Spectra Breast Pump Motor Life - How many Hours Pumped on S1 S2 or S3

Have you ever wondered how many hours you have actually pumped?   Or if the breast pump you used with the last baby still has life left in it?  Spectra S Series breast pumps allow you to check how many hours you have pumped or if your pump is nearing it's 1500 hour life span.  Please note that your pump may have exceeded it's time perior warrany before it reaches it's life span.

To find the number of hours you have pumped, go to your control panel on the Spectra S1 Spectra S2 breast pump or S3 Pro Hospital Grade Breast Pump and follow these steps:

1.  Press the Power On button

2.  Press the Let Down button

3.  Press the Cycle+ button

4.  Press the Vacuum- button

5.  Press the Cycle- button

6.  Press the Vacuum+ button

7.  Press the Let Down button again

8.  Read the four digit smaller numbers between the Cycle and Vacuum numbers to see the hours.

    

This is normally where your timer displays the number of minutes you pumped during a single          pumping session. The image of the pink pump shows 616 hours of pumping time.

If you need help with using your Spectra display panel, see the image below to understand more about your controls.

Knowing how to check your motor life is a good indicator of when you need to replace specific Spectra breast pump parts such as the valves and the backflow protectors.  You should replace your Spectra valves and Spectra backflow protectors once for every 30 hours you pump.  That is like pumping three times per day for 6-8 weeks.  Replacing these two items will help you get the maxinum amount of suction from your breast pump as well as help your motor last longer.

Happy Pumping!

Tanya

Troubleshooting your Spectra Breast Pump: Backflow Protector & Duckbill Valve

When it is time to replace a Spectra Backflow Ptotector or Valves?

1. Reduced Suction

If you’re noticing a reduction in suction while pumping, this is a sign it is time to replace your Spectra Backflow protector and Spectra duckbill valves.  Valves may need replacing more often than the backflow protector, but not less often so a good rule of thumb is if your backflow protector needs to be replaced, replace your valves at the same time.  Thes two Spectra parts are the most critical when it comes to suction and worn out valves and backflow membranes are the most common reason for reduced suction.  Please note that if you are testing suction, you will need to use your Spectra Air Cap port cover in order to close off the other tubing.

What about no suction when I’m pumping?

A sudden loss of suction while pumping is most often because the backflow protector is not assembled correctly or duckbill valve or is not attached correctly to the breastshield, or has fallen off.

What if the backflow protectors still moving when your pump is on?

If the backflow protectors are still moving back and forth with the sucking motion of the pump or if the backflow protectors fall off, then chances are the suction issue is because of the membranes. When they lose suction or fall off, it’s usually because they have worn down and it’s time to replace them. Check to make sure your membranes are still properly assembled to your kit, and remember that to properly maintain the pump. 

How often does Spectra recommend replacing Backflow Protectors?

Backflow protectors should be replaced regularly, as often as every two to three months.  Any time your breast pump has been stored, duckbill valves and backflow protectors should be replaced as well as any brittle or crimped tubing.

2. Backflow Protectors are Flopping Around

If your backflow protectors are moving erratically or hitting the casing, this usually means the duckbill valves need to be replaced.

3. Moisture in the Backflow Protector

While condensation is common on the breast shield side of your backflow protector, moisture on the side where the tubing is attached is a problem that can then create moisture in the tubing. If your parts are completely dry prior to assembly, but you notice moisture in the tubing during and after pumping, it’s most likely an issue with the backflow protector. Improper assembly of the backflow protector or a broken or worn out backflow protector will allow condensation to built up while pumping. Once moisture enters the tubing, there’s no way to safely clean, dry, and sterilize it. You also risk getting moisture into the pump motor itself, which can cause damage to your pump motor and grow mold. This is why backflow protectors need to be replaced regularly.  Working mothers or moms who pump exclusively shoud always have extra Spectra valves and Spectra backflow protectors on-hand for for when you need them.  Your milk supply will thank you!

4. Valves Don't Snap Back into Place

Spectra breast pump valves and backflow protector membranes for that matter are made of a flexible silicone material which stretches and releases each time your breast pump cycles. This creates the suction you feel and that draws out your breastmilk. After regular use, the elasticity of these parts break down. When the valve wears down, it makes your breast pump less efficient because the motor has to work harder to create the same amount of suction.

