Spectra DEW 350 Hospital Grade Review

Performance Comparison

Spectra is a company owned and run by Registered Nurses and Lactation consultants who are also moms, and boy does it shows. They first appeared in Australian and European markets, but recently started selling pumps in the United States. The Spectra DEW 350 is the more “affordable” pump that Spectra offers. Their other unit, the Spectra S1, was our Editors' Choice Award winner. While we did not pick this pump for an award, it does offer a lot of positive features for the mom looking to spend a little less.

Efficiency

We scored this pump at a 6/10 for efficiency. It landed right in the middle here for a couple of reasons. First, we didn't feel that the breast flanges created as good of a suction as some of the other pumps we tested. Not necessarily due to the fit but more because the breast flange is an all-in-one piece and just didn't work as well for us as some of the others did. Secondly, the pump seems to struggle when heading towards the top end of the “power” spectrum. As you continue pumping, you need a pump with some power, and this pump just didn't deliver as much as we like.

Comfort

This pump scored on the low end for comfort. This was mainly due to the motor operation. This pump creates more of a harsh tug on your breast rather than the easy pull we were looking for. It only has one dial on the pump to adjust speed and suction, and we found it was just too easy to turn it up higher than expected and experience pain from the harsh tugging it creates.

Ease of use

We gave this pump a 6/10 for ease of use. While it is simple to set up, we scored it right in the middle due to the dial function and the lack of suction created by the pump. We felt that due to the inefficiency of these two components it was much more difficult to use. Also, all the parts are very light and flimsy. You can easily see why this is the cheaper Spectra pump.

Portability

This pump scored mid-range on portability. It doesn't have a battery option so an outlet is necessary for power. While the unit itself is easy to move, it does not come with a tote bag or insulated bag for transporting stored milk. The company did recently add a “Deluxe Option” that includes extra bottles, a tote bag and an insulated cooler for about $100 more.

Hygiene

Hygiene is an area that Spectra excels in as a company. Both pumps we tested offer a closed system. They also boast specially designed “backflow hygienic protectors”, created to prevent the tubing from building up condensation, which can in turn pose a risk of mold and/or mildew developing.

Acoustics

This is definitely one of the quieter pumps we tested. It may even be suitable for night pumping next to a partner and/or your baby. It's not completely silent so technically they would be able to hear it, but we think most people, and especially an infant, could sleep through the sound this pump makes.

Best Applications

This pump is meant for a working mom, exclusive pumper or regular pumper (more than three times a week). It only has an AC adapter (no battery) so you would need to make sure to always have an outlet available.

Value

The basic model we tested with no tote or insulated bag retails for $169.99 which we feel is a bit expensive for what it offers. If you want any extras through Spectra, it will cost you.

Conclusion

This pump gets kudos for its hygienic design, but overall, we just weren't all that thrilled with the price for what it offered.