Are you looking to purchase one of the best sphygmomanometers for a manual blood pressure reading? If so, you’re in the right place.
There are plenty of companies that manufacture sphygmomanometers, but how do you know which one to choose?
Depending on what you what to use the sphygmomanometer for, we have hand-selected a few of the top brands to help make your decision quick and easy. So, if you’re ready, let’s get into it.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links which means, at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Best Sphygmomanometers for Manual Blood Pressure:
1. PARAMED Professional Aneroid Sphygmomanometer Blood Pressure Cuff
2. GreaterGoods Sphygmomanometer Manual Blood Pressure Monitor
3. ADC Diagnostix 703 Palm Style Aneroid Sphygmomanometer
4. ADC Diagnostix 700 Pocket Aneroid Sphygmomanometer
5. MDF Instruments Aneroid Premium Professional Sphygmomanometer
6. Santamedical Adult Deluxe Aneroid Sphygmomanometer
7. Dixie EMS Purple Deluxe Aneroid Sphygmomanometer Blood Pressure Set
Keep reading is you want to learn more about our top-recommended sphygmomanometers and manual blood pressure cuffs.
Coming in at #1 on our list is none other than the PARAMED Professional Aneroid Sphygmomanometer Blood Pressure Cuff.
This sphygmomanometer is sold at a good price for its reliability. It comes with great advantages that will satisfy your needs. It has a universal cuff to ensure that it fits perfectly with high-quality Velcro closure for accurate readings.
It also has a hypoallergenic feature for those who may suffer from any allergic reaction to latex. It is also known for its lightweight so it won’t cause any hassle during your hospital runs.
The sphygmomanometer comes with a carry pouch and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, just in case it wasn’t what you expected. The Paramed customer support is known for its fast response and customer satisfaction. It also comes with a small key that you can use to easily adjust dial back to zero.
This sphygmomanometer is ideal for those who are learning how to measure blood pressure, for home use, and for professional use.
Coming in at #2 on our list is none other than the GreaterGoods Sphygmomanometer Manual Blood Pressure Monitor.
This sphygmomanometer was designed for clinical use. It has the gauge attached to the bulb and the metal strip keeps the handpick in hand so you would have better control while measuring blood pressure and avoid any shaking or wobbling.
It has an easy to read dial to ensure clarity and its accuracy is within 3 mmHg. It also comes with a storage case so it wouldn’t be damaged or cause hassle when you want to move from one place to another.
One of the best things this product offers is that it has a pay it forward features. Whenever you make a purchase, part of the money goes to Love146 foundation to fight against child trafficking as well as to care for the survivors.
ADC sphygmomanometer was specifically designed to make it easier on the user by having a one-handed trigger style air release valve and lets you control how fast or slow to release the air.
When you first buy it, it’s so easy to put together and use it out of the box which only proves that they care about their users’ satisfaction and ensuring their ease of use.
Coming in at #4 on our list is none other than the ADC Diagnostix 700 Pocket Aneroid Sphygmomanometer.
If you’re looking for something that can last you a few good years, then this one is recommended for you. As it offers a 2-year inflation system warranty and a lifetime calibration warranty, you wouldn’t have to worry about it getting damaged and the hassle to fix it.
It has a Japanese engineered manometer that is tested to 30,000 cycles.
The numbers found on the dial are so clear that can be read from any angle and under any light. Aside from that, it comes with a size guide so you would avoid any mis-cuffing and its latex-free material would be perfect for everyone.
Coming in at #5 on our list is none other than the MDF Instruments Aneroid Premium Professional Sphygmomanometer.
The MDF was designed for professionals. It has grown to be popular with doctors for its durability and accuracy of +- 3 mmHg. It is made with high molecular polymer nylon Velcro cuff with an artery indicator to ensure proper cuffing placing.
Not only does it offer a lifetime calibration but also durable construction so that it would last you years to come. It comes at a very reasonable price considering all of the high qualities mentioned above!
When this sphygmomanometer was tested against a digital one, the readings were almost identical, which only proves it was made with high precision.
Coming in at #6 on our list is none other than the Santamedical Adult Deluxe Aneroid Sphygmomanometer.
If you’re looking for a sphygmomanometer that is budget-friendly, then The Santamedical Aneroid Sphygmomanometer is the one recommended. It has consistent reading and won’t embarrass you in front of your patients. The cuff is designed to be resistant to abrasion, chemical, and moisture while its inflation bulb is made with crack resistant and nonstick material.
It also comes with a one year warranty. It’s perfect for those starting their medical careers or to keep at home for emergencies.
Coming in at #7 on our list is none other than the Dixie EMS Purple Deluxe Aneroid Sphygmomanometer Blood Pressure Set.
