Fitbit faces class-action lawsuit over faulty heart

[indiW]

Here we go guys.. I can't get the full link here..

MS take a note, it's your chance to do better.

If you weren't already taking your fitness tracker's reported statistics with a grain of salt (there's no way I burned*that*many calories!) maybe you should: Fitbit is now facing a class-action lawsuit for faulty*hear rate monitor*results. The issue? The tracker allegedly returns wildly inaccurate and dangerously low BPM numbers.

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

 

[indiW]

This is not Fitbit's first class action lawsuit - the spring of 2014 saw the Fitbit Force accused of causing skin rashes. Fitbit pulled it from the market and replaced it with the Fitbit Charge, which they claimed used different materials and went through rigorous testing.

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

 

[indiW]

And I found this info on a different article relating to same fitbit case

As a rule, wrist-based optical heart rate sensors ? including the one on the Apple Watch ? are not as accurate as alternatives like chest straps. They can potentially be disrupted by a number of factors, such as a loose fit or even darker skin tones.

I can remember someone here said to wear the band loose..??

Posted via the Windows Central App for Android

 

[gwinegarden]

I would guess that the question posed, in court, would be are expectations too high for this type of monitor.

 

[luxnws]

If they win the class action, the lawyers will make millions in legal fees and Fitbit owners will get $10 checks.

 

[gwinegarden]

Yup. The lawyers get 30+ percent, off the top, and users get the rest split x million ways. This is why lawyers love class action.

 

[phelme]

I can remember someone here said to wear the band loose..??

My Band 2 is somewhat loose and I have heart rates when working out above 200+ when it should be in the 140's. So I'd so "no."

My Band v1, which was much tighter (and the same "Medium" size... whatever) was the same with way-off heart rates when doing anything aerobic. I'm not sure any wrist-based HRM is that accurate compared to a strap.

This article is a little off topic and over a year old but still interesting regarding wrist based HRM.

 

[OndrejBakan]

While the rash and skin irritating IS a real problem, this isn't. What did they expect? It's not a professional medical equipment... But I don't know what you mean by "dangerously low BPM numbers", my seems to be OK - about 55 - 60 resting, 60 - 80 normal, 90 - 170 while walking, etc.

Currently I am looking for a replacement for my Fitbit Surge, because I have really ugly rash on my left wrist :/ But there is nothing better than Fitbit Surge at the moment, I think :/

 

[MaxPower203]

I was part of that lawsuit. I developed a rash every time I used my Fitbit but I thought it was because I wasn't used to having a watch around my wrist. Turns out, it really was the watch. I used a Samsung Gear 2 after that and it was fine.

 

[Mad Cabbie]

I was part of that lawsuit. I developed a rash every time I used my Fitbit but I thought it was because I wasn't used to having a watch around my wrist. Turns out, it really was the watch. I used a Samsung Gear 2 after that and it was fine.

I've had two MS band 1 now and both caused my eczema to flare up. The paint around the heart rate monitor and charge port rub off within 8 weeks, exposing metal, which as you are aware, reacts with sweat causing a reaction whereby the nickle in the metal iritates the skin. I sent MS some pics and guess what? They offered the same device again! That'll be no.3 and I can guarantee, the same thing will happen. So far, they are ignoring my emails.