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- Price: $119 before discount
- Power: Battery
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Tracking features: Yes, using an app
- App: Yes
The Best Pulse Oximeters: A Complete Guide in 2024
Oct 28, 2024
Fact Checked
We reviewed the best pulse oximeters to find ones that are accurate, lightweight, and easy to use.
Key Takeaways
- We chose the Oxiline Pulse XS Pro Pulse Oximeter “Best Pulse Oximeter Overall” for its simple design, easy-to-see screen, and mobile app.
- Pulse oximeters are used to measure oxygen levels in your blood and can be used to track your blood oxygen levels over time.
- A normal blood oxygen level is 95%–100% in a healthy person, but anything higher than 89% is acceptable, according to our experts.
- The pulse oximeters in this review are all available without a prescription and cost between $89–$298.
If you live with a condition that affects your ability to breathe, such as sleep apnea, asthma, heart issues, or a lung condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), your doctor may have told you to track the amount of oxygen in your blood. To measure your blood oxygen levels, you will need a pulse oximeter.
Pulse oximeters can either be prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter. The four pulse oximeters reviewed here are all available over the counter from a pharmacy or medical supply store. A pulse oximeter should never be used to self diagnose a health condition. Talk with your health care provider to learn if you need to monitor your blood oxygen levels or if you’re concerned about your readings.
You can also read our guide on how to use a pulse oximeter.
Best pulse oximeters in 2024
- Oxiline Pulse XS Pro: Best Pulse Oximeter Overall
- Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro: Best Basic Pulse Oximeter
- Lofta MightySat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter: Best Pulse Oximeter With an App
- Wellue SleepU Sleep Oxygen Monitor: Best Pulse Oximeter for Overnight Monitoring
What we look for in pulse oximeters
We look for several important details when testing and reviewing pulse oximeters.
Size
Pulse oximeters are available in a variety of styles and sizes, like hand-held devices that are about the size of a tube of lip balm and much larger table-top machines. We focused on pulse oximeters that are small enough to fit in one hand. Most of the home pulse oximeters we tested are about the size of a ring box. Some of the oximeters here include a strap and carrying case.
Accuracy
Home pulse oximeters aren’t as accurate as the machines used in hospitals, but our experts said they are generally reliable as long as they’re used correctly.
Easy to use
We chose pulse oximeter devices that were easy for our testers to use correctly. The fingertip pulse oximeters should be wide enough to slide the fingertip into place on the sensor—some were easier to open than others.
Our choice for the best pulse oximeter for sleeping is held in place at the wrist with a silicone wristband, and the pulse sensor is built into an attached silicone ring that stays securely in place even if you change sleep positions.
Tracking features
Some users may need a pulse oximeter for occasional use only, but others need to be able to use it daily and keep a record of their blood oxygen levels over time. Three of the four oximeters we reviewed here have mobile apps that can be linked to the device for tracking.
Oxiline Pulse XS Pro Pulse Oximeter: Best Pulse Oximeter Overall
Oxiline Pulse XS Pro
Best Pulse Oximeter Overall
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We chose the Oxiline Pulse XS Pro Pulse Oximeter as the “Best Pulse Oximeter Overall” because of its simple and easy-to-use design, easy-to-read multicolored display, and mobile app for tracking.
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Best Overall
Our expert take on the Oxiline Pulse XS Pro Pulse Oximeter
The Oxiline Pulse XS Pro Pulse Oximeter was our pick for “Best Pulse Oximeter Overall” because of its simple and easy-to-use design, multicolored display, and the ability to keep track of our blood oxygen readings through a smartphone app. Our tester liked how easy it was to open the oximeter to place their finger on the sensor pad. You can use any finger to measure your blood oxygen with an oximeter, but the doctors we spoke with said you should ideally use your middle finger or thumb.
