Microlife PF 100 Peak Flow Meter for Spirometry with FEV1 by Microlife

This device is used to measure Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1-second (FEV1) in both children and adults. PEF is the fastest speed air can be blown out of the lungs after inhalation. FEV1 measures the volume after exhaling in 1-second. Peak Flow (PEF) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1-second (FEV1) measurements can tell how well lungs are breathing by monitoring airflow. Doctors can have patients monitor changes in airflow and record the results. The automatic memory stores and provides easy access to the last 240 readings along with the time and date.

Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and Criticism
This meter is really nice. It also has optional software and a USB cable available and / or a small printer available from the manufacturer. Amazon's price is competitive. Without the software the machine takes your peak value from your trials and bases the zone system on this value. With the software you can set a known peak flow reading (PEF). The meter automatically calculates whether subsequent readings are in the "green", "yellow" or "red" zone. Syncing the device with the software the first time was a bit tricky. You set a patient number for each unit which isstored internally. I eventually got it. Subsequent readings are automatic. Plug it in and it reads and plots both Peak and FEV1 values. The software would be especially convenient for a physician's office as it recognizes each unit and plots tracks the data for multiple devces. Plug a device in, the software recognises the owner and plots the data for them. You assign a patient number to each unit in the software and upload it to the unit. Next time you plug in the unit analysis and plotting is automatic. Easy. FEV1 is an indicator of obstruction. As I understand it one should be able to expell the vast bulk of the air from one's lungs in one second (FEV1). If one were to know the total amount of air one could expel one would have a measure of vital capacity, VC. The ratio of FEV1 to VC, (FEV1/VC), is a primary indicator of obstruction. Values above 75%, as I understand it, are not so obstructive. Increasingly smaller values indicate increasing obstruction. In short, one can tell lots from this little brief case or purse sized meter. For about $100 you can get print outs via the optional printer, or if you have your own computer, via the USB link and software. If you have lung trouble that requires monitoring you should get this or a similar device. It works great. If you fall into that category and are modestly computer literate you might well invest in the software too. A manual unit can cost upwards of $20. This is a better value.