26.9.2016

Hard to think that a little box, high tech though it might be, is capable of saving one’s life, but I exaggerate not. In one of those terrible reductionist scenarios where one acted with ruthless efficiency but actually ended up saving more lives; if GPs or nurses were simply asked to do everyone’s blood pressure and nothing else, we would probably end up saving more lives than doing any other form of work.Putting this scary thought to one side for a moment, you’ll be pleased to know that efficient and reliable measurement of one’s BP is only an Amazon or Omron click away. The machine comes packed in its own storage bag all inside a nice cuboid box. There is a little wedge of cardboard to remove,the BP device, the instruction booklet, 4 Duracell batteries and of course the new type of Omron ‘curly cuff’ which wraps around one’s arm in a jiffy. Please follow the little picture on the cuff itself and make sure the tube is running away down one’s arm and just slightly over the inner part of ones front of elbow where the brachial artery is to be found though in reality Omron claim with some truth that such positioning is not quite so vital with their new cuffs as it was with the old wrap-around cuffs. The cuff is easy and quick to position, I tend to slip my arm into it from the top a bit like a sleeve and stop when the lower end of the cuff is just above my elbow joint. I then encourage it to wrap around my arm and simply press down the velcro edge. This fits comfortably and securely. I then tend to support my arm with cushions before finally pressing the button and away it goes with a fairly quiet and speedy efficiency. Please note the fit of the cuff is also vital and if you have a very slim or very fat arm beyond the size range as indicated on the cuff then please note you will probably get an inaccurate reading which is a waste of time and could lull you into either missing a high BP or exaggerating a normal one – which both sound pretty bad to me.The machine senses the position of the cuff as it inflates and gives you a nice cuff position indicator. It also warns you if your pulse is irregular and if this lights up then please go and see your GP or nurse as we are having a push on measuring people’s rhythm as again there are many lives to be saved.Other than that the machine pulsates away smoothly and inflates quite quickly. It does not inflate too far past one’s systolic pressure, which is the top reading where the heart beats as opposed to the bottom one, or diastolic, where the heart re-fills. This makes the cuff more comfortable, though if one has a high BP and it keeps inflating, it causes more pain and more anxiety both which are a little counter-productive to accurate and fuss free measurement within one’s home. The screen is large and very clear with nice colour graphics when one’s BP is outside the desirable range with clear indicators for other problems as discussed above and there are two-person memory functions or one can simply use it as most GPs do in the guest function.I ran the machine against my gold-standard BP machine which is an Accosson Greenlight which I absolutely love and the readings from the two as I put them head to head are almost identical. Indeed most GPs these days use machines just like this one.My only problem was installing the software, which one can download from the Omron link didn’t work either on my Ipad mini or my phone, which is a Samsung S3 mini. It told me that it was not compatible with either device and was really looking for an iPhone or a newer Android phone than I possess. I, in truth, won’t miss the software or the Bluetooth link but if this is a deal-breaker for you and I appreciate you are paying a premium for a full-featured machine like this then you can check compatibility before purchase by visiting Omronconnect.com. Otherwise, it’s a neat, nifty and reliable way to measure this most vital of human statistics. Many thanks.