The display shows multiple measurements, like oxygen saturationⓘ A measure of how much oxygen is in your blood, usually shown as a percentage 1 (SpO2), perfusion index ⓘ A ratio that measures the strength of your pulse and how much blood is flowing through an area of your body 1(PI), and pulse rate, all in different colors and sizes, which users may find easier to read than numbers that are all in one color.
With the Pulse XS Pro, you can download the smartphone app called VitaConnect and use your phone’s Bluetooth settings to link your oximeter. While our tester had some difficulty using the app, most other customer reviewers said they were able to use the app without issue. You can use the app to track your blood oxygen readings, download your history, and transfer the readings into a CSV or PDF format that can be printed or emailed to your doctor. The XS Pro comes with a wrist strap for convenience.
Our expert’s take
Who may love it
- People who want a simple-to-use pulse oximeter
- People who prefer a small oximeter
- People who want to track and save their results to share with their health care provider
Who may want to avoid it
- People who might prefer an oximeter that stores their readings on the device instead of in an app
- People who aren’t comfortable connecting devices to mobile apps
Customer reviews on Oxiline Pulse XS Pro Pulse Oximeter
The Oxiline Pulse XS Pro Pulse Oximeter has a rating of 4.87 out of five starts on the Oxiline website based on more than 1,890 reviews. Many reviewers say they like the clear display and the small size of the device. Reviews are mixed on the mobile app, with some reviewers saying it was easy to set up and others saying it was not easy to use.
“I have to keep a close eye on my heart rate, and this device is just right for me. Setting up the app on my tablet was simple. The display is great and the sound is clear. Plus, it saves my results so my doctor can see how I’m doing. This product is excellent!”
– Susan L., verified buyer, March 2024
“I really enjoy the compact size when I’m on the go. I’ve tested it against other devices, including at the doctor’s office, and it’s always accurate. The app can be a bit tricky to use, but I don’t want to criticize the unit or the seller because of that.”
– Anita S., verified buyer, October 2023
Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro Pulse Oximeter: Best Basic Pulse Oximeter
Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro
Best Basic Pulse Oximeter
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We chose the Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro Pulse Oximeter as the “Best Basic Pulse Oximeter” because it’s simple to use, has an easy-to-read display, and doesn’t include a smartphone app.
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Our expert take on the Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro Pulse Oximeter
“When looking for a home pulse oximeter, the display of the readings should be large, bright, and easily readable,” said Mustali M. Dohadwala, MD, medical director and practitioner at the cardiology-focused private practice Heartsafe Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. The Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro Pulse Oximeter was our choice for “Best Basic Pulse Oximeter” because it’s simple to use and easy to read.
Unlike the XS Pro, which uses a multicolored display to make each number stand out, the display on the 9S uses the same turquoise color for all the readings: SpO2, pulse rate, PI, and plethysmographⓘ A measure of the volume of blood flowing through your arteries . The SpO2 number is slightly larger than the rest of the numbers, and the PI is the smallest. Our tester liked that they could press the power button and change the display to portrait or landscape mode. The 9S doesn’t connect with a smartphone app, so you can’t keep a digital record to track your measurements over time. You’ll have to track your measurements yourself.
Our tester found it didn’t take much effort to open the 9S to place their finger on the sensor pad. They noted the 9S Pro’s grip didn’t feel very tight on their finger, and it could potentially pop off if they moved their hand suddenly.
Our tester on the Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro Pulse Oximeter:
“This is a good, dependable, and basic device. It is very portable. The oximeter is about the size of an AirPod case.”
Who may love it
- People who need a basic device without extra tracking or app features
- People who want a portable device they can easily travel with
- People who appreciate being able to change the display from landscape to portrait view
Who may want to avoid it
- Those with a movement disorder, such as Parkinson’s, may need a device with a firmer grip that will stay on with sudden movements
- Anyone who would prefer to digitally store and track their readings
- Those who might prefer multiple colors for the different readings on the display screen
Customer reviews on Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro Pulse Oximeter
The Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro Pulse Oximeter has 4.88 out of five stars based on more than 875 reviews on the Oxiline website. Many reviewers say this oximeter is accurate, lightweight, and has a clear display screen. A few reviewers said they had trouble getting it to stay on their finger, and others wished it could track their readings for them.
