs) but not that it was from 9pm to 5am. So syncing it with SleepyHead is interesting.
  

"SpO2" and "SpO2 Review" software

These two come on a little mini CD and were easy to install on my PC (win7). The hard part was deciphering in the documentation. SpO2 is basically a 'live' thing. I don't think it records what you see although I guess you can set the device to record as you go. I guess this would be cool if you were exercising or helping someone else to exercise. You'd not have to keep looking at their finger (which is probably moving about). That's the only use I see for it as a person who wants it to monitor my sleep apnea treatment.

SpO2 Review is what I use the most. Even if you use SleepyHead, you still have to use Review to download the data to your computer. There's instructions on how to do that in the Wiki. The trick is you have to have the meter turned on. I put it on the screen where I turn the record on/off. Otherwise, the software just sits there.

The data it gives you is just graphs. To see the text, the actual number data, you need to do a print preview.

You can right click and it will give you the numbers of that point in the graph (top left of screen).

Right click and drag and the data in that corner changes as you go so you can see the numbers change as you move.

Left click and drag, you select a section to highlight. You can do this to several sections. These highlights are visible when you print it out, too. (or at least they are there in the print preview)

Double left click brings up the initial information (date, user, comments if you entered any).

Pros:

• Very simple and easy to use. The screen is uncluttered by other stuff.
  
• The print outs are great. There's 4 different kinds you can do: Summary, Full Study, Oximetry, and Strip Chart.
  
• While you can only view one report at a time, you CAN open several instances of the software at once and look different reports that way.
  

Cons:

• The software is VERY basic. So basic, it is almost difficult to figure out. It is as if I kept looking for other things but there wasn't any.
  
• You cannot see the results, just the graphs. Pulling up the print view of the report is an odd way to do it.
  
• The software (and the documentation) assumes you will understand what the data is saying. They do not define what '% Artifact' is, for example.
  

[greatunclebill]

I've had this oximeter for 8 nights now. I'd give it 5 stars but the poorly translated documentation made some things very difficult.

Pulse Oximeter CMS-50D+

Pros:

• small, relatively light weight. Yes, I do notice it but quickly got used to it
  
• easy to set up initially. Put in batteries, put on finger, push button, viola, instant O2 and pulse
  
• little screen is very easy to read and can be changed so the view is different, depending on which hand it is on. It also has two views with moving graphs (of the pulse)
  
• the software, once I figured it out, is good (I'll review it further down)
  
• the USB cord that came with it is huge long. I was able to plug it into the back of my computer and it STILL has enough length to practically lay in my lap! Be aware, though, the USB end is large and you may have problems plugging it in next to other cords.
  

Cons:

• batteries! It came with two and those lasted maybe three nights? I figured they had a long time on the shelf so wasn't surprised. But I got rechargeable but they last just 2 nights.
  
• I developed a sore spot on my finger the first few nights so I kept changing fingers. I guess my finger (left index) finally got used to it but while not red, there is a small lump where the skin settles into the hole on the top. Could be just me?
  
• I've used it for 8 nights and I'm having a hard time keeping it on. It is as if the spring isn't as tight. Could also be why the finger has healed. Could be that it is just as tight but I am not as aware of it when I am asleep so I knock it off more. I turn on the alarm after I am laying down so that if it comes off, it beeps and wakes me. But then it beeps when the batteries are low...
  
• the documentation that came with it can be difficult to understand. Not all of it, but enough of it that I had problems. Especially when it discussed the software.
  
• The meter does not know the time. It knows the time span (8hrs) but not that it was from 9pm to 5am. So syncing it with SleepyHead is interesting.
  

"SpO2" and "SpO2 Review" software

These two come on a little mini CD and were easy to install on my PC (win7). The hard part was deciphering in the documentation. SpO2 is basically a 'live' thing. I don't think it records what you see although I guess you can set the device to record as you go. I guess this would be cool if you were exercising or helping someone else to exercise. You'd not have to keep looking at their finger (which is probably moving about). That's the only use I see for it as a person who wants it to monitor my sleep apnea treatment.

SpO2 Review is what I use the most. Even if you use SleepyHead, you still have to use Review to download the data to your computer. There's instructions on how to do that in the Wiki. The trick is you have to have the meter turned on. I put it on the screen where I turn the record on/off. Otherwise, the software just sits there.

The data it gives you is just graphs. To see the text, the actual number data, you need to do a print preview.

You can right click and it will give you the numbers of that point in the graph (top left of screen).

Right click and drag and the data in that corner changes as you go so you can see the numbers change as you move.

Left click and drag, you select a section to highlight. You can do this to several sections. These highlights are visible when you print it out, too. (or at least they are there in the print preview)

Double left click brings up the initial information (date, user, comments if you entered any).

