I Need a GOOD Thermometer!

Thermoscan ear thermometer. Have had the same one for 16 years. The replacement caps/ shields are easy to find & very inexpensive. It is not hard to use.
Love it!

Read the directions (good directions!) and remember that the light has to get to the eardrum, so you are on "that path" as you hold it. Not hard on the kids, even wiggly ones.....little trickier to do on yourself, but not impossible.

You can take their temps when they are sleeping and not even wake them up!!! Use the ear they are not sleeping on, though. Heat from laying on pillow will artificially read high on that ear.

Have found it to be very accurate even at very high temps. Oldest son was very ill 2 years ago. At 10pm hit high fever of 104 on Thermoscan. Because we were not able to bring it down with cool cloths and ibuprofen, we rushed him the kids overnight med clinic and they also got 104 by using 2 methods for temp.
Felt good that Thermoscan was accurate.

2 moms found this helpful

I've been through a gazillion thermometers. My husband came home with an Exergen temporal thermometer and it's heaven. I always feel I get an accurate temp. All the others were so sporadic, I just quit using them and went by my own touch. My feel was more accurate than a thermometer. I love the Exergen temporal and wish I'd had it when my 3 1/2 year old was tiny.

Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful

I run a home daycare and have tried all of the following:

Ear thermometer - too hard as you HAVE to know you are hitting the right spot - good luck with sick kids, especially with ear infections

Temporal thermometer - also too hard to keep "flat" against the forehead - I kept getting a different reading every time I ran it across my own forehead therefore I don't trust it

Vicks ComfortFlex Digital Thermometer - LOVE IT - fast, consistent, more comfortable for babies, large digital readout, Fever InSight Feature (flashes red if there is a fever) and also will give you the last temp. reading when you first turn it on (comes in handy if you're memory isn't so perfect anymore like mine). Best part: INEXPENSIVE and I use the thermometer covers with mine.

I spent a lot of money on the ear and temporal thermometers. I think I used them once or twice and was so frustrated with them. I would end up always reverting back to a basic thermmomter. I highly recommend the Vicks ComfortFlex.

2 moms found this helpful

I love my Thermoscan in-the-ear thermometer. It is what the doctor's offices use. It is great. Try it!

Like other posters, I love the Exergen Temporal Scanner. I have found that I have to move it across the forehead very slowly and make sure it stays flat against the skin to get a good reading, and I also always keep the buttom pressed until I take an additional reading behind the ear (which the directions recommend doing only if the person is perspiring). I usually take at least two readings to double-check it, and the results are usually very close if not the same.

I too have had great luck with the Exergen Temporal Thermometer. They do say that there is a point right behind the ear lobe that you can also take a reading from. I do that since I seem to be functionally challenged in finding the actual temporal vein. But you have to get it right on the spot on that one too, however, I find it much easier (and accurrate) to get a reading in that area using the temporal thermometer.

I'm sorry to say I also use the Exergen with good results, but it has to be done a certain way. You have to make sure it scans over the "temporal vein" on the side of the head, near the ear. We usually take 3 readings and use the average.
I have friends who LOVE their ear thermometer, but you can't use it on anyone under 6 months.

I say,"Stick it in your ear". No seriously, I have been in health care for 19 years and the most reliable is in your ear. Anyone will tell you their own and that's fine, the best one for you is the one that works for you and your family.
Wish you luck...
PS if it is a baby..they make a "Binky" thermometer, which I fell in love with my kids, after they chewed it up I went to the in your ear type.

We have a Vicks thermometer that works in 8 seconds and we love it. It wasn't terribly expensive--maybe $12...
Good luck!

I use an ear thermometer and a standard digital thermometer now that my kids are older. With the ear thermometer, I always take their temp at least 3 times. If you do not get the thermometer in the right place it will give you a false reading.

Good, old fashioned under the tongue is still the best. I used that will all 3 of mine when they had the flu last week.

Good Luck!

I've had good luck with the Exergen Temporal Scanner. I'm sorry I'm sure you've already done this but I know it can cause a really low temperature on the temporal thermometers.....have you made sure that the plastic cover is removed from the top when you use the thermometer and also made sure that the sensor was flat against the forehead? Sorry to point out such a little thing but I know I've missed the little things before and thought something wasn't working when it was user error on my part.

Good luck,
K.

I love my Exergen Temporal Thermometer. The hardest part is keeping my 11 month old from turning his head with the thermometer as I swipe it across his forehead! I usually do a couple readings (since their so fast and easy) and the temps are always very close (if not the same). Just do it slowly and keep the sensor flat on the forehead (I know....easier said than done with wiggly kids). Good luck...keep looking till you find the one you like best. That's the one that will be the best fit for you!