One of the key vitals that are taken to review a person’s health is their blood pressure. Although new technologies have been introduced over the past decade to make blood pressure readings more convenient to get at home, nothing beats the accuracy of the traditional, professional blood pressure cuff. Even the American Heart Association recommends a cuff-style bicep monitor. Wrist or finger monitors typically yield less reliable readings.
The Best Chart for Blood Pressure Cuffs
Several manufacturers produce manual blood pressure cuffs that can be used with a stethoscope for an accurate reading. Whether you’re a medical provider, a caregiver, or you just want to keep track of your own readings at home, these are the products you’ll want to consider today.
Picture | Name | Our Rating | Warranty | Arm Sizing | Price |
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Dixie EMS Deluxe Aneroid Sphygmomanometer Blood Pressure Cuff | 4.1 | 1 Year | 25.4-40.6 cm | $$ |
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Santamedical Adult Deluxe Aneroid Sphygmomanometer | 4.2 | 1 Year | Up to 25.4 cm | $$ |
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LotFancy Manual Aneroid Sphygmomanometer | 4.3 | 1 Year | 25.4-40.6 cm | $$ |
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EMI Purple Deluxe Aneroid Sphygmomanometer | 4.3 | 1 Year | 25.4-40.6 cm | $$$ |
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MDF Calibra Aneroid Sphygmomanometer | 4.3 | 3 Year | 25.4-40.6 cm | $$$ |
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Picture | Name | Our Rating | Warranty | Arm Sizing | Price |
How to Find the Best Blood Pressure Monitor for Me
There are three basic key points that should be considered when looking for a blood pressure cuff to meet your needs.
- Find one that has a validated monitor. Called a sphygmomanometer, this is the monitor that is used to measure the pressure in the cuff. Make sure you purchase a model that offers a tested and warrantied monitor for best results.
- Make sure any special needs can be met. Children, women who are pregnant, and people in the 65+ age demographic all may have special needs that must be met when trying to obtain a blood pressure reading. Use the best blood pressure cuff reviews to find the model that can meet the specific needs you have.
- Ensure that the blood pressure cuff fits. Every blood pressure cuff has a range of measurement listed so that you can know if it will fit your arm size. Smaller or larger arms may require a specially sized cuff that may not be available with a standard purchase. To figure out what your arm size happens to be, just measure around your upper arm. Then find a cuff to match.
Then you’ll need to be able to accurately monitor your blood pressure. This includes sitting still, sitting upright with good posture, and taking multiple readings. Blood pressures can change by 20 points in just minutes, so an average of 3-4 readings that are about 60 seconds apart from one another will give you a more accurate result.
What Do My Blood Pressure Readings Mean?
Blood pressure is broken down into systolic and diastolic pressure. The systolic pressure is registered at the time when you first hear blood pumping through the cuff. The diastolic reading is registered at the point where you stop hearing the blood pumping. Although everyone has their own optimal blood pressure, the average optimal reading is 120/80. This means the systolic is 120 and the diastolic is 80.
If your systolic number reaches 180 or your diastolic number is 110 or higher, this is considered a medical emergency. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Anything above 120/80 that appears over the course of 2-3 days should be followed up with a doctor for consultation.
What Are the Prices of Blood Pressure Cuffs?
Most blood pressure cuffs will cost about the price of a sit-down dinner with the family. A majority of models are available for $50 or less. Some special sizes may cost more and may have limited availability. Pediatric blood pressure cuffs may cost a little less if you purchase only the smaller sized cuff. There are also options with multiple cuffs available for custom pricing.
What Do Our Reviews Have to Say?
Dixie EMS Deluxe
This is a very reliable standard sphygmomanometer. This is an adult-sized cuff and we appreciated the deluxe end valve design which helps to reduce dust build-up that can occur without use. The indicator we found to be reliably accurate during testing, allowing pressures from 20-300 to be measured with relative ease. You can also clip the scale to the cuff so you’re not stuck trying to hold three things at once or be forced to let the indicator dangle. Made from nylon, this is an affordable and sturdy option you’ll want to have.
Click here to view the price on Amazon and find a great deal.
Santamedical
This is another deluxe blood pressure cuff that gets all of the basics right. The carrying case is adequate enough as well, though it feels more of a throw-in than anything else. Made from nylon and with a classic design, it is guaranteed to exceed industry standards for measurements. The PVC bulb stands up well to continuous use. We just wish there was a key that came with it to help make sure the calibration stays true over time. Overall, however, this is a solid product option in this category.
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LotFancy
This medium adult-sized blood pressure case features a standard taper end valve that is accompanied by a large air release valve with a spring. It meets or exceeds ANSI standards and is accompanied by a PVC bulb and bladder. Like most pressure indicators today, it uses a dial instead of a column of mercury so you can safely track blood pressure readings. Having the D-ring included so you can take your own blood pressure is a nice addition and this product is latex free.
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EMI
It’s still made from nylon, but instead of a black blood pressure cuff, you’re going to be receiving a purple one. It’s perfect for home use, but is also sturdy enough for nurses, CNAs, and students to use as well. We found that there were some connectivity issues with the cuff since the Velcro attachments aren’t as long as they tend to be on other models, so larger arms might be a little problematic for this cuff. We did like the sturdiness of the inflation screw and the bulb is firm to the grip, but for multiple uses daily in a hospital setting, another option might need to be considered.
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MDF
This is easily one of the best blood pressure cuffs on the market today. It’s an adult regular, which will work for most individuals. The manufacturer stress-tests each cuff 3,000 times before it hits the market and does 5 separate calibrations to ensure accuracy. The design is also crack and stick resistant, allowing you to be able to use this cuff in a variety of situations. Backed by a 3 year warranty, we highly recommend this option today.
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The best blood pressure cuff reviews will help you be able to take consistent readings for a patient’s vitals or your own. Pick your preferred option today and you’ll have another useful tool for your practice or education.