Alerts for low or abnormal level of SpO2 on real time

[karl2020]

Hi, given that I'm not a doctor so this idea should first be discussed with medical persons, for what I've read, the Coronavirus determines a pneumonia and for what I know, a pneumonia results in breathe difficulties so MAYBE the Sp02 sensor could be useful to register and warn about this. So, the idea is to show the Sp02 values not only during sleeping time but 24h, even better showing the value or an alert in case o anomalies on the bracelet itself.

If we have technology to help the fight against this virus, let'us it!!

Moderator Edit: Clarified subject and updated label

[Bmech]

It's really disappointing, I have 2 accounts, and 2 different Fitbit. After 3 months, I was quite disappointed, so instead of buying another Versa I decided to buy a Garmin.

Honestly I don't know if  sp02 is really useful or not for covid but this shows absolutely a lack of interest by Fitbit for their community and their own clients. 

Companies need to answer faster than competitors in order to survive, apparently Fitbit doesn't care, I'm sure they have smarter people than me deciding for the company (or not?), so let's see the answer of rest of the community.

I found pathetic need to subscribe for a premium account in order to read MY OWN SP02 data even to evaluate sleep apnea (that I have indeed), image the lack of answer during this pandemic, not even a statement by the company, instead of the usual messages from the moderators.

I truly don't understand, I know that in US anyone can easily sued companies for any dumbest thing but Garmin is American too, so what is the difference? An on their website and on the instructions/manuals is clearly stated  "NOTE: Pulse Ox data is intended for recreational use only. Pulse Ox data should not be treated as any type of medical diagnosis or treatment of disease.  This is not a medical device: see Garmin.com/ataccuracy"

So still, I don't understand Fitbit

[SunsetRunner]

I'm an EMT (certified nationally and licensed in Louisiana for the last 2 years) and paramedic in training (just 3 semesters to go!). It's fair to say I have limited experience in the medical field. But I have observed as much as possible in the short time I have had on this career path. And I have observed that the basics are the same, everywhere. I mean the very basics, the ABCs. That's:

Airway - can air (Oxygen(O2) get to the lungs?

Breathing - are the lungs taking air(O2) in?

Circulation - is blood moving O2 to the body?

Every single patient we encounter is checked for ABC's. Almost every patient( at least 99 out of 100) we bring to a hospital is going to have their pulse oximetry measured. It doesn't provide exact measurements. But what it does provide is a good representation of the patient's ability to absorb and distribute oxygen into and throughout the body. There are some variances in the standards for providing supplemental oxygen to patients based on different protocols the agencies, States and regions haveHhave at thegthe time. if the reading falls below 95 percent then we will give them either a mask or nasal cannula providing 100% oxygen at at least 12 liters per minute. I've seen reports and heard directly from EMS personnel dealing with patients are arriving at the hospitals with numbers in the 60-80% range (some with even less i.e. 44% (those patients should not be able to walk). the reason we know this is because every single patient is checked for pulse oximetry. It takes seconds and it gives very valuable information which helps lead to a quick diagnosis and puts the patient in the best position to get treated properly as soon as possible. If somebody has on their wrist the ability to monitor their own blood oxygen level, they are already ahead of the game. If they have the ability to observe up-to-the-minute data they might see it going down and address concerns as early as possible. If the drop in oxygenation of the blood happens to be coupled with fever, shortness of breath, a dry cough or any symptoms indicative of covid-19, this can give early warning signs validity. one of the biggest problems we have is the fact that people are spreading the novel coronavirus without knowing it. Contact tracing is important and many countries have proven that successful implementation can reduce spread of the virus. If you are aware sooner of your having contracted it, the better you would be able to retrace your steps and inform contacts so people can be tested and cleared and prevent more spread.  This is just for immediate concerns regarding the Corona virus this season has brought to us. There are plenty of other diseases, infections and conditions that affect the lungs capability to oxygenate the blood: pneumonia, tuberculosis, syphilis, asthma, COPD, anaphylaxis, cancers, emphysema, and the list goes on. Knowing that there is a drop in oxygenated blood cells can provide invaluable information at precisely the time when it needs to be known, addressed and acted upon.  

