13.9.2014

Overall, I am very impressed by this monitor.I found it easy to use to take readings. I had no difficulty in positioning it correctly on my wrist and I got consistent readings, which were also consistent with my other monitor (an Omron upper arm monitor) and readings taken by my doctor. The display is extremely clear, with alerts if an irregular heartbeat is detected.Your wrist needs to be level with your heart when taking a reading and there is an indicator on the unit’s display that tells you if your wrist is too high or too low. It does mean that you may have to sit with your arm raised while taking a reading, rather than just resting it in the arm of a chair as you would with an upper arm reading.I didn’t find this too much of an issue but it is a difference between the two types of monitor.The unit comes with a small hard case for storing it. This is small enough to pack into a work bag, sports bag or overnight case if you want to take readings on the move or need to take it with you so you can take readings at a set time every day, or set day every week.This is part of a range of wrist monitors offered by Omron, and this model’s unique feature is that it can link with some software you install on your home PC to which the unit can transfer its readings. This uses Near Field Communication (“NFC”), which means that instead of connecting via a cable you just have to tap the monitor on to a pad (actually called a “tray”), which is connected to the PC via a USB cable, to download readings. The tray is included with the monitor (I was not aware of this and I had expected to have to buy one separately).Setting up the tray and installing the “BI-Link” software was straightforward. You have to set up an account, which means entering your name and email address, but nothing too intrusive. You can set up different user accounts on the software, which supports the monitor’s ability to track readings for two users. In other words, two people can use the monitor and the software to track their readings.The software you install is little more than a front-end for a web site. The local software managed downloading the readings, which must be stored “in the cloud”. If you are worried about your readings being stored like this I would say there is little to worry about really. I just entered the initial instead of my full surname when creating my account and I used an email address that does not contain my full name, so there is nothing to link my set of data to me if anyone did for some reason want to hack into my blood pressure readings.The web site allows you to set targets; i.e. your desired blood pressure and pulse rate. It shows a graph of you past readings with your targets also shown, so you can see how you are faring.The web site also allows you to set targets for measures such as the number of steps you have taken in a day, which presumably relate to other Omron devices (i.e. a pedometer in this example). It would provide a useful way to see how an overall health and fitness regime was progressing if you can capture and analyse data from various devices in one place. I have a basic Omron pedometer to track my exercise levels and I will look into buying one that is compatible with this software.You don’t need to download your readings every time to take a reading – you can just download a batch of readings when convenient, then view your stats online.A couple of minor grumbles…When you install the software and when you use it you get annoying pop-ups congratulating you on your “achievement”; e.g. “You have just achieved something!” just because you have downloaded some readings. The same pop-up asks you if you want to post this on Twitter. I don’t use Twitter and even if I did I would not want to post every time I took a blood pressure reading. There is also a panel on the web page listing your “achievements”. It wouldn’t be so bad if this just showed true achievements, such as hitting one of your targets, but even managing to log into the application seems to be a cause for celebration. This just cheapens what is actually a useful tool and I can’t see how I can turn it off.Also, when installing the software you can choose “English (US)” (and various other options) as a language but not “English (UK)”.But, all in all, I am really impressed with this.