“This oximeter is great because it fits on your finger perfectly and gives a reading in just 10 seconds. It also comes with a carrying case for easy storage. I highly recommend it.”
– Alyssa, verified buyer, March 2024
“I compared this unit to a medical oximeter and found it to be just as accurate. It’s user-friendly with a clear screen and different pulse display options. It also comes with a case for portability. If it ever breaks, I would buy the same brand again. It’s a good deal for the price.”
– Judith S., verified buyer, March 2024
Lofta MightyStat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter: Best Pulse Oximeter With an App
Lofta MightySat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Best Pulse Oximeter With an App
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We chose the Lofta MightySat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter as the “Best Pulse Oximeter With an App” because the included smartphone app lets you track and save your daily readings for more than blood oxygen levels and pulse rate. You can also program the app to alert you when levels are outside of a normal range.
Our expert take on the Lofta MightySat
We gave the Lofta MightySat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter the title of “Best Pulse Oximeter With an App” because the app is easy to use and connect to your device. The app can be used to change the layout of the screen and adjust certain settings, such as the brightness level.
On the oximeter itself, you can view six different readings: SpO2, pulse rate, PI, plethysmograph, breathing rate (RRp), and PVI, which stands for Pleth Variability Index. The PVI reading measures the changes in your breathing in the PI. You can view these numbers in landscape or portrait by tapping the button below the display.
You can see all of your past readings in the app by clicking the arrow on each reading’s history. You can also view your heart rate recovery, which measures your heart’s ability to return to normal after exercising, and you can view a display of when your readings have fallen out of the normal ranges. By setting low and high threshold readings, your device will alert you if your reading is out of this range. The app is also able to track measurements for multiple users.
The numbers on the Lofta MightySat are slightly smaller than they were on the other oximeters we reviewed, but the SpO2 and pulse numbers are larger and in bright white, making them more visible.
Our tester felt the user manual was a bit too long and difficult to read through when learning how to use the device and adjust the settings. But using the oximeter itself was easy. It took a little more strength to open the device to insert their finger onto the sensor pad compared to the Oxiline 9S Pro and XS Pro. The MightySat comes with a strap and small carrying bag for traveling.
Our tester on the Lofta MightySat:
“I feel quite confident in this device’s ability to get an accurate reading. I think it offers lots of useful data. I recommend using it with the app.”
Our expert’s take
Who may love it
- People who want a device for more than one user
- Users who need to track multiple health measurements
- Those who need an oximeter that’s easy to travel with
Who may want to avoid it
- People who need a less expensive option
- Those looking for a simpler, more basic device
- Users with dexterity or strength concerns may find the device is more difficult to place on the finger
Customer reviews on Lofta MightySat
The Lofta MightyStat Fingertip pulse oximeter has 4.8 out of five stars from nine reviews on the Lofta website. Users say they appreciate how comfortable the device feels and how easy it is to connect to the tracking app. Some reviewers say they don’t need all of the extra features and measurements and that it can be difficult to navigate all of the settings.
“This is a great product, a little slow, and some of the vitals you don’t really need, the manufacturer made them up, cardio folks have a better way of getting them. The contrast will change easily but can be hard to get back so the user interface could be a little better but I am very pleased with the product.”
– William M., verified buyer, July 10, 2024
Wellue SleepU: Best Pulse Oximeter for Overnight Monitoring
Wellue SleepU Sleep Oxygen Monitor
Best Pulse Oximeter for Overnight Monitoring
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We chose the Wellue SleepU Sleep Oxygen Monitor as the “Best Pulse Oximeter for Overnight Monitoring” because it can be used continuously for up to 16 hours. You can store your information on the smartphone app to track your readings over time and download your readings to share with your health care provider.
