Withings · Waterproof Smartphone Cases
Withings Pulse O2 Activity Tracker
No coating described, and no PFAS statement from the brand.
The product information we reviewed describes plastic casing, elastomer band, with no water-repellent coating named. Water resistance on products like this usually comes from the material and its seals rather than a surface treatment. The brand has published no PFAS statement for it.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Plastic casing, elastomer band
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Elastomer band degradation and skin irritation
Elastomer materials can degrade with sweat, UV exposure, and age, potentially releasing residual monomers or becoming irritating to sensitive skin. This is not unique to Withings; it is a material-class limitation of all elastomer wristbands in this price and category.
Microplastic shedding from band wear
Extended use of elastomer bands can produce microscopic particles if the material fractures or fragments. Risk increases with age and UV exposure but is generally minimal in normal indoor-wear patterns.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
BPA & bisphenols
The rigid plastic shell is unlikely to contact skin or ingestion routes in normal use. No specific BPA content is disclosed, but hard plastics (polycarbonate, ABS) in consumer electronics typically comply with RoHS and REACH limits in the EU and North America.
Source, FDA ↗Coating degradation or unknown surface treatments
The known context specifies no coating is described on this device. The waterproofing derives from sealed seams and material properties, not applied finishes, so no coating-related hazards are identified.
Heavy metals
No recalls or testing has identified heavy metal contamination in the Pulse O2 casing or band. Reputable manufacturers typically source plastics and dyes meeting toy safety and consumer electronics standards, though Withings does not publicly certify compliance.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Pulse O2 casing is rigid plastic (likely polycarbonate or ABS) with an elastomer (rubber-like) wristband. Neither material typically leaches harmful chemicals during normal skin contact at body temperature. The plastic shell is non-porous and sealed; the elastomer band does not contact food or drinks, eliminating the primary routes for migration of residual monomers or plasticizers. No thermal stress occurs in normal use since the device operates at ambient temperatures well below plastic degradation points.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings (now part of Nokia Health) has not published a dedicated PFAS statement or publicly disclosed manufacturing chemistry for this wearable. The company maintains a general focus on health data privacy and regulatory compliance but does not appear in prominent transparency initiatives for materials. No recalls or safety controversies are documented for the Pulse O2 in relation to plastic leachates or coating hazards. Limited disclosure reflects typical industry practice for low-cost wearables rather than a specific red flag.
How it compares in its category
This activity tracker sits in the mainstream consumer wearable category; competitors (Fitbit, Garmin, Apple Watch) use identical plastic and elastomer construction with similar disclosure gaps. The Pulse O2's sealed design and lack of reported coating treatments place it on par with or slightly ahead of competitors that may use unknown protective finishes. No material advantage or disadvantage is evident within the category based on publicly available information.
If you buy it
Rinse the band with fresh water weekly and allow it to dry fully to prevent bacterial growth or skin irritation from sweat accumulation. Avoid prolonged immersion in hot water (above 60 Celsius / 140 Fahrenheit) to preserve elastomer flexibility, though the device is designed for water resistance in daily use and swimming. If the band shows visible cracking, discoloration, or hardening after 1-2 years, replace it; the plastic casing typically remains stable longer. Store in a cool, dry place to slow elastomer degradation if not worn daily.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Withings has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof smartphone cases grades
How we score, every product runs through the same public 0-100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.