27.2.2017

I must admit that this was not my first choice, as I wanted the Braun Exact Fit 5, as I have had used the Braun wrist model for many years with really accurate results. Some reviews on here indicated the App was really poor on the Omron and that put me off. Circumstances, in the fact that Amazon (who are normally superb) kept changing the delivery date and kept using the words "expected delivery date" and after four dates were given audit still hadn't arrived , I gave up and with great reservation decided to go for this model instead, and as a Prime member it did arrive the next day.First impressions were good, as it seems a good solid build,just what you would expect from a company like Omron.I bought this for both myself (I have low blood pressure) and my wife (who has slightly raised blood Pressure) to use, so having the switch to change users is just what we want, but if you want to have more users then it would be a problem, but there again the Braun only has a two user memory too.Being used to the wrist type monitor I did struggle a bit with the cuff, but I do have reduced strength and grip in my hands, and it was easier the next day, because there is a slight learning curve, it is probably easier to get someone else to put the cuff on you.Anyway, taking a reading was very easy, just press the button and away it goes, my wife gave the whole thing 9 out of 10, why ?... because the cuff hurt when it was inflating, but ALL arm cuffs do that, whereas the wrist cuff doesn't seem to be so 'severe'.The next bit I was dreading, I had already downloaded the App to my Sony Z5 Premium (listed as compatible) and my wife's Sony Xperia Z2 (listed as NOT compatible). We always have Bluetooth switched on anyway, so firstly it was a matter of pairing, and there was no problem with that with either phone, it perhaps took a fraction longer than normal, but that was all.We then then 'swiped down' from the top as instructed and after a short wait the figures appeared, no problem with EITHER phone.We have user it for 4 days now, and it's paired and uploaded the results easily.When I looked at the reviewers that complained about connectivity etc, they almost exclusively had iPhone, so I suspect the problem is with the Apple side only ?The App is a little sparse on features though, the Braun app looked much nicer and more colourful too, so come on Omron.The other thing I found annoying is that you can install the app ONLY on ONE device (why ?) I would have liked to have installed it on my tablet as well, as a 'back up', although now you do have the option to export the data.Another point though is that you can only have one set of data on it, we would have liked to have each others data on our phones.So I am really impressed overall, and if I had known the App worked, it would have been my first choice from the start, I am not doubting people have had problems with the App, but we will still be using the normal proceedure of logging BOTH our results manually in apps on both our phone and tablets, but that is what WE want to do, normally people would be happy just putting the results of one person on one device.Well that is my review and I was so impressed that I will be getting the Omron BF511 Body Composition Monitor (posh scales !) as they are a bargain price on Amazon (just look at the price on the Boots website) so I can enter our weights into the Omron App to get a 'bigger picture' unfortunately that can't be done wirelessly.I hope my review is of some help to someone somewhere.Thank You for reading it anyway.Steve.

9.10.2016

What’s good:Familiar Omron design and build-qualityEasy to useBluetooth connectivityComfortable arm cuffWhat’s not so good:Limited 3rd party connectivityExpensiveWeaker grip on larger armsOMRON continue to be my go-to brand for BP monitors, although I have come across some good competitors. Ultimately though, OMRON have the form factor down to a tee, with precise, clear measurements and useful functionality. The arm cuff is always a particular highlight and their recently-developed ‘360 degree accuracy’ cuff features in this model which is comfortable and idiot-proof as you don’t have to be so conscious of how you have it positioned with respect to where the air tube is - although in practiceI end up having it position in the traditional ‘correct’ position anyway without even thinking.This particular model tout its ‘Connected’ credentials and appears to be the reason for the hike in price over other models in this range. It is also perhaps the most contentious area. As has been the theme for a lot of health manufacturers, there is a tendency to create a ring-fenced bespoke ‘app’ for the Android and iOS platforms so that home users can sync their readings to their smartphones with minimal user intervention. Where this often falls down however is that other areas of health tracking restricts you to that particular brand in order to get the most functionality from the said app. If you happen to have health devices from multiple manufacturers, then you’d end up with multiple apps on your phone and typically none of them are particularly lightweight in size - OMRON Connect on Android for example is around 25Mb in size. Both Apple and Google have their own more multi-purpose health-tracking apps in the form of ‘Apple Health’ and ‘Google Fit’, but getting the third party apps to talk to these multi-purpose brand-agnostic apps is where things often become unstuck. As a predominantly Android-based user, I prefer to use Google Fit to keep things all together (weight, activities, BP, BMI, BMR etc.) and I am as-yet unable to find any way to get the OMRON Connect App to talk to Google Fit. Perhaps this will change in time?As with all other OMRON BP monitors I’ve come across, they include a handy storage bag which zips up, plus the usual very-thick user multi-lingual 400 page manual (which is a massive waste as only c. 45 pages are in any one language). It comes with 4x Duracell batteries (non-rechargeable sadly).I will continue to favour OMRON BP monitors because of their principal functionality, and I like the new ‘OK’ light which illuminates in green during a reading provided the cuff is feeding accurate data. I still wish there was a better indication of low blood pressure which can be just as concerning for health as the more oft-highlight high blood pressure, as low blood pressure is something that I sometimes observe in myself and would like to keep an eye on.Overall, I give this monitor 4 stars because it maintains OMRON’s usual standards, but the app needs a bit more development and integration with Google Fit, plus the manual continues to be very wasteful of paper in my opinion - plus it’s rather expensive at the moment.

