I want a real-time SpO2 display

[bblackmoor]

I purchased a Versa 4 today, specifically to have a real-time SpO2 display. I have been wearing it for hours, and it displays -- %

Is there a way to make this work, or not? No worries if there is not: CostCo has an easy return policy. But if it is possible, I would like very much to have that.

Thank you for your time and attention.

[bblackmoor]

There is no way to edit my post, as far as I can tell. I wanted to clarify what I meant by "real time". I mean:

1) The SpO2 display is automatically updated periodically (no more than five minutes),and

2) The SpO2 display can be updated on demand.

This is technologically possible -- easily so. I can't see any reason why the Versa4 is not doing it, other than a deliberate choice by someone for it not to.

[Guy_ · Accepted solution]

Hi, @bblackmoor - you are right a real time SpO2 would be desirable but it isn't available on any Fitbit watches. Other brands have it and even a graph like the heart rate one.

Spo2 measuring probably uses too much Fitbit battery, already the single night measurements can use up to 2 days of the 6+ battery life and snore detection another 2 days, if it was available, then you would have to charge every day and that's without using GPS.

There exists Bluetooth oximeters which cost under $20 and can give you continuous instant readings of SpO2, HR, HRV etc.

Admittedly not as convenient but you get more precise readings, especially of heart rate.

[bblackmoor]

Well, it's not the answer I wanted,  but it was the answer I needed. Back to CostCo it goes.

[bblackmoor]

Incidentally, I would have been fine with charging it daily.

[Guy_]

@bblackmoor  - thanks, may be look at other brands where you can have all day SpO2 and a battery life of 6+ days, so much more convenient.

[t.parker]

@bblackmoor some watches offer 24/7 SpO2 (my Garmin F6Pro and F7 do) but there is a caveat. When you move it's very unlikely they will capture your SpO2. It's one of those metrics that you need to be still for most of the time to get it measured. Otherwise, you'll just have holes in the data points and during the day there are many of such holes as we tend to move a lot. So in fact, battery deplets for nothing. It's nice feature but among Garmin users I know only a handful using it and for one reason - it's one of the metrics that build altitude acclimation status (mountaineering, high altitude hiking/cycling, rock climbing etc.). Otherwise it's just waste of battery life. Night SpO2 makes more sense because we don't move whole lot. Spot check (on-demand) would be probably very best option as you decide when to check your saturation and you have control over your body to be still for time of measurement. Garmin offers all the options but beware that all-day SpO2 makes sense only for narrow range of use-cases (so that probably shouldn't be a criteria). If you consider another device, look at accuracy and ability for spot check (which pretty much any device that supports SpO2 provides... any but Fitbit).

[bblackmoor]

I appreciate that you are trying to help. I have my reasons for wanting a real time SpO2 display, and I don't feel any need to justify it.

--
Sent from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.

[t.parker]

@bblackmoor that's fine. What I'm saying is that you won't find watch that can do it (that also compromises accuracy). If you need continuous SpO2 monitoring then dedicated medical device is a better choice.

[Guy_]

@bblackmoor  - as @t.parker says SpO2 only works well at rest, even the bespoke units will go crazy if you move as will most equipment measurements except possibly HR and very expensive equipment.

The Garmin app shows a complete graph of your nightly SpO2 and is overlayed on your sleep stages for the value points.

It might be possible to tun on day sync for a few minutes and then turn it off again once some readings are registered.

[bblackmoor]

I didn't come here for advice on what a stranger thinks I need, but thanks for your attempt. You are trying to help, and I am grateful for that.

Please just accept that I had my reasons.

--
Sent from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.

[t.parker]

@bblackmoor so why did you come here?

Answering your initial question: "Is there a way to make this work, or not? " - No, there is not.

[bblackmoor]

How do I turn off notifications for this post? It's been answered.
--
Sent from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.

[Guy_]

@bblackmoor - soory we couldn't help, click the 3 dots and choose unsubscribe.

[bblackmoor]

I found it. It was in the gear menu at the top. Thanks again. And you did help: you saved me time.

[GhettoAstronaut]

Me to!! I charge mine every morning while I shower. It never goes below 93%. There's lots of battery to be used.

[GhettoAstronaut]

Do your readings change much? Mine hover from 94 to 96. There's never any change. Its very cool but slightly boring cuz it doesn't do anything....

[Erkka]

It still does not work.i have had my Versa 4 now for about two weeks, and no SpO2. Only --%. I had a chat with the support a few days ago and they promised to find out and send me an e-mail. No e-mails fromthem, and still no SpO2.