A Spectra breast pump is a high quality and reliable tool will serve you well on your breastfeeding journey. But they are also expensive, and with multiple models available it is important that you buy the best one for your needs first go.
We have done detailed research on the S1 and S2 breast pumps and summarised all of the key differences below – spoiler alert, there aren’t many!
We will then show you everything that is in your breast pump kit so you have everything you need to get started.
S1 vs S2 Quick Summary
Buy the Spectra S1 – if you need to be able to pump anywhere, any time, are not worried about budget (and have slightly stronger arms).
Buy the Spectra S2 – if you plan on pumping at home or always near a power point, and want to save some money (and slightly weaker arms).
Why Choose A Spectra Breast Pump?
We have done a detailed comparison of all the Spectra breast pumps against other breast pumps on the market in Australia here, and the Spectra S2 was our number one recommendation.
Pumping breast milk can be demanding on mums, and sometimes uncomfortable. Spectra design their products using natural nursing technology to improve this experience for women.
The focus on comfort and an experience that mimics the natural functions of your body.
S1 vs S2 Feature Comparison
There are four main differentiators between the S1 and S2 breast pump models – which actually makes your buying decision quite easy.
All you need to do is ask yourself two questions:
- Will I need to pump outside of the home, or office?
- Is having the flexibility of mobile pumping worth paying a little more?
Rechargeable Battery
The S1 includes a rechargeable battery that allows you to take your breast pump with you wherever you like.
At first you may be thinking why on earth would I want to pump breast milk in a park? Well, if your breasts have not started producing milk yet that is a fair point of view.
But, when you are on a picnic with the family and those boobs are filling up then it can be a welcome relief to be able to pump them quickly.
Manual pumping and hand expression is a whole different ball game, and it generally sucks.
What about if you are returning to work? That flexibility of being able to choose your spot without being anchored to a power point could again make your experience more pleasant.
My first instinct was no, I don’t need the battery pack. But it is worth its weight in gold!
Weight
An unfortunate trade off is that batteries are heavy. While we do think this is better for the working mum it can make your commute more challenging having to carry that extra weight.
Price
And of course, if you want more features the price goes up accordingly.
The upgraded S1 is not that much more expensive. But if you are on a budget buying a premium breast pump may already be a stretch.
There are other brands that offer cheaper pumps that can be run on AA batteries. But you would ned up spending far more on battery use over time so I wouldn’t recommend this.
The higher cost upfront will save you money over the life of the pump.
Colour
Unfortunately, you don’t get a choice of colours if you prefer one over the other.
Your non-negotiable options are:
- Spectra S1 = Blue
- Spectra S2 = Pink
S1 and S2 Similarities
Now that we have covered the differences we wanted to summarise the inclusions and key performance areas of these Spectra breast pumps.
Customisable Settings
There are 12 different levels of suction power with a maximum strength of 320mmHg. This gives you full control over the efficiency of your pump.
You also have two modes that will mirror the natural stages of your pump:
- Massage mode – to trigger your body’s let down reflex.
- Expression mode – to simulate the sucking motion of your baby feeding.
The best part is the memory settings which allow you to record the speed and power of the suction when you find that balance that works best for your body.
So you can just press a button and have the same experience time and time again.
Closed System
A closed system means that the pump is made with special barriers and filters that prevent milk from entering the tubing and motor.
Extra moisture ending up where it’s not supposed to be may not only damage the motor, but it can also lead to bacteria growth which may end up in your pumped milk.
It is also a pain in the butt to clean! You won’t have this problem with a closed system like the Spectra S1 or S2.
Built-In Features
Each of these features improve your pumping experience and remove obstacles at every turn.
There is a built-in auto timer that will help you keep track of your sessions automatically. No need to remember to start a timer when half asleep.
The motor is quiet and you can pump without waking your baby or generally disturbing the household when doing that midnight…. Not that hubby would complain.
Speaking of midnight pumps, there is also a built-in night light. Just switch it on and off you go.
BPA Free
All of the plastic parts included with both the Spectra S1 and S2 breast pumps – including the tubing, breast flanges, and capture bottles – are BPA free to keep your baby’s milk safe.
Standard Inclusions
- 1 x Spectra Double Breast Pump
- 1 x Australian Power Adapter
- 1 x Detachable Power Cord Prong
- 2 x Spectra Wide Neck Bottle
- 2 x Spectra Backflow Protector
- 2 x Spectra Duckbill Valve
- 2 x Spectra Tubing
- 2 x 24mm Flange
- 2 x 28mm Flange
Verdict
Spectra breast pumps are amongst the best available on the market, particularly the S1 and S2 models. Both pumps are quiet, efficient, and overall very comfortable through the use of massage and expression mode.
You can really tell they put a lot of thought into the design of these pumps, right down to the little features, like the built-in night light and timer with automatic shut-off.
You really can’t go wrong with either pump. Choosing one over the other is merely a decision of whether you need the built-in battery or not, or if you need the cheaper option of the S2.
If you want more information on either Spectra pump then check out the detailed review for both the S1 and S2 through the buttons below.