22.9.2016

Summary: Five stars for this, without question. This is an easy to set up, easy to use, easy to read blood pressure monitor where everything works perfectly.It has a smartphone app that is so simple to use, no complicated procedures to follow.The initial impressions were good. The monitor comes packaged in a neat black fabric carry case, and operates via four AA batteries, which were supplied. An optional AC adapter is available but not supplied.Personally speaking I prefer the convenience of a battery operated monitor as there is no need to position yourself near to a power source to take your reading.The instructions contain clear instructions on contra indications as to who should not use the monitor and extensive safety information.Initially I visited omronconnect dot com /support on my mobile to set up the Smartphone connection on my iPhone 6s Plus. The app downloaded with no issues, the time and date automatically updated on the monitor, and simply following the clear, on screen instructions ensured all was well.There is an option on the app to input your personal health data - m/f, dob, height, weight.Using the monitor once the smartphone app has been installed is equally simple. When reading instructions for use from the manual, the front and back covers of the manual can be opened to view the visual guide.To start, the air plug is inserted in to the air jack and the cuff fitted to the upper arm.There are clear instructions printed on the cuff, reminding the user to position the cuff 1-2 cms above the elbow on the left arm.To obtain an accurate reading you need to be sat upright, with your feet on the floor and your left arm level with your heart - a cushion is handy for this.Clear readings are shown on the screen as the systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings are taken. If my photographs attach to this review one shows the onscreen reading as a systolic reading was being taken.There is an on screen BP level indicator, a heartbeat symbol flashes on screen during measurement and there is an onscreen irregular heartbeat symbol too, should this be experienced.When the readings have been taken simply swiping downwards in the app transfers the data of the latest reading from the monitor to the app. The data appears clearly displayed on your smartphone via the app - hopefully a screenshot will attach showing this.The monitor switches off automatically after 2 minutes to save the battery. Up to 100 readings are also stored on the memory of the monitor.Having your latest reading on the app is brilliant, if you require an up to date reading to show your doctor or practice nurse - just take the smartphone.I have seldom had a fully accurate BP reading at my doctors' surgery as I always cycle there and arrive with a raised BP from exertion, this will solve that problem.The monitor can be set to record readings for a second user, and there are also instructions on how to reset the monitor so that it can be used by a guest.I cannot think of how this could be improved - excellent.

18.9.2016

The Omron M7 is a (almost) professional quality pice of home kit for the health conscious. It takes and records the BP of 2 separate individuals (identified by a moving switch). It comes in a fairly large top-handled canvas bag (w20cm x d16cm x h12cm) which holds (permanently) the machine itself (w15cm x d12.4cm x h9cm), the upper-arm cuff, connecting rubber, a manual (well written and easy to follow) and a record sheet. The latter two can be kept in a picket fixed to the inside top of the carry bag. The unit, cuff and connector fit into the bottom of the case.1. It works extremely well and, if sitting at a typical kitchen table and chair, the arm height is aligned with that of the heart,which is the optimum for accurate recording. The cuff fits as (un?)comfortably as that in the doctor's surgery, especially when at the top of the inflation range, however, if the cuff is positioned correctly with the connecting rubber centrally along the inside of the arm, the in inflation range is much reduced.How accurate the reading is, I don't know but what I would say is that it is constant and, as such, you will at a minimum, record any fluctuations in your BP readings and/or any worsening of your situation. My only problem with all home BP machines is this inability to be certain of the degree of accuracy, however, the manufacturer's state that this is clinically validated, which should put your mind at ease.The set up is so easy as all that's needed is to enter the date and time (see 2 below) the first time it's used. After that, all you need to remember is if your are patient 1 or 2 and switch to the correct user.2. A great addition to the whole is the (free) App for an iPhone or Android. Once the phone is linked to the machine (bluetooth), the unit takes the date and time from your phone so you don't even need to set that. After you've taken a reading on the M7, open your app slide the display downwards and the new reading is added. Perfect for when you visit the doctor/nurse as I usually find that, after I've power walked to the surgery, signed in and taken my BP on the surgery public BP machine, when the doctor nurse sees it, they always comment that my BP is a little higher than they'd like but it's only that I'd just been exercising heavily. With this machine and the link to my phone, I can show the reading taken BEFORE the exercise rather than after.I've had a number of the wrist-cuff machines and have always found then to be both inaccurate and temperamental, this machine is neither of these.I can highly recommend the M7 both for what appears to be it's accuracy (most certainly its constancy) and for it's ease of use. Whilst accepting that it's quite a large unit this helps with its stability and allows for a more accurate reading. A definite 5 star item

