One important part of health monitoring and self care is tracking and controlling your blood pressure. Anyone who has ever learned the old fashioned way with a cuff and dial or column and a stethoscope knows this can be difficult to learn to do accurately and very hard to do on yourself. Blood pressure monitors, or electronic sphygmomanometers, have made measurement easier and more convenient at home for anyone, but these devices can cost a fortune.
Quite a few of us would like to save money and buy used blood pressure monitors and other medical equipment. However, we don't always know what to look for and are unsure of where to find a bargain. A home monitor came be a simple one, with a stethoscope you hold in place for do it yourself monitoring, to much more sophisticated models that can be thousands of dollars.
The simple cuff will be the least expensive, if you can learn to use it properly. If you must go this route, practice with a health care professional to be sure what you are doing really gets an accurate reading. These are accurate devices and can be useful and thrifty. The mercury type is more accurate, but these are being phased out because of the risks from mercury.
Other electronic monitors can range new from $35 and up, and quality does usually cost more. Some are completely automatic and others require that you pump the cuff up or do some other tasks. Choose carefully if you want a fully automatic reading. Blood pressure monitors are made to be used on the upper arm, the forearm, the wrist and even sometimes a finger. Larger cuffs can be used with some meters for the thigh. People with certain medical conditions may not be allowed to use the arm.
It is important to use a well fitted cuff, the wrong size cuff could equal an inaccurate reading. The cuff should clearly display the proper range. If you need to special order larger or smaller cuffs you should expect to pay more. That is why testing blood pressure monitors before purchasing or ordering them is always a good idea.
It isn't too difficult to find a good deal on used medical equipment. Look online at various board and support groups for specific illnesses. There are many items free or at a very low cost. Online auctions can also be another avenue. There are even some companies that sell just used equipment. These companies may even have an actual store for you to visit.
If you need to get one for free or on loan, check out a local clinic or a health related charity. Also speak with your doctor, occasionally a drug company will make monitors available for patients. Always compare your monitor to one that has been calibrated. This will calibrate your own blood pressure monitor so you will know your readings are accurate.