Cuffs for blood pressure monitors: types, sizes, selection rules. Cuffs for blood pressure monitors and accessories Maximum cuff size for automatic blood pressure monitor

Types of cuffs for a tonometer

Spare parts for blood pressure monitors will also be required if there are no defects or abrasions on the surface of the cuff. Just keep in mind that over several years of operation, the internal parts of this part of the device may lose their initial performance - in the future this will lead to a distortion of the results obtained. This can be fatal for the patient. Options:

Depending on the model, cuffs are installed on the shoulder, wrist and even fingers.
According to the type of pneumatic chamber, they are single-tube and double-tube.
Nylon, latex, cotton, flannel and other materials are used for the manufacture of various components of the product (chambers, covers).
Together with the device, there is a medium (22–32 cm) or universal (22–42) cuff in accordance with the configuration. If the cuff does not fit, then it will have to be purchased separately, depending on the model and brand of the device.

Please note that the following cuffs exist for electronic blood pressure monitors:

children's - 15–22 cm;
medium - 22–32 cm;
large - 32–42 cm.

It should be said that the size of the universal tonometer cuff is suitable for most patients, but sometimes it is better to use specialized options. For mechanical tonometers, the following options are distinguished:

thigh - 40–66 cm;
large - 34–51 cm;
standard - 25–40 cm;
children's - 18–26 cm;
small (for babies) - 11–19 cm;
extra small (for newborns) - 7-12 cm.

Children's cuff for blood pressure monitor

When planning to purchase a blood pressure monitor with a children's cuff, look in advance for an online store where you can order suitable spare parts with delivery by mail to Moscow, St. Petersburg or another city in the country. A good choice can be a compression small (children's) version of the Omron CS2 HEM-CS24, designed for arms with a shoulder coverage of 17-22 cm. The model was designed specifically for children and adults of a fragile physique. It is suitable for Omron automatic type devices with a fixation on the shoulder:

model name: Omron CS2 HEM-CS24;
price: 1790 rubles;
characteristics: arm circumference - 17-22 cm dimensions - 115x367 mm, allowable pressure range - 0-299 mm Hg. Art., warranty period - 1 year, suitable for Omron M2 Basic, M2 Classic, M3 Eco, M3 Expert, M3 Family, M6;
pluses: the presence of adapter plugs for connecting to different electronic units of tonometers;
cons: it's expensive.

If you have a need to buy a cuff for a blood pressure monitor in order to measure the pressure in a child, pay attention to the model from the manufacturer Little Doctor with Velcro. The product, the surface of which is made of cotton fabric, is optimal for classic mechanical blood pressure monitors with two hoses:

model name: Little Doctor LD-Cuff С2I;
price: 257 rubles;
characteristics: circumference - 11-19 cm, place of application - shoulder, material - cotton, chamber - latex, without fixing ring, weight - 71 g;
pluses: cheap, optimal for babies;
cons: no.

Universal

Cuff sizes for blood pressure monitors vary greatly depending on the specific type, but there are also so-called universal models suitable for adolescents and adults. One of them is the Little Doctor Cuff LDU, which is optimal for people of different builds, whose shoulder circumference is in the range of 22-42 cm. data:

model name: Little Doctor Cuff LDU;
price: 550 rubles;
characteristics: shoulder circumference - 22–42 cm, size - universal, manufacturer - Little Doctor International, country - Singapore;
pluses: versatility, low cost;
cons: no.

Large cuff

If you have a blood pressure monitor with a large cuff and it's time to change the latter, then take a closer look at the Omron CL-MIT Elite model. This product is designed for automatic upper arm blood pressure monitors. Ideal for people of medium and large build. Due to the unique fan shape, the product does not excessively squeeze the patient's arm during blood pressure measurement. So you can get fast and accurate results without unpleasant or even painful sensations:

model name: Omron CL-MIT Elite;
price: 910 rubles;
characteristics: arm circumference - 32-42 cm, allowable pressure range - 0-299 mm Hg. Art., warranty - 1 year, suitable for automatic blood pressure monitors Omron MIT Elite and Omron MIT Elite Plus;
pluses: does not squeeze, it is inexpensive;
cons: only fits two models of blood pressure monitors.