23.1.2019

Contents 5/5It comes with a black plastic case, instructions, 2 AA batteries.Comfort and Usage 4/5The menus work like a digital watch. The previous readings button changes the setting and then you press start to commit it. One thing I didn't like is that you can't change the date and time once it is set. To do this you must take out the batteries again (it won't forget anything.)You apply it to your arm the same way as every other blood pressure monitor and it's not designed to be worn all the time like a watch. You place the screen on the inside of the wrist then raise the arm until it is level with your heart area.To work it you press the On button and it takes a reading of both blood-pressure and heartrate.It seems much gentler than the ones you get in the doctor's surgery which I've found too strong.It has a sensor to ensure correct height and correct tighness on the wrist. It's a good idea to read all the instructions to ensure you understand these 2 features.Once complete your readings can be accessed by clicking one of the top 2 buttons, which are previous readings (notepad button) and weekly morning averages (sunshine button). You can also view readings on the app which may be the best option.App - some issues but works 3/5You can install the "Omron Connect" app from the Android or iOS stores on your phone. After installation I received a file write error which occured because I have a firewall. I had to clear the data to fix this but this will not be a problem for the average user. I don't know why this happens if you are only intending to use it for local storage only (slightly suspicious).After install there are 2 consent forms. You then follow the rest of the wizard to connect to the device.You hold the bluetooth button on the device and P flashes on the screen. I had a problem at this stage as it would not connect. After restarting the app I had to go through whole wizard before I could try again. On the second attempt the connection was successful.App Data 3/5Pulling down on the app menu syncs the device with the app. You must be on the home screen and not looking through previous readings on the device for this to work. It takes around 30-40 seconds to transfer, but if you take a reading with the app switched on it will transfer immediately, which seems to be the best option.The app also has an optional Journal feature. For this you need to agree to Cloud connect and register an account. This feature shows you a visual record of your data over time. You can get graphs on the app itself but the Journal feature is more user-friendly. There is no mention of any payment for this service. Changing the batteries does not wipe the data but having a backup on the app is still a good idea.Data Protection 5/5The privacy policy with regards to data protection is very helpful: "The App can be used as a stand-alone mobile application that only has local storage or you can choose to connect it to the Service by creating your personal account. If you use the App as a stand-alone mobile application without using the Service, all your personal data will be stored on your Device only and we will not collect any personal data from you, except as mentioned below. All your personal data stored by the App on your Device will be encrypted with up-to-date encryption techniques to assure that your personal data cannot easily be accessed and/or read by unauthorized third parties."Instructions 5/5The instruction booklet comes in 10-12 different languages booklets. The instructions are all written in English with pictures and are very clear and simple to follow. I wish the device picture included an explanation of the buttons though in 1.3.Conclusions 4/5A basic blood pressure monitor will probably do the job and will only cost around £20-25, but if you want to track readings over time and use apps this will be better. It's simpler and gentler then other devices but it is not a watch. The app works eventually but could be improved. Overall a good device for more advanced users.

24.1.2019

Sorry about the length of this review but I’ve tried to make it comprehensive and helpful.Wrist monitors are easier to use than upper arm monitors, also much smaller and hence more portable for travel, but typically less accurate. Not this one. It gives results comparable with those from my Omron M10-IT upper arm monitor. They’re a little lower, but consistently so. I’ve validated the M10-IT against hospital machines.The RS7 Intelli IT is compact, easy to use, quick and comfortable, complete with built-in visual guidance to ensure your wrist is at the correct height (level with your heart). It’s also silent, or as near silent as makes no difference – really quite spooky!Successive readings are consistent – I took three readings, three minutes apart over a ten-minute period, showing 117/66, 113/64, 120/58 the first time, 113/68, 115/66, 119/67 the second time.The cuff needed to be wrapped slightly more tightly than I expected, to avoid a cuff-wrap warning on the display. The monitor is very sensitive to movement and even detects speech, giving a movement error. In fact, it detected a rumbling stomach! The monitor stores 100 readings for each of two users (and then starts over-writing the earliest). You can view them on the monitor, also average them in various ways, e.g. last 10 minutes, morning, evening.The Omron Connect app is simple to set up, easy to use and genuinely useful. It pairs very easily and transfers readings near-instantly. Of course, you need a smartphone with Bluetooth, and within range. Readings can then be averaged in the app in different ways, charted and so on. It displays and explains the symbols that appeared on the monitor for things like cuff wrap, irregular heartbeat and body movement. You can export readings to a csv file, if you wish, e.g. for analysis in a spreadsheet.The monitor comes with a very welcome hard plastic storage/travel case. The case is about 100x85x40 mm, hence easy to store and take on travels.I recently had the chance to try the new Braun iCheck 7 wrist BPM and loved it. It has advantages over the Omron, notably the semi-rigid cuff which makes it very easy to put on and take off, and lets you hold your wrist at a more-natural angle. The display is bright and in colour, hence particularly easy to read, including the excellent wrist-height guide. On the other hand, the display is small, showing only basic information, and no case is supplied. The Omron has a bigger display that gives more detail but is non-backlit monochrome (like a calculator), apart from the wrist-height blue ‘ok’ light; some of the symbols are small and hard to read, especially in dim light.The big differences, though, are the RS7’s ability to manage two users instead of one, and display previous readings on the monitor as well as the app. Silent operation is a significant bonus too – the iCheck 7 sounds like a loud bee.Between those two machines, if you’re the sole user (and especially if ease-of-use is important) the Braun has a lot in its favour; even if you don’t have a smartphone, you could write the readings down and monitor them manually or feed them into a spreadsheet. But, if you want to manage readings for two users or view and manage readings on the monitor, it has to be the Omron. Either way, be sure to follow the instructions on how to get reliable readings – it really is important, and I suspect that reviewers of BPMs who complain about inconsistent readings fail to do so.It might help your decision making if you download the instructions for both and read them before choosing. Amazon won’t let me post links to them, sadly.

