The Garmin Lily 2 features a wrist-based pulse oximeter designed to measure blood oxygen saturation levels, commonly referred to as SpO2. This functionality is particularly useful for monitoring overall health and understanding how the body adapts to different conditions, such as altitude changes.
Accuracy of the Pulse Oximeter
General Performance
The accuracy of the pulse oximeter on the Garmin Lily 2 has been described as somewhat erratic in various reviews. In practical tests, users have reported that the device tends to provide lower readings compared to other devices, such as the Apple Watch Series 6. For instance, one reviewer noted that the Lily 2's readings were consistently about 2% to 4% lower than those from the Apple Watch during side-by-side comparisons[2][3].Testing Conditions
To achieve the most accurate readings with the Lily 2, it is recommended to:- Wear the watch snugly but comfortably.
- Keep it at heart level while resting your arm on a stable surface.
- Remain still during the measurement process[2][3].
In optimal conditions, the Lily 2 can provide an SpO2 reading in about 20 seconds, which is slightly longer than some competitors[2]. However, some users have experienced fluctuations in readings even under consistent conditions, indicating variability in performance.
User Experiences
User feedback suggests that while the Lily 2 can be useful for tracking trends in blood oxygen levels, it may not be reliable for absolute measurements. For instance, some users reported readings in the 88-92% range, which they felt did not align with their actual oxygen saturation levels measured by medical-grade devices[4]. This inconsistency has led some users to regard the Lily's SpO2 feature as more of a trend indicator rather than a precise diagnostic tool[4].Limitations
Garmin explicitly states that the Lily 2 is not intended for medical use. The pulse oximeter's readings should be interpreted cautiously, especially for individuals with health concerns such as sleep apnea or respiratory issues. A reading below 90% may indicate a need for medical evaluation, but this threshold can vary based on individual health conditions and altitude effects[3][4].Conclusion
In summary, while the Garmin Lily 2 provides a convenient way to monitor blood oxygen saturation levels, users should be aware of its limitations regarding accuracy. It is best used as a general wellness tool rather than a substitute for professional medical equipment. For those looking for precise measurements, especially in clinical contexts, relying on dedicated medical devices is advisable.Citations:
[1] https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-C2B794A7-F2FB-456B-B090-69C0111C43CB/EN-US/GUID-2EE28BB8-91F1-4BCE-AE13-6CAEF50AD5C4.html
[2] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/garmin-lily
[3] https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2024/01/garmin-lily-depth-review.html
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/Garmin/comments/c2kh7d/how_accurate_is_the_pulse_ox/
[5] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/garmin-lily-2
[6] https://www.theverge.com/24152258/garmin-lily-2-fitness-tracker-wearable-smartwatch
[7] https://forums.garmin.com/sports-fitness/healthandwellness/f/lily/255113/how-accurate-lily-pulse-ox-measurement
[8] https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-FABAD210-C716-48B1-AB1D-A09097F1CED4/EN-US/GUID-2EE28BB8-91F1-4BCE-AE13-6CAEF50AD5C4.html
Can the Garmin Lily 2 pulse oximeter readings be trusted for medical purposes
The Garmin Lily 2 is equipped with a wrist-based pulse oximeter designed to measure blood oxygen saturation (SpO2). However, it is essential to understand the limitations of this feature, particularly regarding its reliability for medical purposes.
Trustworthiness for Medical Use
1. Not a Medical Device: Garmin explicitly states that the Lily 2 is not intended for medical use. The pulse oximeter readings are designed for general wellness tracking and should not be relied upon for diagnosing or monitoring medical conditions[1][3][5].
2. Accuracy Concerns: User reviews and tests indicate that the accuracy of the Lily 2's SpO2 readings can be inconsistent. Many users have reported that readings may be lower than those from clinical-grade devices, with discrepancies often noted in side-by-side comparisons with fingertip pulse oximeters. For instance, the Lily 2's readings have been observed to be 2% to 4% lower than those from other devices like the Apple Watch[3][6].
3. Factors Affecting Readings: The accuracy of the pulse oximeter can be influenced by several factors, including how snugly the watch is worn, its placement on the wrist, and the user's stillness during measurement. Garmin provides guidelines to help improve reading accuracy, such as wearing the watch above the wrist bone and keeping the arm at heart level[1][2].
4. General Health Indicator: While Garmin's pulse oximeter can provide insights into blood oxygen levels and track trends over time, it should only be used as a ballpark indication rather than a definitive measure of health. For example, readings below 90% may indicate a need for medical evaluation, but users should consult healthcare professionals for accurate assessments[3][5].
5. User Experiences: Many users have expressed that while the Lily 2 can track changes in SpO2 levels effectively, it should not replace professional medical devices. Some have found it useful for monitoring general trends in oxygen saturation but caution against interpreting specific values without confirmation from more reliable medical equipment[4][6].
Conclusion
In summary, while the Garmin Lily 2's pulse oximeter can serve as a useful tool for tracking general wellness and observing trends in blood oxygen saturation, it should not be trusted for medical purposes or serious health assessments. For accurate monitoring of health conditions or critical situations, dedicated medical devices and professional consultations are recommended.
Citations:[1] https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-FABAD210-C716-48B1-AB1D-A09097F1CED4/EN-US/GUID-2EE28BB8-91F1-4BCE-AE13-6CAEF50AD5C4.html
[2] https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-C2B794A7-F2FB-456B-B090-69C0111C43CB/EN-US/GUID-2EE28BB8-91F1-4BCE-AE13-6CAEF50AD5C4.html
[3] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/garmin-lily
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminFenix/comments/p3kbbd/how_accurate_is_garmins_spo2_sensor_anyway/
[5] https://www.garmin.com/en-US/blog/fitness/understanding-pulse-ox-on-your-garmin-watch-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work/
[6] https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/garmin-lily-2
[7] https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-C2B794A7-F2FB-456B-B090-69C0111C43CB/EN-US/GUID-81D74ABE-A09D-494A-A0B2-AB502518AAF9.html
[8] https://www8.garmin.com/manuals/webhelp/GUID-4205DB9F-0ACD-4AC2-86A8-957F27150AE4/EN-US/GUID-81D74ABE-A09D-494A-A0B2-AB502518AAF9.html