The following spare part is suitable not only for blood pressure monitors, but also for Holter monitors (Holter), other bedside and daily monitors, medical devices for measuring pressure. The product has a convenient clasp, but is produced without a metal bracket (ring):

model name: LD-CUFF C1L Little Doctor;
price: 691 rubles;
characteristics: for a hand with a circumference of 34-51 cm, material - cotton, latex pneumatic chamber, country of origin - Singapore;
pluses: comfortable, durable;
cons: no.

Blood pressure cuff A&D

The Slim Fit product does not cause any pain during the procedure. The model is one of AND's new achievements in the field of electronic pressure meters. The principle of this technology is to use an internal rubber chamber shaped like a cylinder. It contributes to an even distribution of pressure across the arm, eliminating discomfort and preventing a jump in upper pressure. The product is optimal for all A&D blood pressure devices in the UA series:

model name: Slim Fit A
price: 709 rubles;
characteristics: for circumference - 22–32 cm, type - standard, weight - 170 g, manufacturer - A&D Company;
pluses: acceptable quality, comfort;

Microlife

The cuff for the Microlife WRS mechanical blood pressure monitor is categorized as small in size. This spare part is made with a special tapered shape and is able to provide a better fit to the hand, and as a result, it provides an even more accurate measurement. The peculiarity of this model lies in the unusual design of the pneumatic chamber, which is made of thermoplastic polyurethane - it ensures durability. By avoiding latex, allergic reactions can be avoided. In addition to spare parts, the kit includes a connecting tube and connectors for tonometers:

model name: Microlife WRS;
price: 990 rubles;
characteristics: for circumference - 17–22 cm, there is a removable cover, camera material - thermoplastic polyurethane, warranty - 2 years;
pluses: good fit, durability;
cons: expensive for this size.

For adults, the Microlife WRS M may be the best purchase. The conical shape of the part will ensure a perfect fit to the arm, which will ensure the most accurate blood pressure readings:

model name: WRS M;
price: 829 rubles;
characteristics: for a circumference - 22–32 cm, package weight - 120 g, country of origin - China;
pluses: good quality, ease of use;
cons: no.

Omron

The universal compression model Omron CW Wide Cuff (HEM-RML30) is optimal for people with medium and large build. The product has a patented shape, thanks to which the conical shape of the hand is taken into account. Due to this, it is possible to achieve an even distribution of pressure over the entire area that is under the cuff, and to ensure a painless and most accurate measurement. Its fabric is pleasant to the touch, and the fixation system securely fastens the product on the shoulder. The fan-shaped version of the CW Wide Cuff (HEM-RML30) is suitable for all but the smallest family members:

model name: CW Wide Cuff;
price: 900 rubles;
characteristics: circle diameter - 22-42 cm, type - universal, dimensions - 151x562.7 mm, allowable pressure range - 0-299 mm Hg. Art., suitable for Omron automatic and semi-automatic devices with fixation on the shoulder, except for I-C10, M-10 IT, M6 Comfort;
pluses: high-quality manufacturing, the presence of a set of adapter plugs;
cons: no.

Take a closer look at the fan-shaped pediatric product for Omron M4-I, M5-I devices. The spare part will last a long time, because. Made from high quality materials:

model name: CS2;
price: 1691 rubles;
characteristics: circle diameter - 17–22 cm, shape - fan, type - pediatric;
pluses: durability;
cons: only suitable for two devices, it is expensive.

Check out another Omron product, the oversized SL with its unique fan shape. Before buying, please note that it does not fit Omron I-C10, M-10 IT and M6 Comfort devices:

model name: SL;
price: 510 rubles;
characteristics: circle diameter - 25-39 cm, permissible pressure range - 0-299 mm Hg. Art., warranty - 1 year;
pluses: the presence of adapter plugs, it is cheap, suitable for many Omron devices;
cons: no.

B. Well

A spare part for the cone-shaped tonometer Anatomik from B.Well is an increased measurement accuracy. This versatile model can tightly wrap around the shoulders of a wide variety of shapes and sizes, with the exception of children. Its tapered shape can follow the anatomical shape of the hand, creating additional comfort for all users. At the same time, it is easier to put on, and during the procedure for measuring pressure, it does not cause pain:

model name: B.Well WA-C-ML;
price: 790 rubles;
characteristics: circle diameter - 22–42 cm, sizes - M-L, type - universal;
pluses: optimal for many patients, convenient, comfortable;
cons: no.

