Iconica® Sphygmomanometer

A little heavier than I expected, but that’s okay because it’s not cheaply made. The dial is easy to read. I recommend this product

This is a phenomenal sphygmomanometer HOWEVER the quick release valve is not well designed. The pieces that fit into the tubing do not fit snugly enough and so the tubing is constantly coming loose. Often I will start inflating only to realize the tube is leaking air because it has slid off the valve. I would prefer if this sphygmomanometer came with the standard valves which work well.

First, context: I purchased this sphygmomanometer to self-administer blood pressure tests. I am not a medical professional but was a certified first responder. My purchase is for home use only.

The Review

For more than a decade, we've had a simple sphyg/stethoscope kit from Walmart. It's worked well enough, but the pair of tubes coming out of the cuff (one for the pump and one for the meter) are cumbersome and introduce a lot of auditory artifacts when they rub against each other. We wanted something nicer, and we wanted something well enough made that we could trust the results are accurate.

After a lot of reading on studies of digital vs. manual sphygs and customer/professional reviews, we chose the Iconica from MDF.

To the quality and accuracy/repeatability, I'm impressed. The meter itself, cuff, and tubing all feel well made. The meter has a rubber ring around the edge that might help protect it (not planning to test this feature), the gauge rests naturally at 0 every time, and the quick disconnect feature is functional and even a little fun. Having two sizes of cuffs is nice as well -- even if we've no intent to use the smaller size.

I've found the gauge to be a wonderful size to read, however, the curved plastic lens reflects more background light sources than a flat lens would have. I find I prefer the black-with-white-text layout for readability, and the needle is fine enough to not obscure a precise reading

So why dock a star? Frankly, I had hoped the one-handed operation would make it easier to take a reading independently, but I've found the bulb is harder to pump (especially left-handed) than a traditional bulb and the weight of the meter on the bulb makes it a little more cumbersome. Likewise, the valve is advertised as being very easy to adjust, but there's some resistance around the middle range that makes finding just the right spot to maintain that 2-3 mm/Hg per second drop harder than it should be.

To further complicate things, opening the valve just right initially suddenly fails around 100 mm/Hg. At this point, it seems the valve seals again for lack of pressure pushing outwards and every time I take a reading I need to make a secondary adjustment to the valve right as the pressure is nearing the range of most reasonable diastolic values. The fidgeting is cumbersome and once more introduces a lot of auditory noise that distracts from finding the correct diastolic value.

Honestly, I've thought that the dual-tubed Walmart model we bought for $20 (with a stethoscope) is in many ways easier to use, which is disappointing to admit.

Conclusion

I don't regret my purchase and won't return this sphyg. It's well made, seems accurate, and I hope it can last for many years without ever requiring batteries. I wish, however, the design of the valve could be revisited to ensure smoother operation across its range, that the plastic shroud along the right side of the pump was removed to allow easier pumping with either hand (and perhaps adding a larger bulb), and that whatever feature of the valve causes air release to slow around 100 mm/Hg could be addressed to allow a more consistent release with less---and easier---adjustment.

I also wish the cuffs included a D ring, which would make it easier to self apply the cuff. I've found best practice is to set the size of the cuff with it removed from your arm and then slide it up into position. You can mark the cuff with a Sharpie and your initials to know where it should be each time, assuming the circumference of your arms remains consistent.

This is one person's experience after one week of use, offered for what it is worth. Thank you!

This will be the best blood pressure cuff you will ever buy. Large display, valve doesn’t get stuck, bulb fits perfectly in your hand. Do yourself a favor and buy the last blood pressure cuff you will ever buy.

I am completely satisfied with the fit, finish and quality materials of this sphygmomanometer. I did have a small issue that was resolved completely and satisfactorily. I would highly recommend this company and product line.

I work in a detox with patients that are not always in a convenient position for taking blood pressure. This hand sphyg makes connecting vitals a million times easier. The only issue I'm having is finding a replacement for the quick release cuff which is losing its Velcro integrity. Any advice on that front would be appreciated!

i have not receive the bp machine,please send

I utilize it in different settings from home school and hospital. I must say it is very well crafted. No more extra tubes. The grip is on point. Big enough for my large hands no cramping or leaks in the tubing.
It's worth the investment.

The Iconica has me WANTING to take BPs! I love it so much. The dial is def big and impressive. I lol'd at first bc I had never seen such a big dial, but it is practical when looking at those millimeters as the gauge runs smoothly down. I also was surprised by the palm use rather than clipping it to the patient. Sooo convenient and allows more focus on the measurement. My favorite part is the ease of use when releasing the valve to deflate the cuff. It is so smooth and precise. That was always my struggle taking BPs, that awkward untightening of the valves getting stuck or releasing too fast.
A great investment for students and professionals. Takes the anxiety out of taking manual BPs! The End.

I am a student nurse and have been a first responder and first aid attendent for several years and have never used such an accurate manual instrument - and it's way less awkward to use than most sphygmomamometers.