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 mostly focus in improving 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

For you 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 needing a 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. Although there are more than some that 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 could last at least 400 wearings. This band has lower life as it will stretch and wear down. However, if carefully maintained, it can last as long as five to six years. That is, given it does not soak into too much water.

• Stainless steel. This band can last indefinitely unless it suffers accidental damage. Stainless steel is strong, easy to clean and looks good in every way.

• Nylon. This strap lasts the longest among the bands. Nylon bands get dirty too quickly but they can easily be washed. 

• Silicone. Rubber will generally last a very long time. This material is much more long lasting than the leather. 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 their activity trackers with the goal that you never want to take them off. Even so, if you want the best experience, you need to follow the guidelines for wear and care. 

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

You should move 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 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. You should clean 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. 

What you can use instead are 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. That is if you want to minimize the potential damage to your band as well as lessen the chance of skin irritation. If you are applying these types of creams or sprays, always remember to remove your Fitbit band. 

• Take your band off after it gets wet. There are Fitbit bands that are water resistant or splash proof. However, it is important that you take 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. You should keep in mind that not all bands can 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 of the 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 a rest on a regular basis. What you can do is to 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 any skin sensitivities, you should be aware of Fitbit bands that contain nickel and acrylates. Skin sensitivities can become worse 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. Remember to contact customer support and consider contacting a dermatologist if you start to experience skin irritation or other discomfort. 

Another thing you should be aware of is that accessory bands from third parties may not fit your wrist properly. These bands may also contain materials that cause skin sensitivities and other health concerns. 

If you want the best results, use only Fitbit branded or Fitbit authorized accessory bands. You can get them at Spartan Watches.