Spectra S1 vs S2: Get to Know the Pumps
If you have reached the phase in your motherhood journey of choosing a breast pump, you might have found yourself overwhelmed by the choices.
Spectra Baby USA is among the top high quality breast pumps brands, with their S1 and S2 pumps being their most popular. We are going to be breaking down the Spectra S1 vs S2 pumps so you can make an informed decision when choosing which breast pump is right for you.
Curious if your insurance covers the breast pump you want? Fill out our insurance eligibility form and receive confirmation right away.
Which Spectra Breast Pump is Right for You?
Both the S1 and the S2 are considered to have hospital grade strength suction at 270mmHg. Hospital grade strength means pumps are top quality, powerful and effective in milk expression. The S1 vs the S2 pump are closed-system pumps. They both have built-in backflow prevention systems that keeps breastmilk from flowing back into the pump. A closed system pump minimizes risk of bacterial and mold growth since the breastmilk only comes in contact with parts that are easily cleaned between uses.
Hospital grade strength also means the pumps are built to last, even with frequent use. When choosing between the Spectra S1 vs the S2, both pumps are of the highest quality, and make a great choice for moms.
The Spectra S1 vs S2: How are they Similar?
The Spectra S1 vs the S2 have many of the same features.
Single or double pumping
Fully electric
Hospital strength suction – 270 mmHg
Customizable vacuum and cycle settings
Massage mode – rapid cycle that stimulates a letdown
70 cycles per minute (“sucks” per minute)
5 vacuum levels
Expression mode – slower cycle used for extraction
38-54 cycles per minute (“sucks” per minute)
12 vacuum levels
All parts that come in contact with breastmilk are easily cleaned and sanitized.
Built-in night light
LCD screen
Ultra quiet
Timer to keep track of the length of each pumping session
The Spectra S1 vs S2: How are they Different?
The key difference between the S1 and S2 is the battery.
Contains a built-in rechargeable battery, lasting up to three hours
Weighs 3lbs
Blue in color
Must be plugged into the wall to operate
Weighs 2.5lbs
Pink in color
When comparing the differences between the Spectra S1 vs S2, the key difference is their battery capability. If you are typically on the go, the ability to pump away from an outlet, like the S1 provides, might be appealing to you. When using the Spectra S2, you must be close to an outlet.
Here is a video comparing the Spectra S1 vs S2.
Click here to download.
The Spectra S1 vs S2: What is included with the Pump?
The Spectra S1 and S2 pumps feature products that come with the pump that are essential to its use.
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2 wide-neck milk bottles
2 duckbill valves
2 tubes
2 nipples
2 24mm breast flanges
2 28mm breast flanges
2 backflow protectors
12V adapter/charger
The Spectra S1 vs S2: How much do they Cost?
Another difference between the Spectra S1 vs S2 is the price. Due to the Spectra S1’s rechargeable battery, it is more expensive than the Spectra S2.
Think about what makes more sense to your lifestyle, being confined to pumping near an outlet (using the S2), or having the benefit of being able to pump wherever you need (using the S1). In this case, you might be paying for convivence.
The Spectra S1 vs S2: Which one does my Insurance Cover?
You maybe be able to receive the Spectra S1 or S2 through your insurance at little to no cost. At Maternal by Sentido, we offer complimentary lactation support when you order a breast pump through our site. Fill out our insurance eligibility form to see what breast pumps your insurance covers.
The Spectra S1 vs S2: How do I Set Up the Pump?
Setting up the Spectra S1 vs S2 is the same. There are five simple steps to assembling the pump kit:
Push the valve into the breast shield
Insert the back-flow protector into the breast shield
Tighten the bottle onto the breast shield
Insert the tubing into the back-flow protector
Connect the tubing into the pump by removing the aircap and connecting the tubes into the nozzles
The Spectra S1 vs S2: How do I use the Pump?
Getting started using the Spectra S1 vs S2 are the same. There are nine simple steps to using the Spectra S1 and S2 to express milk:
Center the breast shield on your breast.
Press the power button and wait for the display to light up.
Once your milk starts flowing press the massage/expression button to change to the expression mode.
Adjust the vacuum/suction to a comfortable level.
When you are finished, press the power button again.
Remove the breast shield and bottle from the breast.
Disconnect the backflow protector from the breast shield.
Remove the breast shield from the milk collection bottle.
Secure the bottle with a lid and store it properly.
The Spectra S1 and S2 automatically shut off after 30 minutes, take note of the setting you prefer so you can easily adjust them for your next use.
The Spectra S1 vs S2: How do I clean the Pump?
