Spectra S1 Plus Review

What sets the Spectra brand apart is not just their pumps but also their ownership and management. They are proudly owned and run by moms who were also a Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Consultant.

Efficiency

The effectiveness of a breast pump significantly impacts the ability to express milk quickly. The S1 Plus delivered consistent results in our tests, outperforming the others. The positive feedback we received from our lactating testers reinforced our in-lab findings.

The S1 Plus yields the same quantity of milk from the Emulait bottle but within a shorter timeframe than most competitors. It maintained a strong and consistent latch during our testing, pumping at a rate of 0.55 oz of milk per minute. This resulted in 5.5 oz after 10 minutes. Other competitors needed more time, with some taking as long as 20 minutes to reach this amount. When pumping time is everything and most moms would like it to be over as quickly as possible. As one tester stated, “I am so happy to be done, and this option made that happen a lot quicker than other pumps.”

Also, our pressure gauge readings matched the manufacturer's claim of 270 mmHg, and this positively impacted the S1's score in this metric. We believe this match matters because it makes users more confident about the pump's performance, increasing the chances that it will deliver consistent and successful milk expression.

Comfort

This metric takes into account factors that we believe increase the likelihood of comfort for a mom. These include the available flange sizes and materials and the pump's ability to offer a diverse variety of settings to accommodate moms' varied needs and pumping preferences.

While testing, the S1 Plus emerged with flying colors. It caused no pain during pumping or any soreness afterward, and the positive feedback from our testers regarding comfort suggests that this pump has the potential to support breastfeeding moms in maintaining their pumping routine.

This pump is equipped with plastic flanges in 24mm and 28mm, and the manufacturer offers additional sizes (20mm and 32mm). The S1 Plus offers a wide range of settings to customize your pumping sessions. Both massage and expression modes have multiple options and a range of vacuum power levels to select from, including an impressive 12 power levels in expression mode.

Ease of Use

A user-friendly pump can be a game-changer for pumping moms, especially when time is of the essence. Nobody wants to fumble through complicated settings while juggling a busy day. Compared to the competition, the S1 Plus is straightforward to set up and use.

Navigating the S1 Plus is easy, especially with its user-friendly manual. It's a breeze to set up; just plug in or use the built-in, rechargeable battery. It also features a built-in night light and bottle holder for added convenience. The digital display, while easy to read, lacks a backlight, making it hard to read in the dark. The screen displays information like cycle and suction settings, along with pumping duration. This pump is designed to turn off automatically after 30 minutes and remember your current settings for your next pumping session.

The pump's screen doesn't have a backlight, which can be a bit challenging to read in the dark, but it's perfectly fine in well-lit rooms. You can also adjust the night light to off, low, or high settings. The pump has a comfortable handle on top for easy lifting, carrying, and positioning on a table. It also comes with a built-in bottle holder for added convenience.

Portability

The inclusion of a built-in rechargeable battery benefits the Spectra's portability, and it can operate for up to 3 hours on one single charge. However, compared to others, it's bulky and large. Weighing 2.9 lbs, it's heavier than most.

Compared to others, the Spectra S1 Plus is quieter for an electric pump. It produces sounds more like a gentle whisper, and we don't find them disruptive. If someone is particularly sensitive to noise or is a very light sleeper, it's possible that it may wake them. But overall, we think it's relatively quiet for a powerful pump.

Hygiene

The process can require more effort with multiple parts that require cleaning and assembly. This keeps the Spectra S1 Plus from scoring higher, but it has a closed system, and that's a bonus.

This pump has “backflow hygienic protectors” designed to prevent the buildup of condensation in the tubing. This provides users with peace of mind as condensation can potentially become a breeding ground for microbes. While there are eight individual pump parts, which may sound like a lot, they are easy to take apart, clean, and dry. We noticed that a standard bottle brush gets the job done, making the post-pumping routine easy to manage for busy moms.

Should You Buy the Spectra S1 Plus?

There isn't much to dislike about this pump, and for many pumping moms, the Spectra S1 Plus is their ride-or-die. Honestly, we totally get it. It has a solid performance across the board, plus impressive efficiency results in our tests. Also, it's battery-powered, allowing you to feel less trapped when pumping. We appreciate its user-friendly interface, range of pump strength levels and speeds, and handy features, like a night light. So, if you're looking for the absolute best possible breast pump, this is it. We think you will appreciate it again and again.

What Other Breast Pumps Should You Consider?

The Spectra S2 Plus is significantly cheaper than the S1 Plus, and if you don't need a battery pack, it's an appealing choice for those looking to save some money and want the proven efficiency and quality of a Spectra pump. While it didn't score quite as well as the S1, it is still one of the best in the group, and the price is tough to beat for what you get. The Baby Buddha is a competitive option for those seeking affordability and portability. It's lighter and more compact in size than the S1 Plus. Plus, it can be worn in a pumping bra which can offer more freedom of movement around the house while pumping.

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