22.4.2019

This clever gadget will transfer data to your smartphone if you have one, but I don’t, so here I offer the experience of a ‘standalone’ user.Actually, I have the impression that coupling this to a smartphone doesn’t really add much. The Omron monitor has its own 100 reading memory (for each of two users), and can calculate averages for you, going back over 4 weeks. Do you really need more? OK, get a smartphone, or a pencil and paper, or (my already established practice) create a spreadsheet on your computer.Also, a smartphone will keep accurate the date and time on the blood pressure monitor – but except for not having made the change to British Summer Time unaided,I find it keeps remarkably good time on its own.So how is it in use? The great volume of paperwork that comes with it is a bit daunting but – phew! – most of it is the same set of instructions in a great many languages. So only one of the many leaflets need be read and retained.It tells you how to insert the batteries and set the time. I managed that; no problems. There is also a clear description of what the three buttons do and what the many display symbols indicate.Fitting the cuff strap to your wrist can be got wrong, but the instructions are fairly helpful, and there are symbols that tell you both when you have got it right (OK!) and when you haven’t and should try again.Similarly with the blue heart symbol to tell you when you have raised your arm (gadget attached) to the right position relative to your heart.After that, it’s just a matter of keeping still for 30 seconds whilst the wristband inflates and the measurement is taken.Then the wristband deflates and your systolic and diastolic blood pressure are displayed, along with your pulse rate. All fairly clear – and, if not, the instruction leaflet can help on that too.If either element of the blood pressure reading is above 135/85, a further symbol will draw your attention to that. (Don’t panic. Take a rest and then try again, taking especial care over the fitting of the wristband – look for that OK symbol.)There is also a symbol that will display if your heartbeat seems irregular. If it is shown, refer once again to the instruction leaflet.Apart from checking the averages if you want to, that’s about it. Much more straight-forward than might have seemed on first impression.I am not new to blood pressure monitors for home use, so can say this one compares well with my now 16-year-old Braun. The readings are much the same (a reassurance on accuracy), but this gadget has five times the memory, flags high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, and is less heavy on batteries.Neither am I new to Omron. I have an Omron step counter, have had it for going-on five years, and have found it reliable and durable. So I have brand confidence.

