Automatic Blood Pressure Monitors FAQs

Can I take a measurement during exercise?
Omron Blood Pressure Monitors are not intended for use during exercise or activity. We recommend you avoid eating, smoking and exercising for at least 30 minutes before taking a measurement.

Do I need to register my product to validate the product warranty?
We request you register your product purchase. To register your product purchase complete the warranty card enclosed in the box or register on-line. Registration cards are not included with all models. You must register your product within 10 days of the purchase date or provide the proof of purchase with your unit for warranty services. We recommend you always save the proof of purchase to validate your warranty. Simply tape or staple the purchase receipt in the front page of your instruction manual for safekeeping.

How can I get a replacement instruction manual for my Omron Blood Pressure Monitor?
You can download an instruction manual from our web site for the monitors displayed on the site. Please use the feedback form for all other requests. Instruction manuals are sent via US Mail. Please be sure to fill in your complete address on the feedback form. We will contact you if the instruction manual you requested is no longer available.

How do I clean and protect my Omron Blood Pressure monitor from damage and keep it in the best working condition?
Wipe the casing of the monitor clean using a soft dry cloth. Never use any abrasive type cleaners or submerge the monitor or any of the components in water. The cuff cannot be cleaned. After each use never fold the cuff or the tubing tightly. Store the monitor in a safe, dry location. Do not subject the unit to extreme hot or cold temperatures, humidity or direct sunlight. Be careful not to subject the monitor to any strong shocks such as dropping the unit on the floor. You should remove the batteries if the unit will not be used for an extended period of time. Always operate the unit following the directions provided in the instruction manual. Use only authorized Omron parts and accessories.

How do I install the batteries in my Omron Blood Pressure Monitor?
Slide the battery cover off in the direction of the arrow shown on the cover. Install the batteries making sure the positive and negative polarities match the polarities shown in the battery compartment. Replace the battery cover. When you need to replace the batteries in your unit, remove and replace all of the batteries at the same time. We always recommend long-life alkaline batteries for best performance.

How do I know I am using the correct cuff size with my Omron Blood Pressure Monitor?
We highly recommend, regardless of your weight, height or physical body condition, you measure your arm circumference. If your arm size is 7 to 9 inches you need the small adult cuff, 9 to 13 inches is the standard size adult cuff, and 13 to 17 inches is the large adult cuff. Each model is approved for use with specified cuff sizes. When the wrong cuff size is used you may get an inaccurate reading at your first measurement, or after a short period of use because the cuff bladder is damaged.

How do I know if the arm cuff is wrapped too tight or too loose?
If the cuff is wrapped too loose or too tight, you may get an inaccurate reading or error message. We recommend you apply the cuff using the following directions. First, make sure you have removed any tight-fitting clothing from your left arm. Put your left arm through the cuff loop. The bottom of the cuff should be about one-half inch above your elbow. Turn your arm so your palm is facing up. Adjust the cuff around your arm so that the tubing runs down the center of your arm. Secure the cuff so it stays in place. You should be able to fit one finger between the cuff and your arm. This space is imperative for an accurate reading. Omron's digital blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement that detects your blood's movement through your brachial artery and converts the movements into a digital reading.

How do I measure my arm circumference?
It's easy to determine your correct cuff size by measuring the circumference of your left arm with a cloth tape measure. Place the tape measure in the middle of your upper arm between your elbow and your shoulder. If our arm size is 7 to 9 inches you need the small adult cuff, 9 to 13 inches is the standard size adult cuff, and 13 to 17 inches is the large adult cuff. Each model is approved for use with specified cuff sizes.

How do I correctly apply the arm cuff?
First you will need to remove any tight-fitting clothing from your left arm. Now you are ready to put your left arm through the cuff loop. The bottom of the cuff should be about one-half inch above your elbow. Turn your arm so your palm is facing up. Adjust the cuff around your arm so that the tubing runs down the center of your arm. Secure the cuff so it stays in place. You sould be able to fit one finger between the cuff and your arm. This space is very important. If you wrap the cuff too loose or too tight you may get an inaccurate reading.

How often should my Omron Blood Pressure Monitor be calibrated?
Under normal use we recommend you check the calibration of your unit 5 years from the date of purchase. If you use your unit 5 times a day or more have the calibration of the unit checked annually. You must send your unit to the repair department at Omron Healthcare for this service. When an individual situation occurs that may have damaged the unit such as; dropping the unit on the floor, spilling water on the unit, or exposing the unit to an extreme temperature change the unit should be inspected by the repair department.

Recently my readings seem different. How can I assure that my monitor is still working correctly?
Determine if the cuff you are using with your monitor is still the correct size you need. Take an average reading of three measurements. Wait a minimum of five minutes between each measurement. You may need to increase the wait time depending on your individual physical characteristics. Your physician or healthcare provider can check the reading by taking a comparison reading. Make sure the first reading is taken with your home monitor because of the different measurement methods used. Send your unit to the repair department at Omron Healthcare for service. Please make sure you review your warranty information and enclose a note with your unit.

