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

[micwallace]

I bought my first Fitbit sense because of Sp02 and ECG functionality and now I feel completely ripped off. I will not be buying another one if this doesn't change. If something is advertised as having such a sensor, I expect to have full access to that sensors data, and for that data to be available for developers to use.

Honestly there's no excuse for this except that Fitbit is hiding the fact that the sensor is unreliable and in that case I paid for something I did not receive - a working SpO2 sensor. I understand the ECG app is still awaiting approval in Australia but there is really no excuse for hiding the SpO2 data for so long. 

The marketing material for the sense is completely misleading in this case. I shouldn't have to read hundreds of footnotes to determine what I'm actually buying. There were often asteriskses that lead nowhere. I could have bought a watch that does SpO2 for nearly half the price!

Get onto this Fitbit. You broke my heart when you bought out Pebble and incorporated none of the great things they were doing into your products. I was excited to try the Sense but these two things have been very disappointing. Fitbit is suppose to be THE health and excercise watch yet there are already plenty of other alternatives on the market that actually do what Fitbit insinuates in their marketing spiel, and do it well. OnePlus, Apple, Garmin. Fitbits gonna be like Pebble if they don't lift their game.

[DM.sblg]

After some reading on the subject, oxygen monitors are less expensive than any Fitbit product. But they are equiped with two different colour leds.

Fitbit products have only one colour. This is physical detection limitation. No software can help it. Your fitbit product will never monitor oxygen levels reliably.

Howerer, it would be nice if fitbit proposes an upgrade program. But i doubt it since mass consumer market does not count on loyalty but only on appealing and volume sales.

Next time look for chinese products 1/3 of the US prices.

Denis Munger

[micwallace]

Hey Denis,

I have seen both a red and green LED on my Fitbit sense, so on the later models (versa 3 & sense) it definitely has the ability to get at least an approximate reading. However since Fitbit can't implement a spot check it's likely that they are embarrassed by the accuracy. They really shouldn't advertise SpO2 the way they do, they should make it perfectly clear that you can't access raw sensor data.

Honestly feel so duped over this!

Fitbit, are there ANY plans to add spot check for blood oxygen? Or have I bought a device that will never support it?

And what is the status of the ECG app in Australia?

Kind regards,

Michael

[HaggisBasher]

I agree with the sentiment here for this feature and also the lack of
ability to monitor step rate in real time during a run. Another feature
that ought to be easy enough to add, and which would help people following
physio advice trying to get back into running. I also feel like the reason
here is either lack of reliability of the sensors, or perhaps the memory or
CPU in the watch is close to being maxed out so adding new features is
difficult. Without an open answer to why features such as these are
excluded from the development roadmap, my next watch will be a Garmin.
Disappointing.

[Frankkkk]

You already offer alarm for low/hi hearth rate. Other brands bulky oxymeter for sleep apnea offer alarms.

[YojanaFitbit]

Hi @Frankkkk, and thanks for taking the time to share this suggestion about adding ApO2 low level alarm. We rely on feedback like yours to help us develop products and features that we know our community wants to see. If this suggestion receives votes from other customers and gains popularity, it will be shared internally with various teams at Fitbit. To learn more about how Fitbit decides which suggestions get developed, visit our FAQs.

Watch this space for status updates. In the meantime, try visiting Health & Wellness to talk with other members about all things health and fitness.

[Sharon8]

An alert for SP02 levels would be very useful for people with lung problems like COPD/ Asthma/Sleep Apnea etc while sleeping, a gentle vibration of the watch would enable you to turn over or move to correct your breathing, or be aware there is a problem you need to address. Just like the alert you have for low/ high heart rate.

[LizzyFitbit]

Hi @Sharon8, thanks for taking the time to share this suggestion about having an alert when there is a low or abnormal level of SpO2 on real time with us. Because this idea was already requested in the Feature Suggestions board, I’ve moved your post here. This will help us to make sure the suggestions don't get confused, or split a popular vote. Please click on the thumbs-up to show your support.

[Frankkkk]

I m stressed AF and I noticed spo2 level drops when I m about to get frustrated. This is because I hold breath, unconsciously. I definitely need to breathe more, so an alarm would be helpful.

[mgdimarco]

An alert should also include a tactile response. A beep, buzz, ring or something to awaken an individual is the low level occurs while sleeping. Other - and lesser - devices offer this feature.

[sterling147]

I agree about the alerts. The alert level should be adjustable.

Regarding the SPO2 levels, I have to say that I am presently not
considering replacing my FITBIT when it is time with anóther model because
FITBIT does not let you get SPO2 levels on demand. Again, many lesser
devices offer this feature. I probably would have upgraded to a SENSE if it
had on demand SPO2 readings and tracking. I will probably be looking at
Garmin or Samsung models if I am not able to obtain it from FITBIT. If
FITBIT is able to track levels while I am sleeping, they should be able to
monitor them during the day, and even give alerts when levels are reached
or broken. I like most of the features on my FITIBT; but the lack of a SPO2
tracker will be a show stopper for both me and my wife's next purchase,

[Styger]

I am waiting for low O2 level alert to be a feature before I buy to make best use of the 6 month free premium subscription to give me the most value. I would buy for my father and mother as well if this was available. 

[Scarlett1982]

I agree with all of you, I got my Versa because I suffer from sleep apnea and I was very disappointed, I will get rid of it and buy a different brand. 

[BoiseCrawfords]

This feature was requested 2 1/2 years ago and still not present.  What is the point of this section if so many people request it but Fitbit does nothing to add it?  I made the false assumption that since my Charge5 has the sensor that I could see it from the home screen, but more importantly get alerts if it drops too low.  I really hope Fitbit adds this in a software update soon!

[DM.sblg]

When made more research on the subject, I discovered oxygen level measurement technology requires two colours. Fitbit equipment like all concurrent, only have one.

1. The feature can’t be added to existing fitbit equipment.
2. Something tells me that fitbit (google) won’t invest in new device design unless it’s needed to improve their sales.

If you are worried about your oxygen level, you can purchase a 50$ unit in favorite drug store or on amazon.

Denis Munger

[Spacebug]

Crikey. If they didn't implement this during covid, I feel like this is a lost cause now.

I was pretty shocked when I looked at my oxygen saturation stats and found I'd had 4 days in the previous week with levels below 94%, and I only noticed because I was bored and digging through my stats.

This feature is a no-brainer, and it's very disappointing that it doesn't exist yet.