Spectra S2 Plus Review

After debuting products in the UK and Australia, Spectra began selling its pumps in the US. This company is owned and managed by moms who also hold the Registered Nurse and Certified Lactation Consultant title.

Efficiency

While the Spectra S2 Plus shares many similarities with its Spectra S1 Plus sibling, it falls slightly short in efficiency. In our tests, it averaged a pumping rate of 0.28 oz of milk per minute, resulting in 5.50 oz during a 20-minute pumping session. In comparison, its sibling, the S1 Plus, achieved the same amount of milk in a shorter amount of time. Since most moms want pumping to be over quickly, it is worth noting this and determining if that is enough to merit the higher cost of the S1.

The pressure gauge reading on the Spectra S2 Plus matched the manufacturer's claim of 270 mmHg. This alignment helps ensure users that the pump's performance is consistent with the intended functionality.

While testing, we did notice some drawbacks. The tubing connection feels flimsy and finicky. While we didn't observe any air leaks or disruptions to the pumping process, the tubing's quality is something to note. Also, it took multiple adjustments to find the right angle for optimal suction. These drawbacks can hinder a pump session, potentially impacting efficiency and overall satisfaction.

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Comfort

The Spectra S2 Plus has plastic flanges, which may not be the most comfortable, but it does come with two flange sizes: 24 mm and 28 mm. This allows you to choose the best fit for you. Unfortunately, the user manual does not mention anything about correct flange fitting, so you may need to ask a medical professional if you need assistance; we wish companies would offer inexperienced first-timers a little more information.

The pump offers the same modes and settings as the S1 Plus, providing multiple options for suction strength and cycle speed to help you find the most comfortable setting. The massage mode is locked at 70 CPM and has five different power levels. The expression mode has five different speed options and 12 different power levels.

Ease of Use

If you're new to breast pumps, assembling and understanding how to use this pump and its parts might take a little work. But the user manual is helpful, and once you figure out the buttons, it's smooth sailing.

Overall, this pump has some cool stuff to offer, such as a built-in bottle holder, night light, and carry handle, all practical features that may come in handy. Unfortunately, the display screen doesn't light up, so it's hard to see in the dark. But the night light illuminates the buttons.

The S2 Plus remembers your settings automatically. But if you want different settings than the one you last used, you will have to adjust the pump before turning it off. It will also shut off after 30 minutes.

Adjusting the settings is easy, and you can select the power level you like without cycling through every power level. Dealing with the valve blocker to switch the pump from single to double pumping is tricky. You will either need tweezers or something similar to help with placing or removing this part.

Portability

The S2 Plus shares many similarities with its sibling, including size and shape. However, a significant distinction is that the S2 Plus doesn't feature a built-in rechargeable battery. This means the S2 Plus must always be plugged into an electrical outlet for operation, which greatly limits its portability. This feature makes it less suitable for on-the-go use, including those who don't enjoy being stuck in one place while pumping. But hands-free pumping is achievable with a nursing bra if that's something you would prefer.

Without a built-in rechargeable battery, the Spectra S2 Plus is a little lighter than its sibling, weighing 2.7 lbs. However, it still remains relatively heavy and bulky compared to other options in our review, suggesting it might be better suited as a stationary pump. In terms of noise level, it aligns closely with its sibling. At the highest suction level, we measure a sound level of 44 dB. The produces a low pitch sound, similar to a purring cat, with a subtle click at the end of the suction motion. While it's noticeable, we don't consider it disturbing.

Hygiene

Cleaning the S2 Plus is relatively simple, but it does require managing eight individual parts during the cleaning and assembly routine. During testing, a standard bottle brush was effective for this job. While some contenders have dishwasher-safe parts, the S2 Plus does not. This means you'll need to always plan on hand-washing the parts, which can be inconvenient. Also, this pump features a closed system design, which means that there is a barrier between the breast milk and the pump's motor. We prefer this design over open systems as it helps maintain hygiene and prevents milk from flowing into the pump's tubing.

Should You Buy the Spectra S2 Plus?

The Spectra S2 Plus is a solid breast pump with a lot going for it, and it's significantly less in price than its sibling. While it's not a top performer for efficiency, it's certainly held its own in testing, and we can see why some moms would be compelled by its overall performance. If you have access to a wall outlet and don't need a battery component, this option might work well for you. If you're on a tight budget and the Spectra brand is your preference, the S2 Plus stands out as a commendable option with its balance of performance and affordability.

What Other Breast Pumps Should You Consider?

If you're willing to stretch your budget, we highly recommend the Spectra S1 Plus for its unbeatable performance. This impressive pump has a rechargeable battery, making it more portable, and it demonstrated impressive efficiency results in our tests, expressing milk quicker than most of the competition. If you want to save more money or want something more portable, consider the Baby Buddha. Compared to the competition, this is an excellent pump from our breast pump review that ranks higher than most and offers a nice balance between portability, efficiency, and affordability.

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