What are the standard Blood Pressure Classifications?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Society of Hypertension (ISH) jointly developed the following blood pressure classification. This classification, however, this is only a general guideline because your optimum blood pressure depends on your age, morbidity, and treatment strategy by a physician. Consult your physician to determine your optimum blood pressure.
Systolic (mm Hg)
Diastolic (mm Hg)
Optimal
Less than 120
Less than 80
Normal
Less than 130
Less than 85
High-Normal
130 to 139
85 to 89
Stage 1 Hypertension (mild)
140 to 159
90 to 99
Stage 2 Hypertension (moderate)
160 to 179
100 to 109
Stage 3 Hypertension (severe)
180 or greater
110 or greater

What is Blood Pressure?
Blood Pressure is the pressure of circulating blood against the walls of the arteries. Your heart is like a pump. When it contracts, or beats, it sends a surge of blood through the blood vessels and pressure increases. This is called your systolic pressure. When your heart relaxes between beats, your blood pressure decreases. This is called your diastolic pressure. These two numbers provide important information about your health. When blood pressure is consistently above normal it is called hypertension (high blood pressure).

What is IntelliSense?
IntelliSense is a registered trademark of Omron Healthcare, Inc, and is the name of the advanced technology used in Omron's Blood Pressure Monitors. Such technology includes: Optimum Inflation Level Setting (OILS) which inflates the cuff to the ideal level with each use, and Electronic Deflation Control (EDC) which deflates the cuff at the optimal speed to allow shorter times between measurements.

What is White Coat Hypertension?
White coat hypertension is defined as an increased blood pressure measurement that results from various influences in the professional environment, for example patient anxiety.

What is the accuracy of Omron's blood Pressure Monitors?
All models of Omron's blood pressure monitors are clinically proven accurate. Pressure is plus or minus three millimeters of mercury or two percent of reading. Pulse is plus or minus five percent of reading. This meets or exceeds the AAMI standards. AAMI is the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.

What is the cause of the EE Error Indicator?
The most common error symbol that appears on the display panel is a EE with a down arrow and two numerals. The reason for the EE Error Indicator is generally caused because the cuff has been wrapped too loose. The cuff was under-inflated during the measurement. This error will also display if the cuff is worn and needs to be replaced. The EE symbol with the down arrow indicates the cuff is over-inflated. In most instances the cuff has been wrapped too tight or you are using the incorrect cuff size. Turn the monitor off. Read the instructions to correctly apply the cuff. Wait five to ten minutes than take another measurement. Error indicators vary by model number. Symbols that display on your model are printed in the instruction manual with the steps to correct the problem.

What method of blood pressure measurement is used in Omron Blood Pressure Monitors?
Omron digital blood pressure monitors use the oscillometric method of blood pressure measurement. This means the monitor detects your blood's movement through your brachial artery and converts the movements into a digital reading. An oscillometric monitor does not need a stethoscope so the monitor is simple to use.

What should I do before taking a measurement?
Make sure you always follow these steps before taking a measurement. For at least 30 minutes prior to taking your measurement do not eat, smoke or exercise. Rest comfortable in a relaxed environment for at least 15 minutes prior to taking your measurement. Don't take a measurement after physical activities or during stressful times. Take the measurement in a quiet place.

When does the warranty period begin?
The warranty begins the day you purchased the unit. The warranty period and conditions of the warranty for the unit are printed in your instruction manual. We recommend you read all of this information. We recommend you save the proof of purchase to validate your warranty. We suggest you simply tape or staple the purchase receipt in the front page of your intruction manual for safekeeping.

Which type of Omron Blood Pressure Monitor should I purchase?
Before purchasing your home blood pressure monitor ensure your satisfaction by selecting the right monitor for you. The digital Manual Inflation Monitors are the most affordable among the digital blood pressure monitors. This type of monitor requires the user to squeeze the inflation bulb to fill the cuff with air until you reach your correct inflation level. The cuff deflates automatically and your measurements appear on a clear digital display. If you have arthritis or any weakness in the hands you may find it difficult to inflate the cuff. For greater convenience choose an Automatic Inflation Blood Pressure Monitor. This type of monitor inflates at the touch of a button. In seconds your blood pressure and pulse are alternately displayed. Omron Automatic Inflation Blood Pressure Monitors have a wide variety of features that include models with printers, memory functions, high speed measurement, and compact design. IntelliSenseTM Technology offers the advantage of personalized inflation. Wrist Blood Pressure Monitors give you the portability of a "wristwatch" style blood pressure monitor. Considering what type of monitor meets your needs is an important decision. You may wish to consult with your physician regarding what type of monitor is best for you. We recommend those persons with severe hypertension, sever diabetes or severe arteriosclerosis consult their physician prior to measure blood pressure at the wrist.

Why is a wait time needed between measurements?
Taking a blood pressure measurement constricts the arteries. Waiting between readings allows the arteries to return to the condition prior to taking the blood pressure measurement. We generally recommend you wait five minutes between readings. You may need to increase the wait time depending on your individual physical characteristics.
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