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

Authentic Spectra Breast Pump Parts: How to Spot Genuine or Fake

If you have been to a lactation consultant or breastfeeding class, you will hear the importance of  maintaining your breast pump, especially if you are a working or exclusively pumping mother. So why spend a little extra on genuine breast pump parts?  Or another question we get is how can I tell if I am buying authentic Spectra parts?

1.  Buy from a reputable company and not one that has multiple sellers that they cannot control.  Companies like Lactation Connection have beens serving nursing mothers since 1993 so when you see a brand listed on their products, you can be assured that is the brand you are getting.  In addition, they work closely with the manufacturer, so if there is ever a warranty issue you are getting quick and accurate contact information and a liaison to help you get the items replaced if necessary.

2.  Examine your parts.  You will see the Spectra brand embossed on certain parts such as the Spectra breast shields and white duckbill Spectra valves.   The Spectra backflow protectors have the Spectra name embossed on them and Spectra tubing do not have a logo, but they are secured with a gold-tone twist tie .

3.  Replace your bottles with genuine Spectra bottles for the best fit with your flange.  Spectra bottles will carry the Spectra brand logo. Spectra Bottle Nipples do not have a logo.

Replacing your breast pump parts frequently, helps your Spectra breast pump function at optimal suction levels for peak performance in maintaining your milk supply.  For working mothers who pump three times per day, valves should be replaced every 6-8 weeks or any time they won't close or obtain a tear.  Backflow protectors should be routinely replaced every 8-12 weeks.  Your breast flange AKA Spectra breast shield should be replaced any time it gets scratches which can harbor yeast or anytime new valves are no longer tight.  Heat from sterilization can change the shape of the flange creating a loose fit with a new Spectra valve.  And as always, genuine Spectra breast pump parts will help  maintain the life of your breast pump without compromising the suction and performance.

Happy Pumping!

Tanya