Jun 17, 2022
There is no doubt that Willow and the Spectra S1 Plus are leaders in the field of electric dual breast pumps. Both methods are equally effective at expressing breast milk, which is key if you plan to express exclusively or make frozen collections.
But these pumps are worlds apart from the design to the way they work. As you're about to discover, each of them shines in some areas but falls short in others. So, which pump performs better - Spectra S1 Plus or Willow?
Spectra S1 Plus Review
The S1 is one of the highest rated Spectra electric pumps. A typical normal electric pump, this one has a self-contained pump unit that creates the vacuum needed for milking, and a breast kit consisting of two flanges (also known as breast shields), one for each flange Wide neck breast milk collection bottle.
It's not entirely true that the Spectra S1 is a closed system breast pump, usually marketed as hospital grade. This is an electric hospital strength pump. The Spectra S1 features a large suction power (270mmHg) similar to pumps used in hospitals. It is clearly stronger than most electric pumps. Therefore, it is likely to be more suitable for most mothers with a low breast milk supply. At the same time, it's cheaper, lighter (just 3 pounds), and quieter than hospital-grade pumps, at just 45 decibels.
Willow Gen. 3 Review
Willow is a revolutionary wearable model that does away with cords and tubes, giving you a hands-free pump that fits your bra. This design gives you an all-in-one double breast pump that you can use while commuting, working at your desk or just reading. Since the battery is built into the motor unit, the only time you'll need a wall outlet is to charge the pump.
The Willow pump has 35-245 mmHg suction and a rechargeable battery that will keep you pumping all day on the job.
Spectra S1 Plus vs. Willow Gen. 3 – Pumps Comparison
It is clear that both electric breast pumps are very different. Now let's take a closer look at their design and performance. Which one is more humane and more efficient?
Design
While both are electric dual breast pumps, they are very different in design. The Spectra S1 has a fairly conventional approach. It consists of a separate pump unit connected to the breast shield by a pair of tubes. Still, the pump looks very stylish and nothing like the bulky industrial hospital pumps.
All of Willow's pumping components are connected into a single unit that fits inside the bra. So, unlike the Spectra, you don't have a separate pump motor sitting next to you and the straw wiggling around while pumping.
With the Spectra S1, all controls are nicely laid out on the surface of the pump motor. There are buttons that let you increase or decrease vacuum suction and circulation, and a button to toggle between massage and expression modes.
The Spectra S1 Plus also features a night light feature with 2 brightness levels. It's a handy little feature to pump at night without having to turn on the lights or lights.
When we were still using it, the Spectra S1's control panel had a sizable LCD screen that displayed your cycle and vacuum settings. It also shows how long you've been pumping, which again is very helpful.
On the other hand, the Willow control buttons are located on top of the hub. It has a set of 3 control buttons. The first, starting at the top, lets you start and pause pumping. The second one in the middle can adjust the suction power, and the last one is the power button.
Willow has no screen. However, this is a Bluetooth enabled smart device that you can connect to your phone via the Willow app. This app shows real-time data about current suction, current stage and battery level. Also, it will keep track of your pumping history.
Charging batteries
Both have built-in rechargeable batteries. The Spectra S1 Plus only needs a charger. The battery takes about 4 hours to fully charge and can be used for up to 3 hours of pumping time.
Depending on how often you pump and how long each session lasts, this battery can last a few days before needing a charge.
By the way, the Spectra S1 can be used while charging. This is a plus if you forget to charge the battery early.
Every Willow Pump has a built-in battery that takes about 2 hours to fully charge. Unfortunately, the package only comes with a wall charger, which doubles the total charging time to 4 hours. However, you can buy another charger.
Once the battery is fully charged, Willow will last about 5 pumpings. For a working mom, that's enough for a full day of work. But unlike the Spectra, the Willow cannot be used when plugged in. Remember to charge it at the end of each day so it's ready to use the next morning.
