Ah, pumping. One of the least glamorous and rarely discussed sides of being a new mom. If you are a mom who is planning to breastfeed, you’ll will want to have a breast pump on hand. It doesn’t matter if you are a stay at home, work from home, or working mom, a pump is a great tool to have!
There are many brands and options to consider, but I wanted to explain the features of the two very popular Spectra breast pumps, S1 and the S2. Overall, the one you decide to go with will depend on what your needs are, so read on to learn more about each pump.
This comparison review should help you figure out which is best for you.
| Spectra S1 vs Spectra S2 | |
| SPECTRA S1 | SPECTRA S2
|
| Battery: Rechargeable | Battery: None |
| System: Closed | System: Closed |
| Color: Blue | Color: Pink |
| Price: More | Price: Less |
See our 141 Reasons to Breastfeed and the 19 Challenges to Breastfeeding if you are still deciding which feeding method to use.
Spectra S1 and Spectra S2- Similarities
Here’s a little secret about these wildly popular Spectra pumps… they are nearly identical. You will find only two differences between the S1 and S2: price and battery. The S1 will cost you more than the S2, because it comes with a rechargeable battery. That’s it though, that battery and the price are literally the only differences! Let’s look at some of the features that both pumps have.
Closed system
Both the S1 and S2 are closed system breast pumps. That means that milk doesn’t actually get into the pump itself. This helps to keep the pump (and all that fresh milk!) free from mold and bacteria. Basically, there is no way for your milk to get contaminated when using a closed system.
Also, this gives the Spectra pumps a good resale value. Many people buy used pumps with a closed system, while it is not advisable to buy a used pump with an open system. And since the Spectra is known to be long lasting and powerful, you might be able to sell it once your own personal pumping journey ends.
Hospital Grade
While, it is well known that the breast pumps used in hospitals work about 10 times better than the average breast pump you can buy for yourself, these Spectra pumps stand out as hospital grade. And, although an unregulated term, free for anyone to use in describing their product, claiming that a pump is hospital grade generally implies that a pump is of the strongest on the market. And hospital grade also implies that a pump is a closed system, meaning that it can be used by multiple people as long as everyone has their own personal accessory kit. Short of renting a pump from a hospital, the Spectra is about the best you can get.
Personalized Settings
The option to personalize your pump settings will save you tons of time in the long run. Both the S1 and S2 offer this feature. You can adjust both the speed and the power to meet the individual needs of your body. The easy to use buttons make adjusting the settings as your milk supply changes super simple.
There are 12 different levels of suction, one is bound to work for you, and there are 3 different modes, pre-letdown, let-down, and massage… easy to change between as well!
Powerful Motor
While no breast pump can deliver the same results as a baby, both the Spectra S1 and the S2 have the same powerful motor and offer suction strengths of up to 250mmHg. This means less time spent pumping, and more milk collected per pumping session. I am one of those moms that did not enjoy pumping, so anything to make it go faster is a win in my book.
Quiet
For pumping during nap time, or discreetly at work, this pump is great. Both the S1 and S2 are pretty quiet, as far as pumps go. You can pump at work, with the door closed, and no one will be the wiser or pump at nap time, with zero chance of waking your baby. These pumps are almost silent even while in the strongest mode.
BPA Free
Personally, it’s important that any plastic I buy is BPA free. There are so many health issues when it comes to plastics, so knowing that Spectra goes the extra mile to ensure that your milk stays as plastic free as possible is a very big plus. All of the pieces that touch the milk are free of BPA.
Accessories
Both pumps come with an accessory kit which includes bottles, valves, and flanges in two different sizes. You can easily buy extra bottles and parts online. And, a huge bonus is that the pump parts from several other brands are actually compatible with these pumps which makes it even easier to find extra parts when you need them. .
Single and Double
Both the Spectra S1 and the S2 can be used as a double or single pump. These pumps are easily programmed to pump one breast at a time or both sides at once, eliminating the hassle of switching out equipment as with a typical single side pump. Bottom line, the double pump option will save you time.
Women Owned Company
An important fact for some, Spectra is owned and operated by women who are doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, and, most importantly, moms! Knowing that a woman helped to design and market this pump makes me feel better about buying it, since I know women will understand more about the needs of a pumping mom.
