Spectra Vs. Medela Comparison

These two popular breast pumps are specifically useful and helpful for breastfeeding mothers around the world. Getting enough milk with your breast pump is ideal for when you travel or are not home is a win in our books.

There are lots of spectacular pumps like Spectra and Medela, but in this site we will be meddling both the Medela and Spectra pump products today. It may be daunting to choose which breast pump is the right one for you since both brands are popular when it comes to quality, hence in your mind, it will always be Spectra vs. Medela. To help you choose which model to purchase, we came up with a list of the top-rated electric breast pumps in the market today, and we highlighted a brief description of their unique features so you can get an idea of what they offer. We also included the similarities and differences of both brands as well as our recommendations regarding what might work best for new moms, depending on their lifestyle. As a matter of fact, you can never get wrong with these brands.

Medela is a more mainstream brand compared to other pumps, and quite a few mothers use it. Spectra, meanwhile, is newer and has only been to the US recently. However, it’s quickly making waves, with some people saying that it’s one of the best pumps out there, offering the perfect blend of quality and value that you’re craving.

Today, we will be looking at two types of pumps. First, we have the PISA from Medela. Medela’s PISA stands for Pump in Style Advanced. Meanwhile, we have the Spectra S1, which sounds a bit like the name of a smartphone. There is Spectra S2, but it does not use a battery, making the S1 a more fair comparison. It is a Spectra versus Medela review for the undecided parents.

Spectra S1 VS. Spectra S2 Other Breast Pumps Available On Amazon

 

Spectra S1Plus Pump 

 

• The rechargeable breast pump offers wide range of features that promotes confidence and comfort while pumping. It is portable, quiet and it has cycle speed digital display controls that enables moms to start pumping according to their desired speed and rhythm. S1 also boasts a special function called the “backflow protectors” to keep the breast milk safe from harmful bacteria.

Spectra S1 Breast Pump Features

Spectra S1 has an AC power adapter and a rechargeable battery made from hospital grade material. It also has digital controls, which can adjust settings to the speed, rhythm, and you can change the settings as well to meet your pumping needs. This means that a majority of the breast pump has customizable settings, including a massage mode that you can switch Spectra S1 into. Also, you can adjust the suction speed too. It’s quiet, lightweight, and has a night light as well. The night light cones in handy if you need to put at late night or early morning hours. This way you can use the night light instead of an overhead light that could wake your baby. Spectra S1 made from BPA free parts as well, which is always a plus. Any product with BPA is a no go for us.

 

Spectra S2 Plus Pump 

 

• This Spectra breast pump has adjustable suction level and speed separately that promote the natural milk flow. The suction settings can let you choose between massage and letdown mode. This great pump can be used as a single or double pump for express milk and includes added night light for nighttime pumping, and a timer.

 

Medela PISA Electric Pump 

 

• This breast pump by Medela brand has MaxFlow technology and Ultra efficient features which makes it easy to assemble and clean. This the best pump for mothers with low milk supply. Medela pump is comfortable to use and clinically proven to improve the milk flow volume by 11.8%. It comes with a pump, 150ml bottles, PersonalFit Flex breast shields, microfiber pump bag, power adaptor, battery pack, and connectors.

Medela PISA

Medela Pump in Style Advanced runs on AA batteries or you can plug it into a wall outlet. It has BPA-free parts, and you can remove the cooler bag on the table, and it has a pack to freeze milk as well. The Medela Pump in Style Advanced has two-phase expression technology, and you can adjust its speed and suction. Medela also comes with other accessories like duckbill valves, membranes, tubing, ice pack, breast shield and so much more. If you want a better tubing, you can also upgrade to Pump in Style Maxflow.

Bellababy Double Pumps

 

• This breast pump offers comfort and quality at an affordable price that’s worth your money. It has essential breast feeding features such as its high definition screen, sensitive touch panel and 4 modes and 9 levels of suction control. It is also light weight and portable which makes it convenient to carry when travelling.

