Spectra Vs Medela - Which Breast Pump Is Better?
By Cindy Puppos | February 19, 2020
Medela Breast Pumps
If you ask 10 moms to name breast pump brands, it's a pretty good bet that all 10 will mention Medela. With over 59 years of dedication to breastfeeding moms, the Medela brand is top-of-mind for a reason. Medela offers a variety of popular pumps to fit many lifestyles, from the hands-free Medela Freestyle Hands-Free to the portable Medela Swing Maxi Hands-Free.
Spectra Breast Pumps
Spectra breast pumps are loved by moms for being quiet, gentle and full of thoughtful features to enhance the pumping experience. Spectra Baby USA came on the scene in 2011 and their products - including the award-winning Spectra S1 Plus and the Spectra S2 Plus - have quickly become some of the top-selling breast pumps. And the dual motor Spectra Synergy Gold is changing the way moms pump.
Which pump is right for me?
Your personal needs are the most important factor when choosing the best pump for you. Consider these questions:
- Will you be pumping on the go or at work?
- Do you have multiple infants to pump for?
- Do you think you'll primarily be pumping during the day or at night?
- Do you have a comfortable, discreet place to pump, or will you be pumping in a more crowded area (like the living room, the kitchen, or a not-so-private lactation room at work)?
- How often will you pump?
- Do you plan to exclusively pump?
1 Natural Way has breast pump choices for every need and situation and will be sure to guide you into the right one.
Side-by-side comparison: Spectra S2 Plus vs. Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow technology
Many moms get stuck choosing between a couple different pump options. To help you out, here is a side-by-side comparison of two of the most popular breast pumps - the Spectra S2 Plus and the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow
| Feature | Spectra S2 | Medela PIS MaxFlow |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews from 1 Natural Way Moms | 4.9 stars out of 5 | 4.8 stars out of 5 |
| Pump Strength | Hospital strength (max 270 mmHg) | Personal (max 240 mmHg) |
| Pump Controls | 2 Phase Pumping with expression and massage modes | 2 Phase Expression Technology with one-touch let-down |
| Portability | Lightweight (3.3 lbs.), no battery adapter | Small and lightweight (1.18 lbs) with battery pack (batteries not included) |
| Noise Level | Very quiet - can pump in the same room as a sleeping baby | Very quiet - sleeping spouse approved |
| Special Features | Included night light for nighttime pumping, timer | Battery adapter, PersonalFit PLUS breast shields |
| Closed System or Open System | Closed system with backflow protection | Closed system with backflow protection |
| Warranty | 2 years on pump motor, 90 days on parts/accessories | 1 year on pump motor; 90 days on parts/accessories |
Single or double electric breast pump
Both models can be used as a single or double breast pump. This is great if you'll be pumping a lot because you can maximize your milk production and minimize pumping time.
Adjustable suction speed and vacuum
The Medela Pump in Style Advanced and the Spectra S2 Plus breast pumps are both designed to mimic the actions of a nursing baby, maximizing milk flow.
Both pumps have different settings for let-down and expression. The massage mode stimulates the let-down reflex to encourage milk to flow, using a short and shallow speed (this mimics how a baby nurses when she first latches). The expression mode has a slower, stronger suction for maximum milk production once the milk is flowing.
Additionally, with both the Spectra and the Medela, you can change the speed of suction and the strength of the vacuum. This is ideal because every woman is built differently and has different pumping needs.
The biggest differences in suction and vacuum between the Spectra vs Medela pumps are:
- The Spectra S2 Plus allows moms to adjust the suction speed and strength separately, making it easy to customize pumping sessions. The hospital strength vacuum offers excellent suction.
- The Medela Pump in Style has hospital performance with preprogrammed speed and vacuum settings. Some moms find this pump easier and more straightforward to use than the Spectra because it takes the guesswork out of when to switch to expression mode.
Open system vs closed system breast pump
The difference between a closed system and an open system is that, in a closed system, there is a barrier between your breast milk and the pump. This means that breast milk can't flow backwards into the tubing or the pump, which keeps the milk away from potentially harmful bacteria.
Both the Spectra S2 and the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow technology have closed systems. This is more hygienic than an open system, but both pumps still need to be cleaned and sterilized with every use.
Special features and portability
Both pumps come with different sized breast flanges/shields and bottles for milk storage, as well as all the tubing, valves and other parts you need to get started (both come with everything you need to start pumping). Moms find that Medela replacement parts are readily available at many retail locations and, of course, online.
The Spectra S2 has a couple extra features that moms love - a night light for nighttime pumping, and a timer. It's also very quiet and discreet, which moms appreciate. It's lightweight, but doesn't come with a battery adapter (the S1 Plus features an inbuilt battery).
The Medela Pump in Style MaxFlow is more portable with its included battery adapter and light weight at just over 1 pound. A Pump in Style tote option is also available (usually as an upgrade) and includes a cooler in addition to a very nice carrying bag.
Summing it up: Spectra S2 Plus vs. Medela Pump in Style
Pros: Spectra S2 Plus Breast Pump
- Hospital strength double pump with great suction is good for moms who have low milk supply or will be pumping a lot.
- Quiet operation is a benefit to moms who will be pumping outside of the home or at work.
- Night light makes nighttime pumping easier.
- Separate adjustable suction speed and vacuum settings give the most control and customization over pumping sessions.
- Closed system ensures milk cannot flow back into the tubing or pump.
- Moms say the suction feels natural - like a baby suckling. They love the different cycle settings to ensure the best milk production and the most comfort.
How the Spectra S2 compares to the Medela PISA
The S2 breast pump is lighter, quieter, and has a closed system (that is arguably more hygienic). Moms can adjust the suction speed and vacuum strength settings separately for optimal comfort and a more natural feel.
Pros: Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow Breast Pump
- Very easy to use with one-touch let-down and preprogrammed settings settings for speed and vacuum.
- Quiet operation for discreet pumping no matter where you are.
- Included battery adapter means that moms can pump anywhere without worrying about finding a place to plug in.
- Closed system ensures milk cannot flow back into the tubing or pump.
- Replacement parts can be found easily (no emergency overnight shipping).
- Compact case makes it easy to transport (and other bag options are available).
- Moms say the pump is easy to set up and use. They love how simple clean-up is.
How the Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow compares to the Spectra S2
The Medela breast pump comes with a battery adapter for easy pumping anywhere, and the compact profile and optional tote bag make it easy to take with you. One-touch let-down and preprogrammed settings makes it simple to set up and pump. Pump accessories are available at many retail stores in addition to online.
In the end, it's all about what's right for YOU and which pump most closely addresses your needs. The Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow technology and Spectra S2 are both quality pumps that have helped feed hundreds of thousands of babies. There is no wrong answer - choose the pump that feels right for you. If you have questions, call us at (888) 977-2229 or text us at 419-740-4306. Our customer service team is always happy to help.
Apply to receive one of these pumps - or another model - through insurance. It only takes a minute! If you have questions, call us at (888) 977-2229 or text us at 419-740-4306. Our customer service team is always happy to help.
About the Author
Cindy Puppos is 1 Natural Way's Customer Service Manager, so she has a good idea of all the different and wonderful questions that moms have for her team. Thankfully, as the mother of two boys (who are now grown!) and a veteran of the company and breastfeeding, Cindy is always knowledgeable about breastfeeding, pumping and all the latest and greatest pumps!
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