Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor (BP 801) Review

WITHINGS WIRELESS BLOOD PRESSURE MONITOR (BP 801) REVIEW

If you would like to measure your blood pressure from home, the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure monitor is for you. The FDA-approved device also helps you to keep track of your readings over time.

According to the American Heart Association, people who have been diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure) should regularly monitor their blood pressure at home. The home measurements will provide doctors with an accurate picture of a patient’s blood pressure and help them devise a treatment that would work.

Moreover, some people get nervous when they are visiting a doctor and this can raise their blood pressure. Therefore, taking blood pressure from home can reveal whether the blood pressure recorded at the office is accurate.

You can use the Withings Blood Pressure monitor to figure out your BP at home. Below is an overview of the device and how it works.

Overview of Withings Blood Pressure Monitor

Withings Wireless Blood Pressure MonitorThe Withings Blood Pressure monitor is a connected device that looks sleek like is the case with many digital health devices. However, the device has a more rigid cuff structure. The device is easier to wear the first time as the stiff cuff will sort of “snap” onto your arm. This is the only way to wear the device.

When the device is worn, it is comfortable and lightweight.

However, when not in use, the Withings blood pressure monitor is not quite easy to carry or store due to its more rigid cuff structure.

The Withings only has one cuff size. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the cuff size will fit your arm circumference.

Features & Design of the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor

Design and Comfort

Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor overviewThe Withings has a modern, sleek and simple design. The device has a button that is used to turn it on.  The device features a large cuff (band) that is coiled into a cylinder. To take your blood pressure measurement, you will have to slip your arm into the band. You band strap has Velcro and, therefore, you can adjust it for a more proper fit.

The Withings also comes with a metal tube, which you have to put on the front of your arm. When measuring your blood pressure, the device squeezes tightly and can be a little uncomfortable. However, the discomfort only lasts for a moment.

Health Mate App

The wireless blood pressure monitor comes with the Withings Health Mate app that stores all your blood pressure readings and sends them to the Withings Health Cloud to allow you to access them from any device.

The app charts the readings taking from time to time to allow you understand how your blood pressure is changing and whether your management efforts are working.

User Friendliness

Using the Withings wireless blood pressure monitor is easy. You simply have to slip on the cuff on your arm, switch a button to turn on the device and the Withings Health Mate app will launch automatically.

Make sure you position your arm properly for the device to take accurate blood pressure.

Dual Connectivity

You can connect the device to your smartphone through Bluetooth or a USB cable. The wireless blood monitor has both regular Bluetooth and Bluetooth low energy connectivity.

Check the video below on how to use the Withings Wireless Blood Pressure Monitor:

Fitting

The cuff circumference is 9″- 17″, which is suitable for most people. The cuff inflates automatically. You should not use the device if your arm circumference is out of this range and you can end up with inaccurate readings.

Accuracy

The wireless blood pressure monitor is highly accurate with a deviation of +/-3 mmHg or 2% of reading. The device is FDA-approved for use in the United States. Other countries that have approved the device for medical use include New Zealand, Australia, and Canada.

Color Display

Your readings are provided on the app display in color (red, green, and orange) as suggested by the National Health Institute. The color display allows you to understand your blood pressure measurement.

Averaging

The monitor can be configured to take blood pressure readings one-time or three-times. If configured to take the readings three times, the device will average them to determine your blood pressure.

Multi User

You can configure the blood pressure monitor to record data for more than one person. To do this, you simply need to touch the User icon on the display and configure a user’s account as you would like.

Batteries

The device comes with batteries and, therefore, you do not need to charge it. The device uses 4 AAA alkaline batteries.

Withings App

The Withings app is available both on App Store and Google Play Store. The app is available in English, French, Spanish, German and Italian and is free.

The Withings app cannot only be used for blood pressure but also Wireless Scale, Activity Tracker, and Smart Body Analyzer

Value for Money

The Withings Wireless Blood Pressure monitor is an expensive product. However, the price is worth it considering the technology it uses. The device is sold with 12 months warranty and is compatible with Android 4.0 or higher and iOS 5.0 or higher devices. You can also integrate it with both Apple Health App and Google Fit.

Measuring & Tracking Blood Pressure

When you open the app for the first time, you will be prompted to create a profile. From there, when you open the app, the first thing you will see is a series of daily updates on the different indicators that are being tracked, for example, the step count and the blood pressure.

Measuring & Tracking Blood Pressure

Below is an overview of how to go about measuring your blood pressure using the Withings wireless monitor.

After the initial pairing, you have to press a button on the monitor to connect your phone to Withings through Bluetooth. Before you start measurements, the app will remind you about arm circumference limits and proper measurement techniques. You can tap through the reminders to start your measurement.

Measuring & Tracking Blood Pressure Instructions

If you would like to change users, simply tap on the user icon on the upper right before starting the measurement.

Measuring & Tracking Blood Pressure Instructions Reading

Measuring & Tracking Blood Pressure Instructions Reading Sign In User

On the results screen, you have an option of attaching notes to each measurement. For example, you may want to not which medications you had taken during the day.

You can configure the Withings wireless blood pressure monitor by tapping on the Settings icon. On the settings, you can explore the various useful features such as the ability to make the monitor average three readings.

Another thing you can do is set up reminders of nearly anything, from taking your medication to taking blood pressure.

Measuring & Tracking Blood Pressure Reminders

Going back to the Timeline view, you can review your history by tapping on the Blood Pressure tile. You will be presented with an interactive graphical display that you can browse through the history.

The More icon on the right provides additional options, including the ability to change the display options, view prior measurements in tabular view, and add measurements manually.

Measuring & Tracking Blood Pressure Settigs

Editor’s Verdict

The Withings is the best wireless blood pressure monitor on the market. This lifestyle friendly device is accurate, convenient and has a lot of features to help you manage your blood pressure.

However, it would have been nice if the device allowed users to add customized blood pressure targets. Apart from this, the device is quite expensive compared to other blood pressure monitors.

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