Portable Pump Comparison | Karing for Postpartum

Okay, friends! We chatted about the different wearable pumps here, now it’s time to shed some light on the different popular portable pumps out there!

Remember, the difference between the “wearable” and “portable” pumps are 2 key factors:

Wearables shouldn’t be used as a primary pump for most women, Portables many times can.
Wearables are completely inside the bra (no tubing or collection chambers separate from pump), whereas Portables typically have the small pump motor separate from the collection chamber (connected with tubing).

Portable pumps have changed the game with pumping— some boasting motors just as strong as your trusty Spectra or Medela pumps! Portable pumps are hand-sized pumps that rely on battery power (so you’re not attached to the wall, yay!). Many times, you will still have flanges hanging off your chest, so a “hands-free” bra is a good option to have on hand unless you’re using collection '“cups” (which sit inside the bra connected with tubing to the pump).

There are a few things to note with some of these portable pumps. Many of them are “hackable” with other pump parts and pieces— this means you can use the flanges from let’s say…the spectra with the Baby Buddha portable pump. There are tons of different “hacks” and some involve purchasing extra “adapter” pieces and some don’t. Make your pump what you want it to be! However, there is a caveat to remember with doing this. If your pump is covered under warranty, they will void the warranty if your pump breaks while being used with other pump brand parts and pieces. Just something to remember!

The other thing I mentioned in the wearables post, that I wanted to touch on here too: so many of these pump brands call themselves “hospital grade pumps”. This is so so confusing for consumers/new moms. I talk all about true hospital grade pumps here. These pumps are strong, but the term “hospital grade” has become overused in the pump industry as a sly marketing tactic since it’s not an FDA-regulated term— they are not truly “hospital grade” pumps, but can offer a great strong motor (esp for their size). Just wanted to clarify that again, as almost EVERY pump website claims they’re “hospital grade” (insert eye roll).

Portables are an amazing option to have on hand. They can be used on the go, or as your primary pump in some cases! Let’s chat a little more detail about these cuties!

Size Does Matter…?

Here is a comparison of these pumps in the palm of my hand to show their size!

Pumpables Genie Advanced

a little info

The Genie Advance is the one I had to start with because it’s my right hand gal! I actually use this pump as my primary pump— yes, my portable pump is my primary/main pump! I felt it functioned/emptied me just as well as my spectra, but I wasn’t tied to the wall + it is super small to tote around! I absolutely love love love this pump and its capabilities. It is about the size of your hand, compatible with multiple other pump tubing/ collection chambers, closed system, and offers some incredible silicone flanges in their liquid shield kits. Those have been a game changer for me. I have an entire IG highlight (called “pumpables GA”) on this pump and the walkthrough and some of my sessions with it here. Let’s talk through all this pump has to offer!

size

This pump is the size of your hand, but def “bulkier” than some of the other options

cost

$180 for pump and liquid shield kit

$150 for pump only

What’s included?

You can purchase the pump, itself (which will come with a charger)

OR

The pump kit which includes:

Breast pump (with belt clip!)
Charger
(2) Bottles
(2) Shields
(2) Silicone Inserts
Tubing
(2) Bottle Stands

VACCUUM/ SUCTION strength

Up to 330mmHg (for comparison the Spectra S2 is ~280-320mmHg)

vibration

Yes.

settings

Cycle Speeds (cpm= cycles per minute):

Stimulation Mode— 70 (non-adjustable)

Expression Mode— 23-70 cpm (adjustable)

These speed options allow for variability with milk expression. You can mimic baby’s short, quick bursts of sucks to stimulate letdown (milk flow), then find an expression speed that maximizes milk output for your body! This one has less cycle speed options than many of the regular double electric breast pumps, but is one of the few portable options that allow you to change your cycle speed.

extra buttons/settings

This pump also has a “programming” button that helps the pump “remember” your settings when you turn it on. This is truly so helpful!

If you press the side button once while pumping (say you need to readjust yourself in the flange), it will pause!

compatibility with other pump parts

There are always “hacks”, but this pump is compatible with a few different pump tubing/flange kits:

Spectra, Freemie, Legendairy Milk Collection Cups, etc.
This pump is easy to “hack” with a multitude of other pump pieces because it has the same tubing as the spectra when the small white adapter pieces are removed! This gives you some options if you prefer a different shield set, or want to be completely hidden while pumping with collection cups. Above, you can see the adapters just pop right off and you’re left with easy to “hack” tubing (here we plug them in to the LM collection cups with the pumpables white adapters AND the LM adapters that come with their cups).

hygenics/cleaning

Closed system pump to prevent milk backing up into tubing

Can use dishwasher for parts except duckbills/flanges, valve membranes, and backflow protector membranes— which are all made of silicone and can easily warp (per Pumpables website)

battery life

~3 hours pump time, 3 hours to charge fully

Most people, including me, are able to get a full day of pumping (3-4 sessions) in on one charge, no problem.

As the battery gets low, I felt like the pump does lose a bit of suction strength, so it takes longer to empty (but that’s the same with most portable pumps).

noise

Less than 45dB; nice and soft- does get pretty loud as the battery gets lower

FSA/hsa eligible

Yes.

warranty

2 year warranty

insurance

Not covered by/compatible with all insurances

pros

Affordable portable pump option, liquid shields (silicone) are incredibly comfortable esp for women with elastic nipples, strong suction for a portable, have the ability to adjust cycle speeds in expression mode, FDA approved, works with multiple other pump kits and flanges if needed (easily “hackable”), nice battery life.

cons

The flanges are top heavy and easy to tip over (but that’s why they include the little “bottle holders”), have to replace entire “liquid shield kit” often as the duckbills are attached (this can get pricey since they recommend changing ~monthly), some women report not getting emptied as well as their spectra with this pump, the bottles may fill up quickly for women who pump large amounts of milk (though you can use other wide mouth bottles), when battery drains the pump isn’t very strong (but this is the case with all portables, honestly).

my thoughts

I absolutely adore this pump. It has become my primary, as stated above, and reminds me of a mini Spectra. I think a lot of the women in my IG community have been turned on to this pump as well, though some have said their Spectra still empties them better. This is a great pump if you need something portable (to be hands free), but strong, along with vibration. Unlike the Baby Buddha (which we will talk about next), this pump gives off vibration with pumping. This can be helpful in initiating letdowns and emptying more efficiently in some women. I also love the liquid shields, which are silicone. They make for a nice comfortable fit and are extremely helpful in women who have elastic nipples (I have a post all about that here). It can get pricey over time with needing to change out the entire liquid shield kit instead of just the duckbill valve since it’s all attached. Regardless, it’s easy to use— just clip it to your bra or waistband with the belt clip, or place it on your lanyard and go! I have used this a ton “on the go” and it’s been seamless. I love pairing this pump with the Legendairy Milk Collection Cups for “on the go” moments to be more discrete. However, I use it with the Pumpables silicone shields at home!

time with the pumpables ga

community opinion on pumpables ga