Omron HEM-780 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with ComFit Cuff
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Customer Reviews of Omron HEM-780 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with ComFit Cuff
Customer Review: My first BP monitor, and very happy with it
Summary: 5 Stars
Omron HEM-780 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with ComFit Cuff
Within the past year, after a doctor's visit found me in reasonably good health, I decided to stay on top of my own health, and work towards actually improving it. I started an exercise routine, including a lot of walking.
Since doing this, I have started using some different Omron products, including an Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer and Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor. My blood pressure has not really been an issue. It was a little toward the high side of normal, but nothing to immediately worry about. My doctor told me I needed to lose weight and that would take care of keeping it down. So, in the past year I've gone from 245 to 185 lbs.
And, I've finally decided to get a blood pressure monitor. As I've been very satisfied with my other Omron products, and based on the reviews, I decided on this monitor. Now, I've only had it for two weeks, but thus far, I have been very pleased with it. It is very easy to use, and the Comfit Cuff really does make it easy. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out how to program the date and time into it, or to change the TruRead mode (takes an average of three readings) or the Single mode.
I also like that it reads and records for two users and reads for a guest user. This way, both my girlfriend and I can read and maintain our own records. And, if for some reason, someone was visiting and wanted, or needed, to check their BP, they could do so without influencing our recordings.
The ability to give you averages of morning and evening readings is also nice. So far, for me, no issues of "morning hypertension", and that is a nice feature.
I also like that it runs on batteries or with the AC adaptor, so if you need to take it with you, you know that with good batteries, you need not worry about taking the adaptor (although it fits just fine in the included case, so why not).
My big concern, though, was whether this unit was accurate. Out of the box, I guess there really is no way of knowing. As it turns out, I had a doctor's appointment last week; about a week after getting it, and keeping a daily record for a week. And, needless to say, they took my blood pressure at the office. Well, that certainly alleviated my concerns as the readings were very much in line with each other.
When I ordered mine, Amazon was offering a $10 off special. My Mom had indicated she wanted an automatic BP monitor, as she has a manual one and finds it rather difficult to use. And actually, although I was planning on buying one for myself anyhow, I was going to order this one for her. Well, with the discount, I ordered two. And here was another big concern of mine - Mom is elderly and small. Would this unit work for her? As it turns out, yes it does. I was afraid the Comfit Cuff might be too big and not work with her, but she has used it, and it works fine. She is probably on the very small end of the spectrum for the Cuff, but it does give good readings for her, and she received no Error messages.
Based on my experiences, I would certainly recommend this unit. The only thing I don't know is how long lasting it is, but I'm assuming it will be around for a good while since it is warranted for five years.
Customer Review: Dangerously Low Systolic Readings
Summary: 1 Stars
I spent over an hour looking at various review of automated "home" digital sphygmomanometers. I have been suspicious of the accuracy of a system that does not use a calibrated microphone or stethoscope, but figured I would give some of these automated devices a try. Based upon reviews here and several other sites, I narrowed my selection to this Omron HEM-780-N3, and the LifeSource UA-853LAC Premium Digital Blood Pressure Monitor with Large Cuff.
Before writing this review, I just finished processing my Omron return back to Amazon, and ordered the UA-853LAC which I'm currently testing from a different source. I consider this Omron to be a dangerous product, as it dramatically underreports systolic, and to a lesser degree, diastolic readings. Perhaps it is a problem with my particular unit, but that also reflects badly on their quality review, testing, and calibration process. There was no obvious trauma to the box from shipping. I have no connections to any medical device company or products.
I tested this Omron HEM-780-N3 against a mercury sphygmomanometer using a Littman Cardiology Stethoscope, and also with a portable dopler ultrasound to measure systolic flow of radial artery at the volar aspect of the wrist. Multiple measurements were made on several occasions, bilaterally, and in 4 different people. Most tests were done simultaneously against mercury sphygmomanometers using proper cuff size and correct antecubital alignment on opposite arm, then both cuffs reversed and repeated.
This Omron model consistently underreports systolic readings--giving 20-35 mm Hg lower, and diastolic measurements that are 10-15 mm Hg lower that reality. Again, I consider this dangerous because it will mislead people into believing their hypertension is controlled, when in reality it is not!
My preliminary testing of the Lifesource model is much more accurate, but need to do similar protocols with more people on multiple occasions, then will post a similar review on that product page. Most people will not have the training, capabilities, or background to know how to validate the accuracy of their purchased blood pressure device. At the very least, a person needs to take any device they are using with them into their doctor's office, and compare its measurements on one arm, while a trained professional is taking a reliable reading on the other arm. If they have time, then reverse arms and repeat.
BEWARE of this model!!!
Customer Review: Extremely easy to use, reliable and the readings repeat - but, be smart, check yours at the doctor's office!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm very pleased with this blood pressure monitor. It is extremely easy to use, the display is huge and when I double check the readings they remain essentially the same. Press one large button and the cuff auto inflates and you have a reading from start to finish in under 30 seconds (I timed it). It is an extremely simple device to operate and fast, too.
My doctor recommended this particular brand and I found it, per his suggestion, at the local Walxxxt. It cost about the same as it does here on Amazon. However my doctor insisted that I purchase a monitor immediately. The fact that it records your prior readings makes it very easy to compile a detailed chart of your pressures versus date and time.
