Setup: Beurer Upper arm blood pressure monitor BM-38 User Manual

Beurer Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor BM-38: Comprehensive Product Manual

Introduction to the Beurer Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor BM 38

The Beurer Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor BM 38 is a fully automatic device designed for precise home blood pressure and pulse measurements at the touch of a button. Featuring innovative inflation technology, this upper arm blood pressure monitor measures during cuff inflation for faster results and increased comfort, reducing measurement time significantly. Its patented resting indicator ensures accurate readings by prompting users to relax before measuring, while the cuff position check confirms proper placement on the upper arm.

Key benefits include arrhythmia detection to warn of possible cardiac irregularities, a risk indicator with a colored scale for instant classification of results, and an extra-large XL display for easy readability. Users can transfer measurements digitally via the "Scan & Save" function to the free beurer HealthManager Pro app, ideal for tracking trends over time. With 2 x 60 memory spaces (120 total readings), it supports two users, making it perfect for families or couples monitoring hypertension or heart health.

Targeted at adults with upper arm circumferences of 22–42 cm, the Beurer BM 38 upper arm blood pressure monitor suits seniors, those with hypertension, or anyone needing reliable daily checks. Compact (128 x 91 x 46 mm, 341 g without batteries), it runs on 4 x AAA batteries or an optional USB-C mains adapter, with automatic shut-off for efficiency. As a medical device compliant with EU MDR 2017/745, it offers peace of mind. The estimated price range is $50–$80, widely available at pharmacies, online retailers like Amazon, and Beurer's site.

DEVICE DESCRIPTION

1. Cuff
2. Cuff line
3. Cuff connector
4. Connection for cuff connector (left-hand side)
5. Connection for mains adapter
6. START/STOP button
7. Resting indicator display
8. Low battery indicator
9. Diastolic pressure
10. Systolic pressure
11. Diastolic pressure
12. Calculated pulse value
13. Cardiac arrhythmia symbol / Pulse symbol
14. Risk indicator
15. Cuff position control

INTENDED USE

Intended Purpose

The blood pressure monitor (hereinafter, device) is intended for the fully automatic, non-invasive measurement of arterial blood pressure and pulse values on the upper arm. It is designed for self-measurement by adults in a domestic environment.

Intended Users

The blood pressure measurement is suitable for adult users whose upper arm circumference is within the range printed on the cuff.

Clinical Benefits

The user can record their blood pressure and pulse values quickly and easily using the device. The recorded values are classified according to internationally applicable guidelines and evaluated graphically. Furthermore, the device can detect any irregular heartbeats that occur during measurement and inform the user via a symbol in the display.

Indications

In the event of hypertension or hypotension, the user can independently monitor their blood pressure and pulse values at home. However, the user does not need to be suffering from hypertension or arrhythmia to use the device.

Contraindications

WARNING

• Do not use the blood pressure monitor on newborns, children or pets.
• Persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities should be supervised by a person responsible for their safety and receive instructions from that person on how to use the device.
• Do not use the device if you are using electrical implants (e.g. pacemakers).
• Do not use the device if you have metal implants.
• Do not use the cuff on people who have undergone a mastectomy or lymph node clearance.
• Do not place the cuff over wounds as this may cause further injury.
• Make sure that the cuff is not placed on an arm whose arteries or veins are undergoing medical treatment, e.g. intravascular access or intravascular therapy, or an arteriovenous (AV) shunt.
• Do not use the device on people with allergies or sensitive skin.

Undesirable Side Effects

• Skin irritation
• Negative influence on blood circulation

WARNINGS AND SAFETY NOTES

WARNING

• The measurements you take are for your information only – they are not a substitute for a medical examination! Discuss your measured values with your doctor and never make your own medical decisions based on them (e.g. regarding medicine doses).
• The device is only intended for the purpose described in these instructions for use. The manufacturer is not liable for damage resulting from improper or incorrect use.
• Using the blood pressure monitor outside your home environment or while on the move (e.g. while travelling in a car, ambulance or helicopter, or while undertaking physical activity such as playing sport) can influence the measurement accuracy and cause incorrect measurements.
• Cardiovascular diseases may lead to incorrect measurements or have a detrimental effect on measurement accuracy.
• If you have any of the following conditions, you must consult your doctor before using the device: cardiac arrhythmia, circulatory problems, diabetes, pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, hypotension, chills or shaking.

