Medical vs Non-Medical sensors for Medical Alert Systems

We often get questions about medical devices vs professional athletic devices for daily wellness monitoring… which sensors are best, last longest, most accurate?

Professional athletics sensors (non-medical) are substantially better than medical devices for monitoring everyday life… here’s why:

Comfort

Wellness monitoring is about continuous monitoring for long durations. Accordingly, you want something light and comfortable. If you can forget you’re wearing it then that’s ideal. Comfort is not the goal of medical devices.

Durability

Medical equipment is generally delicate and operates in a lab or office environment. On the other hand, a professional health sensor’s design usually anticipates some abuse. Accordingly, toss one in the mud or carry it around in your purse if you like.

Accuracy

Accuracy is important, but accuracy while you walk, talk, drive, and do the normal things of life is even more important. Medical sensors give hyper accurate readings for doctors during your office visit. On the other hand, professional sensors provide accurate performance during the leisurely-to-intense activities of daily life in real world settings.

Cost

Cost is a big factor for most people. Professional sensors have a large mass market appeal. That creates intense competition between manufacturers to create the best product for the best price. Medical devices are generally far more expensive. That is due to many reasons including materials, testing, safety and regulatory testing and more.

Choice

Choice is a great reason to pick a professional sensor. There’s just a lot of choices available. Wristbands, watches, rings, armbands, earbuds, chest straps, adhesive sensors and sensors built into clothes are all options.

The real value of incorporating non-medical health sensors in medical alert systems is demonstrating that a remote loved one’s normal pattern of living continues day-to-day. When family knows all is ok they can have true peace of mind. Changes in heart rate and oxygen levels over time provide deep insight into daily wellness.