Looking at some of the negative reviews at Amazon, I had some belated concerns. While most people were pleased with this monitor there were clearly some who were not.
There is an easy solution to this problem ---- TEST YOUR MONITOR AT YOUR DOCTORS OFFICE TO CONFIRM ITS ACCURACY:
Whatever monitor you own - bring it with you to your next doctor's visit. HAVE IT MEASURED against their manual operated devices.
It would seem stupid NOT TO DOUBLE CHECK YOUR UNIT AT A DOCTOR's OFFICE. Obviously some percentage of these units will be defective (how many is unknown). At the same time we need to keep in mind that dissatisfied customers are more likely to write a review than people who are pleased. Still, it is only wise to double check your meter. You can read all the reviews you want but none will tell you if you happen to have a defective monitor.
I've found this blood pressure monitor extremely easy to use, and its measurements repeatable. But I also checked it at my doctor's office to determine that it was accurate. Do likewise - your health, quite literally, depends on it! I should note that my Doctor called me the day of my appointment and told me to bring the meter in. It was already in my car but I was pleasantly surprised he thought it was wise to double check it too. That really is common sense.
Conclusion: I'm very impressed at how easy this device is to use, the clarity of its display and its accuracy. I'm hard pressed to imagine how a device could be designed that would be any easier to operate or operate more quickly. This is a well thought out device - a lot of care went into its design.
Once you and your doctor are sure you can trust the readings - it is a powerful tool in managing high blood pressure.
Customer Review: An Accurate and Easy-to-Use Blood Pressure Monitor
Summary: 5 Stars
Recently my wife was told by her physician that her blood pressure readings were "suspicious" though inconsistent. He recommended that she procure a blood pressure monitor.
I did some research on the web in general and Amazon in particular and I chose this Omron HEM-780 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor with ComFit Cuff.
We have had it now since April 2009 and we are both very pleased with it. The directions are easy to follow and the machine is easy to use. It works well both on AC power and batteries.
Unlike the negative reports of a few other reviewers, our experience with it has been 100% positive. My wife has used the machine three or four times a day every day since we received it and it continues to work perfectly. I will admit that she takes very good care of the machine and is careful both in inserting and removing the connections as well as in applying the cuff. She also is careful about packing it away in its case each and every time she uses it. It may be that some others have not been quite as scrupulous in their maintenance of the machine.
But it is a precision instrument and thus deserves the very best of care.
I delayed writing this review until my wife could take it to her physician's office to compare its readings with the readings the physician's staff obtained. I am happy to report that the systolic reading was within 10 points (the machine was 10 points lower) and the diastolic reading was exactly the same.
Now a 10 point difference is not significant; the machine averages three readings whereas the physician takes only one. Plus the measurement can easily change that much within the couple of minutes it takes to obtain both readings.
The physician told my wife that he was satisfied with the readings the machine provided.
And the best news is that he told my wife that she does NOT have high blood pressure.
I am glad that we purchased this machine and I recommend it to all. I further recommend that anyone buying it buy it from Amazon. Not only will you get their great service, you'll also get their great price.
On the same day I ordered it I saw this machine in our local CVS/Pharmacy for $109.99; Amazon's price, at the time, was $49.85!
'Nuf said!
Customer Review: Some great features, easy to use
Summary: 5 Stars
I have had this monitor for almost a year now. I usually wait and use a product before posting a review and I have a good feel for this one now. The monitor is very easy to use, holds up well and has some very valuable features. One of the best is the averaging function(more on this later), the history(AM/PM and days) and is plain old easy to read. It also gives a pulse reading which I have always used as a general measure of my fitness.
First- don't complain about the readings. Take it to a doctors office and calibrate it.(Note- your doctor's may not be calibrated perfectly either)Mine was close enough for my purposes. If for some reason you need to rely on a monitor for a very precise reading this may not be for you.
My purchase was made when a young and fit family member died of a sudden heart attack. Deciding I had better start tracking my blood pressure I went out and found one of these. In addition I did extensive research on blood pressure in general which along with my monitoring produced some eye opening results and kept me from getting sucked into a medication spiral.
Such as:(I get away from product specifics here so be forewarned)
1) My blood pressure is all over the place. Mornings and evenings are always different. In just over a few minutes using the averaging function my systolic blood pressure reading can go from 118 to 134. Diastolic stays in the mid-high 70's. I had the doctors office do several readings(God they hate to do this extra work)and the result was the same. This is fairly common
2) I have "lab coat syndrome". My blood pressure goes up when I go into the doctors office.(or dentists) I found this is also actually fairly common. Vets tell me it happens with animals as well.
The point of this wandering is simple. If I had taken a doctors advice that one reading of 135/80 was reason for looking into a drug regiment I would be hooked. My average BP over 8 weeks has been 122/76 with a heart rate of 56. This is at age 52. Plus please do your self a favor. If you are in the "pre hypertension" stage do yourself a favor and do some research so you can speak with knowledge to your physician. Especially on how age impacts "normal" blood pressure. I thank my European friends here for suggesting that I look into more research.