Elvie vs. Spectra Breast Pump: Best Pros and Cons Review
Elvie vs. Spectra Breast Pump: Best Pros and Cons Review
After testing both pumps, I wanted to share my honest, unsponsored opinion about the Elvie vs. Spectra Breast Pump in a breast pump review. I stumbled into exclusive pumping after many painful, failed nursing experiences with my daughter. Even after seeing a lactation consultant consistently, nursing was not a fit.
After having my son, I was pleasantly surprised how well we hit it off with nursing. It was a natural fit. However, within two weeks, I found myself gravitating towards exclusive pumping again. Especially as I get ready to transition back to in person meetings, pumping at work is a consideration for me.
Why I prefer pumping:
I quickly became appreciative of how consistent pumping is to follow. There are many tips online to maximize your supply. The most basic rule of thumb is to pump every two hours as your supply builds.
Sometimes women stray away from pumping because it can be tedious to clean the parts. Don't get me wrong, it is, but I've always loved that I know the quantity of food my baby is eating.
Plus, I found with my second baby that pumping was faster. If I nursed, he would eat every two hours. However, if I pumped, I could stretch him longer. Plus, he started sleeping through the night at 7 weeks!
It also drove me batty nursing during the day with one breast at a time. I found that unless I had a milk collection cup, like the haaka, it became a really tedious process. Plus, two to three hours seemed to pass by much faster nursing than pumping.
With my first daughter, I had the Spectra S1 pump, which is a hospital grade breast pump; however, it was not portable. With a toddler running around, I need a wearable breast pump that's hands free. I ordered the Spectra S9 through insurance and a friend gave me the Elvie pump.
I've also heard of the Freemie liberty and Medela pump in style, but don't have personal experiences with them.
Fit and Feel:
The fit and feel is very different between the Elvie breast pump and S9 Spectra Pump. The S9 Spectra Pump has a very basic, consistent feel like other breast pumps. You wear the beautiful, sexy pumping bra (I joke) and have the large cups sticking out.
With the Elvie pump, it truly fits into your nursing bra. I have a basic nursing bra from Target that works really well. I've also heard good things about this bra from Amazon. It's also easy to slip on and turn on.
However, I find that it's tough to get it to stay in place if you're truly moving around. Every time I have bent down wearing it, I leak.
While the Elvie pump is easier to hide, I've had problems with it slipping and leaking. I feel much more secure in the Spectra S9.
Fit & Feel Winner in Elvie vs. Spectra Breast Pump Review: Spectra S9
Battery Life:
I have roughly 6 pumping sessions per day, and I can make it all day with my S9 Spectra Pump. Each session is 15-20 minutes.
With the Elvie pump, I need to recharge about half way through the day. There also is not much of a warning with the Elvie pump. A red light will come on when you're low on battery and it dies shortly after.
With the Spectra S9, there are three bars at the top within the battery image that gradually drop down. The first bar lasts a while and I've even gotten a full pumping session with the battery flashing (aka dying), so it gives you plenty of warning.
Both pumps have rechargeable batteries.
Battery Life Winner in Elvie vs. Spectra Breast Pump Review: Spectra S9
Production:
I started using both pumps around 2 weeks and initially produced the same amount. However, once I hit 4 weeks, I started producing significantly more (at least 20%) when I pump with the Spectra S9 vs. the Elvie pump.
If I'm going to take the time to pump, I definitely want to produce as much as I can.
Production Breast Pump Review Winner: Spectra S9
Parts & Cleaning:
Let's face it, when you look at all of the pumps on the market, none are fun to clean. The wireless breast pumps are no different. Each have several parts to clean.
While they're both annoying, I find that the Spectra S9 is slightly easier to clean. It has a few less parts. Plus, I keep them in the fridge in between pumps instead of washing them.
I can't do that with the Elvie. While it's still sanitary, the suction no longer works for me after one use - even when I use the adjustable suction feature.
Parts & Cleaning Winner in Elvie vs. Spectra Breast Pump Review: Spectra S9
Convenience:
This is an easy one. The Elvie breast pump is easily the most convenient of all electric pumps. It's conspicuous and easy to use. The chargers operate with a USB so it travels well. Plus, the Elvie breast pump is very user friendly and incredibly easy to clean.
