Spectra S2 vs Medela Pump in Style

New mothers have a lot of decisions to make when it comes to breastfeeding accessories. One of the most important is selecting an electric breast pump that fits their needs and budget. Two of the top picks for double electric pumps are the Spectra S2 and the Medela Pump in Style. Both offer hospital-grade performance and convenience for moms who need to pump frequently.

In this article, we’ll compare the key features of the Spectra S2 and Medela Pump in Style, including their suction strength, portability, noise level, comfort, and ease of use. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of each model to help mothers choose the right pump for their lifestyle. With the information provided, new moms can make an informed decision between these two popular breast pump options.

Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump

The Spectra S2 Plus Electric Breast Milk Pump is a game-changer for breastfeeding mothers, garnering acclaim for its stellar features. This electric pump offers the convenience of portability, making it an ideal companion for busy moms on the move.

One of its standout features is the ability to customize suction levels, ensuring a comfortable pumping experience tailored to mimic natural breastfeeding patterns. Whether you’re pumping from one breast or both, the adjustable two-phase cycling, featuring expression and massage modes, adapts seamlessly to your preferences.

Versatility is another strong suit of the Spectra S2 Plus. It can be utilized as a single or double electric breast pump, offering flexibility to suit your pumping needs. For optimal performance, pairing it with Spectra baby accessories is recommended. Safety and peace of mind are dominant, with the Spectra S2 Plus boasting BPA/DEHP-free construction. All parts that come into contact with breast milk are rigorously tested and certified, ensuring the utmost safety for your baby.

Spectra Baby, created by moms for moms, is dedicated to offering high-quality breastfeeding products and support. The Spectra S2 Plus is a great example of this commitment, providing reliability and efficiency to assist mothers during their breastfeeding experience. While the pump excels in many aspects, some users have noted potential improvements, such as the absence of a built-in timer and a specific setting for newborns. Additionally, the silicone tubes may require extra care to prevent messiness.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the Spectra S2 Plus remains a top choice for mothers seeking comfort, convenience, and reliable performance in their breast-pumping experience.

Medela Breast Pump in Style with MaxFlow

The Medela Breast Pump with MaxFlow technology is a standout option for breastfeeding mothers looking for efficiency and comfort. With its innovative MaxFlow technology, this pump is designed to optimize milk extraction during each session, helping you get more milk in less time.

One of its key features is its portability. This pump is lightweight and easy to carry around, making it ideal for moms who are constantly on the move. Additionally, it offers the flexibility of battery operation, ensuring that you can pump wherever and whenever you need to.

Comfort is paramount with the Medela Breast Pump. It’s equipped with modes that simulate the natural sucking motion of a baby, providing a comfortable and familiar pumping experience. The oval-shaped breast shields are designed for a secure and comfortable fit, and the pump comes with two sizes to accommodate different breast shapes and sizes. Plus, the tubing is engineered to stay securely in place, whether you’re pumping from one breast or both simultaneously.

While the pump is generally well-received, some users have reported issues with its performance when using batteries, noting that it may not be as effective as when plugged in. Additionally, there have been some complaints about the new connector, which some find difficult to see the milk flow through.

Overall, the Medela Breast Pump with MaxFlow technology is a solid choice for breastfeeding moms. Its compact size, comfort features, and efficient performance make it a reliable companion for both new moms and experienced pumpers alike.

