The Breeze 2 glucose meter, in one form or another, has been on the market for a while now. The BREEZE2 Blood Glucose Monitoring System represents the newest version and has been updated with cutting edge technology.
Rather than have users fumbling around with individual test strips, you simply insert a cartridge into the meter that allows for 10 tests. How simple is that?
This Breeze 2 meter and test strips also won the “Ease of Use” commendation from the Arthritis Foundation. As discussed below, the Breeze2 has many features that offer great benefits to users, particularly those suffering from arthritis.
Key advantages
- Test Strip Cartridge. The 10 disc test cartridge is the big key advantage for the Breeze 2 meter. You slide the cartridge into the meter and you are all set for your next 10 tests. This simplicity and ease of use is a tremendous advantage for many people who do not like, or have trouble with individual test strips.
- Ergonomic Design. The Breeze glucose meter is shaped very nicely which allows for an easier grip and control.
- Large Display. The display is larger than normal meters, allowing you to see the results better.
- No Coding. This benefit is fairly common, but further enhances the Breeze 2 functionality and ease of use
Disadvantages
There are relatively few complaints about the Breeze 2.
Some purists do not like using the 10 test cartridge versus the individual test strips, but this is not the prevailing viewpoint. In fact, this is entirely the point of buying this meter. Some people do not like fumbling around with individual test strips, particularly those with arthritis.
Other users lament the lack of a back light to help with night testing. These seem to be fairly minor concerns compared with some of the key advantages for the meter. Unfortunately, most meters do not have a back light.
Test Strips
The test strips come in the traditional amounts, namely 50 and 100 quantity (i.e., 5 discs or 10 discs). The only difference is that they are in disc form verses the individual strip form. Pricing seems to be comparable.
For example, a pricing sample found that a 50 test box was between $25 and $30 dollars. This is fairly comparable to other meters that use traditional test strips.
You can see the latest prices at our Diabetic Test Strip Deals page.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for simple operation this is a great meter. The meter is easy to use. The 10 disc cartridge is easier to handle than normal test strips and user feedback is positive.
If you have trouble holding items or difficulty using your fingers, then this is a particularly good choice.
Other Considerations
As we have mentioned in other Bayer glucose meter product reviews, we found the support materials to be lacking in providing technical information about the various Bayer products.
Certainly, the ease of using Bayer’s glucose meters probably makes this deficiency less of an issue for most people. The 24/7 product support was helpful in our experience and Bayer’s Easy Care program offers good resources for meter users. Like most other major glucose meter manufacturers, the company has free data management software, called GlucoFacts Deluxe. The data cable is an extra fee.
To read more reviews and see current discount pricing, Check out Amazon.com
Technical information
| Model | Breeze2 Meter |
|---|---|
| Auto. Shut Off | 3 minutes |
| Battery Type | One CR2032 |
| Battery Life | 1,000 Tests |
| Alternative Site Testing | Yes |
| Memory Capacity | 420 Tests |
| Storage Temp. | NA |
| Operating Temp. | 50 to 113 F |
| Result Range | 20 to 600 mg/dL |
| Sample Size | 1.0 microliter |
| Test Time | 5 seconds |
| Weight (battery) | 3.62 oz. (yes) |
| Size (Inches) | 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.1 |
| Backlit Display | No |
| Warranty | 5 Years |
| Coding Required | No |
| Software Available | Yes |