Fitbit has released multiple different models of its smart activity trackers since its founding in 2007. Worn on the wrist, the Fitbit has several functions that primarily improve the wearer's health.

These include: 

• tracking your sleeping patterns
• keeping track of the level of oxygen in your blood
• monitoring and tracking your heart rate
• GPS tracking during exercise
• receiving call and text notifications
• paying for items 
• storing and listening to music

To utilize the features of Fitbit, you will need to charge the device periodically. Most Fitbit devices can be worn continuously for up to five days without charge. Fitbit trackers will remind you before it's a charging session. It could be through an on-screen battery icon, flashing LED lights, or audio prompts. 

How long will it take to charge your Fitbit, you ask? Two hours connected to the charger will be enough to power your Fitbit battery up to 100 percent. And if your activity tracker still has power left, it will only take an hour or less to charge it. 

Fitbit has a life expectancy of one to two years. However, more than some still have their activity trackers functioning well even after four to five years. How about its band? 

HOW LONG WILL YOUR FITBIT BAND LAST?

How your Fitbit band wears is entirely dependent on how you treat it. 

• Leather. This band has lower life as it will stretch and wear down. This band could last at least 400 wearings. However, it can last as long as five to six years if carefully maintained. That is, given it does not soak into too much water.
• Stainless steel. Stainless steel is strong, easy to clean, and looks good. This band can last indefinitely unless it suffers accidental damage.
• Nylon. This strap lasts the longest among the bands. Nylon bands get dirty too quickly, but they can easily be washed. 
• Silicone. This material is much more long-lasting than leather. Rubber will generally last a very long time. While a silicone band is not indestructible, it shouldn't be a one-wear-and-done occasion. 

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR FITBIT BAND

Fitbit designs its activity trackers with the goal that you never want to take them off. Even so, if you want the best experience, you must follow the wear and care guidelines. 

• Don't wear your band too tight. You should make sure that your band is tight enough. You should wear the band loosely enough to move back and forth on your wrist. 

It would help if you moved your band higher on your wrist during exercise. Around two to three finger widths above your wrist bone to get a better fit. It will be secure and, at the same time, not too tight. 

The heart rate sensors of the Fitbit activity tracker work best when they maintain contact with your skin. After exercise, lower the band on your wrist and loosen it.  

• Regularly clean your band. It will help if you tend your band and wrist most, especially after working out, sweating, or washing your hands. 

Take note; you should not use hand soap, body soap, dish soap, hand sanitizers, cleaning wipes, household cleaners, or other similar cleaning products. Why? It's because those are difficult to remove. They could also get trapped beneath the band and irritate your skin. 

Instead, you can use freshwater and a soap-free cleanser to clean your band. 

• Avoid direct contact with sunscreen. You should keep your band away from direct contact with sunscreen or insect-repellant spray. Always remember to remove your Fitbit band if you are applying these types of creams or sprays. That is if you want to minimize the potential damage to your band and lessen the chance of skin irritation. 
• Take your band off after it gets wet. There are Fitbit bands that are water-resistant or splashproof. However, it would help if you took off your Fitbit band after it gets wet. You should dry it well before putting it back on. 
• Take your band off from time to time. It would help if you remembered that not all bands could be worn all the time. Bands made of leather, metal, and woven materials are only intended to be worn during normal daily activity. 

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR WRIST

Fitbit bands are not the only ones you should be taken care of. You should also give your wrist a rest. 

Here are some things you can do to take care of your wrist. 

• Loosen the band. If you experience any discomfort or irritation, you should loosen your band. However, if it persists, you should give your wrist a break by taking your Fitbit band off. 
• Give your wrist a rest. It is important to give your wrist rest regularly. You can remove your Fitbit band for an hour or so after extended wear. A great time to do this is while you are showering. 

It is okay to shower with your water-resistant Fitbit band. But not wearing your band reduces the potential for exposure to soaps, shampoos, and conditioners. Those things can cause long-term damage to your band and may cause skin irritation. 

• Be aware of your allergies. You should keep in mind that if you have eczema, allergies, asthma, or other skin sensitivities, it is more likely that you will experience skin irritation. 

If you have skin sensitivities, you should be aware of Fitbit bands containing nickel and acrylates. Skin sensitivities can worsen when irritants like sweat or soap get trapped beneath the band. 

Have you noticed on your wrist or in your hand some redness, soreness, tingling, numbness, burning, or stiffness? If you have, you should remove your Fitbit band. Contact customer support and consider contacting a dermatologist if you experience skin irritation or other discomfort. 

Another thing you should be aware of is that accessory bands from third parties may need to fit your wrist correctly. These bands may also contain materials that cause skin sensitivities and other health concerns.  

BEST FITBIT BANDS

1. Getino Compatible with Fitbit Sense 2/ Sense Bands/Versa 4/ Versa 3

2. 3 Pack Bands Compatible with Fitbit Charge 2, Classic

3. Wepro Bands Replacement 

4. GEAK Bands Compatible with Fitbit Alta and Fitbit Alta HR

5. Velavior Waterproof Bands for Fitbit Charge 4/ Fitbit Charge 3/ Charge3 SE

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