3.8.2013

According to the website of Blood Pressure UK (a charity devoted to the general lowering of the nation's blood pressure), a blood-pressure monitor for home use needs to be, A, clinically validated and, B, able to be recalibrated if needed (perhaps every few years or so to make sure that the unit is functioning properly). This unit is indeed clinically validated, but I didn't know how to recalibrate it, or if it were even possible, and so I emailed Omron directly. Their reply was prompt and courteous. They told me that, to recalibrate, if desired, you take your monitor to your GP and simply ask to compare yours to theirs to make sure it's working properly. If it isn't,you can send it back to Omron and they'll sort it out, but you may have to pay for the service (if you do, it's about £30). So, as this model is clinically validated and able to be recalibrated, it seems to tick the right boxes as far as the advice I read on the blood-pressure website.As for the unit itself, well, I'm no expert but there doesn't seem to be much to say. It's small, very quiet (almost silent), easy to use, and tells you your current pulse and, of course, your blood-pressure, accurately I presume, due to the aforementioned clinical validation. So, if that's what you're looking for, I guess you've found it ; )If you do decide to go for this monitor, one thing to bear in mind is that you do have to wrap it reasonably firmly, or else it tells you on the screen that it hasn't got a good enough grip. Wrapping it this firmly does make the reading process slightly uncomfortable as the unit inflates automatically and squeeeezes your arm, forcing blood up into your hand and turning it pink! It's very gentle though, just bordering on uncomfy, and only for a few seconds before the whole thing deflates, again automatically. So, all you really do is put the batteries in, put it on your wrist and press start and it does everything else itself. It will even tell you to move your arm up a bit or down a bit, or to wrap the cuff more tightly, so that it can do its job properly! The whole reading is done in less than a minute, probably more like 20 or 30 seconds.The only other thing worth mentioning is that, according to the website I visited, an upper-arm monitor is preferable to a wrist one since, apparently, upper arm ones are even more accurate. To what degree this is true I'm afraid I do not know and you may want to do your own research into this. I have removed a star for that reason (possibly unfairly) and also because, well, I just can't bring myself to be "5-star excited" about a blood-pressure monitor!Hope this helps, everybody. Good luck and good health to you.

20.9.2014

If you want to measure your blood pressure on holiday this is would be perfect. Ignoring the strap it is smaller than an average sized phone. It is actually smaller than the instruction pack. Opening this, I found it contained 10 little booklets in different languages so I could throw away nine and keep one. Brilliant - why do other products not do this?It is very quick and easy to use. It comes with a neat device for uploading results to your computer. I am too lazy to do that. I have several years of diaries in which I have noted my BP once a month. The computer method is probably better but if I get a bad trend I will probably spot it.The big question is whether the results can be trusted.

26.8.2014

I actually like the premise of this device. The fact that it is a compact unit that pops on your wrist, and indicates to you when you aren’t positioned correctly, with no wires or tubes leading to a separate box. It’s actually very handy to have something so compact as getting a regular blood pressure monitor out of a case and all set up can be a little wearing for some people (maybe even raising your blood pressure!). It’s also very quiet in operation, and doesn’t inflate to a restricting level like some can do, yet still seems to pull in a relatively accurate reading from what I can tell.A few years ago I bought a traditional Omron blood pressure monitor, and have compared the readings one-after-the-other,

21.8.2014

The RS8 offers a number of benefits over the Omron M10-IT upper-arm machine we've been using for several years:* compact* near-silent operation* positioning sensor* cuff-wrapping guide* body movement sensor* irregular heartbeat detector* hypertension indicator* "Bi-LINK" functionality for web-based analysis of results and progress towards targetsIt's comfortable on the wrist, easy to use, quiet and quick. Importantly for many people, it has a two-user memory, so can track readings for two people (true of the M10-IT but not of other models in the RS range).Wrist monitors are easier to use than upper-arm but potentially less accurate. The excellent `positioning sensor' tells you when your wrist is too high or low vs.

