Comparing Spectra S1 vs S2 Breast Pumps (2023)

Choosing the right breast pump is a crucial decision for new mothers, as it can significantly impact their breastfeeding journey and overall experience. With numerous options available in the market, it’s essential to find a pump that caters to your needs and preferences. Spectra S1 vs S2 have emerged as popular choices among mothers, thanks to their impressive features and performance. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of Spectra S1 vs S2, comparing their similarities, differences, and user experiences to help you make an informed decision. So let’s get started!

Short Summary

• Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 pumps offer adjustable cycle speed, suction levels, hospital-grade strength & double electric breast pump functionality.
• Spectra S1 offers greater portability and longer battery life than Spectra S2 for added convenience.
• Positive user experiences include strong suction, quiet operation & portability. While some users report size issues with both pumps.

Spectra S1 and S2: Key Similarities

At first glance, Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps may seem quite similar, and indeed they share several key features. Both pumps have:

• A closed system
• Adjustable cycle speed
• Double electric breast pump functionality
• Hospital-grade strength

These similarities contribute to their popularity and make them a top choice for many mothers.

In the following subsections, we’ll delve deeper into each of these similarities, exploring how they benefit users and enhance the overall pumping experience.

Closed System

A closed system is a design feature that prevents milk from entering the suction tubes, ensuring a safe and hygienic pumping experience. This is a significant advantage, as it minimizes the risk of bacterial growth and contamination. Spectra S1 and S2 both employ a closed system, featuring built-in backflow protection to keep the milk separate from the pump parts.

In addition to providing a safe and clean pumping environment, this closed system design also makes cleaning and maintenance much easier. With fewer parts coming into contact with the milk, there’s less to worry about when it comes to sterilization and upkeep. This can be a massive plus for busy moms who have little time to spare for pump maintenance.

Adjustable Cycle Speed

Both Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps offer:

• Adjustable cycle speed
• Adjustable suction levels
• 5 levels of suction in Massage mode
• 12 levels of suction strength (up to 270 mmHg)

This adjustability is essential, as every mother’s body is different, and finding the right settings can make a significant difference in milk output and overall comfort.

But what exactly are massage and expression modes? Massage mode is designed to stimulate milk letdown, while this mode mimics a baby’s natural nursing pattern to help with milk flow. With Spectra S1 and S2, you can easily switch between these modes and adjust the settings according to your needs, ensuring a more efficient and pleasant pumping experience.

Double Electric Breast Pump

Spectra S1 and S2 are double electric breast pumps, enabling simultaneous pumping from both breasts. This feature saves time and increases efficiency, as double pumping can yield almost 20% more milk than single pumping and produce milk with a higher fat content. For mothers who need to pump frequently due to low milk supply or exclusive pumping, this can be a game-changer.

Users of Spectra S1 and S2 have reported positive experiences with the double pump feature, highlighting its effectiveness and ease of use. The ability to pump both breasts at the same time not only saves precious minutes during a busy day, but also helps maintain a consistent milk supply, making Spectra S1 and S2 an excellent choice for new moms.

Hospital-Grade Strength

Both Spectra S1 and S2 are considered hospital-grade breast pumps, meaning they provide strong and efficient pumping performance. This is particularly beneficial for mothers with low milk supply or those who need to pump frequently. Hospital-grade pumps typically have stronger motors, higher levels of suction, and mimic a baby’s natural stimulation and milk removal more effectively than personal-use pumps.

Positive user experiences attest to the hospital-grade strength of the Spectra breast pump, particularly the Spectra S1 and S2, with many praising their powerful suction and efficient pumping capabilities. For mothers who need a reliable and robust pump to support their breastfeeding journey, Spectra breast pumps, including the S1 and S2 models, can be an excellent choice to consider.

Spectra S1 and S2: Key Differences

While Spectra S1 and S2 share many similarities, there are some crucial differences that set them apart. The most notable difference is the built-in rechargeable battery in Spectra S1, which enhances its portability. Additionally, there are slight variations in price and weight between the two pumps.

In the following subsections, we’ll explore each of these differences in detail, helping you determine which pump best suits your needs and preferences.

Portability and Battery Life

The built-in rechargeable battery in Spectra S1 sets it apart from Spectra S2 in terms of portability. With a battery life of up to 3 hours when fully charged, S1 allows mothers to pump on-the-go without needing access to a power outlet. This can be a significant advantage for busy moms who need to pump during work breaks, while traveling, or in any situation where access to electricity is limited.

Spectra S2, on the other hand, requires an external battery pack or a power outlet for operation, making it less portable than its S1 counterpart. However, it’s essential to weigh the importance of portability against other factors such as price and weight when deciding between the two pumps.

Price

The price difference between Spectra S1 and S2 is mainly due to the built-in battery in S1, making it more expensive than S2. While it’s essential to consider your budget when choosing a breast pump, it’s also crucial to weigh the benefits and features of each pump against their respective price tags.

For some mothers, the increased portability and convenience offered by Spectra S1 may justify the higher price. In contrast, others may prefer the more affordable Spectra S2 and find alternative solutions for pumping on-the-go, such as purchasing an external battery pack or investing in a portable breast pump.

Check out the Spectra Pumps on Amazon

• Spectra S1 on Amazon
• Spectra S2 on Amazon

Weight

Spectra S1 is slightly heavier than S2 due to the presence of the built-in battery, weighing 3.3 lbs compared to S2’s 2.9 lbs. However, the difference in weight is minimal and may not significantly impact users’ experiences.

It’s important to keep in mind that both Spectra S1 and S2 are designed to be lightweight and portable, with the slight difference in weight unlikely to be a deciding factor for most mothers. Instead, factors such as battery life, price, and overall performance should take precedence when choosing between the two pumps.