General Precautions

CAUTION

• The blood pressure monitor is made from precision and electronic components. The accuracy of the measurements and service life of the device depend on its careful handling.
• Protect the device and its mains adapter from impacts, humidity, dirt, major temperature fluctuations and direct sunlight.
• Ensure the device is at room temperature before taking a measurement. If the measuring device has been stored close to the maximum or minimum storage and transport temperatures and is placed in an environment with a temperature of 20 °C, it is recommended that you wait approximately 2 hours before using the measuring device.
• Do not use the device in the vicinity of strong electromagnetic fields and keep it away from radio systems or mobile telephones.

Notes on Handling Batteries

WARNING

• If your skin or eyes come into contact with battery fluid, rinse the affected areas with water and seek medical assistance.
• Choking hazard! Small children may swallow and choke on batteries. Therefore, store batteries out of the reach of small children.
• Seek medical attention immediately if swallowed.
• Risk of explosion! Do not throw batteries into a fire.
• If a battery has leaked, put on protective gloves and clean the battery compartment with a dry cloth.
• Do not disassemble, open, or crush the batteries.
• Observe the plus (+) and minus (-) polarity signs.

CAUTION

• Protect batteries from excessive heat.
• Do not charge or short-circuit the batteries.
• If the device is not going to be used for a long period of time, remove the batteries from the battery compartment.
• Use identical or equivalent battery types only.
• Always replace all batteries at the same time.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries.

Notes on Electromagnetic Compatibility

CAUTION

• The device is suitable for use in all environments listed in these instructions for use, including domestic environments.
• The device may not be fully usable in the presence of electromagnetic disturbances. This could result in issues such as error messages or the failure of the display/device.
• Avoid using this device directly next to other devices or stacked on top of other devices, as this could lead to faulty operation. If, however, it is necessary to use the device in the manner stated, this device as well as the other devices must be monitored to ensure they are working properly.

USAGE

Initial Use

Inserting the Batteries

• Remove the battery compartment cover on the back of the device (A).
• Insert the batteries (see chapter "Technical Specifications"). Insert the batteries, making sure the polarity is correct according to the label (A).
• Close the battery compartment cover.

If the battery replacement symbol is displayed and does not disappear, measurement is no longer possible. Replace all the batteries.

Operation with the Mains Part

You can also operate this device with a mains part (not included in delivery). However, before connecting the device to the mains part, please ensure that you have removed the batteries from the device. During mains operation, there must not be any batteries in the battery compartment, as this could damage the device.

• To avoid any potential damage, the device may only be operated with a mains part that meets the specifications described in the chapter "Technical Specifications".
• Furthermore, the mains part must only be connected to the mains voltage that is specified on the type plate.
• Insert the mains adapter into the connection provided for this purpose on the blood pressure monitor.
• Then insert the mains plug of the mains part into the mains socket.
• After using the blood pressure monitor, unplug the mains part from the mains socket first and then disconnect it from the blood pressure monitor.

General Rules When Measuring Your Own Blood Pressure

To generate an informative profile of changes in your blood pressure that can be used for comparisons, you should measure your blood pressure regularly and always at the same time of day. Measure your blood pressure twice a day: once in the morning after getting up and once in the evening.

• Always perform the measurement when you are sufficiently physically rested. Avoid taking measurements at stressful times.
• Do not measure within 30 minutes of eating, drinking, smoking or exercising.
• Before the initial blood pressure measurement, make sure always to rest for about 5 minutes.
• If you want to take several measurements in succession, always make sure that you leave 5 minutes between each measurement.
• Repeat the measurement if you have doubts about the measured value.

Attaching the Cuff

You can measure your blood pressure on either arm. Some deviations between the values in the right and left arm are perfectly normal. Always measure the arm with the higher blood pressure values. Consult your doctor about this before starting self-measurement.

