Are you planning to get a Spectra breast pump but unsure which one to choose?
It might be a good idea to compare similar products, such as Spectra S1 vs. S2 breast pumps, to find the one that might work best for you.
The S1 and S2 are Spectra’s best-sellers, but the brand also offers three other breast pumps:
- Spectra S3 Pro
- Spectra S9
- Spectra Synergy Gold
So, why choose Spectra breast pumps? What makes them special?
Benefits of Spectra Breast Pumps
No matter which kind of Spectra breast pump you ultimately pick, you can enjoy the following benefits:
Hospital Grade Pumps
All pump motors have hospital strength that could go up to 270 mmHg. The stronger suction power can help you extract more milk.
Flexibility
All Spectra breast pumps can be used as a single or double pump. Even the smallest portable model, Spectra S9, has enough power as a double electric breast pump.
Quiet Pumps
Spectra breast pumps are known to be quiet. On their website, the company claims that the pump motors operate at 45 dB (decibels) and work “like the hush of a library.”
Choosing a quiet pump is ideal because that can let you pump even while your baby is sleeping, even in the middle of the night.
Adjustable Suction & Speed Settings
All Spectra breast pumps have adjustable suction and speed settings. Although the number varies across the different models, it ranges from 10 to 15 different vacuum suction levels.
Having customizable settings can let you find the best suction and speed levels to extract more milk.
Comfort
Because you get to adjust the settings, you can find the most comfortable one.
In pumping your breast milk, the strongest suction might not always get the most milk. Sometimes, gentle suction levels can get you more milk because these can promote a better letdown.
Closed System Pump With Backflow Protection
A lot of moms fear contamination. That’s why it’s important to always follow good hygiene practices before, during, and after pumping.
Make sure that your hands (and breasts) are clean.
Another way of minimizing contamination is to choose a breast pump with a closed system and backflow protection.
This kind of system prevents milk from flowing into the tubing.
While some pump brands forego a closed system in favor of stronger suction strength, all Spectra pumps have a closed system.
Massage Mode
Many pumps only have options for turning the suction power on and off. But Spectra pumps also feature a massage mode that can promote better milk flow.
Natural Nursing Technology
Spectra pumps use this special technology that mimics the experience of breastfeeding as naturally as possible. This might help you achieve a better letdown because it simulates the natural suckling of your baby.
Safe, BPA-Free Parts
All the plastic parts and accessories of Spectra pumps are BPA-free. This can promote safer milk pumping and storage. Note that BPA (bisphenol-A) is a toxic industrial chemical used to produce many commercial products, such as food containers and hygiene products.
Special Features
The Spectra pumps also have a night light and LCD screen with an auto-timer for your convenience.
Two-Year Warranty
All of Spectra’s single-user pumps have a 2-year warranty on the motor, while the hospital-grade, multiple-user Spectra S3 Pro has a 3-year warranty.
There’s also a 90-day warranty on the pump accessories.
Spectra Breast Pumps You Can Choose
There are five breast pumps for you to choose from, depending on your needs or preferences.
Each one has a special feature that might help determine why you should choose it over the others.
Spectra S2 Plus
- It’s the brand’s most popular breast pump.
- It weighs 2 lbs.
- It features 12 vacuum suction levels with letdown and expression modes.
Spectra S1 Plus
- It has all the features of the Spectra S2 but has batteries that make it portable.
- It has a 3-hour battery life.
Spectra S3 Pro
- It also has all of the Spectra S2 Plus’ features but is designed for multiple users.
- It’s a heavy-duty hospital-grade pump that comes with a protective hardshell carry case.
Spectra 9 Plus
- It’s Spectra’s smallest and lightest breast pump; it only weighs 0.5 lbs.
- Despite being small, you can use it for double pumping.
- It’s a portable model with a 1.5-hour battery life and can also be used hands-free.
Spectra Synergy Gold (SG)
- It’s an upgrade to the S2 Plus.
- It has 15 vacuum levels.
- It lets you adjust the levels for each breast independently when double pumping.
- It also has five stages of soft massage mode settings.
Conclusion
Spectra is one of the leading breast pump brands with plenty of available options, so you can find the best pump to suit your needs and preferences.
Although features vary among individual pumps, Spectra offers hygienic, closed-system, fully customizable pumps that let you find the most comfortable suction level.
The massage mode, natural nursing technology, quiet pump motor, and BPA-free parts are a bonus.