Oura Ring Gen 4: Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about Oura Ring Generation 4 - the latest and most advanced smart health tracking ring from Oura.
Introduction to Oura Ring Gen 4
Oura Ring Gen 4 (also referred to as Oura Ring 4 or Generation 4) represents the pinnacle of smart ring technology, combining elegant design with cutting-edge health monitoring capabilities. As the fourth generation of Oura's innovative wearable series, it builds upon the success of previous models while introducing significant new features and improvements.
The most notable addition in Gen 4 is SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) monitoring, which helps detect sleep apnea and breathing issues during sleep. This feature, combined with enhanced sensors, improved algorithms, and extended battery life, makes Gen 4 the most comprehensive health tracking ring available.
Key Features of Oura Ring Gen 4
SpO2 Blood Oxygen Monitoring
The standout feature of Gen 4 is SpO2 monitoring, which measures blood oxygen saturation during sleep. This helps detect sleep apnea, breathing issues, and altitude-related changes. The ring provides nightly SpO2 averages and can detect significant drops that may require medical attention.
Enhanced Sleep Tracking
Gen 4 provides the most accurate sleep tracking available in consumer wearables. It tracks deep sleep, REM sleep, and light sleep stages with improved accuracy. The ring monitors sleep latency, efficiency, total sleep time, and restfulness with refined algorithms.
Improved Battery Life
Gen 4 features improved battery life, lasting up to 7 days on a single charge. The ring charges quickly in 20-80 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime. The enhanced power efficiency allows for continuous monitoring without frequent charging.
Advanced HRV Tracking
Heart rate variability monitoring has been refined in Gen 4, providing more accurate insights into your autonomic nervous system and recovery status. The improved algorithms offer better trend analysis and personalized recommendations.
Enhanced Sensors
All sensors have been improved for better accuracy and reliability. The heart rate sensors are more sensitive, the temperature sensor is more precise, and the movement sensors provide better activity detection.
Better Water Resistance
Gen 4 is water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet), making it suitable for swimming, showering, and other water activities. The improved water resistance ensures the device won't be damaged by water exposure.
Technical Specifications
Oura Ring Gen 4 features an impressive array of advanced sensors. It includes infrared photoplethysmography (PPG) sensors for heart rate monitoring, SpO2 sensors for blood oxygen measurement, a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor for body temperature tracking, and a 3D accelerometer and gyroscope for movement detection.
The ring is available in multiple finishes including Titanium, Black, Stealth, Silver, Gold, and Rose Gold. It comes in sizes 6-13 to ensure a perfect fit, which is crucial for accurate sensor readings. The titanium construction ensures durability while maintaining a lightweight feel.
The sensors are positioned on the inner surface of the ring, making direct contact with your finger for optimal data collection. This placement allows the ring to measure data directly from your arteries, providing more accurate readings than wrist-based devices.
What's New in Gen 4 vs Previous Generations
vs Gen 3
Gen 4 adds SpO2 monitoring, which Gen 3 lacks. Battery life has been improved, sensors are more accurate, and water resistance is better. The algorithms for sleep staging and activity detection have been refined for better accuracy.
vs Gen 2
Gen 4 represents a significant upgrade from Gen 2, with improved sensors, better algorithms, SpO2 monitoring, and enhanced battery life. The overall accuracy and feature set have been substantially improved.
Overall Improvements
Gen 4 offers the most comprehensive health tracking available in a smart ring, with validated accuracy, advanced features, and excellent battery life. It's the best Oura Ring model to date.
Performance and Accuracy
Oura Ring Gen 4 has been validated in multiple scientific studies and is considered the most accurate consumer sleep tracker available. Its sleep staging accuracy is comparable to polysomnography (the gold standard for sleep studies) in many cases. The HRV measurements are highly accurate when the ring fits properly.
The SpO2 monitoring feature has been validated against medical-grade pulse oximeters and provides reliable readings for detecting significant drops in blood oxygen levels. While not a replacement for medical devices, it's valuable for identifying potential sleep-disordered breathing issues.
The ring's finger placement provides better data than wrist-based devices because it measures directly from arteries in the finger. This placement allows for more accurate heart rate, temperature, and SpO2 readings compared to devices worn on the wrist.
Who Should Buy Oura Ring Gen 4?
First-Time Buyers
If you're new to Oura Ring, Gen 4 offers the best value with all the latest features and improvements. You'll get the most comprehensive health tracking available in a smart ring, including SpO2 monitoring.
Sleep Apnea Concerns
If you're concerned about sleep apnea or breathing issues during sleep, Gen 4's SpO2 monitoring makes it the ideal choice. The feature can help identify potential sleep-disordered breathing that may require medical attention.
Health Optimization Enthusiasts
For those serious about optimizing their health, Gen 4 provides the most comprehensive data available. The combination of sleep, recovery, activity, and SpO2 monitoring offers a complete picture of your health status.