14.12.2019

This latest OMRON M7 works in the same way as earlier units that came before this one, but has the advantage that it can now use Bluetooth to link to a Mobile if that has installed the OMRON Connect App. You can then upload User Data and the App keeps a nice track of your Blood Pressure, showing this via a clear graph, with various averages.However, I have noted a bug, and that is when the Batteries in the M7 need to be changed.The workaround is as follows:(1) Before changing the 4x AA Batteries in the M7, synch to the App for both User 1 and 2, to make sure all existing Data held by the M7 has been logged by the App (otherwise that Data gets lost in limbo and cannot be sent across).(2)Delete all User Data on the M7 (hold down the Log Button and the Start Button, until the Displayed Data is deleted, and do the same for User 1 and User 2).(3) On the Mobile App, per User, delete the M7 Device.(4) On the Mobile App, per User, re-link to the M7 Device, and select the appropriate User 1 or 2, which will both show as being available. If there is any old User Data, the M7 will show that User in grey, as if there is still some other current User 1 and/or 2, not realising it's the same Users already linked just wanting to continue. So, to get around this conundrum, just delete all User Data from the M7, and re-do the App re-link which will see two available Users to choose, namely 1 and 2.(5) Carry on as normal.Basically, if the M7 has existing Data, and you change Batteries, the M7 and the App get each other confused, and one or the other thinks there are other Users with existing Data, so if you carry out new Blood Pressure Checks, nothing new then gets transferred from M7 to the App.Even re-linking the M7 to the App won't work (if there is existing Data on the M7).In turn, neither will deleting the old Data on the M7 if you don't ALSO delete the M7 from the App (because the App seems to expect User 1 and 2 to be already there even if blank Users are available on the M7 to use).The only way around is to clear User Data on the M7, and then ALSO unlink the M7 from the App, and immediately re-link the M7 to the App (re-selecting User 1 or 2, as before).I have advised OMRON about this, so in future units I expect they will tweak the Firmware to get over this. Not sure if existing M7 units are capable of being updated to fix this bug.DO NOT DELETE THE APP. Your existing Data in the App will be fine, and new Data will just get added, as normal.I hope that helps. The M7 still warrants 5 Stars, because this is just a minor PITA, and probably a new issue not yet discovered because the M7 is one of the first to include Bluetooth and the ability to link to the OMRON Connect App.

23.10.2016

Over the last few years of being a Vine reviewer I've had loads of blood pressure monitors to review - which either means Amazon is a bit worried about me carking it and reducing their profit margin given how much I've bought, or they know a middle aged bloke who needs to pass medicals and is therefore interested in keeping his blood pump running.So another month another BP checking device to test. And again, being Omron I have zero doubts about it's veracity and build quality. If you really want to know if you need to be talking to your doctor or the Co-Op so you can check out a box for size then Omron is the way to go. No if's or but's.