In short, this will help save lives. It's often said that everyone's going to die anyway, but if it's preventable at any given time, a longer life is possible. I want to live longer and I want to help others do the same thing. Now you are in a position to help people live longer. Please make the right choice, develop the software, unlock the potential those two devices that are already in the hands of millions (well, on the hands). 

Thanks for reading,

Mechanically Mindful

P.S. the lottery to mention that if we get enough interest and responses that some action would be taken, how many interested parties do you need? How many responses? I'm sure with the goal in sight we could find that many like-minded individuals to support this worthy cause. Plus all of us trying to reach that goal will be free publicity for your products. Products which, if you do follow through and unlock the Fitbits' pulse ox capabilities, will undoubtably see an increase in sales. Everyone wins. 😁

[rmckell1]

Whoop is showing a link between increased respiratory rate and covid-19 positive cases. Is fitbit doing anything to start tracking this information and making it available to users?

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @rmckell1, thanks for explaining why you would like to have the option to warn about pneumonia and breathe difficulties on real time. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon. You can also check this other suggestion: Log Body Temperature and other health related events.

[ReluctantPart]

So clearly this is a very popular idea and would be highly utilized! I know that there are likely software concerns, legal concerns, and usability/accuracy concerns and any number of other potential issues, but I'm currently trying to find a wearable pulseoxymeter so I can wear it while I'm on a walk or running errands and it infuriates me that my versa has the ability to chart my oxygen while I sleep and monitor my breathing for breathing exercises when I'm stressed but not clue me in when my O2 levels are dropping and maybe prompt me to run through the breathing exercise or at least buzz to get my attention.  I had C-19 and now I have a partially collapsed lung that is hopefully on the mend.  I'm doing all the spirometer exercises etc and sucking on an inhaler like it's a lollipop, but I still occasionally drop low and it's often really bad before I realize what's happening enough to check it.  That I wear a device 24/7 that CAN track my O2 levels but wont give me that data so I now have to pay nearly as much as I did for the watch to get something that probably only works when I sleep or **ahem**ed near 1k to get a Garmin that does it when I have absolutely no need for the extra features like satellite GPS for hiking... really not happy! Please please please! Please understand that this is only going to add to your customer base particularly while this a pandemic is on!  Write whatever disclaimers will make your legal team relax their collective sphincters, find whatever developers you need (there are really good ones out there!), find the UX team you need, and make this happen because if the O2 monitoring tech actually works then there's absolutely no reason this can't be done! 

[SunsetRunner]

Thanks i guess. More for actually reading my post enough to understand my
logic. Not impressed with your response though. Bill c-jogger laid it out
and yet i still thought a logical argument would be helpful. Well i also
doubt you will ever "get updates" soon or later. If i could swear on here I
would to appropriately express my dissatisfaction for blowing me (and all
the other users) off with essentially "great idea, thanks for feedback,
will get right on that".

[ReluctantPart]

Aw! Don't worry! what matters in this case is the count of the request. I appreciate the optimistic view of the world but while a logical argument sounds great, when it comes to corporate decision making, logic is not actually the driving factor particularly as companies get bigger... or at least the logical argument regarding the value of the feature. It's the business potential for the idea which is far more influenced by the number of people who state a desire for the feature.   I say this as someone who does market research for said companies (though not this one or I would have been more polite in my own post).  While, as you point out, this particular feature has a huge potential for benefit it also higher potential for problems as it has direct medical implications which means that if they get something wrong they're at risk for doing harm to someone which is bad enough on it's own but the law suits that come with that would have every legal department I've ever had to deal with wound up tighter than anything polite enough to post on a message board.  It's possible that to add something like this they'd even have to jump through FDA type testing in order to release it. It's not as simple a request as it sounds. Certainly not as simple as a temperature tracker or or a deep breathing app. It requires really good programmers, and a whole lot of legal precautions. I get that. But there is a real need for this right now and they're missing a critical window that will make a difference not only for their business but for their customers.  So while odds are decision makers wont EVER actually read what any of us said, the part of that post that actually matters is just that it adds numbers to the request which adds to the viability of the feature and the market it might draw and raises the incentive to work through whatever issues are holding things up.

