Medela Pump In Style Vs Spectra S2

Are you trying to decide between Medela Pump In Style Vs Spectra S2?

Then let us help you decide which is best for you and your baby: Spectra s2 plus vs Medela pump in style!

There are lots of different types of breast pumps on the market, and the range of choice can be quite daunting. 

Two of the most popular breast pumps are Medela Pump In Style and Spectra S2. But which one is better?

We have compared the two breast pumps, looking at their features, pros, and cons to help you decide which product is going to be best for you.

And if you love this Medela in style vs Spectra s2 breast pump comparisons guide, make sure to check out our guides on Motif Luna vs Medela Pump In Style, Spectra S1 vs S2 vs S9, and how to power pump with Spectra s2. Or even our Medela Symphony Vs Spectra S2 review!

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Medela Pump In Style vs Spectra S2

Let’s dive in and take a look how the Medela pump in style advanced vs Spectra s2 compare.

All About Medela Pump In Style 

The Medela Pump In Style is a double-sided electric breast pump. It was developed by Dr. Daniela Zini and her husband Dr. Robert Zini.

It was first introduced in 2008 and since then it has quickly become one of the most widely used breast pumps on the market today.

The Medela Pump In Style is made up of four different parts: the breast shield, the milk collection bottle, the electric motor, and the milk storage bottle.

The breast shield is the part of the breast pump that sits on top of the breast and collects milk when you are expressing milk from the breasts.

The breast shield can be removed easily so that you can change the size of the nipple hole. 

The milk collection bottle is where all the milk collected from the breast shield goes.

It is attached to the breast shield and holds approximately 2.5 oz of milk at a time. 

The milk collection bottle is removable so that you can empty it whenever you want.

The electric motor is located underneath the milk collection bottle. It works together with the breast shield to help move the milk through the tubing.

The electric motor is powered by batteries which means that you have to charge the batteries before using the breast pump.

The last component of the Medela Pump In Style breast pump is the milk storage bottle.

This is where all the milk stored from the breast shield and the milk collection bottle goes.

The milk storage bottle is connected to the breast shield and the electric motor via tubes. The milk storage bottle can hold about 4 oz of milk.

Pros

• Large capacity – stores up to 4 oz of milk at once
• Comfortable design
• Easy to use
• Closed system for easy cleaning

Cons

• No display
• Not cordless

All About Spectra S2

The Spectra S2 is one of the most popular hospital-grade twin electric breast pumps available on the market.

It offers a massage mode, as well as 12 various levels of strength for you to choose from. 

A rechargeable battery is not included with this pump, but it is almost identical in design to its sibling pump, the Spectra S1, which also has a rechargeable battery. 

The S2 may be used in either a single or double pump configuration, and all of the attachments are simply interchangeable.

It is a closed-system pump of hospital-grade quality that features backflow protection, an LCD display, and a nightlight for added convenience and safety.

It is one of the most effective pumps for those who have low milk production levels.

Pros

• Very quiet
• Low cost 
• Closed-system
• Can double or single pump 

Cons

• Not portable 

Spectra s2 Plus Breast Pump vs Medela Pump In Style

Now you’ve got a better understanding of these breast pumps individually, let’s compare some of the key product features.

Similarities Between Spectra s2 vs Medela Pump in Style

There are lots of things that these two breast pumps have in common. Here are some of the main features that they share:

Closed System 

Both the Spectra S2 and Medela Pump in Style are closed systems which means that they have a ‘milk barrier’ that prevents the milk overflowing and leaking into the pump mechanism, and helps ensure your expressed milk travels through a hygienic route.

A closed off system is ideal for an electric breast pump as it means you don’t have to worry about the difficult task of trying to clean milk out of the tubing to prevent mold and bacteria from growing.

Versatile 

They are both double-sided breast pumps which can also be used as single-sided breast pumps if you need to.

This means that if you are breastfeeding your baby you can attach a breast pump to the other breast to catch any leaking milk and prevent it from going to waste. 

Corded 

Both electric breast pumps plug into a power source with a cord. 

External Tubing 

Both breast pumps collect the milk via external tubing that connects to the milk bottles rather than being one single unit like the Elvie breast pump. 

Car Adapter 

Both breast pumps are compatible with a car adaptor so you can pump even when you are traveling. However, the car adaptor needs to be purchased separately for both products. 

Closed System

Both pumps have backflow protection. This means that the milk cannot get to the filter and cause any damage. 

Auto Shut Off 

Both breast pumps will automatically turn off after 30 minutes which means that you don’t have to worry about falling asleep during pumping.

It also means you can get on with reading or working on your laptop and get distracted while you are pumping. 

Differences Between Pump in Style vs Spectra s2

Even though the two products share a lot of common features, they are different in many ways. Their differences will help you to decide which breast pump is going to be the best option for you.