15.9.2014

This is an updated version of the RS6, which I've found to be a particularly good machine; silent, quick and simple to use. In principle this should be similar, the difference being in the recent penchant for connecting devices to a laptop/PC. The use of the Near Field Communicator is a really good idea based on the same technology that is used in credit/debit cards transactions whereby you just wave your card in the general direction of the machine. However, for me this is where it went a bit pear shaped. I followed the set-up links and created the Bi-Link account the only problem is that I have been unable so far to download the Omron Gateway software to enable it to be used on my laptop.

8.9.2014

I jumped at this because it features NFC (Near Field Communication) and the information talks about a smartphone app for the Android platform.After looking at all the FAQ and Google searches I contacted Omron via their website (reply in under 24hrs)."Thank you for your email.Samsung has an app called S Health. It is available on Samsung S3 and above.It is their own health tracker app that works for the RS8 as well.Other than that there is nothing else for the foreseeable future unfortunately.If you have any other questions or queries please let me know.Best Regards,Customer Services AdvisorOMRON Healthcare UK Ltd "A bit of a shame.I also read a review which reports problems using the NFC pad with Windows 7.Anyway,

24.1.2019

I’ve avoided wrist blood pressure monitors as back in the day, the readings varied widely from the monitors that use an inflatable cuff on the upper arm. There is also the potential for digital blood pressure monitors to be inaccurate if there is arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation / atrial flutter present. As I have an irregular heartbeat, I was happy to try out this monitor and compare the readings with two blood pressure monitors that use an inflatable cuff on the upper arm.OMRON are a known manufacturer of blood pressure monitors; my local Health Centre uses OMRON monitors. Although this monitor can be paired with a Bluetooth Smart device, up to 100 readings for each of two people can be stored in the monitor until they need to be downloaded.

22.8.2020

I bought this because my old Omron RS6 was left in the office at the start of lockdown. The RS7 seems to be an evolution of the RS6 with BT pairing and an app to store readings and show trends to make it easier to track and analyse results. Overall impressions are very similar to the older RS6.Good:Silent and vibration free, it really is spooky to think that the wrist band is being inflated when there is no noise or vibrationVery simple to useThe app is intuitive, pairing is very simple and it does help to track resultsClear displayNicely madeBad:Not a lot, there are cheaper alternativesStill some debate on the accuracy of wrist band typesProbably the main concern for many is whether a wrist band type is accurate enough.

21.7.2013

I have a lot of confidence in Omron blood pressure monitors, having been using an Omron M6 Comfort, which is a more traditional, upper arm model, for some time now. Previously I had a cheaper one from another manufacturer which quite frankly drove me to distraction with its inconsistent results. That eventually got discarded in disgust. However, the Omron has provided consistent and believable results which are close enough to the results my doctor gets when he takes my BP to suggest it is sufficiently accurate to be a good guide.Having tested the RS6 Wrist BP Monitor, I can confirm that it produces materially accurate results provided care is taken in using it. The method of use is clearly set out in the instructions,

19.9.2013

Things have come a long way in home BP monitoring and Omron is the brand most often chosen by professionals. Wrist monitors are notoriously finicky with regards to the validity of their results as they are so crucially dependant on the correct positioning of the wrist relative to the heart. They also have a tendency to read much higher, due to the wrist arteries being much narrower and closer to the skin than the brachial artery pressure that is traditionally measured in the upper arm. For these reasons it is still generally accepted in the medical profession that upper arm monitors are the most reliable gold standard to which to compare. However,

24.8.2014

As more and more people "help out" their GP by undertaking home testing on their conditions, it is incumbent on the manufacturers of these testing devices to ensure that they are accurate.The home monitoring of blood pressure is a very useful tool for doctors. It enables them to see how blood pressure performs outside that short (and sometimes tense) time in a doctor's office.Following a heart scare some time ago I have been using an 'on arm' blood pressure monitor for about 5 years now. I take it with me to the surgery and my GP goes through all the readings before taking his own to make comparisons.The major problem with the Omron RS8 seems to be its lack of accuracy compared to the on-arm model I currently use from the same manufacturer.This is what I love about it....

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