Milk collection kit (flange and milk container)
The Spectra S1 Plus comes with a pair of 24mm and 28mm flanges, but you can also buy breast shields in 20mm and 32mm sizes (see here how to size your Spectra flanges).
The flange connects directly to the Spectra wide neck milk collection bottle. And there are backflow protectors that prevent spilled milk from entering the straw. This prevents contamination, which is a huge advantage.
Willow Generation 3.0 has two flanges and you have 3 sizes to choose from: 21mm, 24mm or 27mm. Getting this size right is critical as it can greatly affect your comfort while expressing. Here's how to size Willow flanges.
Unlike the Spectra, Willow pumps into specially designed single-use bags (also used as storage and freezer bags) or newly released reusable containers (sold separately). These two fit nicely in the cavity between the pump and the flange and also come off easily.
What you get with every pump
Spectra S1 Plus Pump Kit
Electric pump unit with built-in rechargeable battery
- 2 sets of breast shields/flanges, two sizes (24mm and 28mm)
- 2 tubes
- 2 Reflux obstruction
- 2 duckbill valves
- 2 backflow protectors
- 2 storage bottles
- AC Wall Adapter
- Spectra s1 manual
- 2 tubes
- 2 Reflux obstruction
- 2 duckbill valves
- 2 backflow protectors
- 2 storage bottles
- AC Wall Adapter
- Spectra s1 manual
Willow Generation 3 Pump Kit:
- 2 pumps - one for each breast
- 1 set of flanges (2): 21mm, 24mm or 27mm
- 2 flexible tubes
- 24 spill-proof milk bags
- 2 cleaning brushes
- 1 charger
- Willow Pump Instructions
- 1 set of flanges (2): 21mm, 24mm or 27mm
- 2 flexible tubes
- 24 spill-proof milk bags
- 2 cleaning brushes
- 1 charger
- Willow Pump Instructions
How these electric breast pumps work?
Both breast pumps are electric, which means most of the hard work that comes with manual breast pumps is eliminated. Setting them up is easy too, and I appreciate that both brands have detailed manuals with picture guides on how to assemble all the components. Overall, it takes about 2 minutes at most to get the two pumps ready.
Latching should also be easy, especially if you're new to pumping and eager to get the perfect flange size. I should note that most new moms tend to have a hard time getting along well with Willow at first. But such complaints are uncommon among Spectra S1 users. The good news is that Willow offers online counseling.
Pumping Mode, Cycle and Vacuum Strength
Both pumps have 2 pumping stages. Willow calls it the "Stimulus and Expression" phase, while the Spectra S1 Plus calls it the "Massage" and "Expression" modes.
Stimulation/Massage mode refers to the initial rapid cycle of the pump to promote milk flow. After decompression, the pump goes into expression mode.
These stages mimic a baby's natural feeding process, but are slightly different. Spectra S1 performs 70 cycles per minute during the massage phase. You cannot change the number (speed) of these cycles, but you can change the suction power from 1 to 5.
Once you have detected milking, you need to start the milking phase by pressing the mode button once. In the expression phrase, you can adjust the cycle from 38 to 54 CPM and the suction intensity from 1 to 12. The Spectra S1 Plus has a suction power of 270 mmHg at stage 12, which is very close to a hospital grade pump.
The Willow 3.0 performs 60/90 cycles and has a suction range of 60-245 mmHg.
One notable difference between the Spectra S1 and Willow is that the former gives you full control over massage and expression modes. You can switch between the two phases in a session as needed.
The Willow 3, on the other hand, is designed to automatically transition from stimulating mode to expressing mode within 5 minutes, if you have a good latch. Unfortunately, once in the expression phase, you can't go back to stimulus mode. The value you can change at any time is suction.
Do you value hands-free pumping?
After you get a good latch with the Willow and transition into expressive mode, you'll have your hands free for other activities since the pump stays inside the bra. This is nearly impossible with the Spectra, as the bottle needs to stay supported.
