Updated: 08/26/2020 Mechanical blood pressure monitors are popular due to their low cost compared to automatic and semi-automatic models. However, it is worth considering the fact that the accuracy of measurements largely depends on the skills of working with the device. The mechanical tonometer itself is a fairly accurate device, but in the hands of a non-professional, errors in measurements can have a wide range. Also, the mechanical option is not suitable for people with hearing and vision impairments.
There are two types of pressure gauges:
- Mercury.
The pressure in the cuff is balanced using a column of mercury. They are considered more accurate, but in practice this is not always the case. - With sealed container.
Mechanical models are equipped with a sealed vessel with a membrane, the vibrations of which set the hand on the dial in motion. The advantage of such a device is its safety, since the device does not contain mercury. And when used correctly, the accuracy of the device is much higher than that of many electronic models.
On sale you can find tonometers designed in such a way as to facilitate the process of self-measurement of pressure. In them, one end of the phonendoscope is attached to the cuff.
B.Well WM-63S
The device for recording precise pressure is used in medical institutions or at home. The use of the tonometer is characterized by increased comfort: the metal ring ensures stable fastening of the cuff, and the combined stethoscope adds ease of use.
Characteristics
- Cuff volume 25–40 cm.
- The division scale is 2 mm.
- A stethoscope is included in the design.
- The phonendoscope head is metal.
- The material of the chamber and supercharger is latex.
- Air pumping is manual.
- Weight – 385 grams.
- Inaccuracy of indicators up to 3%.
- Country of origin: Great Britain.
pros
- Advanced precision pressure gauge.
- The large cuff is suitable for use by the whole family.
- The smooth release valve makes the indicators reliable.
- Seamless manufacturing technology of the sleeve guarantees durability.
- Smooth release of air through the needle valve.
- Affordable price.
- Compact in storage.
- Easily recognizable large numbers.
- Easy to use.
- Convenient carrying case.
Minuses
- A large number of tubes connected to the cuff become tangled with each other.
- Olives fit too tightly to the ears.
Features of choice
Before you go shopping, you should answer a few questions.
1. How often will blood pressure be measured?
If the pressure needs to be monitored regularly, then it is better to go with the automatic option. Working with it is much easier, the results do not depend on skills, self-diagnosis is not only easy, but also fast. Plus, automatic instruments are often equipped with a function for storing the results of the latest measurements in memory.
If you plan to measure pressure from time to time, and you have some skills in working with the device (or can be acquired), then a mechanical option is sufficient.
2. Do you have cardiovascular diseases?
Some diseases (arrhythmia, for example) tend to distort the tonometer readings. In this situation, it is necessary to choose a model that is equipped with PAD technology and takes measurements on the shoulder.
3. What is the arm circumference?
To choose the right cuff, you should find out your hand size. Cuffs come in (mostly) 3 sizes:
- S (15-22 cm).
- M (22-32 cm).
- L (32-42 cm).
4. Is there someone nearby who knows how to operate the device?
Many people, especially older people, find it difficult to measure their blood pressure on their own, especially with mechanical tonometers. If there is a person nearby who can provide assistance, then the problem is solved. If not, you should pay attention to such nuances as the softness and convenience of the bulb for injection, the size and clarity of the pressure gauge scale, and good audibility with a phonendoscope.
We present the rating of mechanical tonometers 2021. The best 10 models that were selected by our experts based on user reviews and ratings.
There are contraindications, be sure to consult your doctor!
Rating (2020) | Prices, ₽ | A country |
1. CS Medica CS-109 Pro | from 3400₽ | Germany |
2. B.Well PRO-60 | from 720₽ | China |
3. Little Doctor LD-80 | from 800₽ | China |
4. Armed 3.02.008 | from 700₽ | China |
5. AND UA-100 | from 700₽ | China |
6. Microlife BP AG1-20 | from 850₽ | China |
7. AND UA-200 | from 1100₽ | China |
8. CS Medica CS 107 | from 1250₽ | Japan |
9. B.Well WM-63S | from 550₽ | China |
10. CS Medica CS 105 | from 700₽ | China |
Important parameters
The design consists of a cuff worn on the shoulder, a bulb for pumping air, and a stethoscope. These elements are the main differences between the devices.
measurement range
The lower range of most products ranges from 0–20. This mark is sufficient for any measurement. The upper limit of up to 180 is suitable for people under 50 years of age without chronic diseases. If pressure surges are observed, choose a tonometer with a higher value. The range reaches 300 mm. rt. Art.
