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The Spectra breast pump is one of the most popular electric breast pump brands on the market.
But you’re probably wondering which one you should pick– The Spectra S1 or S2?
Is one better than the other? What’s the difference between the Spectra S1 vs S2?
Let’s find out!
Related: How to Prepare for Pumping at Work
About the Spectra breast pumps
You can’t name the top breast pumps out there without including the Spectra USA brand.
That doesn’t come as a big surprise as these hospital-grade pumps do have several impressive features.
A few features that stand out
Adjustable suction levels
One thing to love about the Spectra breast pumps is the various levels of suction. According to Spectra, this helps provide a more natural milk flow.
Protection from backflow
The next feature that stands out is the backflow protection barrier. This creates a physical barrier that prevents bacteria from getting into your breast milk. No worries, it’s easy to keep clean.
Any mother who pumps knows how precious every ounce can be, and you do not want anything to spoil your milk!
Single or double pumping
The Spectra breast pumps support both single and double pumping. So, if you were wondering if you would be able to pump on just one side while breastfeeding your baby, the answer is yes!
You’ll also be able to double pump if you wish. This is great, especially if you’re exclusively pumping, as double pumping can help keep your milk supply strong.
Quiet operation
No tired mama wants a noisy breast pump. Thankfully, these pumps were designed to run quietly.
This is a nice-to-have feature when you have to pump at work or when you’re trying your best not to wake up a sleeping little one.
Auto-timer
With the auto-timer feature, there’s no need to watch the clock or keep up with how long you’ve been pumping. Simply set the timer and the pump will stop pumping when the time is up.
The display also shows you how long you’ve been pumping for.
Two flange sizes
Spectra offers two flange sizes (24 mm and 28 mm) in order to help you get the perfect fit. So, if you were worried about flange size being a problem, hopefully this eases your mind.
Portability
Surprisingly, the Spectra electric pumps are fairly lightweight and portable (weighing only around 3 pounds or less).
Whether you are traveling or taking your pump to work with you, you can toss your Spectra breast pump into your bag and carry it with you when you’re on the go.
Built-in night light
Lastly, the Spectra pumps also have a built-in night light.
This is one of those not-completely-necessary-but-nice-to-have features. If you’re pumping at night when you don’t want to turn on the light or lamp, you can use the built-in night to do your pumping session.
What is the difference between the Spectra S1 and S2?
The main difference between the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 boils down to price and portability.
Do you want your breast pump to be rechargeable?
Or, are you fine with having a pump that has to be plugged in?
If you prefer a rechargeable battery option and don’t mind paying a little extra, go with the Spectra S1.
If you don’t mind plugging in your pump or you want to go with the cheapest option, go with the Spectra S2.
Spectra S1 vs S2: The breakdown
Thanks to the Spectra S1’s rechargeable battery, you can take it with you when you’re on the go without having to worry about being near a power source.
This model is best for moms who plan to pump at work or are looking for more portability in general.
The S1 also comes with an AC adapter for when your battery gets low. So, with this one, you really are getting the best of both worlds. The downside is that this model is bit more expensive than the S2.
Pros:
Cons:
The Spectra S2 is less expensive than its S1 counterpart, but it also has to be plugged in to a power source. This pump does not come with a rechargeable battery of any sort.
This model is best for moms who primarily plan to pump at home and do not have a need for portability.
Pros:
Cons:
Spectra breast pump: Your questions answered
Before we wrap this up, let’s look at a few questions you may have about the Spectra pumps.
What causes suction issues?
If you ever notice a drop in your Spectra breast pump’s suction rate or any other suctioning issues, there are a couple possible reasons for this.
First, you may not have attached the suction valves properly. It’s also a good idea to check your valves for any damage or tears.
You can find information on how to fix this quickly on the official Spectra pumps website.
What can I do if my Spectra pump randomly turns off?
If your pump is not coming on or you’re facing any other problems with the power, check the adapter. This often happens when you didn’t attach the adapter the proper way.
This applies to all models, so it doesn’t matter if you are using Spectra 1 or 2.
What power output do they possess?
Spectra S2, S1, and 9 Plus feature a power input of 100V-240V/50-60Hz. This makes them compatible with multiple voltages.
4. Does the Spectra lose suction power over time?
Yes, after prolonged use, you will have to replace some parts to ensure proper operation.
How often should you replace the valves in a Spectra pump?
Depending on how often you are pumping, you can expect to change them between 4 and 12 weeks of use.
How long should I use the Spectra for?
Typical expression time will be 15 to 20 minutes or 5 to 7 minutes after the last milk has been expressed.
How many ounces can I expect when using a Spectra breast pump?
This varies between moms, but if you are exclusively pumping, you may get 2-4 ounces every 2-3 hours, according to Spectra.
If you are worried about whether or not your baby is getting enough milk, here are a few signs to look for.
The Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps are both excellent choices. The reviews for these two models are overwhelmingly positive overall.
To reiterate– If you are on a budget and plan to pump at home, the Spectra S2 is a perfect choice for you. If you need the battery feature and extra portability, go for the Spectra S1.