However, there are some useful pump bras that allow Spectra to pump without hands. If this sounds like a good idea, you might want to take a look at them.
It's also worth noting that when using the Willow disposable bag, you can comfortably express milk without leaking, even when lying flat or bent over. However, the reusable container has a small hole at the top that allows the milk to flow out when you bend it. With Spectra, you need to stay upright.
Clean
You'll need two pumps to clean all parts that come in contact with milk, but that's usually easy. The fewer parts you need to clean, the easier it will be.
How do I clean the Spectra S1 Plus? The parts that need cleaning are the flange, duckbill valve and bottle (if you are transferring the milk to another storage container). You don't need to clean the backflow barrier unless there is moisture or milk in it. With the exception of the membrane and silicone valve, all other parts of the Spectra pump are dishwasher safe.
Do not clean the pipes. However, if you notice milk in it, follow the manufacturer's instructions for disposal. Many experts say it is difficult to properly clean the tubing to avoid mold, etc. It's better to replace it with a new one.
How to clean willow? It requires fewer parts to clean. They are 2 flanges, a pair of flexible tubes and a reusable container. All are dishwasher safe.
Store milk
With Willow, disposable bags can be used in refrigerators and freezers. However, if you plan on pumping more frequently or exclusively, you will need a lot of these bags, which is not the most cost-effective way.
In the long run, reusable milk containers are better for pockets, but if you want storage, you'll need separate bottles or containers to store or freeze.
Spectra bottles can also be used in the refrigerator. You can also feed your baby directly from these bottles by attaching a pacifier. Spectra flanges are compatible with Philips Avent and Mam baby bottles. However, you'll need a kit that works with most other bottle brands, including Evenflo, Comotomo, Medela, and Tommee Tippee. There are also kits that allow you to pump directly into the storage bag with the Spectra S1.
Accessories
The Spectra S1 Plus pump comes with everything you need. The first thing you might want to buy with the pump is a tote bag that sells for about $40. You may also want to add some extra Spectra wide-necked bottles or neck adapters so you can pump into other narrow-necked bottles.
For Willow, you may also want to purchase reusable milk containers (set includes 2). Additional chargers ($39) may need to be purchased. You'll also need to stash them away if you want to put the pump in a storage bag.
You will also get replacement parts for all components of both pumps.
Price
The Wllow 3.0 is priced at $499, but the cost of extra packs can add up quickly. Fortunately, you can get reusable containers that, while expensive at first, can eliminate the need for disposable bags.
The Spectra, on the other hand, sells for $200 to $230, depending on where you get it. Even with the extra accessories, this one is much cheaper than the Willow.
Willow vs Spectra S1 – Insurance
Most insurers now cover most breast pumps, including Spectra, thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Be sure to contact your insurance provider for more information on Spectra S1 coverage.
Most companies are still reluctant to buy Willow due to price, but some have started offering partial or full coverage. I also recommend that you check with your insurance company if they can cover your Willow Pump.
What other moms say?
The Willow 3.0's most notable selling point is its tubeless and wireless design. Most moms understand that, unlike a standard electric double breast pump, they can continue to do other things while pumping. Most of its current users also report that the Willow has great suction.
For working moms, especially those on the go, the Willow seems like the real deal, thanks to its portability and quiet level of operation.
It's worth noting that most moms agree that Willow is expensive and has a learning curve for beginners. However, many of them still recommend it to others.
The Spectra S1 is one of the highest rated pumps in its class, mainly due to its high adjustability, good suction and reliable rechargeable battery. Judging from online reviews, it appears that most of its current users are EPing's moms.
Numerous reports indicate that the pump remains in good condition even after several months of continuous use. Most of them also agreed that the suction is very good, and some of them said they could express faster while producing more. However, there are some reports of pumps reducing suction after 5-6 months.
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