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Choosing the Best Thermometer
A good thermometer can alert you to warning-sign symptoms, and help track fevers at the push of a button. With our guide to choosing the best thermometer, you can find the ideal option for your needs and stay on top of everyday health. See our review of all the top factors including thermometer type, memory, helpful features, and recommendations based on age or use.
The Thermometers We Offer
What to Consider when Choosing your Thermometer
Picking the right thermometer for your needs will depend on a few factors. Here are some of the things you should consider when making your selection.
Type
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Oral
Taking temperature by mouth is the most common method, and our oral thermometers offer quick and accurate results. They also include flexible tips, which are more comfortable under the tongue. Simply place the tip under your tongue and get a reading in as little as 8 seconds. Look for a temperature of 98.6 degrees, give or take one degree.
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Underarm
Both of our oral thermometers can be used for underarm (axillary) readings. This is a good alternative for young children, older patients, or anyone who can’t safely be given an oral reading. Keep in mind that underarm readings can be less accurate, but are still a good way to detect fever. Look for a temperature within one degree of 97.6.
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Rectal
Our standard oral and LED oral thermometers are both able to take rectal readings as well, which is the best choice for babies and young children. It is also the most accurate method. Rectal body temperatures will be half a degree higher than oral temperatures.
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Ear
For ear readings, you can use our oral, LED, or dual thermometer. This is a good option for detecting fever in older children. Our dual thermometer uses infrared technology for readings that are even more quick and accurate. Ear temperatures will be half a degree higher than oral temperatures.
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Non-Contact
If convenience is your priority, non-contact thermometers are the best option. Simply point them at the forehead, press the button in the back, and get your reading in seconds. They use infrared technology to get readings at a distance, and can even be used for environmental readings, which you can learn more about below.
Memory
Our forehead thermometer and dual thermometer are both able to store user readings for long-term health tracking. The forehead thermometer can store up to 20 readings while the dual thermometer stores 25.
Additional Features
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Flexible Tip
The flexible tips on our oral thermometers bend up to 45 degrees, making it easy to get safe temperature readings at any age. The soft, flexible material is more comfortable under than tongue than hard-bodied thermometers.
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Backlit Screen
Our LED, forehead, and dual thermometers all feature a backlit screen, which ensures clear visibility in any environment. An easy to read digital interface makes quick readings simple.
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Waterproof
It is important for oral thermometers to include a waterproof design to ensure accurate results over the long term. Both of our oral thermometers are made with a durable, waterproof design you can count on.
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Environmental Readings
No-touch thermometers use infrared technology to measure temperature at a distance. As a bonus this also lets users take environmental readings, letting you find the temperature of liquids, stovetops, or anything else you need.
Our Recommendations for...
Be sure to get the perfect thermometer for the right age group or need.
Babies and Children
Babies and young children may not always be the most cooperative when taking their temperature, so it’s best to find a thermometer that can streamline the process. Our dual ear + forehead thermometer makes temperature-taking easy with infra-red technology that can take temperatures at a distance, with the push of a button. Try our oral thermometer for easy rectal temperatures, which is perfect for infants or babies.
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Elderly Adults
Taking the temperature of older adults or elderly patients, should be made as quick and simple as possible. Oral and ear thermometers can be uncomfortable to use. The non-contact forehead thermometer is quick and convenient, with having to disturb anyone with a bright display that is visible anywhere you need to use it. As a bonus, you can use it for environmental readings, making it a useful tool to have around the house.
VIEW THIS THERMOMETERFever Detection
Fevers can crop up out of nowhere, and keeping the right thermometer on hand is the best way to keep track of health. Try our dual ear + forehead thermometer, for accurate results and easy readings. The backlit screen features a color-coded fever tracker, which can rate your body temperature and help you identify fever at a glance. No-touch thermometers also add the benefit of avoiding the spread of germs.
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Basal Temperature
Basal body temperature is the lowest temperature your body reaches during sleep, and is taken to track fertility. Measuring basal temperature requires repeated accurate readings, taken moments after waking. This makes our LED oral thermometer the perfect choice, with a backlit screen that is easy to read in the dark, and temperature readings that only take seconds.
VIEW THIS THERMOMETERFrequently Asked Questions
While there are plenty of quality thermometers to choose from, making the best of your buy means answering all of your most pressing questions. Get the answers you need below.
What is the best way to take my temperature?
There are several different ways to take your temperature, but the most common and reliable is the oral method. Just follow the steps below, for accurate results every time.
- Carefully position the thermometer beneath the patient’s tongue.
- With the patient’s mouth shut, keep the thermometer in place for about one minute. Some models will beep when an accurate reading is reached.
- Remove the thermometer, and read the results. The average temperature for adults is 98.6 degrees fahrenheit.
What is the most accurate type of thermometer?
While armpit thermometers are usually the most convenient, they are also the least reliable. When you need an accurate reading, reach for oral or ear thermometers, which will give the most precise results, as long as they are used correctly.
What is the normal temperature of a healthy adult?
Most people know that the average normal temperature for an adult is 98.6 degrees fahrenheit. What you may not know this number corresponds to temperatures taken orally, while other methods of temperature-taking follow different guidelines. As a rule of thumb, temperatures taken at the forehead, armpit, ear, or rectum should be one degree higher than when taken orally.Need More Help?
Get more information on all Vive Health products by talking to our customer service and product specialists. Call between 8:30am and 9pm EST daily at 1-800-487-3808 or email us at service@vivehealth.com
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