We had a play date a few weeks ago, and I brought my Elvie pump. The other moms didn't even know I was pumping.
Convenience Winner in Elvie vs. Spectra Breast Pump Review: Elvie Pump
Spectra S9 Breast Pump Review Pros & Cons:
I really like using my Spectra S9 even though it's not technically hospital grade. I have not needed to use a breast shield with it or any other tools. It's very straightforward and consistent.
While it's annoying to put the pump bra on every few hours and it's certainly noticeable that I'm pumping, the output and consistency is worth it to me.
Elvie Breast Pump Review Pros & Cons:
I am super grateful that Jessie gave me her extra pump. It definitely comes in handy. The Elvie breast pump is incredibly convenient. If you're pumping after nursing or supplement with formula regardless, you'd love the Elvie.
The pump also seems to max out around 3.5oz per side, which I'm producing more than that now. If you're exclusively pumping, my guess is you'd need to pause and empty in order to keep producing.
Since the pump stores milk as you go, you can easily keep it in the fridge or transfer it to a storage bag. I loved the Lanitosh bags when I was pumping.
Hands Free Breast Pump Review Recommendation:
Overall, I think the Elvie is a great secondary pump. Whether you're looking at a closed system pump or a wireless breast pump, Elvie vs. Spectra S2 or Spectra S9 are two great options. With my first pregnancy, I had the Spectra S2. It feels like a hospital grade pump although is clunkier.
If you're fortunate and your insurance company covers one pump, I vote for the Spectra. It’s the closest version to a hospital grade pump, which will give you the best output. If you already have a Spectra from a previous pregnancy and can get the Elvie, it's a good second pump to have.
I'd also consider getting it second hand and doing a standard cleaning that all pumps require. If you’re an exclusive pumper, having a portable breast pump is ideal for the convenience. I shared more about my exclusive pumping experience here.
How Long Do Breast Pumps Last?
On average, breast pumps can last anywhere from 1 to 3 years, but if you take good care of them they can last longer. Check the manufacturer warranty to see how long a pump is covered - that's usually a good indicator of how long it will last.
The lifespan of a breast pump can change based on things like the brand, model, usage, and maintenance. Some of the most popular long-lasting breast pumps are the Spectra S, Elvie Pump, and Medela Pump.
Spectra breast pumps are known for their hospital-grade durability. If you take good care of it, the Spectra S can last for several years. If you think you'll be breastfeeding more than one baby, it's a great choice. Regularly clean the Spectra and use it according to the manufacturer's guidelines to get the most our of this pump.
Similar to Spectra breast pumps, the Medela brand is also known for make high-quality breast pumps with adjustable suction levels that help you get the perfect suction strength. A double electric pump made by Medela can last for years with proper cleaning and maintenance. The consistent performance is great, especially during a first-time breastfeeding journey.
Since the Elvie pump is a wearable pump, and therefore wireless, it's lifespan is going to be different from a traditional pump. The Elvie is really convenient for pumping discreetly or on the go, but the rechargeable battery won't last as long as a pump that needs to be plugged in.
As breastfeeding needs can vary, check with your insurance company to see what kind of breast pump you can get covered. Most health insurance plans often provide support in getting quality breast pumps, helping to make sure that new moms have access to reliable and efficient tools for their breastfeeding journey.
Here are a few factors to consider trying to decide how long breast pumps will last:
Quality of the Pump: The quality and build of the breast pump play a crucial role in how long it lasts. Both Spectra and Elvie are known for their high-quality pumps, which are designed to withstand regular use.
Frequency of Use: The more often you use a breast pump, the more strain it places on it. If you plan to use the pump multiple times a day like I did when exclusively pumping, it may have a shorter lifespan compared to occasional use with supplemental pumping.
Maintenance: Proper maintenance help your breast pump last longer. This includes regular cleaning, following the manufacturer's instructions for care and sterilization, and replacing worn-out parts like valves and membranes.
Wear and Tear: As with any product, there will be normal wear and tear over time. This is especially true for parts that come into direct contact with milk, like the tubing or diaphragms. Regularly inspecting and replacing worn-out parts can help your pump perform well.
