Your Guide to Spectra Breastpumps
Here is a summary table for you to compare across the different Spectra pumps:
Dew 350 | M1 | S1 | S2 | S9+ | |
Grade | Hospital Grade | Personal Use | Hospital Grade | Hospital Grade | Personal Use |
Weight | 0.99kg | 295g | 1.12kg | 0.99kg | 239g |
Size | 37cm, 7cm | 64cm,19cm | 64cm,19cm | 11.2cm, 7.2cm, 4.7cm | |
Double Kit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Rechargable battery | No, mains only | Yes | Yes | No, mains only | Yes |
Cycle speed | 38 rpm | Adjusts with suction | 5-speed settings btw 38-54rpm | 5-speed settings btw 38-54rpm | Adjusts with suction |
Adjustable Speed | No | Adjusts with suction | Yes | Yes | Adjusts with suction |
Vaccum strength | 0 ~ 350 mmHg | 0 ~ 300 mmHg | 0 ~ 300 mmHg | 0 ~ 300 mmHg | 0 ~ 300 mmHg |
Night light | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Timer | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Massage mode for letdown | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Flange sizes available | 24mm, 28mm, 32mm | 24mm, 28mm, 32mm | 24mm, 28mm, 32mm | 24mm, 28mm, 32mm | 24mm, 28mm, 32mm |
Breast shield | Comes with 24mm wide neck | Comes with 24mm wide neck | Comes with 24mm wide neck | Comes with 24mm wide neck | Comes with 24mm wide neck |
Closed System | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
You’ll probably need some explanation of terms to help you compare breast pumps as well, so here goes:
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Grade – all Spectra breast pumps have a closed system, which means they’re hygienic for use by multiple users, but our hospital grade breast pumps have a bigger motor, so they bear up under heavy use. Think V8 vs 4 cyclinder – while both will tow well on a flat road, the V8 will perform better going uphill. In the same sort of way, both personal use and hospital grade breast pumps are fine for normal use, but if you’re relying on your breast pump for exclusive pumping or to build supply, get a hospital grade breast pump.
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Suction strength – this is measured in mmHg. All Spectra breast pumps are extremely strong and you’re unlikely to use them on maximum setting. The Dew 350 does have the strongest suction, but you will find when double pumping that there doesn’t seem much difference in strength between the Dew 350 and S2. In fact, because the S2 has extra cycle speed settings, you may need a lower suction strength.
- Note – because the hospital grade pumps have a bigger motor than the portable pumps, they will maintain suction strength better. For example, although the S2 and the S9+ both have suction strength over 300mmHg, the S2 may give you a better performance if you’re double pumping on a higher suction level.
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Cycle speed – this is how often the pump ‘sucks’ per minute. For some women, varying the cycle speed can make a big difference, especially if you’ve been breastfeeding for longer and your body is very used to your bub.
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Letdown mode – Some Spectra pumps have a ‘massage mode’ to encourage letdown. Letdown is the physiological process that occurs when your body responds to your baby’s signals and starts the milk flow. Babies tend to have a light, quick suckling pattern when they’re telling mum to get things started, and the massage mode of Spectra pumps copies this. Once milk is flowing, you swap to regular expressing mode, which is slower and stronger.
- Closed system – this means that there’s a complete physical barrier between your milk and the pump motor. This is very important and is a feature missing from many very well known brands. If the pump has an ‘open system’ then milk particles and moisture can travel down the tubing and enter the pump motor, where it is impossible to clean properly or sterilise. Over time, this can lead to mould inside the pump, and it also means that sharing a pump with an ‘open system’ is a possible source of virus transmission (this is why you should never buy a second-hand breast pump with an open system, even if you buy a new milk collection kit, you cannot sterilise the actual pump!). Spectra has this covered – all our pumps have a closed system to protect your breastmilk and the pump motor.
Main differences between pumps:
What's the difference between Spectra S1 and S2?
The S1 and S2 pumps are quite similar, but the S1 has a built-in rechargable battery which the S2 does not have. The S2 only comes with the AC-Adapter as a power option. Choosing between the two pumps really comes down to what you will be using it for. If you plan to use it while traveling or on the go, then the S1 would be more suitable. Having the battery option can be a lifesave in situations where you need to pump but have no access to power. It's also super convenient!
References:
- https://spectra-baby.com.au/wanting-compare-breast-pumps/