Spectra S1 vs S2 – What’s The Difference?
Let’s get down to the other differences between the pumps. While there are few, they are significant. The big difference between the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 breast pumps is that the the S1 has a rechargeable battery. This obviously makes it more portable than the S2 version.
The leading alternative also has a rechargeable battery.
Let’s break down those differences a little further…
The Spectra S1 does have a feature which the S2 lacks, it comes with a rechargeable battery. This means that you can pump anywhere. At a playdate in the park? Yes! At a baseball game? Of course! On an airplane? Sure, why not! Just charge up the battery and you are good to go. If you are a pumping, working mom, this feature might be worth the extra cost. Some work spaces don’t have dedicated pumping areas and if you have to get creative to get your pump on this feature definitely gives you more options. Also a good choice if you travel frequently, you can literally pump anywhere, no electricity needed.
The other major difference is price. The extra battery power that the S1 offers will cost you extra. The S2 is less expensive than it’s counterpart. So if price is your biggest concern, and you don’t need the portability, definitely go for the Spectra S2.
Oh, and just so you know, the Spectra S1 is white and blue, while the S2 is white and pink. Not a big difference, but I wanted to let you know! You can only buy them in one color.
Spectra S1 and S2 Possible Drawbacks
Cost
I find that both the S1 and S2 are a great value for the cost. However, it may still be out of your range. If you are on a super tight budget and need a pump, you can pick up a basic hand pumps for less than a couple of cups of coffee. So while I do agree that the Spectra pumps are worth the expense, the cost can be prohibitive for some.
Flanges
Both pumps come with two sets of flanges. But, as we all know, breasts come in more than two sizes. The flanges that are provided might not be the right size for your body and if this is your case, you will have to go through the trouble of ordering others, which can be annoying for a new mom who just needs to start pumping ASAP!
Spectra S1 and S2 Features
Both the S1 and S2 feature:
- Lightweight portability (under 4 lbs)
- Closed system
- Speed adjustment
- A/C power
- LED digital display
- Auto shut off
- Night light
Read our full review of the Spectra S2 Breast Pump to get a detailed breakdown of all it’s features.
FAQ’s
How do I know whether to buy the S1 or S2?
If you will always be pumping in the same location or you will have access to an electrical outlet when you pump then the S2 should be sufficient. But, if you are unsure where you will be pumping or already know that you will be pumping in various locations, and especially if you will at times need to use the pump when you do not have access to an electrical outlet, you will need to cough it up for the S1.
How long does it take to charge Spectra S1?
It takes four hours to charge the Spectra S1 fully.
Does insurance cover a Spectra breast pump?
Most insurance policies will cover the cost of a breast pump. However, there are some variations in the coverage, so you check with your carrier.
Can you sterilize pump parts in a bottle sterilizer?
Spectra recommends boiling in a closed saucepan for 5 minutes. An alternative is a steam bottle sterilizer, however, Spectra warns that frequent microwaving of the parts will result in clouding, so if your sterilizer goes in the microwave, be aware that it may change the appearance of the parts.
What is the difference between Spectra S1 and S2?
The S1 (is blue and white and) has a rechargeable battery. The Spectra 2 (is pink and white and) does not. This makes the Spectra 1 more portable giving you the freedom to use it in the absence of an electrical outlet.
Are the Spectra pumps hospital-grade pumps?
Yes, both the Spectra S1 and Spectra S2 are hospital-grade pumps.
Bottom Line: Do You Buy the Spectra S1 or S2?
Here is the bottom line… only you will know if the S1 or S2 is better for your needs. If you know you will be pumping in the same place, like your home, or your office with a dedicated outlet, than the S2 should fit your needs while saving you a bit of money. However, if you need to pump on the go, or you are unsure exactly where you will be pumping, then the S1 is likely a better choice. You will pay more for the convenience and freedom to pump literally anywhere, but the cost is worth the moment you find yourself needing to pump without easy access to electricity!
Overall, the Spectra S1 vs S2 breast pump comparison just boils down to how portable you need your pump to be. Either breast pump is an excellent choice for any mom who wants to pump regularly.
Want more ideas? Check out our Best Breast Pump article!
