The KAATSU B1 app allows you to pair the Bluetooth-enabled Masimo MightySat® pulse oximeter. Once paired, the app will track your heart rate and oxygen saturation level (SPO2) while you use KAATSU. If SPO2 decreases below a preset level or if heart rate increases above a preset level, the app will shut off the B1 compressors and end the session.
This is an interesting feature of the KAATSU B1 app. I’m in my 50’s, consider myself fairly healthy, and when I use KAATSU I find my SPO2 and heart rate doesn’t change much. For people with underlying health conditions, the ability to monitor SPO2 and heart rate might be more important.
Where I think this technology has a clear benefit is in clinical situations where a chiropractor, physiotherapist, or doctor prescribes KAATSU use as part of a home program for rehabilitation. By incorporating the safety settings when the pulse oximeter is added to the B1, there is an added level of protection for both the client and the practitioner. Being able to have continued KAATSU use between therapy sessions can be beneficial, so having the extra safeguard of the pulse oximeter can leave everyone breathing a little easier.
If you’re planning to exercise while wearing a finger-mounted pulse oximeter, good luck. It’s a little tough to keep it on. However, if your KAATSU use is for light movement or just for wearing passively, I think the peace of mind of having the pulse oximeter could be worth the investment.