These two popular breast pumps are specifically useful and helpful for breastfeeding mothers around the world. There are lots of spectacular pumps like Spectra and Medela, but we will be taking a look at both the Medela vs Spectra pump products today. Getting enough milk with your breast pump is ideal.
Spectra vs Medela Comparison
It may be daunting to choose which breast pump is the right one for you since both brands are popular when it comes to quality, hence in your mind, it will always be Spectra vs. Medela.
To help you choose which model to purchase, we came up with a list of the top-rated electric breast pumps in the market today, and we highlighted a brief description of their unique features so you can get an idea of what they offer.
We also included the similarities and differences of both brands as well as our recommendations regarding what might work best for new moms, depending on their lifestyle. You can never get wrong with these brands.
Medela
Medela is a more mainstream brand compared to other pumps, and it is widely used by many mothers. On the other hand, the Spectra pump is newer and has only recently entered the US market. However, it’s quickly making waves, with some people saying that Spectra it’s one of the best pumps out there, offering the perfect blend of quality and value that you’re craving.
Today, we will be looking at two types of pumps. First, we have the PISA from Medela. PISA stands for Pump in Style Advanced. Meanwhile, we have the Spectra S1, which sounds a bit like the name of a smartphone. There is Spectra S2, but it does not use a battery, making the S1 a more fair comparison. It is a Spectra versus Medela review for the undecided parents.
Popular Breast Pumps
Spectra S1 Plus
The rechargeable breast Spectra pump offers a wide range of features that promote confidence and comfort while pump discreetly. It is a portable pump. It’s quiet and has cycle speed digital display controls that enable moms to start pumping according to their desired speed and rhythm. Spectra S1 also boasts a special function called backflow protector to keep breast milk safe from harmful bacteria.
Spectra S1 Breast Pump Features
The Spectra S1 is equipped with an AC power adapter and a rechargeable battery made from hospital grade materials. Its digital controls allow you to adjust settings for speed and rhythm, ensuring you can customize the pump to meet your needs, ultimately contributing to an extended and reliable battery life. This is especially beneficial when used with a hands-free pumping bra. This means that a majority of the breast pump has customizable settings, including a massage mode that you can switch Spectra S1 into.
Also, in Spectra you can adjust the suction speed too. It’s quiet, lightweight, and has a night light as well. The night light cones in handy if you need to put at late night or early morning hours. This way you can use the night light instead of an overhead light that could wake your baby. The Spectra S1 is made from BPA-free parts, which is always a plus. Any product with BPA is a no-go for us, especially for exclusive pumper moms who prioritize safety, especially when using backflow protectors for added safety.
Spectra S2 Plus
This Spectra breast pump has adjustable suction levels and speed separately that promote the natural milk flow. The suction settings can let you choose between massage and letdown mode. This great pump can be used as a single or double pump for express milk, and it includes features like a night light for nighttime pumping, a timer, and the ability to accommodate bottle stands.
Medela Pump PISA Electric
This breast pump by the Medela brand has Max Flow technology and Ultra-efficient features which makes it easy to assemble and clean. This is the best pump for mothers with a low milk supply. Medela breast pumps are comfortable to use and are clinically proven to improve milk flow volume by 11.8%. It comes with one pump, 150ml Medela bottles, PersonalFit Flex varying breast shield sizes, a microfiber pump bag, a power adaptor, a battery pack, and connectors. While it’s not the quietest pump, it’s still a favorite pump of many moms.
he Medela Pump in Style Advanced is a popular breast pump that can operate on AA batteries or be plugged into a wall outlet. It features BPA-free parts, and you can detach the cooler bag for convenient use on the table. Additionally, it comes with a pack for freezing milk, ensuring that your milk stays cold with the included ice pack. This makes it a versatile choice for moms who need to express milk using Medela parts and store it in two bottles.
The In Style Medela Pump Advanced has two-phase expression technology, and you can adjust its speed and suction if you want slower pumping. Medela also comes with other accessories like duckbill valve or valves, membranes, tubing, ice packs, breast shields, and more. You can upgrade to Pump in Style Max Flow if you want better tubing. Many moms also say Medela is easier to use when wearing a pumping bra, providing convenience and comfort during suction power adjustments.
