Customer Reviews

Mark of Fitness WS-820 Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

No BP monitor is going to be totally accurate all the time, even the upper arm cuff ones. BP can change slightly even while it is being measured. I wanted the MOST accurate wrist BP monitor available and did considerable research before selecting the Mark of Fitness WS-828, even if the name struck me as a bit odd.

Research indicated that the Mark of Fitness WS-820 is not only clincally proven accurate and top-rated in tests by the German Hypertension League, but it is one of only 13 percent tested by the League to merit It's stamp of approval. This is a big deal if you want accuracy.

But you must also do your part by keeping your wrist at or near heart level and your body free of muscle tension each time you measure your BP. And no talking or fidgiting. This is likely where negative reviewers were having problems with accuracy and consistency. Follow the instructions to the letter and you will be OK. Also remember to use the same wrist each time because BP in the right wrist will be slightly different from the left wrist.

I found my Mark of Fitness WS-828 from Amazon to be within two or three points of measurements made in the doctor's office with an upper arm cuff. It is even reasonably consistent with the local Wall*Mart machine near the prescription counter.

I always take my BP with my wrist positioned against my chest near the heart. This seems to work well. The irregular heartbeat detector is a nice bonus.

In my book this wrist monitor rates a solid five stars.

UPDATE:
It's now January 25, 2012, more than five years since my original review (above). --- The little monitor is still working fine and I see no reason to change my original opinion other than to add that batteries in my unit seem to last a long time. I notice that Consumer's Reports rated the Omron tops, but on Amazon the Omron got many one-star reviews, about 20% being less than five stars. I think the Mark of Fitness WS-820 unit is better than the high-rated Omron and I don't intend to change.

This little wrist monitor with the small price works as well if not better than those larger, more expensive wrist & arm models. This thing could really save your life, since it gives accurate readings and could potentially alert you to problems such as high blood pressure and irregular heart beating (it did for me one week before the cardiologist and her heart holter worn for 24 hours did!). The storage allows me to store up to 60 (I think that's correct) readings, great for me because I have to chart my daily readings. It's easy to use...I use it at home, and at the office. Light and portable, easy, and perfect. I LOVE this thing, and it was so inexpensive!

It is very easy to use. I like the fact that you case store readings for future recall, such as when you go to the doctor. Is not at all bulky and comes with a great storage case for easy portability.

I bought this monitor a few weeks ago and am completely happy with it. Its interface is very easy to understand. I've been working out regularly and its nice to monitor my progress. Also, I've been able to take blood pressure / pulse readings at full speed on my bicycle.

TOOK IT TO THE DR. AND COMPARED THE READINGS, THEY WERE EXACTLY THE SAME. LOVE IT AND TRUST IT!!

This unit is very accurate. Wife and I use almost daily. Keeps track of your readings for up to 30 days for two people.

Not sure why the earlier reviewer had bad readings.
Note that you can not be talking or moving AND that the monitor should be at same level (height) as the heart.

I took three measurement and they are ALL within 001 of the previous reading. (If taken within 2 minutes of each other).

There are two memories, I guess M2 could be for spouse or loved one.

In the morning, I clear the entire memory by erasing/deleting the Average or "A" reading.

Then throughout the day, I take several readings (only the last 30 are retained).

The readings are numbered 1 thru 30 with 1 being the most recent.
The "A" reading is the average reading.
Thus at night or first thing in the morning BEFORE erasing the memory, I record the "A" reading for that day.

I also record if I had an irregular heart beat...note that the unit does NOT save the irregular heart beat if detected. You will have to remember that on your own.

I was so pleased that I just ordered a second one for using at work.

I did considerable research before deciding on this unit. The fact that it has PREVENTION Magazine's name on it (well, it did when I bought mine, and except for the name change, it looks identical now) is no small endorsement. The price was certainly reasonable. Operating the unit couldn't be simpler. The power supply is commonplace and cheap (two AAA batteries). It does not go through batteries as quickly as you might think -- what with it having to pump up the cuff during each use. In fact, it seems quite thrifty when it comes to power consumption. Most doctor office cuffs feel like a tourniquet when pumped up! This compact, lightweight wrist model is gentle by comparison. Its accuracy is consistent and reliable -- so long as you follow the few important rules. If you don't, you are assured of an inaccurate, useless reading that will either make you think you're wonderfully healthy or at death's door. There is a nice little information patch right on the cuff that clearly and simply shows you and tells you how to properly use the device. 1. Rest for 5 minutes before taking your reading, and DON'T MOVE or TALK during the measurement. 2. Place the monitor on the INSIDE of your LEFT wrist. 3. While sitting in a chair at your dining room table or something similar, rest your elbow on the table and position yourself and the monitor to where it is level with your heart, and PRESS START. The measurement will be over in roughly 30-45 seconds when the cuff fully relaxes and the readings appear on the screen in big, easy-to-read numbers. You're done, except for any logging you might wish to do. The storage case is small, strong and very convenient. After several years of use, the unit has not malfunctioned even once. My wife's BP is always so good that she doesn't even need to take it! How unfair! ;-) But at least it proves that I must be remarkably easy to live with, doesn't it?? ;-))
Mark of Fitness WS-820 Automatic Wrist Blood Pressure Monitor

My husband and I are thrilled with the Mark of Fitness B/P monitor we just received! It is within range, and I had a previous model that never was accurate. My husband's MD appreciated the fact that he now able to keep track of his own blood pressure and bring the monitor in for his appointments, and they are able to see the history for many days.

I got this for my mother, who is not technologically savvy, and she was able to take her own blood pressure after only showing her a couple of times, which is a testament for the ease of use of this product. seems to be well made, and accurate, although i had nothing to reference it against. it was a bit particular about the position of your arm while taking the reading; if it wasn't at the exact level of your heart, it would return an error, but id rather that than an inaccurate reading. i would recommend this to anyone that needs to keep an eye on their blood pressure in between doctor visits.