As I recently mentioned in a previous post, I was sent an Activ8rlives heart rate and blood pressure monitor to review. This handy, easy to use device usually retails at £59.99 including free P&P. (Although at the time of writing it is on sale at £49.99). Activ8rlives Blood Pressure2 Monitor is available in two cuff sizes for the upper-arm: Small to Medium (17-32 cm Pink) and Medium to Large (25-48cm Blue).
Setting Up
The monitor comes in a compact box and is a single integrated unit. There are no wires (other than the USB charger of course) and no complicated setting up required; it’s really quick and super easy to set up using bluetooth.
You just download the app, turn on bluetooth on your phone, scan the code (really easy and it tells you exactly what to do anyway) then press a single button on the monitor. It literally could not be more straightforward!
USB charging of battery takes 120 minutes, with battery lifetime 500 charges. Mine came charged already anyway, so no need to mess around with this when it first arrives.
How To Use
You place the monitor on your upper arm as instructed. There are clear, easy to follow, step by step instructions on exactly how to position it correctly. Once it is on, you press the button and it begins taking the measurements. As with all blood pressure monitors, there is a tightening/ squeezing feeling as it takes the reading, then it releases again.
The Monitor
The small screen on the actual has a bright-LCD back light that displays green, yellow or red colour depending on where your reading falls in comparison to the WHO blood pressure classification. This makes it easy to see at a glance if your blood pressure is high, low or normal. However, the device also automatically uploads uploads the data to the free app.
Activ8rlives App
The app itself has several settings so it can be kept very basic just to record results if you wish, or it can be used on more advanced settings to record a whole variety of things related to health and wellbeing. I love how versatile it is, making it genuinely useful and suited to the individual users needs. The app complies with EU privacy laws, with UK-based secure cloud servers.
Summary
This is a handy device that is quick and easy to set up and simple to use. It is genuinely useful, and is especially good for adults who need to monitor their blood pressure regularly, perhaps due to a previous condition for example. (Please note self- monitoring at home should never replace seeing a professional and seeking medical advice when needed).
*Disclosure: I was sent this item to review. All opinions are my own.