Our expert take on the Wellue SleepU
The Wellue SleepU Sleep Oxygen Monitor was our pick for the “Best Pulse Oximeter for Overnight Monitoring” because it’s designed to be worn throughout the night to measure blood oxygen levels. It stays in place with a silicone ring that’s attached to the device, which is worn on the wrist with the included wristband.
You’ll have to make sure you’ve connected your device to the smartphone app by using your phone’s Bluetooth settings when using the device.
If you want to measure your blood oxygen because you’re concerned about whether you might have sleep apnea, please note that only a health care provider can diagnose this condition. But it can still be helpful to view your oxygen levels while you’re sleeping, and you share the data saved on the app with your doctor.
After charging the device—a full charge will give you up to 16 hours of use—you place the silicone ring on your thumb and the wristband around your wrist. If it fits too tightly on your thumb, you can also place it on your index or middle finger, but make sure the ring isn’t too loose; the sensor needs to stay in close contact with your skin.
Our tester liked that you don’t need to press any buttons with the Wellue SleepU. The device automatically turns on when it’s placed on your finger and turns off when it’s removed. The screen lights up and the finger extension gives off a red light when it’s being used, which could bother some users at night.
We like that the Wellue SleepU vibrates to alert you when your SpO2 falls below your preset level. You can adjust the vibrate setting from weak to strong. The vibration is just enough to bring the user out of deep sleep so they can change their sleeping position. After you take off the device, the information is downloaded to the app automatically so you can view your oxygen levels, heart rate, and motion.
Our tester on the Wellue SleepU:
“This device is so cool. It gives you a 360 view of your sleep. You can see how your Spo2, pulse and motion is at night. Great for anyone who wants to track any of these stats and would be great for anyone who thinks they might have sleep apnea.”
Who may love it
- People who need to monitor their oxygen levels while sleeping
- Users who have a breathing condition, such as sleep apnea or asthma, that requires them to measure their SpO2 while they sleep
- Those who would appreciate a pulse oximeter monitor that stays securely in place
Who may want to avoid it
- Users who don’t need to check their SpO2 while sleeping
- People who don’t want to wear an electronic device on their body while sleeping
- People who don’t want to use a mobile app
Customer reviews on Wellue SleepU
The Wellue SleepU Sleep Oxygen Monitor has 167 reviews on the Wellue website, with 133 five star reviews. Many users say the device is easy to use and comfortable to wear. Some reviews mention the results can be hard to read in the mobile app and say the lights on the device can make it hard to sleep.
“The device was easy to set up and the thumb sensor fit just fine. The nightly oxygen data is robust, but I don’t think paying extra for sleep tracking is worth it–my wake times are never recorded. The shipping was fast and the price was good. It’s nice that replacement parts are available. Good battery life.”
– Katherine W., verified buyer, Sept. 17, 2024
“It does what I need. I wish it was easier to read results on my phone. I’d like to see specifically how my heart rate and oxygen compare down to the minute. I’m going to try to look at the results on my computer and print them–printing is critical so I can share the data with my doctor. It’s very comfortable and I love that it displays both oxygen and heart rate. Just wish the results were easier to read on my phone.”
– L.J., verified buyer, Nov. 20, 2023
How we test pulse oximeters
Our Reviews Team bases our recommendations on our testing of the most popular home health monitoring products and advice from medical experts. We’ve spent more than 100 hours researching and testing 26 home health monitoring devices from 19 different brands, including pulse oximeters, to see for ourselves how they work. We talked to licensed doctors and registered nurses to get their recommendations on what is important when looking for a home pulse oximeter device. Our reviews also use information and recommendations from leading health organizations, like the American Lung Association.
Our testers ordered and tried four of the top pulse oximeters, comparing them on:
- Ease of use and set up
- How easy the display was for viewing
- The accuracy of the results
- Whether it includes a mobile app
- Data storage and tracking
- Cost
All of our reviews are medically reviewed by a licensed and practicing medical expert to ensure the information is accurate and up to date.