Bellababy Double
This breast pump offers comfort and quality at an affordable price that’s worth your money. It has essential breastfeeding features such as its high definition screen, sensitive touch panel, 4 modes, and 9 levels of suction control. It is also lightweight and portable, which makes it convenient to carry when traveling, providing flexibility in flange sizes to accommodate various breast sizes during the expression phase.
Similarities
Both the Spectra and Medela pumps have many similarities. You can plug them on or use them with a battery for mobile usage. You can either operate them as a single or a double electric pump. Their prices are about the same retail-wise, but prices can vary online. They both have plenty of controls and the ability for you to personalize the cycles to be the best possible.
Another similarity is that both the Medela pump and the Spectra pumps have expression mode as a pumping option. In this mode, the breast milk is pumped hands-free to the rhythm that mimics baby nursing. Expression mode is supposed to help the mother produce more milk to be stored in the storage bags. With the Spectra, you can adjust the speed and vacuum of the expression mode.
Differences
What’s the difference between Spectra S1 and the PISA?
Several differences between Medela PISA versus Spectra S1 are worth mentioning. Spectra S1 is a closed system, and only the Medela pump is open. If you’re new to breast pumps, you may not understand what this entails. Long story short, the closed pumps give you a barrier vs. open pumps. This barrier stops the milk from going inside the motor, tubes, and other delicate parts of a pump. Meanwhile, an open system is lacking when it comes to a barrier.
A closed system is objectively the better choice. With an open system, you sterilize the pump motor, tubes, and everything else to prevent any mold. It’s annoying for sure, so in this aspect of the PISA versus Spectra, Spectra S1 wins on this one.
What about the battery? Well, both are plug-in and have a battery option, but the PISA uses a separate battery pack. On the other hand, the Spectra S1 has a built-in rechargeable battery that offers a night light and several pumping sessions with the convenience of automatically switches to battery power. It’s the only pump with a built-in rechargeable battery. Being able to recharge your battery is much more convenient in our eyes. Some may like being able to replace the battery, as rechargeable batteries lose their charge over time, but because it’s plug-in, you probably won’t have a big deal with that anytime soon. Both have car adapters if you are out and about and need to pump. The battery adaptor capability makes the breast pumps easier to take with you wherever you go.
What about the strength of the pump? Spectra S1, it’s hospital-grade, meaning it’s quite powerful. It can suck 280mmHg, which is quite powerful. PISA does about 30 less. So while it’s not a huge difference, the Spectra S1 still wins in the power department, especially during exclusive pumping sessions. That said, Medela pumps are covered by most insurance plans and companies, so that’s another thing to consider.
What about the accessories? With the PISA, you get quite a few accessories. Pump parts, coolers, tote bags to wear, and much more. They even have other unique items, like a magnet that tells you how to store breast milk. Even the replacement parts are easier to find. The Pump in Style Advanced wins in the accessories department, as Spectra S1 just has some pump parts.
Now, let’s look at the noise levels of the pump. Many moms, they don’t want an overly noisy pump especially when have a sleeping baby in the same room. They want something quiet and discreet. While these two aren’t exactly library quiet, the PISA is the louder one. The Spectra S1 isn’t super quiet, either, but it does beat the PISA in that department. It’s the same pump comparison.
Conclusion
Considering all the factors in this Spectra vs. Medela Pumps comparison, we have to go with Spectra. While the PISA double electric breast pump has more accessories and is more comfortable to find parts, the S1 is a quiet pump that’s more powerful, and you don’t have to clean it all the time. Being a mom is a tough job, and the Spectra S1 makes breastfeeding much less of a hassle, which is a win in our book. The Pump in Style Advanced isn’t bad at all, but we think the Spectra does beat it out by quite a bit.
So if you need a pump, go with Spectra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Breast Pump Brand Is The Best?
Moms revealed that the best overall breast pump there is the S1 Plus Electric Breast Pump. The reason for this is that this hospital-strength breast pump performs with high power without producing noise. It also has digital controls that enable you to adjust both the suction settings and the speed to maximize its output. Users also take pride in its extra features, particularly the built in night light and the timer.
