Spectra vs Medela: May the Best Pump Win

For over 60 years, Medela has been a trusted brand for breastfeeding mothers. The Medela Pump in Style with MaxFlow™ is a double breast electric hospital performance pump modeled from their hospital-grade (multi-user) Symphony™ breast pump.

The closed system keeps milk from backing up in the tubes that means less cleaning and more milk production in less time. The Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow™ comes with: the pump, (4) 5 oz/150 mL bottles with lids, (2) 21 mm PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields, (2) 24 mm PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields, (2) PersonalFit Flex™ Connectors with membranes, complete tubing, cooler, cooling element, microfiber bag, battery pack (batteries not included), power adaptor.

Features You Can Count On

• Pre-programmed settings based on extensive research takes out the guessing
• Two phase expression
• PersonalFit Flex™ Shields (flanges) add comfort and come in multiple sizes
• Closed system means more milk goes into bottles and not into tubing
• Fewer parts for less cleaning
• Can pump away from home with battery pack
• Comes with bottles, cooler pack and stylish bag
• May be covered by insurance
• Parts that touch breast milk are BPA free
• Manufactured in the U.S.A.

Why Choose the Medela Pump In Style with MaxFlow™

Medela has been trusted in the personal breast pump market since first introduced and has continued to improve and expand their products overtime. In other words, you can’t go wrong with Medela because this is a brand that gets mothers. The MaxFlow also comes with very convenient features, such as two phase expression whether you’re plugged in or on the go. The pre-programmed settings for maximum milk expression are especially helpful for new mothers who are already questioning their way through motherhood.

What to Consider Before Buying 

The noise level of Medela pumps continues to be a customer complaint, although this pump is one of the quietest Medela pumps on the market. Some users like the ability to adjust settings including speed and suction, and this pump does not allow for that. The pump also uses 8 AA batteries which product owners must provide if they want to pump without the use of an outlet.

And although the pump uses a closed system where milk doesn’t get into the tubes, you do need to remove the tubes to clean. When having to clean bottles, bibs and onesies on a continuous basis, any extra cleaning can be cumbersome. The overall higher price tag is also a factor to consider.

Spectra is owned and operated by mothers who hold the Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Consultant title, so the brand definitely has that going for them. This pump is also a beloved one among pumping parents, especially because it’s so customizable.

The Spectra S1 allows parents on-the-go the ability to pump milk quickly, efficiently, and comfortably whether at home, at work, or on the road. One feature we loved is the ability to adjust speed and suction to allow mothers to make it a more personal experience closer to real breastfeeding. This allows for more gentle pulling during sessions that alleviates soreness. Another great feature is the light up digital display that lets mothers know how much time they have been pumping as well as current speed and suction settings. The S1 is also one of the quietest pumps on the market making it a more peaceful experience. The ability to complete several pumping sessions on one charge is also a great feature.

Highlights of the Spectra S1

• Adjustability of speed and suction for most efficient expression
• Digital display tells time pumping, speed and suction settings and features a night light
• Accessories aren’t high quality and adapters needed for use with other brand bottles
• Quiet noise level
• Adjustability of speed and suction for most efficient expression
• 2 phase cycling in let-down and expression mode
• Better suction for a gentle pulling
• Two sizes of flanges for added comfort
• Digital display tells time pumping, speed and suction settings and features a night light
• Several pumping sessions on one charge
• Ease of cleaning with “closed” system design
• Lightweight (approximately 4 pounds)
• Cost may be covered by insurance

Why Choose the Spectra S1

The Spectra S1 is the most popular hospital grade personal pump on the market. Known for its ease of use and adjustability, breastfeeding mamas can program their own settings once they find what works best for their pumping needs. The closed system allows for quick cleaning and ensures most milk goes into the bottles and not into the tubes. The quiet noise level and gentle pulling action make this a popular choice for mothers who want an experience close to natural breastfeeding.

A night lite helps for late night pumping sessions while the handle makes it easy to move from here to there. The Spectra S1 comes with: the pump, a 12 volt AC power adapter, detachable power cord prongs, wide neck bottle, back flow protector, Spectra duckbill valve, tubing, and two different flange sizes (24mm & 28mm).

What to Consider Before Buying 

When newly purchased, the S1 does take a long time to charge out of the box. One of the major disadvantages to this pump is the short pumping tubes, so you may need to make some adjustments in your pumping position. You also will need an adapter to use with other brand bottles, and accessories are not as high quality as some of the other brands out there. You also have to buy a carrying bag and cooler packs separately.