The process of cleaning and disinfecting the Spectra S1 vs S2 are the same. After you receive your pump and before your first use, you must disassemble and wash each part in warm soapy water.
After each use of the Spectra S1 and S2, there are three easy steps:
Disassemble and wash each part of the pump kit that comes in contact with the breast and breastmilk in warm water with mild soap. These parts include the breast shield kit, valve head, membrane nipple, nipple cover, disk, and cap.
Rinse parts in clean water and air-dry.
When the parts are dried completely, cover until the next use.
All parts of the Spectra S1 and S2 are dishwasher safe.
The Spectra S1 vs S2: Which one is Right for You?
After learning the similarities and differences between the Spectra S1 vs S2, how do you determine which pump is right for you?
Battery:
The Spectra S1 has a rechargeable battery, allowing you to use it without worrying about an outlet. The Spectra S1 also allows you to be able to move freely while pumping because of its portability.
As a reminder, if you choose the Spectra S2, you must be close to an outlet and remain there to operate the pump.
Color:
The Spectra S1 is blue, the Spectra S2 is pink.
Weight:
The Spectra S1 is heavier, weighing 3lbs, due to its built-in rechargeable battery.
The Spectra S2 is lighter, weighing 2.5lbs.
Price:
The Spectra S1 is more expensive than the Spectra S2.
Insurance Eligibility:
Your insurance may only cover one of the pumps. Check your insurance eligibility here.
The Spectra S1 vs S2: Why Spectra?
The Spectra breast pumps are top quality electric pumps that are highly rated and have many excellent customer reviews. The Spectra S1 vs S2 are both hospital grade strength pumps, which make them a great choice if you plan on pumping frequently.
The Spectra breast pumps are also made to be durable, even with frequent use. The Spectra S1 vs S2 come with a 90-day parts warranty and a 2-year pump warranty. The Spectra S1 and S2 also come with a comprehensive user manual.
The Spectra S1 vs S2 both have customizable settings. Your massage and suction preferences will frequently change throughout your pumping journey. Choosing a breast pump that allows for customizable settings will maximize milk expression while conforming to your personal comfort.
Know the difference: Types of electric breast pumps
There are three kinds of electric breast pumps; powered breast pump, wearable breast pump, and hands-free breast pump.
Powered Breast Pump: Operates using an electric motor and is typically larger and more powerful than manual or battery-operated pumps
Wearable Breast Pump: Compact, lightweight pump that fits directly into a bra, allowing for discreet and hands-free pumping
Hands-free Breast Pump: Designed with features that enable pumping without needing to hold the pump, hence “hands-free”
The Spectra S1 and S2 are powered breast pumps, but if used with a pumping bra it can be utilized as a hands-free pump. The Spectra S1 and S2 are not wearable since they have tubing that attaches to the motor.
Download our free ‘Breast Pump Comparison’ chart to do further research on which breast pump is right for you.
Why Order your Breast Pump through Maternal by Sentido?
At Maternal by Sentido, we offer breast pumps through insurance with little to no cost out of pocket. After submitting the insurance eligibility form, we will quickly respond with the breast pump options your insurance covers. If you are not sure which breast pump is right for you, our experts will take the time to discuss your options and help you choose from one of our top-quality breast pumps.
After you place your order, your breast pump will be shipped directly to your home with no shipping cost.
After your breast pump order is submitted, you immediately qualify for complimentary lactation support whenever you need. Our certified Lactation Consultations will work with you directly to ensure a successful breastfeeding or pumping journey.
Connect with Maternal by Sentido
Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality breast pumps through insurance and getting to know you as a mom and guiding you through your maternal health journey.
Maternal by Sentido has an online community offering informative blogs, downloadable material, and social media that will carry you through your maternal health journey.
A Message from the Author:
Hi! I’m Tara. I am a wife, a mother of two energetic children, a registered dietitian, and a lactation consultant. As a lactation consultant, I specialize in helping mothers and babies navigate feeding and growth challenges. My mission is to foster a successful mother-baby dyad, understanding that every journey is beautifully unique. I am deeply committed to empowering mothers with the guidance, tools, and encouragement they need to thrive in their breastfeeding and parenting goals.
About the Author:
Meet Tara! Tara earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Food and Nutrition with a minor in Business Administration from the University of Houston, followed by a Master of Science in Nutrition from Texas Woman’s University. With over 17 years of experience in clinical nutrition, Tara has had the privilege of working with both adults and children. For the past six years, she has focused her expertise on pediatric nutrition at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, where she discovered her deep passion for supporting growing families. During this time, Tara earned her certification as a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and later achieved the prestigious International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) credential. She accomplished this after completing over 1,000 hours of lactation-specific education and hands-on experience.