Wanting to compare breast pumps?

You asked for it, and we provided... We've tried to create a simple, all inclusive comparison graph so that you can easily compare and contrast Spectra's breast pumps at a glance. You'll probably need some explanation of terms to help you compare breast pumps as well, so here goes: Grade - all Spectra breast pumps have a closed system, which means they're hygienic for use by multiple users, but our hospital grade breast pumps have a bigger motor, so they bear up under heavy use. Think V8 vs 4 cyclinder - while both will tow well on a flat road, the V8 will perform better going uphill. In the same sort of way, both personal use and hospital grade breast pumps are fine for normal use, but if you're relying on your breast pump for exclusive pumping or to build supply, get a hospital grade breast pump. Suction strength - this is measured in mmHg. All Spectra breast pumps are extremely strong and you're unlikely to use them on maximum setting. The Dew 350 does have the strongest suction, but you will find when double pumping that there doesn't seem much difference in strength between the Dew 350 and S2. In fact, because the S2 has extra cycle speed settings, you may need a lower suction strength. Note - because the hospital grade pumps have a bigger motor than the portable pumps, they will maintain suction strength better. For example, although the S2 and the S9+ both have suction strength over 300mmHg, the S2 may give you a better performance if you're double pumping on a higher suction level. Cycle speed - this is how often the pump 'sucks' per minute. For some women, varying the cycle speed can make a big difference, especially if you've been breastfeeding for longer and your body is very used to your bub. Letdown mode - Some Spectra pumps have a 'massage mode' to encourage letdown. Letdown is the physiological process that occurs when your body responds to your baby's signals and starts the milk flow. Babies tend to have a light, quick suckling pattern when they're telling mum to get things started, and the massage mode of Spectra pumps copies this. Once milk is flowing, you swap to regular expressing mode, which is slower and stronger. Closed system - this means that there's a complete physical barrier between your milk and the pump motor. This is very important and is a feature missing from many very well known brands. If the pump has an 'open system' then milk particles and moisture can travel down the tubing and enter the pump motor, where it is impossible to clean properly or sterilise. Over time, this can lead to mould inside the pump, and it also means that sharing a pump with an 'open system' is a possible source of virus transmission (this is why you should never buy a second-hand breast pump with an open system, even if you buy a new milk collection kit, you cannot sterilise the actual pump!). Spectra has this covered - all our pumps have a closed system to protect your breastmilk and the pump motor.