We get this question a lot. Are Pumpin' Pal flanges worth it? Moms tend to either love or hate their Pumpin' Pals. While there can be a variety of reasons, the most common reason is fit that can cause irritation. loss of suction and less milk output rather than a higher milk yield enjoyed by the moms who love them. If you want to try Pumpin' Pals you will need to pack a little patience and expect that there is a learning curve because unlike any others I have seen they are angled like the baby's mouth which when used correctly does often result in more comfort and higher breast milk yield.
Let's compare to Spectra which is a top choice with mothers today.
Difference in Sizing
| Spectra OEM Size | OEM Inner Diameter | Pumpin’ Pals Size | Angled Inner Diameter | Practical Fit/Feel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 mm | ~16 mm | 2XS | ~17–18 mm | Slightly looser than Spectra 16mm — good fit if 16mm OEM is snug |
| 20 mm | ~20 mm | XS | ~21–22 mm | Looser than Spectra 20mm — size may feel loose on many moms who use 20mm |
| 24 mm | ~24 mm | Small | ~25–26 mm | Noticeably looser than Spectra 24mm — may feel loose on moms who use 24mm |
| 28 mm | ~28 mm | Medium | ~29–30 mm | Slightly larger than Spectra 28mm — good if comfort over vacuum strength is the goal |
| 32 mm | ~32 mm | Large | ~33–34 mm | Larger than Spectra 32mm — extra comfort, less suction seal than OEM 32mm |
Difference in Design
The Spectra OEM BPA-free plastic will feel and react differently than some of the Pumpin' Pal flange sizes. XXS, XS and Small are made from silicone which is optimal for moms who have elastic nipples that get pulled too far into a normal flange tunnel. Size medium, large and x-large are made from the same type of BPA-free plastic but the angle of the flange is often more comfortable especially when you learn how to use them. Since they use a connector to attach to your pump, you can change the angle of the flange so moms who have nipples that face upward or even downward, can adjust the flange to meet the needs of their anatomy.
Difference in Price
A standard OEM flange is around $14.99, while the Pumpin Pal bpa-free flange is around $19.99. Extra cost is for the silicone since it is more expensive to make which is $24.99 and the adapter to use with OEM valves and backflows is an extra $10 if you add it on to your purchase.
Moms who love the Pumpin' Pal flanges often have a more comfortable pumping experience and higher milk yield. Moms who don't often don't give themselves enough time to learn to use them properly. Pumpin' Pal offers an IBCLC to help with sizing and Lactation Connection offers a flange size credit to moms to help them get another size if that end up being the issue.
Are they right for you? Now that you know more about the sizing, you might try purchasing one size. Know that these are hygienic non-returnable items but as long as you know your size, it is less expensive than buying a three size set. If you are not sure about your size, purchase a nipple ruler to help you decide.
Here's to a more comfortable and prolific pumping experience,
Tanya
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