Cuff size
The girth of the sleeve in the models is divided into categories: large, increased, standard, children's. For people with an average build, a standard size is suitable. If the measurement technology is followed correctly, the error will be insignificant.
Stethoscope
A phonendoscope is almost always included with the device. Depending on the design, the stethoscope is built into the cuff or comes separately. A tonometer with a separate phonendoscope simplifies the work with the device.
Stethoscope design
The phonendoscope head is made of plastic, aluminum or stainless steel. The larger the volume of connecting tubes, the better. They are made of rubber or vinyl, which does not allow outside noise to pass through. The most comfortable length is 50-55 cm.
Ear olives
They differ in hardness. Hard tips are made of plastic, soft tips are made of rubber or gel. Elastic olives fit tightly to the ears, taking the shape of the ear canal. This increases measurement comfort and eliminates external noise.
Which mechanical tonometer is better to buy?
Mechanical blood pressure monitors are compact and lightweight, but it is still worth comparing the weight and your needs. For those who do not plan to carry the device with them, tonometers whose weight exceeds 500 g are suitable. Among them are CS Medica CS 105, CS Medica CS 107, AND UA-200. If you constantly carry a tonometer with you, and even in your bag, then the best option would be Armed 3.02.008, since its weight is only 360 g.
Also Armed 3.02.008 is one of the few devices. The cuff of which is designed for a girth of 50 cm. B.Well WM-63S has a slightly smaller size (from 32 cm). The remaining models are equipped with a cuff of 22–32 cm.
As for performance characteristics, all ten devices are ideal in each of the parameters.
One has only to pay attention to the CS Medica CS 105 tonometer - users complain about wear and tear on the cuff and tubes. If you plan to use it intensively, it is better to buy another model. Enjoy the shopping! Thanks to All.ru in Yandex Zen. Daily updates, subscribe, we have a lot of interesting things
Getting to know your device
A mechanical tonometer is an indispensable modern medical equipment; it is attached to the forearm and determines a person’s blood pressure. A distinctive feature of the mechanical tonometer Microlife AG1, BP, D or another brand is the minimal measurement error and affordable cost, as well as convenient mounting in the shoulder area, rather than the wrist. The device can be fixed independently, and it also has a phonendoscope, which works better than other medical models. Such devices are suitable for home use; you can measure blood pressure without problems.
A tonometer is much more convenient than simply measuring the pulse in the wrist area, or using outdated mercury models. At the same time, there is no need to change batteries or do other manipulations to operate the device, it always works, and there is no need to spend hundreds of rubles. Modern devices of the mechanical type Microlife AG1, BP, D and other brands are simpler, better and more convenient; the device can be purchased at a relatively low price and measured pressure using a phonendoscope at home for medical purposes.
The kit with the device, which costs several thousand rubles, usually includes instructions, but special knowledge and skills are not required to measure pressure at home; it is enough to select a professional item once. The principle of operation of the phonendoscope is standard, there will be no problems, the phonendoscope is easy to use. There are different types of mechanical tonometers from well-known brands (Microlife AG1 and others); you just need to decide on your preferences and buy a device that better shows the exact values of medical indicators and is suitable for home use.
Such an acquisition will help to easily resolve many issues. Every time you have a surge in blood pressure, you will not need to contact hospital workers who can hear Korotkoff Sounds using a tonometer, or pay for a doctor’s services for several hundred rubles.
Manufacturers present many models of mechanical tonometers that cost up to 5,000 rubles, so before purchasing a device, know the following:
- How often will your blood pressure be measured?
- Do you plan to carry a blood pressure monitor with you?
- What is the nature of your illnesses?
- Are additional functions needed?
