Omron M10-IT Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor with Dual-User Facility and Dual-Size Cuff

This is a quite sophisticated device but it's very easy to use. It stores readings for two people and it can calculate weekly averages (up to 7 weeks) for each person. If you just want a quick reading you can use it as a "guest" and the reading is not added to its records. It can do an automatic triple-reading where it takes your blood pressure three times separated by an interval (eg 60 seconds, although you can change this) - after the three readings it reports the average. If you want you can connect it to your PC and install the supplied software. Then you can store your ratings online.

The one disadvantage of the machine is that it is VERY easy to switch on, even when getting it in or out of its supplied bag. It's a small issue but it's worth noting. The machine switches itself off after a few minutes if it's not being used so this should not affect the battery too much.

This is a clinically accurate device - compared to results a surgery there is no difference - readings can/will be higher/lower because blood pressure does vary and this is to be expected.

This is a feature rich version of the M6. Allows PC upload of data and has the advantage of averaging 3 measurements made morning or night and recalling these including a weekly average. PC upload and printout to a PDF file allows data to be given to a GP with almost no effort and no chance of errors.

Compared to M7 the M10 includes a cuff with only half the length of tubing. OK for self measurement but probably not enough for a static monitor or one operated by someone else e.g. at the doctors - but since this isn't intended for professional use it's OK.

Compared to M6 or M7 the M10 includes memory recall but only stepping back (can't go forwards) but since the readings can be downloaded to a PC the need to step forwards and backwards isn't a problem and probably simplifies the process of recalling measurements.

The display is very large and the large cuff is a benefit - as a man with average arms I'm at the limit of a standard cuff and it's useful to measure my arm and those of my partner.

The best feature of this monitor over M6 or M7 is the ability to record two sets of measurements A or B e.g. Mr or Mrs within a family. If there is a need to measure another person e.g. a son or daughter this can be done as a guest user. The measurements as a guest are just as valid but have to be be manually written down - no averaging or saving of data.

I do question the ability of the device to average three readings made at 15, 30, 60 or 120 sec intervals because this contradicts the requirement to wait 3+ minutes between taking readings to allow the arm to recover however someone might like to say why this is OK. This type of measurement is optional so it's not an issue if you don't need it.

Compared to M7 the device switches on by pressing any button so there is no need to press start button to recall memory or take a measurement so it really is one touch to turn on and take a measurement although pressing Start again will turn it off sooner and save batteries.

The display is a delight - very large and very clear. Batttery life is also 1400+ measurements vs 300+ of M7.

I compared it to the M7 because it replaces M7 as the Omron device with Comfort Cuff. M6 is only worth considering if it's a lot cheaper - only the ability to scroll through memory on M6 in both directions is an advantage and the PC connectivity on M10 is a bonus.

The ability to make measurements in morning and evening my not be significant. If after using the device for a few weeks, if there are no differences, then this could be considered a gimic or if it did highlight a problem then it's a benefit. Either way it doesn't need to be used.

So the disadvantages of a shorter tube (not a problem) or scrolling forwards (not just backwards) through memory might be considered disadvantages however all the additional benefits are available but only if required. Overall there isn't much not to like.

Bought this despite the "nay sayers" in Amazon reviews. OMRON have a great reputation in general: this machine will be accredited as accurate (which is, after all, fairly important!) by the british heart society.

The price I paid is half what it would have been in the High Street: the handbook is very thick but is easy to follow.

I've normal arms: the cuff fits me and isn't uncomfortable (at least, no more uncomfortable than any other machine that's measured my blood pressure!).

The machine can store measurements for two users (84 of them), plus it has a "guest" function for anyone else. It gives averages for each user, and also separately for "morning" and "evening" measurements (morning hypertension seemingly more important).

You can choose to have the M10 either takes single measurements, or it can automatically take three over a period of your choosing (e.g one minute apart) when it gives you the average.

Unlike the £10 machines available from high street chemists, this machine gives me consistent readings, that are like those "done" by my GP. I am confident in the measurements.

The display is easy to read and understand: yes, it is easy to turn on (but I think that's a good thing!).

If you need to know what your blood pressure is - buy an M10-IT.