Pump Motor: The motor is a crucial component of a breast pump. If the motor starts to show signs of slowing down, unusual noise, or inconsistency in suction, it may be time to buy a new pump.
People often ask if you can use a second-hand pump or use the same pump for multiple children. Yes, you absolutely can! Just make sure to purchase new replaceable parts and follow all necessary sanitation steps to safety and hygiene.
A quick comparison of traditional and wearable breast pumps
For me breastfeeding through exclusively pumping was a good option for me. If you're a first time mom, finding a quality pump that produces the most milk is ideal.
I have personally found that I produced less milk with a wireless pump; however, the convenience was very helpful. Traditional breast pumps have really strong suction power.
In my review of Elvie vs. Spectra Breast Pump, I want to share my genuine experiences with both pumps to help fellow moms make the best decision for their breastfeeding needs.
As a mom who found routine in exclusive pumping due to challenging nursing experiences, I understand the importance of a consistent and measurable way to track milk production. While the cleaning process of pump parts can be tedious, knowing the exact quantity of milk your baby is getting can bring you peace of mind.
If you decide to buy a wearable breast pump, the fit and feel are very important. The Elvie breast pump is super easy to slip into a nursing bra practically undetected and is comfortable to wear. However, because it just sits in the bra it’s prone to slipping and leaking during movement, especially if you bend down. It's easy to work around this if the convenience of a wearable breast pump is important to you.
On the other hand, the Spectra S9 has a very secure fit, but you need to use a pumping bra. This means that pumping around company or public is probably out of the question, but the hospital-grade output makes it a consistently reliable choice. After using Spectra for years, I can tell you it's the only pump for me when it comes to traditional breast pumps.
Battery life is another important factor, especially for busy moms that are always on the go. In the Spectra S9 vs. Elvie Breast Pump, the Spectra S9 has a stronger battery life, lasting for multiple pumping sessions throughout the day. The clear battery indicator is also nice so moms have plenty of warning before the battery dies.
The most important factor is probably milk production capacity. In my personal experience, the Spectra S9 has consistently yielded higher milk production compared to the Elvie. If you want to maximum production, this will help you make your final decision.
As with all pumps, both the Elvie and Spectra S9 need to be thoroughly cleaned. However, the Spectra S9 has slightly fewer parts than the Elvie, so it's a little easier to clean. I can also put the parts in the fridge between pumping sessions and it still works just fine, but need to clean the Elvie between each pumping session for proper suction.
It's important to consider the lifespan of your pump if you intend to use it with multiple children. With the right care, the Spectra S can last several years as a reliable and consistent breastfeeding solution for new moms. I was able to use it with my first child and second child easily.
The Elvie Pump is well known for its portability. With its discreet design and rechargeable battery, the Elvie Pump is the most convenient solution for on-the-go pumping. If taken care of, the Elvie Pump can be a reliable choice for busy moms.
Because of the rechargeable battery, wearable pumps like the Elvie probably won't last as long as traditional electric breast pumps. It's convenient to not need to be plugged into the wall, but the battery will eventually nee to be replaced. The Elvie pump also has a companion app that is useful for new moms navigating breastfeeding for the first time.
Don't forget to check with your insurance provider to see what type of pump they cover. Most insurance companies will cover the cost of an entire pump. Some insurance providers have options between different pumps like portable pumps, manual pumps, and traditional electric pumps.
Spectra S9 vs. Elvie: Which is the Best Breast Pump?
The Spectra S9 and Elvie are both great pumps with different strengths. The decision ultimately depends on your personal preferences and unique needs.
As you explore different breast pumps, consider whether you need the convenience of a wearable pump or the milk production of a hospital-grade pump. If you can only pick one, I recommend the Spectra S9 for its more reliable battery and higher milk output.
If you already have a traditional pump and want a supplemental wearable pump, I think the Elvie is the best wearable breast pump.
As with all pumps, make sure to follow sanitation guidelines and use the right parts. The correct flange size makes a huge difference with comfort and milk production.
I hope this gives you good reason to order your new breast pump!
Hi, I’m Jen!
Hi, I’m Jen, your perpetually optimistic, fun-loving, witty friend. When I’m not working at The Marketing Greenhouse, you can find me gardening in the sun, playing games with my kids or creating content that inspires people to try new things and be the best version of themselves.