Here are the most prominent differences:

Hospital Grade 

The Spectra S2 is a hospital-grade breast pump whereas the Medela Pump In Style is not hospital grade. 

Power 

Both breast pumps come with a cord to plug into a power supply. However, the Medela also has a battery pack that takes AA batteries and can be used cordless whereas the Spectra needs to be plugged in at all times. 

Breast Shields 

Both breast pumps come with a 24mm breast shield, but the Medeala comes with an additional 21mm breast shield whereas the Spectra comes with a 28mm breast shield. 

Weight 

The Spectra is very lightweight at only 2 pounds whereas the Medela is much heavier at 7 pounds. 

Suction Settings 

The Medela pump has two settings that are designed to mimic the natural nursing habits of babies to encourage milk expression.

The Spectra S2 has three settings that give you more opportunity to customize the pumping experience to suit your body. 

Display 

The Spectra S2 has a night light and an LCD display which makes it much easier to pump at night.

The Medela does not have a night light or a display, only simple dials to control the settings. 

Timer 

The Medela does not have a timer. The Spectra S2 has a built-in timer which makes it easier to keep track of how long you have been pumping without having to look at your phone or your watch. 

Noise 

The Spectra S2 is significantly quieter than the Medela breast pump which makes it better suited to nighttime pumping as it will not wake your sleeping baby. 

Pump Bag 

The Spectra S2 doesn’t come with a pump bag, but you can purchase one separately along with some extra bottles as part of a bundle available from Spectra Baby USA.

The Medela Pump In Style comes with a choice of three cooler bags- a tote style, a backpack, or a metro bag. 

What Are The Different Modes For?

The Medela In Style Pump has two modes: Let down mode (also called massage mode) and expression mode. The Spectra S2 also has these two modes, and additional options to adjust the cycle speed and vacuum speed.

Let’s take a look at what all of these modes do:

Let Down Mode/Massage Mode 

This mode produces a fast suction but light to mimic a hungry baby when it is first latching on to the nipple. This encourages your milk to begin to flow to the nipple. 

Expression Mode 

This is a more intense type of suction that is deeper yet slower than massage mode. This is more similar to when the baby has settled into feeding and has a good rhythm. This is when you will express the most milk. 

Cycle Speed 

With the Spectra S2, you can adjust the cycle speed. This means you can change how many breast pulls are carried out per minute for faster or slower pumping.

Each body works differently, so you will need to experiment to find out what works best in terms of comfort and efficiency. 

Vacuum Speed 

You can also change the vacuum speed on the Spectra S2. This is the strength of the suction.

Some women need powerful suction to express lots of milk as it doesn’t come out with gentle suction. 

Which Pump Is Better: Spectra s2 vs Medela Pump?

There are pros and cons to each pump. Deciding which product is better comes down to what your individual needs are. 

The Medela pump only has two settings and it doesn’t have an LCD display, only basic dials to control the suction, and is slightly more expensive than the Spectra S2/

It is quite loud, and it is also fiddly to clean because of the tubing. However, the main advantage of the Medela pump over the Spectra S2 is that it can be used cordless with the battery pack, and it comes with a pump storage bag which is very useful and saves you from having to buy one separately. 

The Spectra S2 is more afforadable than the Medela pump and is a hospital-grade product. However, it has to be plugged into a power source at all times which means you cannot use it on the go, but it is perfect for pumping at home. 

You have lots of options when it comes to the suction settings which means that you can ensure that the pump suits your body and your needs.

It operates very quietly which is ideal for nighttime pumping, and you can use the night light and the LCD display if you are pumping in a dark room.

The closed system makes the pump much easier to keep clean. The Spectra S2 is also much lighter than the Medela pump. 

So, to decide which pump will be best for you, it is important to establish your budget. If you can afford either of the products, then you should think about what your priorities are.

If being able to use the pump unplugged is very important to you then you should choose the Medela.

If you are happy to use the pump plugged into a power source and you care more about the efficiency and performance of the pump then go for the Spectra S2. 

FAQs on Medela vs Spectra s2

Final Thoughts on Spectra 2 vs Medela Pump in Style

So, those are all the similarities and differences between the Medela Pump in Style vs Spectra s2 – but which one is the better product?

Whilst both pumps are great choices, overall, we would choose the Spectra s2 for it’s hospital grade, nighttime pumping functionality, and lower price.

We hope this guide on Spectra 2 vs Medela in style has helped you decide which pump will best suit your needs.

And if you’re looking for more great guides, make sure to check out these guides on Spectra S1 vs Medela, best mini fridge for breast milk, and best bottles for breastfed babies. Or even our Medela Freestyle Flex review!