Click HERE if you need the Larger Cuff for arms 13-17in.

These are the OMRON blood pressure monitors that we currently carry:

OMR01 -  Intellisense Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
OMR03 - Manual Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
 

CUFF size is IMPORTANT

It is extremely important to make sure you use the correct size of blood pressure cuff.  Using a regular cuff on an obese person has been found to artificially inflate blood pressure dramatically.  Not using the correct cuff on yourself, you are lying to yourself about what your blood pressure actually is.  It is highly important that this number be accurate.

Unfortunately, using the wrong size blood pressure cuff ("miscuffing") is incredibly common.  Iyriboz et al. (1994) states:

Using an inappropriate cuff---the most common error in indirect BP measurement---can significantly distort BP readings.  This error probably is due to the failure in common practice to measure arm circumference prior to BP measurement.  Considering the other common errors committed during BP measurement, together with using the wrong cuff, incorrect measurement of BP is very common.

It is important that women of size know what cuff size they should use, check to see that the proper cuff is being used EVERY TIME you check your blood pressure.

What is My Cuff Size?

Women who are close to average size should be fine with a regular cuff, but most "overweight" people should use a large cuff.  However, a lot depends on your arm size.  Women with larger arms need the bigger cuffs; if your arms are relatively small you may not need a larger cuff.  If you have very heavy arms, you may need a cuff size even bigger than "large."

To know whether you need a larger cuff, measure the circumference of your upper arm. Even if you are sure which size cuff you should use, it is good to know exactly what your arm measures so that if there is ever any question, you'll be able to know which cuff is most appropriate for YOU.  

To determine your arm size, measure around the center of the upper arm.  You may need someone else's assistance to measure accurately. Be sure to know your arm circumference in both inches and centimeters.  Most guidelines are published in centimeters (this is the standard measurement around most of the world.)  If you only know your measurement in inches, you won't be able to figure out which cuff is best for you, since most guidelines printed on BP cuffs are in centimeters. Compare your results to the chart found below.

Not everyone agrees when a larger cuff is needed. The most common rule is that if the arm circumference is greater than 13 inches (33 cm) or so, a larger cuff size is definitely needed. 

For example, the American Association of Family Physicians (AAFP) states: 

Accurate measurement of blood pressure requires special consideration.  A standard-sized blood pressure cuff should not be used on persons with an upper-arm circumference of more than 34 cm [Kmom note: just over 13 inches].  Large arm cuffs or thigh cuffs can aid in an accurate determination of blood pressure.  

If you are borderline in size, have your blood pressure taken with both a regular and a larger cuff; if the two numbers are differ very much, the pressure taken on the larger cuff is the valid one, from then one use the larger cuff.

Some medical personnel will tell you that if the cuff can go around your arm, it is an appropriate size for you.  NOT TRUE!!  It is NOT whether the cuff will go around your arm, it is whether the inflatable "bladder" inside the cuff is the appropriate length and width for your arm size.  A cuff can go around your arm just fine and still have the wrong-sized "bladder" inside the cuff.  

Research is VERY clear that measuring blood pressure with a cuff bladder that is the wrong size artificially alters the blood pressure result. Fit is NOT the correct criteria for whether you are using the appropriately-sized cuff.  Length and width of bladder is.