Wrist cuff

The R1, R2, R3 Opti wrist-mounted model is a relatively small, high-quality product that provides the most accurate readings. In addition to the spare part itself, there is a detailed instruction manual in the kit. The warranty period provided by the manufacturer is 1 year. The product is relatively inexpensive, you can find it in many specialized online stores:

model name: Omron R1, R2, R3 Opti;
price: 550 rubles;
characteristics: suitable for wrist circumference - 13.5-21.5 cm, allowable pressure range - 0-299 mm Hg. Art.;
pluses: inexpensive, high-quality;
cons: no.

Take a closer look at the compression version of the Nissei Cuff WS-1011, which has a special shape that can provide high accuracy of the data received. Due to the universal size, the model is suitable for people of different builds:

model name: Nissei Cuff WS-1011;
price: 630 rubles;
characteristics: suitable for wrist circumference - 12.5–22.5 cm, type - universal, country of origin - Russia;
pluses: comfortable, durable;
cons: it is more expensive than analogues.

How to choose a cuff for a blood pressure monitor

Before you buy a neonatal, universal or any other cuff, consider a few selection criteria. For mechanical devices, for example, you need to choose a product equipped with a metal ring - this contributes to a comfortable fixation of the accessory on your hand. For electronic blood pressure monitors, the choice of this spare part is much wider, because. manufacturers produce products designed specifically for children in order to obtain reliable results. In general, for each body constitution, the manufacturer offers a separate category of cuffs.

Evaluate the reliability of fastening. For convenience, many products are supplied with a Velcro fastener. Make sure it is highly efficient, otherwise it will constantly peel off due to pressure, and the data will be obtained with significant errors. For any device, it is important that the brand of the device and the selected spare part completely match. On electronic devices, it is better to use models that have only one tube for air supply.

There are also universal products on sale, incl. and famous brands. They are suitable for use with different tonometers, including on outdated devices - it is very difficult to choose a replacement part for them. As for the price, some foreign well-known brands have it high. You can save on a purchase if you manage to get a promotion or sale in one of the specialized stores.

In use, the blood pressure cuff generates and transmits compressive pressure from the occluded portion of the artery. To guarantee high accuracy of the result, it is necessary to take into account the anthropometric data of the patient when selecting it.

The following cuffs are on the market:

children - 15–22 cm;
for newborns - 7–12 cm;
for babies up to a year - 11–19 cm;
standard for adults - 22–36;
large - 32–51 cm.

Standard options are not suitable for obese people, children, and also for measuring blood pressure on the leg. Even an outwardly normal product can transmit incorrect readings, so it is recommended to check it every six months. If a malfunction is detected, this spare part for the tonometer is changed.

Criteria for choosing a cuff for a tonometer

For automatic devices, options with one tube are required, and for semi-automatic and mechanical (except for devices with a built-in pear) - with two. The size of the product is chosen in accordance with the parameters of the hand: the length of the pneumatic chamber should be at least 80% of the length of the working circle, and its width should be approximately 40% of this indicator. Spare parts with a metal bracket are more convenient for independent use of the tonometer.

When choosing a home blood pressure monitor that you will use on your own, you need to rely on the following factors:

having special skills
age,
nature of cardiovascular disease.

If you have good hearing and vision and master the technique of listening and interpreting "Korotkov tones", then you can opt for the classic. The most convenient option for home use in this case is a mechanical tonometer with a phonendoscope built into the cuff and a pressure gauge combined with a pear. This design allows you to reduce the error in self-measurement to a minimum (5 mm Hg).

For a wide range of patients who have not previously encountered a mechanical tonometer in the professional or household sphere, doctors recommend using either semi-automatic models.

Further choice is determined by subjective factors. people aged Fully automated upper arm blood pressure monitors are best suited, using which no effort required. With impaired vision it is better to choose the latter, by the way, they are suitable for patients even with a complete or almost complete absence of vision.

