Blood Pressure Tester

September 9, 2010 7:23 AM

I've just lost function on my second home blood pressure tester. They last around six months. Are they really that fragile? Checked batteries it's not that.
posted by notned to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

I've been using one with no problems at all for about 10 years. It's so old I can't even find a pic on the internet to show you, but it's still going strong. It's the size of a large hardback book, and the inflatable cuff is in a compartment inside it when not in use. Maybe it would help answer your question if you could be a little more specific about the model / type?
posted by aqsakal at 7:31 AM on September 9, 2010

The only thing I can suggest is whether you keep it in your bathroom, and this room gets a lot of moisture build-up that could short out a circuit card inside of it. I have had one for years and it keeps on working.
posted by Danf at 7:32 AM on September 9, 2010

Nth'd. I inherited a home meter from my mother in law. She bought it in the 90s and other than replacing batteries, it is still as accurate as it ever was. I think mine is an Omron.
posted by beelzbubba at 7:34 AM on September 9, 2010

This doesn't answer your question, but if you're frustrated with the digital models, you could always use the old-fashioned stethoscope and sphygmomanometer setup. I purchased these quite inexpensively on Amazon, and they're very reliable.
posted by jingzuo at 8:28 AM on September 9, 2010

What brand are you buying? I've also had good luck with my Omron cuff.
posted by reren at 9:00 AM on September 9, 2010

I've had an Omron HEM-412C for 9 years. Still works fine
posted by psc1860 at 5:39 PM on September 9, 2010