Electrode recommendations with Bodyguard 2

Electrode recommendations are based on Firstbeat's own experience and continuous electrode testing. Recommendations are for improving the user experience of Lifestyle Assessment and reliability of measurements.

Note! Electrodes meant for short-term measurements should not be used in long-term measurements with Bodyguard 2. Note also that electrodes will remain useful for approximately a month after the package has been opened. You can for example write the "date opened" to the bag to help you notice out-of-date electrodes easily. Don't use out-dated electrodes, as they can cause the measurement to fail.

 

Electrodes Firstbeat mainly uses:

AMBU BLUE SENSOR L

• Highly conducting wet paste
• Highly adhesive even on wet skin, stays in place during heavy sweating
• Contains PVC plastic
• Diameter 55mm

---

More sensitive electrode:

FIAB F9070

• FOAM material that improves user experience
• Does not contain PVC plastic
• Minor skin irritation, but adherence in sweaty skin weaker
• Diameter 40mm

---

Other electrodes (not available from Firstbeat):

AMBU BLUE SENSOR VL

• Highly conducting wet paste
• Highly adhesive even on wet skin, stays in place during heavy sweating
• Contains PVC plastic
• Diameter 68mm

AMBU BLUE SENSOR VLC  

• Highly conducting wet paste
• Highly adhesive even on wet skin, stays in place during heavy sweating
• Contains PVC plastic
• Observed to be very functional in hot and humid environments
• Diameter 68mm

 

ARBO H34SG

• Solid gel reduces skin irritation
• Small skin contact area
• Does not contain PVC plastic
• Diameter 44 mm

  

Electrodes can be purchased from your local Firstbeat provider or directly from the electrode manufacturers.
Local Firstbeat providers can be found here.

There are also Ambu Blue Sensor L and ARBO H92 electrodes available in Firstbeat Shop.

NOTE: ELECTRODES AND SKIN IRRITATION

How to Reduce Skin Irritation During Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessment Measurement

During ECG electrode measurement some skin problems can show up. In most of the skin problems, it is just skin irritation that normally lasts for several days. Only very rarely there is a true allergy to the materials that are found in ECG electrodes. When skin irritation appears, the skin’s own metabolism is weakened and its surface is getting broken. That can cause pain, redness or itching. There can be a lot of different variables behind skin irritations and always individual features are crucial to clarify. It’s recognized that skin irritation shows up occasionally due to the used adhesive or the conductive gel in the ECG electrode. Also, weak hygiene in the skin, mechanical stress when removing electrodes or long-term use can cause skin irritation.

To avoid skin problems during Firstbeat Lifestyle Assessment, please follow these steps:

• Clean the electrode placement spots (below right clavicle and left rib cage) before attaching electrodes, especially if there is sweat or some impurity
• Add a thin layer of non-greasy basic lotion to the spots where you are going to attach the electrodes later
• Let the basic lotion dry out carefully (at least 10 min) to avoid electrode contact problems to the skin
• Repeat all the steps every time when attaching new electrodes.
• Also, when removing electrodes, it’s recommended to use some drops of water to avoid mechanical stress to the skin. Change the electrode placement on the skin during replacement of the electrode.