 

Spectra And Medela

The Similarities

These two pumps have many similarities. You can plug them on or use them with a battery for mobile usage. You can either operate them as a single or a double electric pump. Their price is about the same retail-wise, but prices can vary online. They both have plenty of controls and the ability for you to personalize the cycles to be the best possible.

Another similarity is that both Medela and Spectra breast pumps have expression mode as a pumping experience option. In this mode, the breast milk is pumped hands free to the rhythm the mimics a baby nursing. Expression mode is supposed to help the mother produce more milk to be stored in the storage bags. With the Spectra, you can adjust the speed and vacuum of the expression mode.

The Differences

 

What’s the difference between Spectra S1 and the PISA?

There are several differences between Medela PISA and Spectra S1 that are worth mentioning. Spectra S1 is a closed system, and Medela PISA is open.

If you’re new to breast pumps, you may not hear what this entails. Long story short, the closed pumps give you a barrier. This barrier stops the milk from going inside the motor, tubes, and other delicate parts of a pump. Meanwhile, an open system is lacking when it comes to a barrier.

A closed system is objectively the better choice. With an open system, you sterilized the pump motor, tubes, and everything else to prevent any mold. It’s annoying for sure, so in this aspect of the Medela vs. Spectra, Spectra S1 wins on this one.

What about the battery? Well, both are plug-in and have a battery option, but Medela PISA uses a separate battery pack, and the S1 has a built-in rechargeable battery that offers night light several pumping sessions. Being able to recharge your battery is much more convenient in our eyes. Some may like being able to replace the battery, as rechargeable batteries lose their charge over time, but because it’s plug-in, you probably won’t have a big deal with that anytime soon. Both have car adapter if you are out and about and need to pump. The battery adaptor capability makes the breast pumps easier to take with you wherever you go.

What about the strength of the pump? With Spectra S1, it’s hospital grade, meaning it’s quite powerful. It can suck 280mmHg, which is quite powerful. Medela PISA does about 30 less. So while it’s not a huge difference, the S1 still wins in the power department.

We do say Spectra S1 wins. With that said, Medela PISA is easy as well.

What about the accessories? With Medela PISA, you get quite a few accessories. Pump parts, coolers, tote bag to wear, and much more. They even have other unique items like a magnet that tells you how to store breast milk. Even the replacement parts are easier to find.

The Pump in Style Advanced wins in the accessories department, as Spectra S1 just has some pump parts.

Now, let’s look at the noise levels of the pump. For many moms, they don’t want an overly noisy pump in especially when have a sleeping baby in the same room. They want something that is quiet and discreet. While these two aren’t exactly a library quiet, the PISA is the louder one. The S1 isn’t super quiet, either, but it does beat the PISA in that department.

Wrap Up

Considering all the factors in this Spectra vs. Medela Pumps comparison, we have to go with Spectra. While the PISA double electric breast pump has more accessories and more comfortable to find parts, the S1 is quieter, more powerful, and you don’t have to clean it all the time. Being a mom is a tough job, and the S1 makes breast pumping much less of a hassle, which is a win in our book. The Pump in Style Advanced isn’t bad at all, but we think the Spectra does beat it out by quite a bit.

So if you need a pump, go with Spectra.

Frequently Asked Questions 

• We The Parents Say Facebook – Twitter – Youtube
• Mom Loves best Facebook – Twitter – Youtube – Phone Number
• ExperiencedMommy Facebook – Instagram – Twitter – Email
• 1NaturalWay Linkedin – Email – Phone Number
• BabyList Phone Number
• More Updates On Breast Pumps For Mothers:
• Medela
• Phone Number
• Spectra Baby
• USA Phone Number
• Watch Breast Pumps Reviews For Breastfeeding Mothers

 

 

Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by Inma Barquero

DISCLAIMER (IMPORTANT): This information (including all text, images, audio, or other formats on FamilyHype.com) is not intended to be a substitute for informed professional advice, diagnosis, endorsement or treatment. You should not take any action or avoid taking action without consulting a qualified professional.   Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions about medical conditions. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here a FamilyHype.com.