Primary Differences – Spectra S2 vs Medela Pump in Style

Feature	Spectra S2	Medela Pump in Style
Operation Modes	Massage and Expression modes	Let-down and Expression modes
Material	BPA/DEHP free silicone	Silicone and plastic
Noise Level	Quiet (45 decibels)	Louder (58 decibels)
Display	Digital LCD	Basic display
Ease of Cleaning	Easy (Silicone parts)	More tedious (Plastic parts)
Price	Affordable	Expensive
Battery Required	No	No
Weight	3.3 pounds	1 pound
Included Components	Bottle, Breast Flange, Valve	Various
Dishwasher Safe	No	Yes
Construction	Hygienic silicone parts	Silicone and plastic
Maximum Suction Strength	270 mmHg	295 mmHg
Safety	BPA/DEHP free construction	BPA free construction

Spectra S2 vs Medela Pump in Style – Operation Mode

When it comes to operation modes, the Spectra S2 strikes ahead with its innovative Massage and Expression modes. The Massage mode is a game-changer, stimulating let-down at a rapid 70 cycles per minute – perfect for moms who need that extra boost. Once the milk is flowing, the S2 lets you fully customize your expression with adjustable cycles from 38-54cpm and vacuum from levels 1-12.

On the other hand, the Medela Pump in Style puts up a fair fight with its Let-down and Expression modes. It starts off strong in Let-down mode, delivering a quick, light suction to stimulate let-down. But after 1 minute, it automatically switches to the slower Expression mode without giving you control. While it offers a wide range of 10 vacuum levels, the Pump in Style falls short by lacking adjustable cycle speeds.

When comparing manual control, the Spectra S2 again has the upper hand. You have complete control to switch from Massage to Expression mode with the touch of a button. With the Pump in Style, you have to press a button to return to Let-down mode, but can’t override the auto switch to Expression.

While both pumps aim to optimize pumping, the Spectra S2 comes out on top by letting moms fully customize their settings across both modes.

• Winner: Spectra S2

S2 vs Pump in Style – Suction Level

The Spectra S2 offers adjustable suction with a maximum strength of 270 mmHg. It has 12 different suction levels that can be controlled through the buttons on the interface. Spectra recommends starting on a lower level and slowly increasing to find a comfortable vacuum. The levels allow you to customize the suction to your needs during each pumping session.

The Medela Pump in Style also provides adjustable suction across 10 different levels. Its maximum suction is slightly higher than the Spectra at 295 mmHg when single pumping. The suction levels are controlled through an intuitive dial on the pump that allows you to easily adjust the vacuum strength while pumping.

Both pumps have hospital-grade suction capabilities, with the Medela reaching a higher maximum. However, the Spectra offers more incremental suction levels to precisely control the vacuum pressure. The adjustable levels allow you to respond to changing needs throughout your pumping journey.

• Winner: Medela

Spectra vs Medela – Material

When it comes to high-quality construction, the Spectra S2 surges ahead of the Medela Pump in Style. The S2 utilizes silicone, the superior material, for its parts that come in contact with breast milk. That includes the flanges, tubing, and backflow protectors – all made from hygienic, hospital-grade silicone. This gives the S2 an undeniable edge in safety and ease of cleaning.

The Pump in Style puts up a decent fight with its blend of BPA-free plastic, silicone, and PVC. But make no mistake, plastic simply can’t compete with the durability and hygienic properties of silicone. While the Pump in Style uses silicone for essential components like tubing, other parts like the bottles are plastic.

For moms who demand only the highest quality materials for pumping their liquid gold, the Spectra S2 is the clear winner. The extensive use of silicone in parts that touch breast milk gives it a commanding lead over the Medela’s scattered silicone and plastic construction. When it comes to material superiority, the S2’s silicone shield is unbeatable.

• Winner: Spectra S2

Spectra vs Medela – Portability

When comparing portability, the Medela Pump in Style wins by a landslide. It’s super lightweight, weighing just 1.18 lbs, while the Spectra S2 is a hefty 3.3 lbs. That’s a huge 2-pound difference, making the Pump in Style much easier to carry around, especially for busy moms.

The Pump in Style is designed for convenience, fitting easily into a purse or glove box with its compact black bag. On the other hand, the Spectra S2 is bulkier and needs more space, like in a suitcase or large bag. Even though the S2 has a battery option, it’s still a pain to lug around because of its weight.

For moms who need to be on the move, the Medela Pump in Style is the clear winner for keeping hands free and being lightweight. When you’re juggling kids and all their stuff, every ounce matters, and the Pump in Style makes pumping on the go much easier compared to the bulky Spectra S2.