[Dan111111111111]

How about, take that overpriced watch and give hourly updates on the 02 stats since this is on of the determining factors of COVID, or anyone trying to figure out why they feel out of it, or their run was not so good.
Why do you have this as a feature?

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @Dan111111111111, thanks for explaining why you would like to have the option to see Sp02 details to warn about breathing difficulties. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon.

[sterling147]

I think that adding actual spo2 levels to either replace or add to the EOV in current models having the EOV feature is an important upgrade to these products. The EOV was a good start, but actual SPO2 levels gives real data that is vital not only for use as an early warning for COVID 19, but for tracking other conditions such as sleep apnea, and hypoxia. I would know that I had a problem if my SPO2 level was in the 70's or 80's and know that I am relatively ok if my level was in the mid 90's. The EOV (estimated!) graph really doesn't tell me anything. I was told by FitBit support that if I had a high variation I should have a doctor interpret it. I am not a doctor, and don't want to have to see a doctor to have an interpretation of estimated data. I wanted to purchase a FitBit to improve the sleep monitoring over the smartwatch I was wearing (which did have a SPO2 monitor)  I read an article that said FItBit beat Apple to the SPO2, and probably didn't do enough follow up research. The SPO2 was the main reason I paid extra and purchased the Versa 2 over the Inspire HR. I was also looking at Samsung and Garmin watches and decided on the Versa2 because of FitBit's sleep monitoring and SPO2 tracking (again my fault for not doing the proper research). Other smartwatches and smartphones currently have continuous spo2 data, and/or spo2 sleep data, with a medical disclaimer for its use. If customers are concerned about accuracy they can check it against oximeters that they purchased, belong to someone else or at a doctors office,  I did that with other watches that I purchased. I very much hope that FitBit upgrades its software and/or firmware to include actual spo2 tracking, at least during sleep as it does with the EOV.

[DannyD_PNG]

Here is what I would like my FitBit to do:
- Monitor my blood oxygen levels as I sleep (It can already do this)
- Alert me, when my blood oxygen level decreases
- I would prefer the alert to come via a vibration. Better yet would be the option to choose between a vibration, an audible alarm or both a vibration and an audible alarm.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @DannyD_PNG, thanks for explaining why you would like to have the option to receive alert notifications when blood oxygen is low. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon.

[SFOcm]

Another vote for this request.  SpO2 data is the whole reason I bought Fitbit Charge 4 vs. competing products.

[danaem]

The oxygen variation recorded during sleep only is offered by the moderator as a substitute to the suggestion.  It’s not good enough. Covid sufferers and those recovering need to monitor oxygen levels and not variation during sleep.  You measure bpm, you should easily be able to pivot and add this to your app and device real-time.  I had to buy an oximeter because you don’t have this yet.

[Fredbordeaux]

This could be interesting for sports activities at altitude.

[jfkfit]

I've been tracking (and experiencing) the huge and mounting customer frustration about Fitbit's (now Google's) intransigence on this issue for years.  One of the suggestions on this has been languishing with THOUSANDS of up-votes since 2017.

It seems there are two possible explanations:

1. They want to wait and charge us extra for it (an impossible PR hit in these Covid times) - BUT: Why would they have waited so long?
2. The sensor technology in the massive installed base is woefully inadequate, which would put Fitbit in a very poor light when compared to all their competitors that DO expose percentages. 

If my second guess is right, here's my win-win proposal for Fitbit: IF the inaccuracy of the SpO2 sensor is consistent (i.e., always shows a particular person's percentage to be a consistent value above or below the actual), then provide a means to calibrate it.  For example, a customer who already owns an oximeter, they could enter values at different points during the day.

This ties in with another suggestion I have, which is to add a "Smart" WiFi Oximeter to their list of Fitbit-compatible devices (like the Smart Scale and, dare I hope, some future Smart BP device?). 

