Medela PISA vs Sectra S2 Breast Pump... What's your thoughts?

sarasam18

Hi ladies! I am a FTM due September 19th and am currently researching breast pumps. I will have to go back to work so I know I am going to need one. So far I am down to the Medela Pump in Style Advanced and the Spectra S2. These are within my budget and both have relatively good reviews online. I read online that the S2 has a few features that the PISA doesn't have but you can only buy it online (same with the accessories) so I cant just go to a store and see it.... What are your thoughts? Has anyone actually used both and prefer one over the other? Thanks in advance for the help!

rock1cherry

I don't have any experience with breast pumps but one key difference I was told between the two is the spectra is a closed system so nothing can backflow into the tubing where the medala is not. The spectra is apparently higher rated than the medala and I believe the suck settings on the spectra are slightly more realistic. I could be wrong, but that's how it was explained to me. 

Have you checked to see if either is covered under insurance? We were also told they sometimes rent out hospital grade ones which are obviously the best. 

Not sure what I'm getting yet, but I hope it will be a decent one for when I'm back at work. 

rn1stbae

I went with the Spectra for the reasons rock1cherry mentioned AS WELL as the Spectra is supposed to be quieter than the PISA.  I'll be staying at home though so traveling won't be an issue for me, but one thing to consider is that the PISA, I believe but maybe it was the Freestyle BC that's what my insurance covered, has a battery pack whereas the Spectra doesn't.  Don't quote me there, I may be getting confused with the Freestyle.  

Mainly I chose it for the closed system (less cleaning!) And the quiet operation.  I hate the pump sounds! 

The medela has more accessories though, if that's important.  But the Spectra is supposed to mimic "suckling" more.  They both have essentially the same power.  

Looks like it comes down to accessories, noise level, closed/open systems, affordability and portability as they are both reviewed as great pumps.

Thscary

I'm a FTM so I haven't used it yet, but I went with the S2 for the reasons @rock1cherry mentioned. It consistently came out on top in the head to head reviews I read. I think one disadvantage is accessories are harder to find and it doesn't come with a carrying bag

edit because autocorrect 

Sarafuss

Ditto PPs.  The Spectra S2 is a hospital grade pump which has been compared to the Medela Symphony (awesome pump).  I went with the Spectra.  The lack of carrying bag didn't bother me because I leave my pump at work (though that may not be an option for everyone).  I never pumped at home with previous electric pumps and for the rare occasions that I needed to pump at home I used a cheap manual pump.

mamadomino

Same as @Sarafuss.  I had a PISA with my son and wanted to try the spectra this time.  The noise factor was a big one for me. 

Shiva14

^^^^ this and it really is quieter. I turned it on briefly after receiving it to make sure it worked. 

The S2 also allows you to customize the suction and pattern a bit more. 

Lastly (and I know this is irrelevant) it has a cute design and I could get a pink one! Apparently having a girl has made me obsessed with all things pink.....

mjpatzwa

All of what I've read here is what I've heard-- but if you need one that doesn't need to be plugged in-- the PISA is what you need. The S2 doesn't have a battery or car adapter option.

Even with that-- I'm getting the S2 and just buying a medela handpump for when I can't find a plug. I've heard that's a great option from a friend who does the same.

sarasam18

Awesome! Thank you so much for the replies. I think I will go with the S2 :)Have a great day ladies and congrats to all of you and your families!!!