Title: SpO2 and pulse ox wearables: Why blood oxygen is the big new health metric
Headings: SpO2 and pulse ox wearables: Why blood oxygen is the big new health metric
SpO2 and pulse ox wearables: Why blood oxygen is the big new health metric
What is a pulse oximeter/SpO2 sensor?
Why track blood oxygen?
The origins of the pulse oximeter
Pulse oximeter and wearables you can buy right now
Apple Watch Series 6
Fitbit (various)
Garmin SpO2 devices
Withings
Huawei Watch GT2

Content: Breathing rate is a new metric for Fitbit Premium subscribers, which offers extra data. As part of the Fitbit COVID-19 study, a change of breathing rate was shown to pre-empt symptoms, so it can be a useful metric to track. What's more, the company has launched a Fitbit Versa SpO2 watch face, which puts the information front-and-center. Read our guide to choosing the best Fitbit for your needs . Garmin SpO2 devices
Garmin has introduced pulse ox sensors into a large part of its range, with the Fenix 6X, Fenix 5X, Vivoactive 4 and Forerunner 245/645/945 all using an SpO2 sensor. In this instance the on-screen widget will offer a blood oxygen percentage, coupled with data on your altitude, to show the levels of oxygen in the blood. This is particularly useful for anyone that's into hiking, alpine sports and going on big expeditions. With elevation data you can view how oximeter readings are changing relative to your elevation. However, many wearables use pulse ox for a different reason: sleep apnea.