Love or Hate Pumpin Pals? Spectra OEM Flanges vs Pumpin' Pal Flanges

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

Spectra Breast Shield Flange Sizes 20MM 24MM 28MM 32MM

Not only is getting the right breast pump important, but so is getting the right breast shield flange size.  If you pump regularly, using the correct breast shield size aids in adequate milk production.  With the increasing popularity of Spectra breast pump, we want moms to have the information as to what sizes are available and how you can purchase them.

Spectra Standard Breast Shield - 24mm
The 24mm breast flange was included with your Spectra breast pump including the S1 and Spectra S2 breast pump.  If you are pumping comfortably with this flange and there is room on one side of the flange shaft for freedom of movement, the standard size works for you.  The Spectra 24MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways:

Spectra 24MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 24MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 24MM Premium Accessory Kit - breast shield, valve, tubing, backflow protector, bottle set
Spectra 24MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Spectra Small Breast Shield -20mm
The 20mm breast flange is a good choice if you are pumping with the standard 24mm flange and there is room on all side of the flange shaft.  You may experience too much of the areola being drawn into the shaft as not to receive adequate compression of the milk sinuses if your flange is too large.  Another reason you may need the small Spectra flange is too much elasticity in the nipple causing the nipple to draw too far into a standard flange.  The Spectra 20MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways:

Spectra 20MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 20MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 20MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Spectra Large Breast Shield -28mm
The 28mm breast flange is a good choice if you are pumping with the standard 24mm flange and there is no room for freedom of movement in flange shaft.  You may experience too little compression of the milk sinuses if your flange is too small as the nipple is filling the shaft and the areola is not being engaged for compression.  The Spectra 28MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways:

Spectra 28MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 28MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 28MM Premium Accessory Kit - breast shield, valve, tubing, backflow protector, bottle set
Spectra 28MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Spectra X-Large Breast Shield -32mm
The 32mm breast flange is a good choice if you have wider nipples.  You may experience too little compression of the milk sinuses if your standard or large flange is too small as the nipple is filling the shaft and the areola is not being engaged for compression.  Most women who use this size note that their nipples are wide such as the width of your thumb.  The Spectra 32MM breast shield can be purchased in the following ways.

Spectra 32MM Breast Shield - Single (breast shield only)
Spectra 32MM Breast Shield Set - includes breast shield, valve, tubing and backflow protector
Spectra 32MM Double Pump Kit - 2 breast shields, 2 valves, 2 tubing, 2 backflow protector, 2 bottles

Remember, breast shield flange sizing is important for milk extraction and in turn milk production so one way to be sure to get the right size is to purchase more than one size in the single flange and then once you determine your needs, purchase more in the appropriate size.  

Best wishes for the perfect flange size!
Tanya