For those of us who love to add color to everything, this would be a great choice! Compared to the rest mentioned in this article this one is cheaper.
Made specifically for those who are still studying or at the start of their professional careers. It comes with a deluxe inflation system and an end valve to avoid dust buildup.
It also includes a calibration key and a carrying case to keep it safe and in one place. Many people have talked about its strong Velcro system which means it will hold tight during measurements.
What is a Sphygmomanometer and What Does it Measure?
A sphygmomanometer is a device we use to measure our blood pressure, specifically the arteries. When measuring blood pressure, there are two readings to look for.
The first reading (Systolic) is the one where the heart pumps blood out of the aorta and the second reading (Diastolic) is when the heart fills with blood. It’s usually the resting point between heartbeats.
As the cuff is filled with air, the first beat that’s heard through the stethoscope would be the systolic reading. As the air fills the heartbeat starts to fade, the last sound heard before it disappears, which would be the diastolic reading.
The normal adult reading would be 120/80 (read 120 over 80). Of course, that number doesn’t go for everyone. here are other factors to be considered when taking a reading, like age and health condition.
What are the Parts of a Sphygmomanometer?
- Bulb – The squeezable rubber sphere that pumps air into the cuff.
- Bladder – The inflatable bag inside of the cuff that holds the air that’s pumped in.
- Cuff – This is what we wrap around the patient’s arm. It has the bladder inside of the cuff that holds air.
- Manometer – It measures the air pressure and is measured in mmHg.
- Valve – This is the part that controls the deflation of the cuff.
- Tube – This is how air gets from the bulb to the bladder.
Each part plays an essential role and comes together so that the device can measure a blood pressure reading.
What are the Types of Sphygmomanometers?
There are 3 main types of Sphygmomanometers; mercury, aneroid, and digital. In this section, we discuss each of them along with their pros and cons.
Mercury Sphygmomanometer
This is the old-school type of sphygmomanometer known for its accuracy. It must be kept in an upright position to avoid any risks that may be caused by the mercury if handled incorrectly.
In fact, most of them are no longer in commission due to the dangers that mercury provides.
Advantages:
A mercury sphygmomanometer can last a lifetime. It’s ready to use and read and doesn’t need to be recalibrated.
Disadvantages:
It’s bulky to be carried anywhere. If it drops the mercury inside may cause serious health risks.
This is as close as it gets to a mecury-type sphygmomanometer.
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Aneroid Sphygmomanometer
The different types of aneroid sphygmomanometers include pocket-aneroid, palm aneroid, and clock-style aneroid.
Advantages:
- Inexpensive
- Lightweight
- Portable
Disadvantages:
- Need to be calibrated periodically in order to ensure accurate readings
- Require a skilled or trained professional to use
- Can also be easily damaged if you aren’t careful
A brief description of the product goes here. It’s best if kept to only two lines.
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Digital Sphygmomanometer
These are the newer typer sphygmomanometers that became popular in the past decade or so. They’re typically not used by medical professionals although they are very popular for home use.
Advantages:
- Accurate
- Easy to use
- They don’t require any skill or training to use
Disadvantages:
- Can be expensive
- Bulky
- They require either batteries or electricity
This is our top-recommended blood pressure monitor for home use.
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Which Sphygmomanometer Should You Buy?
For personal use, it’s recommended buying the aneroid sphygmomanometer as it’s easy to use, portable and isn’t very expensive.
This is our favorite sphygmomanometer for medical professionals.
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Can You Purchase a Sphygmomanometer on Amazon?
Yes, of course you can. Each of the high-quality Sphygmomanometers that we mentioned above can be purchased from Amazon.com.
So with that said, you can use our list along with the Amazon reviews, to make the right choice to fit your needs. Just be sure to check with you physician before performing any blood pressure measurements on yourself. This article is for informational purposes only — not medical advice.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. Now you know pretty much everything there is to know about sphygmomanometers. You even know all of the best options that are available for purchase on the market today.
All that’s left is for you to make the best choice to fit your needs. Hopefully, the information in this guide can help you do just that.
Thanks again for reading and as always, breathe easy my friend.
Written by:
John Landry, BS, RRT
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.
References
- “Principles and Techniques of Blood Pressure Measurement.” PubMed Central (PMC), 1 Nov. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3639494.
- Akpolat, Tekin. “PubMed.” National Library of Medicine, June 2018, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29556094.
- “Type and Accuracy of Sphygmomanometers in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.” PubMed Central (PMC), 1 Sept. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3162183.
- PubMed Central (PMC), 25 Mar. 2000, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1127179.