6.1.2017

To be honest, I could leave a review stating the obvious - "This is an Omron, you are not going to get better for this price, you're not going to get better for twice this price", and I wouldn't need to say anything else, because Omron blood pressure monitors are really that good, as in used by all my local GPs good.So what do you get for your money? The blood pressure kit comes with it's own case, a very thick book of multilingual instructions, a cuff, and batteries. The cuff is partly stiff, with a fabric wrap-around and velcro fastening that will fit around most arm sizes. Using the blood pressure monitor is very simple - make sure it has power (either through batteries or via a power adaptor),

22.9.2016

I have used several monitors over the years and this is the first one I have used where the Bluetooth communications works also of course featuring an easy to use cuff with indicators which are either green or amber depending upon your readings.After inserting the 4 x Duracell AA's (provided) you have the option to either set the clock manually of using their app on your Apple iOS or Android device which requires no online registration..Just then follow the instructions on the app (select model, app supports several devices), which user A or B (it can it seems be paired with two phones for two separate users as long as you remember to set the slider switch first on the monitor to A or B - guest reading also possible which is not stored).Fit the cuff as per usual,

10.10.2016

Having used another brand of blood pressure monitoring device, I used this one with an open mind as you fall into the trap of comparing like for like, so hopefully I will do this one justice. It’s pretty obvious that this device is in the upper price range of similar machines, in both looks and feel, plus once out the box and the instructions are carefully read, it’s very easy to set up and use quite quickly. A friend who popped in pointed out that this brand was used by his own doctor so that inspires in some respects! In use the arm sleeve section is much like a comfortable scarf and is quite pleasant in use, and the device appears to give about the same readout figures regardless of where the sleeve is placed on your arm as we found in practice.

3.12.2018

Bought this on a flash deal as it was one that I was already considering buying and was happy to pay £15 more than I eventually paid.I love the idea that you can integrate it with a mobile phone app and view the results at any time, IE with your doctor? I was recently diagnosed with Angina and have been monitoring my BP for several months with a BP monitor that I have had for years, but it's seen better days. It was seemingly giving accurate enough results compared to my doctors, but only had a 10 result memory which IMO isn't really enough to keep a long term results record. This monitor has a lot more, plus the added bonus of 2 different user selections.

22.9.2016

This new, very fully-featured BPM from Omron seems to be as capable and reliable as earlier models. Whether it’s worth the money depends on your needs.GOOD=====• 22-42 cm. cuff – suitable for older children and all but the biggest of adults• Pre-formed cuff is much easier to use without help than standard cuffs• “Intelli Wrap” means location on arm is not critical and discomfort is minimised• Straightforward operation• Accurate (against our Omron M10-IT which we checked with our doctor’s machine).• Consistent, showing similar results from readings taken a few minutes apart• Warns you and abandons the reading if the cuff is loose or you move too much• Irregular Heartbeat and High Blood Pressure indicators• Dual-user memory,

20.7.2018

We previously owned an older version of Omron's blood pressure device and were super happy but decided to upgrade as we gave the older / simpler version (no Bluetooth connection and older upper arm cuff design) to my grandma. I have low blood pressure and my partner has high blood pressure and so having this at home is quite crucial for us to get an accurate result. The product itself comes in a nice little zipped up bag to protect it, which I quite liked. The arm cuff has a new design which means you can place it on your upper arm in any way you want and it'll still give you a good reading. The older models had a metal piece to righten the cuff and required for the cable to be at a certain position.

7.8.2019

I was reluctant to upgrade because I really liked the M10-IT particularly the software which could transfer data to a PC via usb for charts and graphs. However, it was five years old and needed recalibration and a new cuff the cost of which meant it was uneconomical and made sense to buy a new one. The M7 Intelli IT confirmed that the old M10 needed recalibration as the diastolic was ten points below the M7. Accuracy is essential and in that respect I like the 360-degree cuff with a light on the monitor to confirm that it was fitted correctly as I was never sure that I had fitted the cuff properly.I was sceptical about the smartphone app as I prefer to work on a PC. However,

1.10.2016

Is this the best blood pressure meter ever? I think so, so let's find out why.I've owned a number of BPMs over the years, some good, some average but this one is head and shoulders above them all. Finally I can measure both my and my wife's blood pressure and have the results stored on the unit (goodbye scrappy bits of paper) - not only that, it will average out the readings over the last couple of months or so. Brilliant feature.Taking readings is similarly good: the curved cuff is not too fussy where on your upper arm it is placed (no more searching for that exact spot in the crook of your elbow) and if you do muck it up by moving about or not fastening the cuff properly,

Omron M7 Intelli IT - Reviews

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