40 Years of Pulse Oximetry Innovation with Nonin Medical
In 1986, Phil Isaacson founded Nonin Medical with a clear vision to advance pulse oximetry beyond the limitations of early systems and into real-world care.
At a time when existing technology was often large, complex, and inconsistent across patient conditions, Nonin focused on engineering solutions designed for reliable performance in diverse environments and populations. What followed was a series of industry-first innovations that expanded access to pulse oximetry—from hospitals to home care to integrated medical devices worldwide.
Forty years later, Nonin continues to advance accurate, connected monitoring solutions that support earlier detection, more informed decisions, and broader access to care.
1986
A New Standard Begins
Nonin Medical was founded on a simple but ambitious premise: pulse oximetry could be more accessible without compromising accuracy. Early engineering efforts focused on maintaining signal integrity in real-world conditions, establishing the foundation for reliable, noninvasive monitoring across the spectrum of care.
Late 1980s
From Concept to Clinical Use
Nonin’s first tabletop systems reduced the size and complexity of traditional pulse oximeters without compromising performance, helping extend use beyond specialized environments into broader clinical care.
1990
The First Handheld Pulse Oximeter
With the Model 8500, Nonin introduced the first handheld pulse oximeter, bringing portable, battery-powered monitoring to emergency, transport, and bedside applications.
Mid-1990s
The First Fingertip Pulse Oximeter
Nonin revolutionized the category with the Onyx® fingertip pulse oximeter line, the first of its kind to integrate sensor and device into a single, compact unit—simplifying spot-check monitoring and making oxygen saturation measurement more accessible across care settings.
1990s–2000s
Advancing Accuracy in Real-World Conditions
As devices became smaller, Nonin Medical continued refining the science behind the signal. Innovations like PureSAT® signal processing are designed to support SpO2 monitoring in motion, low perfusion, and other challenging conditions, helping to measure accurate readings when and where they matter most.
Early 2000s
Expanding Access Through OEM Solutions
Low-power OEM solutions enabled manufacturers to embed Nonin’s technology into a wide range of medical devices, extending trusted pulse oximetry across a growing global ecosystem.
Mid-2000s
Introducing Wireless Pulse Oximetry
Nonin expanded flexible and connected monitoring with the WristOx Model 3100 wearable pulse oximeter and the Model 9560 Bluetooth® fingertip pulse oximeter. These innovations supported greater mobility, remote monitoring, and new flexibility for clinicians and patients, while laying the groundwork for today’s connected fingertip solutions.
2010s
Refining Regional Oximetry
Regional oximetry advancements broadened applications into cerebral and somatic monitoring for adult and neonatal/pediatric patients. Among these innovations were pediatric sensors designed to account for developmental differences in brain tissue in younger patients.
2020s
Reframing Multi-Parameter Monitoring
The launch of the CO-Pilot™ extended pulse oximetry beyond traditional SpO2 measurement, adding COHb and MetHb capability alongside pulse rate. This innovation supports comprehensive assessment in emergency response, fire safety, military, and other high-risk environments.
Today
Supporting a More Connected Future of Care
Today, Nonin technology is trusted across hospitals, home care, and integrated medical devices worldwide. Through ongoing innovations like the Nonin Health® Platform, Nonin Medical continues to advance connected monitoring, earlier detection, streamlined processes, and more accessible patient care.