5. Valves Fall Off

If your valves fall off, the most common cause is that the elasticity has been compromised and it is time to change your valves.  If you purchased new valves, but they fall off your breast shield anyway, this may be because of the changes heat has made to the breast shield during sterilization.  If this happens, you will need to replace the breast shield as well.

6. Torn Valves

If you notice a decrease in suction or if you’ve noticed your pump doesn't feel as strong as before and you’re getting less milk, take a good look at your valves.  If it has been more than a month since you have replaced them or if there is a tear in your valve, it’s time to replace it.  Tears most often occur at the tip of the valve.  

How often does Spectra recommend replacing breast pump valves?

How often Spectra recommends replacing valves depends on how frequently you pump.   If you pump once daily, you may only need to replace valves every two to three months.  If you pump frequently such as for working or exclusive pumping, every four weeks is recommended.  

Keeping a Spectra Spare Parts Kit on hand is always a good idea!

Here is to trouble-free pumping!
Tanya

Troubleshooting your Spectra Breast Pump: When to Replace Spectra Breast Pump Parts

Today's consumer wants plug and play electronic equipment, but breast pumps require a little more preparation.

Getting Started

When you get your pump, remove the breast shield from the backflow protector.  Then remove the valve from the breast shield.  Sterilize only the following parts:  breast shield, valve, bottle, bottle ring, disc and cap.  Do not sterilize the filter aka backflow protector or tubing.  Sterilize using the top rack of the dishwasher, microwave steam sterilizer bag or boiling water.  If you use boiling water, bring the water to a boil and then leave in for no longer than 3-5 minutes or you will have cloudy or warped parts.  Do not use a bottle brush to clean breast pump parts.  Do not wash backflow protectors.  Keeping the filters dry, helps maintain their integrity longer.

Re-assemble as per instructions.  If you has misplaced your instructions, you can download these Spectra S2 breast pump instructions.  But remember, although these breast pumps have a closed system and when you purchase your own kit, you should not share these types of breast pumps with other mothers.  Although there is no cross contamination of yeast with a used breast pump, the motor is made to last for one baby and older pumps may compromise your milk supply.

Now that you have your breast pump re-assembled, set your pump to a fast speed and the highest suction level where you feel comfortable.  Too high of suction will not help the milk let-down if you feel discomfort.  Quick speed gives you the most cycles per minute which helps with milk production and double pumping increases prolactin levels which help with milk supply.  For a single baby pump for a full 10-15 minutes of double pumping even if milk stops flowing earlier.  This tells your body you want to produce more milk.  

Troubleshooting and Breast Pump Parts

The most common problem with low suction on your breast pump is the result of a part in your kit. To keep your pump functioning at optimum levels, replace the Spectra valves and backflow protectors every 100 pumping sessions.  For a mother who works 5 days a week and pumps 3 times per day, that is every 7 weeks.  The rule of thumb for the working mother is to replace these parts every 6-8 weeks. Other parts should be replaced as needed.  If you see pinholes in tubing, warped or scratched breast shields it is time to replace parts.  Other indicators are if you had a yeast infection as boiling will not kill yeast or if you see a tear in your valve.

It is important to keep replacement parts on hand so that a misfortune with a broken, melted or loss part does not interfere with your milk supply.  Having extra breast shields is also a good way to keep from spending as much time cleaning your parts.  Before you purchase extras however, make sure that the standard size is comfortable.  You should have space on at least one side of the pump shaft for your nipple to move freely while pumping.  If there is no space or you feel discomfort, consider purchasing the next size breast shield.  

Maintaining your breast pump is a proactive way to keep your milk supply, but don't forget to pump frequently and don't miss feeding sessions without pumping.  For moms with babies under 6 months, that is 8 times per day of feeding or pumping and over 6 months, you need stimulation 5 times per day.  Ensure an extra 3 pumping sessions during growth spurts which occur at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months.  These extra sessions are a good reminder to replace your pump parts and step up your number of pumping sessions for the full 5-7 day growth spurt period.

Happy Pumping!

Tanya