In order to help you figure out which is the best mechanical blood pressure monitor to buy, I decided to make my rating of good manual devices at an affordable price. After reading the review, choosing a tonometer will not be so difficult; we will analyze most of the rules that you need to adhere to when purchasing together, and you will better choose the device.
I have superficial knowledge in this area, I am not very well versed in the use of devices, therefore, when compiling a rating of the best mechanical tonometers of 2021, I relied on objective and real user reviews, compared the price ratio (does not exceed several thousand rubles) and quality of the best mechanical tonometers in stores , functions and characteristics, looked at the configuration options, the advantages of products from different companies, and also turned to my friend, a general practitioner, who helped me choose. I am grateful to the latter for providing useful and up-to-date information about blood pressure monitors and for comprehensive and detailed answers. Each of the models with a built-in stethoscope, phonendoscope and pressure gauge that I found has its own pros and cons, so the average cost of a mechanical tonometer does not exceed several thousand rubles. The devices are functional, so measuring pressure is convenient. Models suitable for regular use
A&D UA-100 with built-in stethoscope
The device is made in a classic style - blue, with a built-in stethoscope. The tonometer is easy to use without assistance.
Characteristics
- Cuff length – from 22 to 32 cm.
- The scale value is standard.
- The pressure gauge material is chrome-plated metal.
- The place of measurement is the shoulder.
- The error in determining the pressure by the device is ± 3%.
- Weight – 500 grams.
- Warranty time – 3 years.
- Manufacturer: Japan.
pros
- Easy to use.
- Fast procedure.
- Possibility of calibrating the pressure gauge.
- High accuracy of determining indicators.
- Fixing metal half ring.
- Comfortable nylon cuff.
- Smooth deflation of the supercharger.
- Convenient long cord.
- Strong Velcro armband.
- Low cost.
- Detailed operating instructions.
- Thick bag with a zipper and 4 compartments for storing medications.
Minuses
- The wires get very tangled.
- Small numbers on the pressure gauge.
- Hard plastic olives.
Microlife BP AG1-30
The stylish mechanical pressure gauge is easy and comfortable to use. The readings are easily taken from the tonometer, the chamber is inflated and deflated without any effort. Special attention is paid to the quality of materials used in the production of the stethoscope, which has ultra-sensitive sound conductivity.
Characteristics
- Measure 0–300 mm Hg. Art.
- The volume of the sleeve is 22–32 cm.
- Air leakage value is up to 5%.
- Resolution – 2 mm.
- Compression chamber.
- Weight – 450 grams.
- Bag for storage and transportation.
- Latex camera.
- A phonendoscope combined with a tonometer.
- Production - Switzerland.
pros
- Reliable mechanism.
- Ease of use.
- Clear numbers on the pressure gauge.
- Reliable pressure results.
- The soft cuff easily attaches to the arm.
- The sealed insert prevents the cuff from shifting.
- The correct mounting diagram is located on the device itself.
- The mesh filter protects the pear from dust.
- The metal bracket makes it easy to attach to your hand.
- Low cost.
- Clear, detailed instructions.
- Cute handbag.
Minuses
- Small storage bag.
- The sewn-in stethoscope falls off over time.
CS Medica CS 105
The mechanical tonometer is characterized by high measurement accuracy over a long period of operation. The ring allows you to quickly attach the cuff to your arm and use the device yourself.
Characteristics
- Type – manual.
- The scale of pressure values is maximum.
- The cuff girth is medium.
- The permissible error value is ± 3%.
- Displaying information with a dial gauge.
- Chrome plated drain valve with dust filter.
- Weight – 400 g.
- Manufacturer: CS Medica.
pros
- High-quality manufacturing materials.
- Clear pulse sound.
- Elastic pear.
- Plastic comfortable olives.
- Easy to read dial scale.
- Rapid injection of air with a pear.
- The wheel simply turns and the air flows smoothly.
- A hint for correct fastening is printed on the cuff.
- Soft storage case.
- Simple assembly of the device.
- Affordable price category.
Minuses
- Not suitable for people with poor hearing.
- Over time, rubber tubes wear out.