At the same time, automatic blood pressure monitors on the wrist are not recommended for elderly patients due to age-related deterioration in the elasticity of blood vessels in the wrist area, which can lead to an error in measuring pressure and pulse. Blood pressure monitors on the wrist are also contraindicated in patients with serious cardiovascular diseases.

But for young and middle-aged people (up to 45 years old), as well as professional athletes and those who spend a lot of time traveling, an automatic blood pressure monitor on the wrist is the best choice. Being light and compact, it does not take up much space in your bag. In addition, when using it, you do not need to bare your hand, just slightly move the cuff of your shirt or blouse.

To constantly monitor blood pressure at home under various "aggravating circumstances" (arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, hypertension, weak pulse), you need an automatic blood pressure monitor with a cuff on the shoulder and a set of additional functions, for example, an arrhythmia indicator, the Intellisense system, various intelligent air injection systems in cuff, etc.

If the tonometer will be used by two or three patients, it is better to choose for several users. For rare preventive pressure measurements at home, you can consider the option of a semi-automatic tonometer with the desired set of functions. Compared to automatic, semi-automatic blood pressure monitors are more affordable and last longer on batteries (an average of 1000 measurements per set).

When choosing a blood pressure monitor, you also need to consider the size of the cuff. As a rule, a medium-sized cuff (22-32 cm) is included with automatic and semi-automatic blood pressure monitors. Before buying a blood pressure monitor, measure the circumference of your arm exactly in the middle between the elbow and shoulder. If the resulting figure is less than 22 cm, you need a small cuff (17-22 cm), if more than 32 cm - a large cuff (33-43 cm). In mechanical blood pressure monitors, cuffs most often have the following sizes: 7-12 cm, 11-19 cm, 18-26 cm, 25-40 cm, 34-51 cm, 40-66 cm (for the thigh), however, the size may vary depending on from the brand.

The width of the cuff should be at least half the circumference of the arm, and the length of the inflated part should be 80% of the volume of the arm. Checking yourself is easy - put on the cuff and fasten it with Velcro. If the inflatable part covers at least 4/5 of the circumference of the arm, the cuff is right for you. An incorrectly sized cuff will create an artificially high or low pressure, and you will get unreliable measurement results.

A tonometer is a device for measuring blood pressure in humans. In this article, you will learn about the best models for home use, the differences between one or another device, as well as what features modern blood pressure monitors have for accurate measurements. According to the principle of operation, tonometers are divided into mechanical and electronic.

Types of tonometers and the principle of operation

The principle of operation of a mechanical tonometer is based on the fact that air is injected and bled manually using a rubber bulb, and the upper and lower pressures (SBP and DBP) are determined by the user independently and are listened to using a phonendoscope. Only a doctor can measure pressure with high accuracy with such a tonometer. Using a mechanical tonometer to measure pressure on oneself requires the possession of certain skills in handling the device. Yes, they are reliable, their measurement mechanism is extremely simple, but it is difficult to obtain accurate measurements without the skill of handling, especially for an elderly person. Therefore, it is not recommended to purchase mechanical blood pressure monitors to measure yourself at home.

Among the electronic can be distinguished semi-automatic and automatic. In semi-automatic devices, the cuff is manually inflated by the user and measured automatically. It is advisable to purchase such a device only if you are going to measure pressure with someone else's help: manually forcing air involves physical activity, which can affect the accuracy of the measurement result. Fully automatic devices carry out the entire measurement process themselves - the user only needs to apply the cuff correctly and press the start button. Such devices are the most convenient to use, in addition, they allow a person to remain completely still during the measurement, an important condition for the correct procedure and accurate measurement results.

According to the place of fixation of the cuff, tonometers are divided into shoulder and carpal. Carpal blood pressure monitors, which are mounted just below the hand, are more compact and portable, but shoulder blood pressure monitors are more accurate and suitable for everyone without exception.

Additional functions of tonometers

The main criterion for the effectiveness of a tonometer is its accuracy. All devices can give an error within the allowable: ± 3 mm Hg. Art. by pressure level and ±5 by pulse.

To improve measurement accuracy, many automatic blood pressure monitors are equipped with special features.

