Heart Rate and SpO2 Measurement

• Withings Pulse - What does SpO2 mean? What is a normal SpO2 level?

  SpO2 stands for peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, an estimate of the amount of oxygen in the blood. More specifically, it is the percentage of oxygenated haemoglobin (haemoglobin containing oxygen) compared to the total amount of haemoglobin in the blood (oxygenated and non-oxygenated haemoglobin).

  SpO2 is an estimate of arterial oxygen saturation, or SaO2, which refers to the amount of oxygenated haemoglobin in the blood.

  Haemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen in the blood. It is found inside red blood cells and gives them their red colour.

  SpO2 can be measured by pulse oximetry, an indirect, non-invasive method (meaning it does not involve the introduction of instruments into the body). It works by emitting and then absorbing a light wave passing through blood vessels (or capillaries) in the fingertip. A variation of the light wave passing through the finger will give the value of the SpO2 measurement because the degree of oxygen saturation causes variations in the blood’s colour.

  This value is represented by a percentage. If your Withings Pulse Ox™ says 98%, this means that each red blood cell is made up of 98% oxygenated and 2% non-oxygenated haemoglobin. Normal SpO2 values vary between 95 and 100%.

  Good blood oxygenation is necessary to supply the energy your muscles need in order to function, which increases during a sports activity. If your SpO2 value is below 95%, that could be a sign of poor blood oxygenation, also called hypoxia.

  You can easily measure your SpO2 with the Withings Pulse™ Ox. We remind you that the Withings Pulse™ Ox is not a medical device and must not be used to diagnose or monitor a pathological condition.

• Withings Pulse - Frequently asked questions regarding heart rate measurements

  How does the Withings Pulse™ Ox measure my heart rate?

  The Withings Pulse™ Ox uses an optoelectronics sensor as well as a red LED to measure your heart rate through your finger.
  The sensor will pick up small color changes on the surface of your skin that are in sync with your pulse. These changes are caused by blood flow changes from your heart pumping.

  Why is tracking my heart rate useful?

  Your resting heart rate is an indication of your overall fitness level. A lower heart rate at rest implies more efficient heart function and better cardiovascular fitness. You will see your resting heart rate decrease as you are moving toward a more active lifestyle.
  It's also important to be aware of your maximum working heart rate during a run or work-out session.

  How many heart rate measurements can the Pulse store ?

  The Withings Pulse™ Ox displays your last measurement but is able to save up to 20 measurements. All of the saved measurements will be sent to the Health Mate app during the next synchronization. 

• Withings Pulse - Taking a heart rate or SpO2 measurement

  You can easily track your heart rate or SpO2 using your Withings Pulse™ Ox thanks to the heart rate mode.

  1. Press the button of your Withings Pulse™ Ox several times until the Heart + Sleep screen is displayed.
     
  2. Tap the heart icon on the screen.
  3. Gently place your finger on the light sensor at the back of your Withings Pulse™ Ox when prompted to with the words “place finger”.
     Make sure you stay as still as possible to ensure the accuracy of the measurement.

  You can retrieve all the heart rate and SpO2 measurements collected by your Withings Pulse™ Ox in your Timeline or on your Dashboard in the Health Mate app.

  The Health Mate app keeps your entire history, allowing you to easily track how your heart rate and SpO2 level evolve over time.

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  If you have any issue with your heart rate or SpO2 measurements, click here to find a solution!

• Withings Pulse - I'm having issues with heart rate and SpO2 measurements. What should I do?

  This article will help you if you encounter any of the following issues:

  - You get an "X" on the screen of your Withings Pulse™ Ox when taking a measurement, or your data seems inaccurate
  - You can't start the Heart Rate mode

   

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  You get an "X" on the screen of your Withings Pulse™ Ox when taking a measurement or your data seems inaccurate

  1. Try to stay still during the measurement
  2. Place your finger lightly on the back of your Withings Pulse™ Ox.
     Pushing too hard can impact the measurement.
  3. Make sure your finger is clean and not too cold

  If you still encounter issues, reach out to Customer Service by clicking the Contact us button at the bottom of the page.

   

  You can't start the Heart Rate mode

  If you can't start the Heart Rate mode, it probably means the touchscreen is not responsive. Reach out to Customer Service by clicking the Contact us button at the bottom of the page.