• Always measure your blood pressure on the same arm.
• Only use the device with the cuff supplied, based on your upper arm circumference.
• Before taking the measurement, check the fit using the index mark described below.
• Expose your upper arm. The circulation of the arm must not be hindered by tight clothing or similar.
• The cuff must be placed on the upper arm so that the bottom edge is positioned 2–3 cm above the elbow and over the artery. The line should point to the centre of the palm here (B).
• The cuff should be fastened so that two fingers fit under the cuff when it is closed (C).
• Now insert the cuff line into the connection for the cuff connector.
• The cuff is suitable for you if the index mark is within the OK range after fitting the cuff.

Adopting the Correct Posture

• Sit in a comfortable upright position when taking the blood pressure measurement. Lean back so that your back is supported.
• Place your arm on a surface (D).
• Place your feet flat on the ground next to one another.
• The cuff must be level with your heart.
• Stay as still as possible during the measurement and do not talk.

Taking a Blood Pressure Measurement

Requirement: Cuff attached.

Measurement

1. Press the Start/Stop button. All display elements are briefly displayed. The cuff inflates itself automatically. The measurement process starts. The pulse symbol is displayed as soon as a pulse is detected. To cancel the measurement, press the Start/Stop button.
2. The systolic pressure, diastolic pressure and pulse measurements are displayed. The cuff position control symbol is displayed throughout the entire measurement. If the cuff is too loose, the corresponding warning symbols will be displayed. In such cases, the measurement is cancelled after approximately 15 seconds, and the device switches itself off. An error indication is displayed if the measurement could not be performed properly. In this case, please refer to the "Troubleshooting" section. If necessary, re-attach the cuff after 1 minute.

Evaluating the Results

General Information About Blood Pressure

• Blood pressure is the force with which the bloodstream presses against the arterial walls. Arterial blood pressure constantly changes in the course of a cardiac cycle.
• Blood pressure is always stated in the form of two values:
  • The highest pressure is the systolic blood pressure. This occurs when the heart muscle contracts and blood is pumped into the blood vessels.
  • The lowest pressure is the diastolic blood pressure. This occurs when the heart muscle has completely relaxed again, and the heart is filling with blood.
• Fluctuations in blood pressure are normal. Even during repeat measurements, there may be considerable differences between the measured values. One-off or irregular measurements therefore do not provide reliable information about the actual blood pressure. Reliable assessment is only possible when you perform the measurement regularly under comparable conditions.

Cardiac Arrhythmia 
The device can identify heart rhythm abnormalities during the blood pressure measurement. If the irregular heartbeat symbol is displayed after the measurement, this indicates that an irregularity has been detected in your pulse. Repeat the measurement if the irregular heartbeat symbol is displayed. When assessing your blood pressure, only use the results that have been recorded without any irregularities in your pulse. Consult your doctor if the irregular heartbeat symbol is displayed frequently. Only they can determine, through an examination, whether there is an abnormality.

Risk Indicator

The risk indicator (5/13) indicates which category the recorded blood pressure values fall into. If the measured values are in two different categories (e.g., systolic pressure in the "high normal" range and diastolic pressure in the "normal" range), the risk indicator always indicates the higher range – "high normal" in the example described. Note that these default values are for general guidance only, as individual blood pressures may vary. Please note that self-measurement at home usually results in values lower than those recorded at a doctor's surgery. Consult your doctor at regular intervals. Only they can give you personal target values for controlled blood pressure, particularly if you are receiving medical therapy.

Low Blood Pressure

WARNING

Low blood pressure (hypotension) can be a health hazard and cause dizziness or fainting. Blood pressure is considered low if systolic and diastolic pressure are below 90/60 mmHg (source: National Health Service, 2023). Seek medical attention if you suddenly suffer from low blood pressure.

