Spectra S1 vs Medela Pump in Style

New mothers have a lot of important choices to make when it comes to feeding their babies. For those who plan to pump breast milk, selecting the right breast pump is crucial to making the pumping process as easy and efficient as possible. Two of the most popular double electric breast pump options on the market are the Spectra S1 and the Medela Pump in Style. Both pumps have garnered praise for their performance, comfort, and convenience features.

In this article, we will compare the key features of the Spectra S1 and Medela Pump in Style, including their portability, suction strength, noise level, and ease of use. We will also provide some guidance on how to choose between these best electric breast pumps to determine which model will best suit your pumping needs and lifestyle.

Comparison Table

AspectSpectra S1 PlusMedela Pump in Style
Operation ModeElectricElectric
PortabilityPortable, Tote Bag includedPortable, Backpack included
Included ComponentsBag, Breast Milk Bottles, CoolerMicrofiber bag, Bottles, Cooler bag
CustomizationComfortable suction levels, Single/Double PumpingAutomatic letdown and
MaterialBPA/DEHP freemassage mode cycles
Power SourceRechargeable batteryBPA Free, Silicone
Weight4.06 kilogramsBattery Powered
WarrantyNot specified1 pound
Check PriceCheck Price

Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump

  • Color: Pink, Grey
  • Model Number: MM011091-TG
  • Included Components: Bag
  • Item Weight: 4.06 Kilograms
  • Package Dimensions: 18.14 x 12.57 x 12.38 inches

The Spectra S1 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump is a must-have for new moms. It’s getting lots of love because it’s packed with great features. This little pump is electric and easy to carry around. It lets you adjust the suction levels to match how your baby breastfeeds, so it’s comfy and works well whether you’re pumping from one or both breasts. It even works with Avent bottles, which is handy.

When you’re out and about, it’s got you covered with a strong cooler bag and ice pack to keep your milk fresh. The pump itself is sleek, tough, and light, so you can take it anywhere.

It’s got cool extras too, like a built-in night light and a spot to hold your bottle. While it could be even better with a timer and a special setting for newborns, it still does a great job overall.

With its strong suction power and safe materials, the Spectra S1 Plus is a reliable helper for breastfeeding. Though it might get a bit messy with its silicone tubes, and it could use a setting just for newborns, it’s still a top pick for moms looking for comfort, flexibility, and easy pumping on the go.

Medela Breast Pump in Style with MaxFlow

  • Model Number: 101041362
  • Special Feature: Portable
  • Material: Silicone
  • Dishwasher Safe: Yes
  • Product Dimensions: 13.14 x 6.13 x 9.08 inches

The Medela Breast Pump with MaxFlow technology is designed to make your pumping experience better. It has a special technology called MaxFlow that helps get more milk during each pumping session. It also has modes that feel like a baby sucking, which makes it more comfortable.

One cool thing about it is that it’s easy to carry around. It’s not heavy and you can use batteries with it, so it’s great for moms who are always on the go. It’s also made to fit comfortably with oval-shaped breast shields and comes in two sizes. The tubing is made so it doesn’t slip, and you can pump one breast or both at the same time.

Sometimes people say it doesn’t suck as well with batteries, and some people don’t like the new connector because it’s harder to see the milk flow.

Overall, the Medela Breast Pump with MaxFlow technology is a good choice for moms. It’s small and easy to carry, it’s comfortable to use, and it’s quieter than older models. It feels realistic and stays connected well. It’s good for both new moms and ones who have pumped before.

Key Differences – Spectra S1 vs Medela

Spectra S1 vs Medela – Operation Mode

When it comes to picking an operation mode, the Spectra S1 is pumping with purpose while the Medela Pump in Style seems a bit confused!

The S1 keeps it simple but effective with two main modes: Massage and Expression. Massage mode is all about stimulating letdown, using a quick fluttery sucking that mimics a hungry baby to get your milk flowing fast. With 5 adjustable suction levels, you can customize the massage to maximize your milk ejection.

The Pump in Style tries to cover too much ground with its Letdown and Expression settings. It starts with a short burst of gentler suction in Letdown mode before bouncing you over to Expression. But the Spectra’s focused Massage mode is going to beat out this clumsy two-step every time concerning the letdown!

Spectra-S1

Once your milk is flowing, both pumps let you select your ideal suction strength. But with the Spectra’s attention to natural feeding rhythms in Massage mode, it really outshines the Pump in Style when it comes to a personalized, mom-centered pumping experience.

When you want a pump that works with your body’s natural responses, the Spectra S1’s targeted Massage and Expression modes have the Pump in Style beat.