Pros:

• Very simple and easy to use. The screen is uncluttered by other stuff.
  
• The print outs are great. There's 4 different kinds you can do: Summary, Full Study, Oximetry, and Strip Chart.
  
• While you can only view one report at a time, you CAN open several instances of the software at once and look different reports that way.
  

Cons:

• The software is VERY basic. So basic, it is almost difficult to figure out. It is as if I kept looking for other things but there wasn't any.
  
• You cannot see the results, just the graphs. Pulling up the print view of the report is an odd way to do it.
  
• The software (and the documentation) assumes you will understand what the data is saying. They do not define what '% Artifact' is, for example.
  

the loose fitting is caused by it having a double hinge that raises up and probably a weak spring. we get around that by using a rubber band around it to hold it in place better. not too tight though.

[SlightlySleepy]

Purchased the CMS-50D+ last week from Supplier #19 for $81 including shipping and bonus pedometer which was a nice surprise:
http://www.apneaboard.com/forums/Thread-...plier-List

Arrived shortly thereafter (as compared to the response to my calls to CPAP machine DME provider, sleep specialist, and insurance, whom I have called approx 3 times each with zero results so far).

I have used the CMS-50D+ for two nights now (despite legal-eze instructions advising not to use for more than 2 hours at a time despite 24 hour recording capability!). I am very impressed. This is a high quality product for the price and origin, although the software is definitely bare-bones and not the most user friendly (for example, there is absolutely no way to supply a time offset so recording time always starts at 0 hours and ends up wherever you turn the machine off NOTE: I discovered by accident that the onboard clock works perfectly but only if you start monitoring at exactly midnight! :-) ). Wearing it for more than 2 hours is likely quite safe as to the best of my reading the light emitted is Infrared, not ionizing Ultraviolet, and therefore unlikely to cause skin damage.

Overall, I am very impressed with the quality of the construction (no iPhone cool, but appears well made for a plastic gizmo and the color screen is beautiful and clear as well as easy to navigate as long as you remember that there are two kinds of ways to push the button: A short "click" and a long "press". They do different things, but if you can navigate a TV remote, you can navigate this.

Also, turning on the recording function and remembering to turn it off are important, but easy to do in the on screen menu. It seems to be necessary to have record function on to download the data, but I may be wrong on that as it might have been getting ready to download the data before I switched the record function back on while connected to the USB port of my computer.

The Oximeter is comfortable. I did not use a rubber band or anything to hold it on my middle finger (first night) or ring finger (second night). The second night I woke with it off, but I was dreaming I was taking it off, so I think that pre-sleep self suggestion should work to keep it on. I would not want to have too much more pressure on my finger and if necessary might simply use some surgical tape on the sides or something, although they recommend NOT taping it. A near ideal method to hold it on would be one of those net tube net type bandage elastic finger covers that could go around the device and be tied to the palm of the hand, but I don't have any now that I'm not actively practicing.

I'm using rechargable NiMH AA batteries. Have used a new set each night so do not know how long it would last without them. Device came with non-rechargeable batteries taped on the outside which was a nice touch.

The supplier (#19 as above) sent me a nice email with links to the manuals for this device on their website, along with instructions of which programs to use for Windows XP vs. Windows 7. I have only tried on my XP machine. I may compare on my Windows 7 notebook soon and report back.

The manual is definitely written by a non-native speaker, but I found it very well written and easy to understand, perhaps because I was expecting much worse based on prior reviews and I am somewhat technically savvy. There were a few choice phrases which were a bit humorous*, but the intention was clear and otherwise very useful.

(*my favorite example is "In addition, pay attention to the use of the hanging rope, do not wear it around the neck on the purpose of avoiding harm to the patient".)

So far (two days use) I would recommend this device, especially since there is apparently nothing else out there that comes close in this price range.

Bottom line: I would buy it again knowing what I know now.

On a personal note:
The first night provided valuable if somewhat disturbing information: towards morning (but before awakening if I am offsetting the time right) my SpO2 went down twice, once to 80, and the other time to about 88. Both were accompanied by remarkable tachycardic increase pulse rate to 100 and 120 respectively. This also corresponded to my awakening with a sensation of shortness of breath and running a marathon.

My lowest heart rate was 41 and I am not currently athletic. Looking into the causes of bradycardia was not exactly comforting (cardiomyopathy etc listed as causes) but also obstructive sleep apnea. This low number corresponds with the 42 I got from a screening EKG recently which I need to follow-up with my cardiologist.

Curious how many have Sleep Apnea induced bradycardia here?

Last night, my Pulse Ox stats were much better -- no desaturations and no tachycardia.

Looks like I am due for a sleep study, but the lack of consistency and repeatability of the first result may limit the effectiveness of said study.