For owners of Fitbits withOUT the SpO2 sensor, this would give them access to a new health monitor in the app.  For owners of Fitbits WITH the SpO2 sensor, this could be used to automatically calibrate the sensor. 

1. Win: Customers FINALLY get to see their percentages, map them to HR and other measurements while sleeping and awake, set alarms, tie in with Covid diagnostics/alerts, download with HR and other metrics to spreadsheets, etc.
2. Win: Fitbit can say "The technology used by smart watches to measure O2 is known to be inconsistent between users.  Unlike our competitors, we at Fitbit waited to provide this information until we had a means of calibrating it for the individual.  The good news is that we now have a whole new set of reliable health metrics we can provide to you with confidence!  Fitbit cares about your health."
3. Win: Fitbit can sell more gadgets (i.e., Smart Oximeters)

(If the sensor is simply unreliable and cannot be calibrated, then I suggest you bite the bullet, apologize, and ditch it for a new generation of smartwatches and pay to license whatever sensor your competitors are using.)

Fitbit's coyness on the subject is driving customers up the wall, so please fix this.

[FastFourier]

Record the SPO2 data from an oximeter in addition to body temperature in the dashboard.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @FastFourier, thanks for explaining why you would like to have the option to see Sp02 details to warn about pneumonia and breathe difficulties on real time. Thanks for sharing your feedback. I've moved it into a similar request.  A lot of users are asking for this option, I hope we receive updates soon.

[FastFourier]

Hello @YojanaFitbit,

My suggestion is slightly different and simpler. In the "Log your symptoms"
section add a data point to record the SPO2 in addition to temperature.

This is easier than adding an SPO2 sensor or software to the fitbit device
itself. That said, if Versa 3 or 4 has a reliable SPO2 sensor it would be
great, especially for anyone with a lung problem.

[kibalt]

Please work on adding this soon. I am just about to go back to school and would like to monitor my symptoms.

[sterling147]

How do you get the Spo2 and temperature readings to enter? The Estimated
oxygen variation is basically worthless to me. I was told by a Fitbit
support person to see a doctor for an interpretation. I need actual
percentages, along with the range of percentages, best in a detailed graph
as they do for heart rate, for it to it to be understandable and relevant.
Why not upgrade current watches that have the ability to read spo2 levels
(Charge 3,4, Versas and Ionic) to bring them on par with Samsung, Garmin,
Apple and a lot of other less expensive watches? If you are talking about
tracking spo2 levels and temperatures on another device (Fitbit doesn't
track them) and entering them manually, to me it defeats the purpose of
buying a smartwatch. Maybe I don't understand your suggestion.

[MakersMark]

I had a Cheap $60 Itouch unit that had this feature. I really don't understand why FitBit can't give us the information that its probably already collecting.   I mean the info is there just make it show up on our screen.  Please and thank you.

[anvoice]

Hi, ditto about the update. I'm considering buying a fitbit sense, but don't see much sense in getting it if it won't provide real-time sp02 levels in the near future. Cheaper devices already do this, so come on Fitbit. I'll be going for an alternative product with real-time oxygen level availability if this is not clarified soon.

[bikebites]

Bought a Versa 2 for the SpO2 sensor in March, discovered it was sleep only and no details, boxed it back up for return and bought Garmin.  Forgot to return it.  Garmin was charging one day and found the Versa 2 - OMG, a new watch face with SpO2!  They must have finally added on demand checking like my Garmin!  Excellent!  
Nope, same thing.  Must sleep to update.  Sigh. 
Back to the box, Versa 2.  Perhaps to ebay. 

[LaceWitchMom]

If alarms could be added it would be beneficial to have the ability to change what level it alarms at.  My daughter has a naturally low spo2 level due to a heart defect so if I couldn't change the alarm level it'd be going off all the dang time.  On the other hand, if I could set it for what her actual "danger zone" level it would be great to have an early warning system to hook her up to her actual medical oximeter instead of waiting until her coloring changes and she starts freaking people out.  We still rely on the medical equipment but having something that could easily stay on her would be a huge piece of mind to me and a lot of medical parents.