How to choose the best pulse oximeter for you
We spoke with our experts on how to choose the best oximeter for you. Here are the most important things to consider when choosing the right one for you.
- Ease of use: The pulse oximeter itself should be easy for you to use. Pulse oximeters work by turning them on, inserting your finger into the sensor, and waiting a few seconds for a reading. “Also, consider the ease of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi set-up and connectivity for tracking and analyzing oxygen saturation percentage trends,” said Dr. Dohadwala.
- Fit: Your pulse oximeter should fit securely without feeling too tight or uncomfortable to wear, especially when you wear them overnight or for long periods of time.
- Accuracy: Quality of the device, skin temperature, and circulation are a few factors that can affect accuracy. Whether the device is over the counter or prescription can also play a part in accuracy. “Prescription oximeters are reviewed by the FDA, but over-the-counter oximeters do not undergo FDA review, drawing questions about the reliability and accuracy of measurements,” said Dr. Dohadwala. “Many factors can affect the accuracy [of a pulse oximeter], though,” he explained, “including incorrect placement, movement, skin pigmentation (darker skin tones), nail polish, very cold skin, and tobacco use.” He added that some medical conditions can also cause pulse oximeter readings to be unreliable, like problems with circulation due to heart failure, severe anemia, and sickle cell anemia.
- Cost: Consider how expensive the pulse oximeter is and what your budget allows. Also, you might want to look into whether your health insurance covers the device. If it is covered, the insurance company may require a prescription from your doctor.
- Size: All of the pulse oximeters we reviewed are small—about the size of a ring box. If you need a pulse oximeter you can easily travel with, look for one that comes with a carrying case or strap.
How does a pulse oximeter work?
A pulse oximeter, sometimes called a pulse ox, is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in your red blood cells. This measurement displays as a percentage called SpO2 (saturation of peripheral oxygen). Pulse oximeters are usually placed on a finger, but they can also be placed on a toe, foot, ear, nose, or forehead.
In general, health care providers want to see a blood oxygen level higher than 89%, both at rest and during exercise, said David Mannino, MD, a Kentucky-based pulmonologist and medical director and cofounder of the COPD Foundation. “People on oxygen therapy should always have the availability of a pulse ox.”
“Home pulse oximeters are pretty accurate, even though they aren’t as good as the medical-grade ones used in hospitals,” Dr. Mannino said. “The oximeter might have several different measurements, such as pulse rate and perfusion index (PI), but the most important number is the oxygen percentage. This is the number that we prefer to see above 89%.”
Ideally, a resting SpO2 level is 95%–100%, explained Dr. Dohadwala. “This range and acceptability as normal may change based upon a person’s age, underlying medical condition, as well as the altitude in which they live,” he said.
Some of the medical reasons for why a person might need to use a home pulse oximeter include severe flu symptoms, COVID-19, pneumonia, blood clots in the lungs, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or sleep apnea.
“Abnormalities in blood oxygen levels can lead to [low] oxygen levels to vital organs,” explained Dr. Dohadwala. “If a person is dealing with an underlying and ongoing medical condition, [pulse oximeters] may be helpful in identifying whether or not their vital organs are receiving [enough] oxygen, especially if they’re having symptoms such as headaches, confusion, trouble breathing, or skin, fingernail, or lip discoloration.”
You can also view the plethysmograph below the numbers, which displays your pulse as a wave on the screen. “I recommend that people get a pulse ox that also shows a pulse waveform,” said Dr. Mannino. “One of the most common reasons for a low reading is poor pulse sensing or poor circulation (cold hands).” Being able to see your pulse as a waveform can help because a low number with a poor waveform may just mean that the oximeter is not sensing your pulse properly. A low number with a good waveform can mean your blood is low in oxygen.
How much do pulse oximeters cost?
You can purchase a home pulse oximeter over the counter or with a prescription. The over-the-counter pulse oximeters we tested ranged in cost from $89 for the Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro Pulse Oximeter to $298 for the Lofta MightySat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter. Some insurance policies cover the cost of a prescribed pulse oximeter. Check with your insurance provider to find out whether you have coverage. For people who have a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA), you may be able to use these funds to purchase a pulse oximeter.