Winner: Spectra S1

Spectra S1 vs Medela – Material

While the quality and material of breast pumps is concerned, the Spectra S1 is pumping strong! This eco-friendly pump uses only the safest BPA-free parts, so you can feed your baby without fear of nasty chemicals. Its closed system takes things a step further, locking in that liquid gold and blocking moisture from gunking up the motor.

The Medela Pump in Style gets some points for using BPA-free plastic and food-grade materials too. But then they go and ruin it with PVC tubing! Many moms steer clear of PVC over worries it could leach icky stuff into their milk.

If top-notch material safety is your top priority for protecting your baby’s food source, the Spectra S1 looks pretty crisp and clean. With its BPA-free construction and sealed closed system, the S1 pump delivers on safety and hygiene. Medela’s PVC tubing is a bit of a deal-breaker for moms who want all materials cradling their liquid gold to be only the purest.

When you want zero worries about what your pump is made of, Spectra’s dedication to safe, eco-friendly materials really seals the deal!

  • Winner: Spectra S1

Spectra S1 vs Medela – Suction Level

Talking about the suction power, the Spectra S1 really pulls ahead of the Medela Pump in Style. The S1 brings some serious vacuum action, with a whopping 12 suction levels available in expression mode that go all the way up to 270 mmHg. That’s some major milking muscle! The Pump in Style just can’t compete here, with a more limited normal range of -50 to -240 mmHg.

Now for some women, the Pump in Style’s max suction of -295 mmHg in peak mode might be plenty. But for mamas who need more milk-extracting, the Spectra S1’s incredible range of suction settings from light to max clearly beats out the Pump in Style.

The S1 also wins when it comes to massage mode, with 5 gentle suction settings perfect for getting your flow going. The Pump in Style simply doesn’t have a massage mode at all. For moms looking for pumping flexibility, the Spectra S1 is the pick.

When you need to pump every last drop, you want the pump with the power to make it happen. With its unbeatable 12 suction levels up to a mighty 270 mmHg, the Spectra S1 dominates the suction arena over the Medela Pump in Style.

  • Winner: Spectra S1

Spectra S1 vs Medela – Noise Level

If you want to pump in peace and quietly, the Spectra S1 is the clear winner over the noisier Medela Pump in Style.

The S1 earns top marks for discretion, pumping away at just 45 decibels – that’s about as loud as a library! This powerful pump knows how to keep things down to a low hum. But the Pump in Style is a whole different story, grinding away at 58-59 decibels according to reviews.

That’s loud enough to wake the baby! With its distinct thumping at higher suction levels, the Pump in Style kind of sounds like a construction zone. Not very zen for Mama.

So if you’re looking to pump in private without broadcasting it to the whole office or house, the stealthy Spectra S1 is the pump for you. The S1 lets you keep your pumping sessions on the down low with its ultra-quiet 45-decibel motor. For moms who value peace, quiet, and discretion while pumping, the Spectra S1 clearly outshines the noisier Medela Pump in Style.

  • Winner: Spectra S1

Spectra S1 vs Medela – Flange Size

When choosing the right flange, Spectra offers more options than Medela, making it easier to find the perfect fit for you!

The S1 comes ready to pump with 24mm and 28mm flanges, a dynamic duo that takes on the majority of nipple sizes with ease. And Spectra doesn’t stop there – they offer add-on flanges from 20mm up to 32mm so you can really dial in that custom fit.

Medela-Pump-with-boxes

Medela’s selection feels small in comparison, with only 21mm, 24mm, 27mm, and 30mm to choose from. Sure, those may work for some mamas. But for gals needing something beyond the standard sizes, Spectra’s winning variety of 7 options compared to Medela’s 4 gives them the advantage of a tailored, comfy fit.

Pumping is hard enough without dealing with flanges that don’t fit just right. Spectra’s broad range of sizes lets you find that perfect seal and maximize your milk flow. Spectra offers more flexibility with its flanges compared to Medela, making it easier for everyone to find a comfortable fit!

  • Winner: Spectra S1

Final Verdict

Overall, when comparing the key features and performance of the Spectra S1 and Medela Pump in Style, the Spectra S1 emerges as the better electric breast pump option. With its superior suction control, focused massage mode for letdown, ultra-quiet motor, and a wider variety of flange sizes, the Spectra S1 simply outperforms the Pump in Style when it comes to providing a customizable pumping experience tailored to a mother’s needs. While the Pump in Style offers decent portability and some nice extras like the tote bag, the Spectra S1’s strengths in critical areas like suction adjustability, noise level, and fit make it the clear winner. For moms seeking the very best in electric pumping power, comfort, and discretion, the Spectra S1 is the pump to choose from.