Blood Pressure Monitor Reviews

Omron HEM-650 Wrist Monitor with Advanced Positioning Sensor Review:

The Omron HEM-650 comes with minimal accessories. A carry case, an instruction manual and two AAA batteries are all that you need to start using this monitor. The storage case ensures that you are able to safely transport it wherever you go, and the instruction manual is entirely user-friendly, set out in a logical manner with accompanying diagrams.

What Features Does it Have?

• Large digital display
• IntelliSence Sigma wrist cuff technology
• Advanced positioning sensor
• Systolic and diastolic pressure readings
• Irregular heartbeat indicator
• 90 readings automatic memory storage
• Average calculator for last 3 readings
• Date and time indicator
• Easy transportation
• Fits most wrist sizes

The Omron HEM-650 blood pressure monitor is a small, portable device with advanced features. Omron’s patented IntelliSence technology and the Advanced Positioning Sensor (APS) feature are two distinctive elements of the HEM-650, incorporated to ensure accurate blood pressure measurements. However, a large bulk of user reviews would suggest that these technologies do not work exactly as promised.

The Advanced Positioning Sensor automatically verifies that the cuff is correctly positioned in line with your heart by means of a beeping alert. Once the monitor has beeped, the IntelliSence feature automatically inflates the cuff to an ideal level and takes a reading of systolic and diastolic pressure together with pulse rate.

The problem with the HEM-650 wrist monitor is that it is extremely sensitive to the positioning of your arm which frequently results in inaccurate readings being taken. Many user feedback reports indicate that measurements are generally 20-25 mmhg lower than those taken at a doctor’s office.

It is widely recognized that wrist monitors are not as stable as arm monitors because they are extremely sensitive to positioning. Even the APS feature on this particular model is unable to fully address these complications. Although the HEM-650 does perform better than most wrist monitors, it is still not as reliable as an upper arm model.

In addition to the IntelliSence and APS technology, the Omron HEM-650 includes a large digital display for easy reading, an irregular heartbeat indicator to assess the health of your heart, a date and time indicator to keep track of your pressure fluctuations and a very adequate 90 readings memory storage.

Is the Price Right?

• No

Omron is a trusted brand within the health care industry and is known for producing quality blood pressure monitors. Usually, money spent on an Omron is money well spent. But in the case of the HEM-650, we don’t think so. For a monitor that costs $58.99, we are disappointed that it offers less than 100% accuracy.

Does it Come With a Warranty?

• Yes

The HEM-650 blood pressure monitor comes with a 5 year warranty. This will allow you an adequate period of time to detect any manufacturing defects.

Who Manufactures it?

• Omron

Omron has a long history of developing technologically advanced healthcare products. Kazuma Tateisi, Omron’s founder, was an inventor who was committed to creating advanced technologies for the benefit of society at large. Omron operates within a vast global network and is committed to innovative development in the industrial, electronic, automotive, social and healthcare spheres.

Omron’s approach to healthcare is based on the philosophy that good health starts in the home. Their range of blood pressure monitors help people to take a proactive approach to personal health management.

How Does it Work?

The Omron HEM-650 blood pressure monitor fits wrist sizes 5.25 to 8.5 inches. Simple use of this monitor requires that you secure the wrist cuff on your left wrist in line with your left thumb. You will then be required to support your left elbow with your right hand and slowly bring the monitor in line with your heart.

The beeping APS sensor will ensure that the monitor is positioned in line with your heart before the IntelliSence technology takes effect and automatically inflates the wrist cuff. After the IntelliSence Sigma wrist cuff deflates, your blood pressure reading will be displayed on the monitor’s extra large display screen.

Does Omron Deliver on its Promises?

• To some extent

Omron is a leader in the field of professional medical equipment. In almost all cases, their products meet the highest quality standards.

Wrist models are some of the most sensitive blood pressure monitors available, and you will very rarely find one that provides 100% accuracy. Taking this into account, the HEM-650 is definitely one of the better wrist models on the market. However, it does not provide the highest levels of accuracy as promised by Omron. If you’re looking for exact precision, rather consider an upper arm blood pressure monitor.

Rating: 62/100

Our Verdict: The Omron HEM-650 is a technologically innovative device, but it does not deliver consistently accurate measurements. Overall, it has failed to secure our wholehearted endorsement.