• Winner: Medela

Spectra S2 vs Medela Pump in Style – Noise Level

The Spectra S2 is an extremely quiet pump, operating at just 45 decibels. It is similar to the gentle background noise level of a library. The S2 has an ultra-quiet motor designed for discreet pumping whether at work, home, or in public. Its tranquil noise level allows mothers to pump without disturbance or drawing unwanted attention.

In comparison, the Medela Pump in Style runs at a noticeably louder 58 decibels according to some reports. This volume is equivalent to the noise of a typical conversation. While the Pump in Style does give options to adjust suction and has technologies to create a gentle pumping motion, its motor itself produces greater noise.

For mothers needing to pump while remaining quiet at the office, when pumping nearby sleeping babies, or wishing to pump discretely in public, the Spectra S2 is the superior choice. Its library-like 45-decibel noise rating makes it the quietest pump on the market. The Pump in Style, while not excessively noisy, operates over 10 decibels louder which can make a significant difference in sound. When it comes to the most discreet pumping experience, the Spectra S2 clearly surpasses the Pump in Style in quietness.

• Winner: Spectra S2

S2 vs Medela – Display

The Spectra S2 has a digital LCD that allows you to easily view and control settings. It shows the 12 different suction levels, the cycle speed in RPMs, and the remaining battery life. The larger screen makes it straightforward to monitor and adjust your settings with a simple touch of a button.

The Medela Pump in Style has a smaller display in comparison. It shows basic information like battery level, duration pumped, and what mode and level you are using. However, the screen is more limited in size and capabilities compared to the S2’s full digital interface. The Pump in Style relies more heavily on its manual buttons to control settings.

When it comes to ease of use and convenience, the Spectra S2’s expansive LCD screen is advantageous. You can view your vacuum levels, speed, and battery at just a quick glance. The digital interface allows for the programming of customizable pumping profiles as well. With the Pump in Style, you have to rely more on pushing buttons and remembering your settings based on the smaller display.

All in all, the Spectra S2 offers more pumping control and transparency through its digital display.

• Winner: Spectra S2

Spectra S2 vs Medela – Ease of Cleaning

When it comes to ease of cleaning, the Spectra S2 mops the floor with the Medela Pump in Style. The S2 is designed for effortless cleaning with its silicone parts that lift away milk residue with just a quick wash and rinse. No need to scrub away caked-on milk from cheap plastic crevices like with the Pump in Style.

The Spectra’s smooth silicone pieces simply need a fast brushing or toss in the dishwasher to come out sparkling clean. But the Pump in Style’s motley crew of plastic parts demands more tedious scrubbing and detailed disassembly to get them really clean. Sure, Medela offers some cleaning shortcuts, but nothing beats the S2’s easy-breezy silicone clean-up.

For busy moms with no time or patience for scrubbing bottles and valves, the Spectra S2 is the pump for easy cleaning. Its silicone construction makes sanitizing fast and frustration-free. While the Pump in Style puts up a fight, when you’re racing against crusted milk and meltdowns, the S2’s silicone is a total knock-out.

• Winner: Spectra S2

Final Verdict

When it comes to choosing the best electric breast pump, both the Spectra S2 and Medela Pump in Style offer quality performance and reliability for nursing mothers. However, the customizable settings, quiet motor, full LCD display, and affordability of the Spectra S2 give it a slight edge for moms who prioritize adjustability and discretion.

While the Pump in Style wins for maximum suction and portability, its mixed construction and noise level leave something to be desired. For mothers seeking hospital-grade pumping with features tailored to their needs, the Spectra S2 is the champion in this head-to-head battle. With its balance of customization, quietness, value, and high-end construction, the S2 hits the sweet spot for an all-around exceptional double electric pump. Not to be missed, the Spectra S2 is also cost-effective when compared to Medela Pump in Style.