Believe it or not, the Pump In Style Advanced has been the go-to pump for working moms. The primary reason behind this choice is its portability and efficiency. The Medela Pump in Style Advanced offers a one-touch letdown button that results in more milk in less time – something that working moms love, especially if they’re swamped with meetings and deadlines. It can also fit right into your diaper bag.
Is Spectra The Best Breast Pump For Breastfeeding Mothers?
Both of these pumps are top-notch in terms of quality. However, these two have their advantages and target audiences, so there’s no definite answer on which one’s better as a primary pump. If you’re a mom who prefers a quieter pumping session, then the S2 pump is compatible with you. For exclusive pumpers or those keen on pumping more milk as quickly as possible, then you would be better off with the Medela Pump in Style Advanced.
Which Is The Better Option, Spectra Or Medela?
When it comes to the combination of Spectra S2 versus the other brand pump debate, there are a few differences that need to be laid out for you to determine which is the better option for you. One of the largest differences is an open or closed system. The S2 is a closed-system pump. This means that there is a barrier of backflow protection between breast milk and the pump. This ensures that no harmful bacteria gets into the breast milk, no matter how much milk you pump. With an open system, the Medela breast pump does not have backflow protection so cleaning will have to occur every day.
Another Spectra S2 versus Medela one-side comparison to make is the speed and vacuum. The speed and vacuum of these two double electric breast pumps are different from one another. The S2 gives the mother the option of adjustable suction speed and the stimulation mode. The S2 double breast pump has two different knobs. The Medela double electric breast pump only has one knob to control the suction speed and vacuum. These things are the main differences between these 2 brands, affecting how quickly milk starts flowing during pumping sessions.
What Is The Most Reliable Breast Pump?
The Medela Pump in Style Advanced is the #1 Physician Recommended Breast Pump when it comes to its power. Thanks to its 2-phase Expression technology, moms don’t have to worry about waiting too long to pump their breast milk and feed their children. This feature enables the pump to maximize the speed and vacuum of the liquid’s flow.
What’s The Best Breast Pump For Working Moms?
There are some important considerations for working moms like portability, pump strength, and lightweight. Some brands stand out according to these standards:
- Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump
- Ameda Finesse Breast Pump
- Ardo Calypso
- Spectra 9
- Spectra S1 Breast Pump
What Is The Best Breast Pump For First-Time Moms?
If you’re a first-time mom, the Ameda Finesse vs Medela comparison can help you decide on the best breast pump for your needs. The Medela Pump In Style Advanced Breast Pump, based on breast pump reviews done by other moms, can be your go-to device. It is tailored to those women who pump multiple times a day. It comes with an AC adaptor, integrated motor unit, built-in bottle holders, battery pack, and removable cooler bag. Because of its full features, you don’t have to worry about using this for the first time.
What Does A Breast Pump Do To Your Nipples?
Breast pumping should not hurt. Although it does put a strain on your nipples, it is not supposed to be painful. The labor and delivery nurse can assist you on your first time. There can be many reasons you experience pain – it can range from dry skin to suction on the pump, and more.
Is Medela Quieter Vs. Spectra?
Medela models are typically the quieter option and are known for their comfort. However, the preference between brands often depends on the individual mother, as each person may have different preferences. Both brands offer unique advantages and benefits, and the noise levels are influenced by the pump mechanism.
Is Medela The Top Rated Breast Pump On The Market?
Yes, specifically the Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow. It’s at the top of the list along with the Spectra S1 Plus Hospital Strength. The S1 Plus offers strong suction. For the Spectra S2, you have to stay plugged as it does not come with a battery option. Also, fun fact: Insurance covers both the Pump In Style MaxFlow and Spectra S2.
Which Model Gets More Milk Out Between The Two?
When we talk about Spectra vs Medela, the one that gets more milk out would be Medela. This is a good pump, gets the job done, and is the quieter option between the two pumps. It also has a built-in battery pack that allows you to use it as you go.
How Long Should A Pumping Session Last?
One session usually takes 15 to 20 minutes, ideally pumping both breasts at the same time. It can go for up to 30 minutes, though.
Is The Spectra A Single Or A Double Breast Pump?
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- More Updates On Breast Pumps For Mothers:
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- Watch Spectra Vs Medela Breast Pumps Reviews For Breastfeeding Mothers
Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by Marie Miguel
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