As with stair lifts and wheelchair lifts, Medicare doesn’t cover pulse oximeters unless they’re considered medically necessary. This might be the case when your health care provider needs to monitor your blood oxygen levels for a chronic health condition, or when you need supplemental oxygen and need to track your daily blood oxygen values. Medicaid may cover the cost of a pulse oximeter if certain criteria are met.
Table 1, Compare pulse oximeters as of 2024
| Price | $119 | $89 | $298 | $169 |
| Power | Battery | Battery | Battery | Charger |
| Weight (in ounces) | 3.2 | 3.2 | 2.6 | 1.1 |
| Tracking features | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| App | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
Bottom line
If you need to monitor your blood oxygen saturation levels, you’ll want a pulse oximeter that is easy to use, accurate, and within your budget. We chose the Oxiline Pulse XS Pro Pulse Oximeter as “Best Overall” for its simple display, easy-to-use features, and smartphone app tracking. The Oxiline Pulse 9S Pro Pulse Oximeter was the most basic, and most affordable, of the oximeters we tested. For oximeters that connect with an app, we like the Lofta MightySat Fingertip Pulse Oximeter for its ability to track multiple users. And the Wellue SleepU Sleep Oxygen Monitor, with its secure silicone wristband ring-style sensor, was our choice for overnight monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
Home pulse oximeters are generally accurate, but they aren’t as good as the ones you use in a hospital, and prescribed oximeters tend to be more accurate than over-the-counter oximeters.
A normal, at-rest oxygen saturation percentage is between 95% and 100% in a healthy person. This can change based on your age, any health conditions you have, and whether you live above or below sea level. A 4% decrease in your oxygen saturation level while exercising, or an at-rest level of 88% or lower, is concerning and should be addressed as soon as possible by your health care provider.
Any finger is fine to use, as long as it has good circulation. Most people use their index finger, middle finger, or thumb. Nail polish can disrupt the reading, resulting in inaccurate readings. Make sure you take off any nail polish before placing the sensor.
Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.
Sources
- National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering. Getting an accurate read on pulse oximeters. Jan. 13, 2023. Found on the internet at https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/article/getting-an-accurate-read-on-pulse-oximeters
- Hafen B.B. and Sharma S. Oxygen Saturation. StatPearls. Nov. 23, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525974/
- American Thoracic Society. Exercise Test to Check for Oxygen Desaturation. Found on the internet at https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1164/rccm.2058P15
- Shepard LN, et al. Pulse Oximetry Plethysmography: A New Approach for Physiology-Directed CPR? Resuscitation. Oct. 29, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8762650/
- Lu W, et al. The Pleth Variability Index as an Indicator of the Central Extracellular Fluid Volume in Mechanically Ventilated Patients After Anesthesia Induction: Comparison With Initial Distribution Volume of Glucose. Medical Science Monitor. March 8, 2014. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3958567/
- Food and Drug Administration. FDA In Brief: FDA Warns About Limitations and Accuracy of Pulse Oximeters. Feb. 19, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-brief/fda-brief-fda-warns-about-limitations-and-accuracy-pulse-oximeters
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Noninvasive Ear or Pulse Oximetry for Oxygen Saturation. Found on the internet at https://www.cms.gov/medicare-coverage-database/view/lcd.aspx?lcdId=33923&ver=14
- American Lung Association. Medicaid Coverage of Durable Medical Equipment: Basics for People With Asthma. Found on the internet at https://www.lung.org/getmedia/c6bf51c3-9ed8-4c50-9eb5-57a5d7166398/medicaid-dme-primer-v2.pdf
- LeMoult, C. National Public Radio. When It Comes to Darker Skin, Pulse Oximeters Fall Short. July 11, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/07/11/1110370384/when-it-comes-to-darker-skin-pulse-oximeters-fall-short