5 tips for choosing the best spirometer for your needs

Choosing the best spirometer for your need is key to keep lung conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), under control. In this article, we will provide five tips to assist you in choosing the appropriate device for you.

The importance of the right spirometer for appropriate data collection

Telehealthcare is a reality. Technological advancements, lower costs and the user-friendliness of new devices have made home monitoring a popular solution in following the progression of diseases and forecasting exacerbation, though not always in the most effective way. In order for remote monitoring to be a valuable ally for the well being of patients, it is necessary to collect and provide good quality data for physicians to analyze, which comes only with proper use of adequate devices.

Here is our guide to choosing the best spirometer for your needs.

1. Check your needs with your physician

There are several measurement technologies at your disposal – differential pressure pneumotachs, ultrasonic flow meters or turbine flow meters are just a few examples – each of them with specific requirements for accurate data measuring. So, first things first, speak with your physician in order to understand your needs and get an idea of which kind of device you should look for.

2. Choose a home use specific spirometer

It is not so obvious as it sounds. In fact, though you may think that hospital equipment is better by definition, there are actually specific standards for medical devices designed to be used at home. Environmental exposure at home can affect the results of your tests: electromagnetic interference from electrical devices, exposure to water and the quality of electrical installation are all factors to be taken into account. When choosing your spirometer, make sure that the device meets the current ISO standards for home use.

3. The easier to use, the better

Your device should be as user-friendly as possible: when choosing the best spirometer, keep in mind that your physician will not be there to assist you during the tests. Here are a few details to take into consideration:

• Pick a device that does not require calibration. Long term calibration stability means you can trust your data for up to a couple of years.
• Check if video training is available: several manufacturers offer video tutorial on how to use their spirometers, which means you can rewatch training videos as many times as you need.
• Consider buying from a manufacturer you can easily get in contact with. This means you will be able to talk directly to someone who knows how to answer your doubts, whether you need explanations on how to use a device or information about more recent models and accessories.
• Check if incentive graphics or animations are available to ease pediatric use.

4. Disposable costs should be reasonable

Disposable sensors and filters are the best solution to avoid contamination and minimize sterilization. However, this should not lead to high expenses: checking the cost of disposables before buying your spirometer will save you nasty surprises in the long run.

5. Don’t pick the cheapest device you find

Remember: this is not an expense, it’s an investment that will last for years. It is always better to look for good quality when your own health is on the line, not to mention the fact that cheap devices are often harder to use, thus impacting the quality of measuring and reporting data.

Where to buy the right spirometer for your needs

MIR is a world-renowned company, whose accomplishments in innovation and progress in the medical-technological field are globally recognized. Active in more than 100 countries worldwide, it offers the most innovative technology in the pneumology sector, with a wide range of products and accessories. Find out more on spirometry.com.