Movement indicator allows you to eliminate measurement inaccuracies that occur if the user moves during the procedure. It is important to remember that pressure measurement should be carried out only while sitting, resting your back against the back of a chair, while your hand should lie completely on the table, you cannot talk during the measurement. The motion sensor will notify you that you need to take the measurement again.
Some models of OMRON and A&D blood pressure monitors have cuff fit indicator, which helps to avoid inaccuracies in measurements if the cuff is not fixed correctly. When a special symbol appears on the screen, the user will need to apply the cuff again and take a second measurement.
Arrhythmia indicator- an important function, because violations of the rhythm of the heartbeat lead to incorrect readings when measuring pressure. Blood pressure monitors equipped with this function will display an arrhythmia icon on the screen when an interruption in the rhythm is detected, so that the user repeats the procedure. If this symbol appears frequently, consult a doctor.
Many blood pressure monitors use a color scale to classify the measurement result in accordance with the recommendations of the World Health Organization. If the pressure values are regularly outside the normal range, you should consult a doctor. Some OMRON models WHO scale replaced high pressure indicator.
Many blood pressure monitors are equipped intelligent control technologies, which allow the device to adapt to the individual characteristics of each user. Each manufacturer has developed and patented its own intelligent system (OMRON has Intellisense, A&D has Intellitronics, B.Well has Fuzzy-Logic, Little Doctor has Fuzzy), but they have the same principle of operation: they provide the necessary level of air injection into cuff, which significantly increases the accuracy of the result and makes the measurement process comfortable.

Types of cuffs

Not only the comfort of the user during the measurement, but also the accuracy of the measurement depends on the choice of the cuff. The cuff must be exactly the right size for you, if it is not enough or too tight on the arm, the measurement results will be incorrect.

Cuffs on the forearm can be of the following sizes:

Small (children's) - forearm coverage from 15 to 23 cm, suitable for children and thin people.
Standard - coverage from 22 to 33 cm, suitable for people of thin and medium build.
Large - coverage from 32 to 43 cm, suitable for large people.
Universal - coverage from 22 to 43, suitable for people of any build.

As a rule, most blood pressure monitor models come with a standard or universal cuff. If desired, a cuff of the required size can be purchased separately (before buying, be sure to check whether the selected cuff fits your device model).

Cuffs on the wrist can be of different lengths, but models with a length of 13 to 21 cm are considered standard.

The shape of the cuff can be fan-shaped, frame and soft. The comfort and effectiveness of a cuff depends on how closely it follows the shape of the arm. Therefore, it is recommended to choose frame and fan-shaped cuffs.

Which is better to choose a tonometer for home use

For the elderly it is recommended to choose fully automatic models. Unlike semi-automatic devices, which require manual inflation of the cuff, automatic blood pressure monitors allow the patient to avoid physical activity during the procedure, which eliminates measurement error.

For visually impaired people For those who find it difficult to read the numbers and symbols on the display of the device, a tonometer with voice guidance at all stages of measurement would be a good choice.

For patients with cardiac arrhythmias models equipped with specially designed functions are suitable: a function for calculating the average value, an arrhythmia indicator. They will help to avoid inaccuracies in the measurement associated with an irregular heartbeat rhythm.

For a person who leads an active lifestyle involved in sports, a wrist tonometer will be a convenient solution. The compact size and light weight allows you to take it with you to workouts and take a quick pressure measurement.

Many people over the age of 40 suffer from atherosclerosis which thickens the walls of blood vessels. As a result, errors in pressure measurement occur, and they will be most pronounced when using carpal models. Therefore, it is better for people over 40 to purchase sphygmomanometer with cuff fixation on the shoulder. The vessels in this part of the arm are larger, so the measurements are more accurate.

Pay attention to what size cuff is supplied with the device. For large people, a large or universal cuff is suitable. If there is a need to measure pressure at child, it is worth paying attention to special children's cuffssmall size. The required cuff can be purchased separately, but when choosing a blood pressure monitor, always check if the model you are interested in has the ability to connect a cuff that suits you.

An important criterion for choosing an automatic tonometer is warranty period and service. Leading manufacturers provide from 2 to 10 years of warranty and the opportunity to contact the service center if there are any malfunctions in the device.