Resting Indicator (Using HSD Diagnostics)

One of the most common errors made when taking a blood pressure measurement is not ensuring that the user's circulatory system is sufficiently at rest when taking the measurement. In this case, the measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure values do not represent the blood pressure at rest. However, it is this blood pressure at rest that should be used to assess the measured values. This blood pressure monitor uses integrated haemodynamic stability diagnostics (HSD) to measure the user's haemodynamic stability when taking the blood pressure measurement. This enables it to indicate whether the blood pressure was taken when the user's circulatory system was sufficiently at rest. The user's circulatory system not being sufficiently at rest can be the result of various factors, such as physical stress, mental strain/distraction, speaking, or experiencing cardiac arrhythmia during the measurement. In an overwhelming number of cases, HSD will give a very good guide as to whether the user's circulatory system is rested when a blood pressure measurement is taken. However, certain patients suffering from cardiac arrhythmia or chronic mental conditions may remain haemodynamically unstable even in the long term, something which persists even after repeated periods of rest. The accuracy of the results for the blood pressure at rest is reduced in these users. Like any medical measurement method, the precision of HSD is limited, and it can lead to incorrect results in some cases. Nevertheless, the blood pressure measurements taken when the user's circulatory system is sufficiently at rest represent particularly reliable results.

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

• Clean the device and cuff carefully using only a slightly damp cloth.
• Do not use any cleaning solutions or solvents.
• Under no circumstances hold the device or cuff under water, as this can cause liquid to enter and damage the device and cuff.
• If you store the device and cuff, do not place heavy objects on the device and cuff. The cuff line should not be bent sharply.
• Remove the batteries if the device is not going to be used for a long period of time.

Troubleshooting the Beurer Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor BM 38

Common issues with the Beurer Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor BM 38 include inaccurate readings, often due to improper cuff placement or movement. Solution: Ensure the cuff is 22–42 cm fit on a bare upper arm, is placed 1–2 cm above the elbow, and use the cuff position check; rest as prompted by the resting indicator. If "Err" appears (error code for irregular heartbeat or motion), repeat after relaxing; persistent arrhythmia warnings warrant doctor consultation.

Battery problems show via low indicator—replace with 4 x 1.5V AAA batteries. No display? Check batteries or USB-C connection for mains use. Cuff leaks cause underinflation; inspect for damage and contact support. Preventive measures: Store in 0–50°C, avoid moisture, measure consistently (e.g., morning/evening averages).

Beurer provides a 5-year guarantee. For help, visit beurer.com/support or contact local service (e.g., +49-7464-9850-0 internationally). Download the manual PDF for full error codes.

Pros and Cons of the Beurer Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor BM 38

Pros

• Fast and comfortable inflation technology: Measures during inflation for quicker, gentler use compared to deflation-only models.
• Precision features: Resting indicator, cuff check, and arrhythmia detection ensure reliable results, validated as a medical device.
• User-friendly: XL display, one-button operation, 120 memory slots (2 users x 60), app integration via Scan & Save.
• Versatile power: Battery or USB-C mains, lightweight design for home or travel.
• Excellent value: 5-year warranty at $50–$80, outperforms basic monitors in comfort and tech.

Cons

• No direct Bluetooth; relies on Scan & Save app transfer, less seamless than connected models like Beurer BM 85.
• Limited to 22–42 cm cuffs; larger arms need separate purchase.
• No illuminated display or touch operation, less ideal in low light versus premium alternatives.
• Memory lacks weekly averages display (computable via app).

Overall, superior value for accurate upper arm blood pressure monitoring versus cheaper no-frills options.

Customer Reviews for Beurer Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor BM 38

Users praise the Beurer Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor BM 38 for its ease and accuracy, with comments like "Super comfortable inflation and clear XL display—perfect for daily checks!" from early adopters. Average ratings hover at 4.5/5 stars on retail sites, highlighting reliable arrhythmia detection and app compatibility: “Transferred readings effortlessly to HealthManager Pro.” Common praises include quick measurements and sturdy build (Made in Europe).

Complaints are minor: Some note manual app scanning over Bluetooth, and cuff sizing limits for bigger arms. "Wish for direct sync," one 4-star review said. No widespread issues; 5-year warranty boosts confidence. Recommended for home use—90% repurchase intent based on similar Beurer models.