Accessories and Compatibility

Spectra S1 and S2, both popular spectra pump models, come with standard accessories, including bottles, valves, and flanges, with additional accessories available for purchase separately. Additionally, these pumps are compatible with various baby bottles, making them a versatile choice for mothers who may already have a collection of bottles from other brands.

In the following subsections, we’ll discuss the accessories included with Spectra S1 and S2, as well as the compatibility of these pumps with different baby bottles.

Included Accessories

Both Spectra pumps come with a set of standard accessories, including bottles, valves, and flanges. These accessories ensure that you have everything you need to start pumping right away. However, additional accessories such as a breast pump bag and premium accessory kit can be purchased separately, providing added convenience and customization options.

Having a comprehensive set of accessories for pumping, including a pumping bra, can:

• Make the pumping experience more comfortable and efficient
• Ensure that you have replacements on hand for worn out or damaged parts
• Be especially important for mothers who are exclusively pumping or need to pump frequently.

Compatible Bottles

Spectra pumps are compatible with a variety of baby bottles, including:

• Avent
• MAM
• Medela (with adapter)
• Kiinde (with adapter)
• Dr. Brown’s (with adapter)

This compatibility allows you to use your existing baby bottles or choose from a wide range of options when purchasing new ones, making these pumps an adaptable choice for mothers with different preferences.

Having the flexibility to use various baby bottles with your breast pump can simplify the feeding process, as you won’t need to transfer milk between different containers. This not only saves time, but also minimizes the risk of spillage and contamination.

User Experience and Reviews

Understanding the experiences of other users can provide valuable insights into the pros and cons of Spectra pumps. In this section, we’ll explore positive and negative experiences reported by users, shedding light on the real-world performance of these pumps and helping you make a more informed decision.

Keep in mind that individual experiences may vary, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. However, gathering a range of perspectives can help you identify common trends and patterns that may be relevant to your own pumping journey during your pumping sessions.

Positive Experiences

Users of the Spectra S1 have praised its strong suction, quiet operation, and portability, with many noting that the built-in battery is a significant advantage for pumping on-the-go. These positive experiences highlight the benefits of choosing Spectra S1, particularly for busy moms who need a reliable and portable pumping solution.

Similarly, Spectra S2 has received positive feedback for its strong suction, quiet operation, and efficient pumping performance. As a hospital-grade breast pump, S2 is particularly well-suited for mothers with low milk supply or those who need to pump frequently, providing powerful and effective support for their breastfeeding journey.

Negative Experiences

Despite the many positive experiences reported by users, there have also been some negative experiences with Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps. Some users have mentioned issues with the size of the pumps, finding them too big and bulky for their needs. Additionally, there have been complaints about the extraction strength, with some users feeling that the pumps don’t have enough suction to get all the milk out.

Another concern raised by some users is the pumps’ inability to perfectly mimic a baby’s natural nursing pattern. While this may not be a universal issue, it’s essential to consider these negative experiences when evaluating the overall performance of Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps.

Check out Spectra Breast Pumps Reviews on Amazon

• Spectra S1 on Amazon
• Spectra S2 on Amazon

Spectra S1 vs Medela Pump Comparison

When comparing Spectra pumps to another popular breast pump option, the Medela Pump, several differences become apparent. In terms of noise level, Spectra S1 is louder at 45 decibels, while the decibel level for the Medela Pump is not specified. However, this difference may not be a significant factor for some users, who prioritize other features such as lifespan and overall performance.

Users have reported that Spectra S1 and S2 have longer lifespans compared to the Medela Pump, making them a more durable and reliable choice for long-term use. With these comparisons in mind, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each pump and consider which features are most important to you when making a decision.

Summary

In this blog post, we’ve explored the similarities and differences between Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps, delving into their features, accessories, compatibility, and user experiences. Both pumps offer a closed system, adjustable cycle speed, double electric breast pump functionality, and hospital-grade strength, making them top choices for many mothers.

Ultimately, the decision between Spectra S1 and S2 will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If portability and battery life are your top priorities, Spectra S1 may be the better choice. However, if you’re more concerned with price and don’t mind the absence of a built-in battery, the Spectra S2 could be the right fit. Whichever pump you choose, we hope this comparison has provided you with valuable insights to support your breastfeeding journey and help you find the perfect pump for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting Spectra S1 over S2?

The Spectra S1 is definitely worth getting because of its rechargeable battery – it’ll make pumping easier and more convenient. So go ahead and grab the S1 if you can!

What is the difference between Spectra Si and S2?

The main difference between the Spectra S1 and S2 is that the S1 has a built-in rechargeable battery, whereas the S2 only comes with an AC Adapter for power.

Can I use other baby bottles with Spectra S1 and S2?

Yes, you can use other baby bottle brands with Spectra S1 and S2 – Avent, MAM, Medela (with adapter), Kiinde (with adapter), and Dr. Brown’s (with adapter) are all compatible.

How many suction levels do Spectra S1 and S2 offer?

Spectra breast pumps both offer 5 levels of suction in Massage mode and 12 levels of suction strength in Expression mode, up to 270 mmHg.

How does Spectra S1 compare to Medela Pump in terms of noise level?

The Spectra S1 is noticeably louder than the Medela Pump, clocking in at 45 decibels while the decibel level of the Medela Pump is not specified.

How Much does the Spectra S1 and S2 cost?

The Spectra pumps cost $170 to $220, depending on if you choose the S1 or the S2. Links to Amazon below will show you the current pricing and reviews.

• Spectra S1 on Amazon
• Spectra S2 on Amazon