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If you have been considering buying a pump, chances are you have considered the Spectra range. They are top of the line breast pumps that have rave reviews everywhere.
But you are looking for the perfect breast pump to express milk, be it to build your stash or your supply. In this article, we’re going to take a look at the differences between Spectra Synergy Gold vs S1
The Spectra S1 is widely known as one of the best breast pumps on the market. It’s a completely portable, hospital grade breast pump. However, the new kid on the block is the Spectra Synergy Gold. It’s also a hospital grade pump, but it doesn’t feature the portability of the S1. It does, however, have some nifty features that you may find useful.
What’s so great about these pumps? They’re great for breastfeeding mamas that require a double electric breast pump to help speed up expressing breast milk.
They’re both ideal for increasing milk supply, or exclusive pumping. More importantly, like all Spectra pumps , they both have a closed system that prevents the backflow of milk from entering the motor, which is both hygienic and will protect your motor from mistakes.
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If you are looking for a high and dual-powered super-quiet breast pump, then look no further! We will be comparing the Synergy Gold and the S1 by looking at features like power and suction, noise level, battery life, and portability.
Table of Contents
What Is The Difference Between Spectra Gold Vs Spectra S1?
The biggest difference between the Spectra Synergy Gold vs S1 is that the Synergy Gold has dual motors, which means that you can set the speed and suction setting differently for each breast while you pump. The Spectra S1 has a single motor and an inbuilt rechargeable battery, while the SG needs AC power at all times.
Both pumps also come with a 2-year warranty which is a great perk to have.
- Adjustable Breast Pump Settings: Adjust Spectra breast pump settings to best fit your preferences
- Convenient Breastfeeding Support: Breast pump designed with nightlight, touch screen and timer control
- Hygienic Spectra Pump: Spectra backflow protector creates a physical barrier between your breastmilk and the pump motor
- BPA/DEHP Free: Spectra breast pumps and parts, baby accessories and breastfeeding supplies that come in contact with breast milk are BPA/DEHP free, keeping your baby safe
Spectra Gold vs S1 Comparison Table
| Model | Spectra S1 | Spectra Synergy Gold |
|---|---|---|
| My Rating: | 9/10 | 9.5/10 |
| Price | Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Health Products for You | Check Price at Amazon |
| Style | Portable Double electric breast pump | Double electric breast pump |
| Display | LCD | LCD |
| Vacuum Strength | 270mmHg | 270mmHg |
| Hospital Grade | Yes | Yes |
| Closed System | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable battery | No |
| Battery Life | 3 hours | N/A |
| Night Light | Yes, 2 illumination levels | Yes, 3 illumination levels |
| Bottles | 2 included | 2 included |
| Material | BPA & DHEA Free Plastic | BPA & DHEA Free Plastic |
| Weight | 3lbs | 4.2lbs |
| Breast Shields | 2x 24mm Breast Shields Included | 2x 24mm Breast Shields plus 2x 28mm Breast Shields |
| Warranty | 2 Year Warranty on Pump, 90 Days on Accessories | 2 Year Warranty on Pump, 90 Days on Accessories |
| Buy Now | Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Health Products for You | Check Price at Amazon |
Hospital Grade
Both the SG and S1 and hospital grade pumps. Hospital grade pumps are the strongest breastpumps available. There are two reasons why it is a good idea to buy a hospital grade breast pump.
First is that they are more durable and have stronger motors, which provide higher suction and more effective pumping.
Second is that hospital grade breast pumps are safe to be used for multiple users. As a mom, this means that you can sell your pump when you are finished with it. It also means that it is safe to buy these pumps in a lightly used condition.
Like all Spectra pumps, both the S1 and the SG are true closed system, creating a hygienic barrier between outside contaminates and mother’s milk.
What’s In The box?
Both of these Spectra breast pumps come equipped with all of the accessories that you need to get started immediately with expressing.
Something to note is that the SG has a second set of 28mm breast flanges, which are not included with the Spectra S1. So if you choose the S1, you may like to buy a larger set of flanges.
Optional accessory you may like to buy at the same time as ordering your Spectra is a protective bag or carry bag, plus some breast milk storage bags.
Spectra S1
- Spectra S1+ main pump
- Two (2) 24mm Spectra breast flanges
- Two (2) Spectra Backflow Protectors.
- Two (2) Spectra Duckbill Valves
- Two (2) Spectra Tubing with Adapter Ends for each Tubing
- Two (2) Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, cap, disc and cover for each bottle
- One (1) Spectra 12-Volt AC Power Adapter. International voltage compatible but only US wall outlet prong included.
Synergy Gold
- Spectra Synergy Gold main pump
- Two (2) 24mm Spectra breast flanges
- Two (2) 28mm Spectra breast flanges
- Two (2) Spectra Backflow Protectors.
- Two (2) Spectra Duckbill Valves
- Two (2) Spectra Tubing with Adapter Ends for each Tubing
- Two (2) Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, cap, disc and cover for each bottle
- One (1) Spectra 12-Volt AC Power Adapter. International voltage compatible but only US wall outlet prong included.
Motor Strength
The motor is the biggest point of difference between the Synergy Gold vs S1. The S1 is a double electric breast pump with a single motor that powers a double electric pump, while the Spectra Synergy Gold SG has two motors that work independently, enabling you to express each breast at a different pace and strength.
The fabulous thing about this feature is being able to comfortable express your lower supply breast at the same time as the other. This will help you to save time and help to increase milk production.
The first thing moms want to know is how powerful the vacuum on the pump is: Will it help you to express more milk? You will be pleased to know that both breast pumps have a suction strength of 270 mmHg and two mode settings, both massage mode and expressing mode.
The industry standard for suction strength ranges from 250 to 300 mmHg, where the latter is the highest. It is essential to gauge how much power and suction comes from the pumps to determine their noise level. After all, the more suction, the more sound.
Winner: Spectra Synergy Gold has dual motors which give you more adjustability.
Noise Level
Both the Spectra Synergy Gold and the S1 are extra quiet. Determining how noisy a pump can be is essential for moms who like to pump at work or in the middle of the night while the entire household is asleep.
The Synergy Gold has a mute function, which is handy if you are trying to keep it quiet, or need to answer the phone mid pumping!
As mentioned before, the suction strength of 270 mmHg is a contributing factor to this.
Winner: Spectra Synergy is ultra quiet and has a mute function, the S1 is a very close second though!
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Night Light
The night light is also a great touch when pumping in the middle of the night and trying to keep the noise levels down simultaneously. Both of these pumps have a nightlight.
The S1 has a two level nightlight, while SG has a soothing three level illumination night light.
Not all pumps are quiet or come with a helpful night light, but spectra s1, s2 and synergy gold spectra pumps do – that’s another tick in our book!
It’s a tie: Both breast pumps have a night light and backlight function
Battery and Power
The saddest thing in the world is a dying battery – especially when you haven’t had the chance to charge your pump, and you are out and about!
The S1 has a rechargeable battery and can be charged and used at an outlet. On a full charge, you could get at least 2 hours’ worth of battery life which is enough to have at least eight sessions with both sides without having to plug in the ac adapter. The battery life enables this breast pump to be completely portable and rechargeable.
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Unfortunately, the Spectra Synergy Gold doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, which means you are tethered to an outlet for the duration of your pumping sessions. This makes the pump less portable.
Winner: Spectra S1 has a rechargeable battery but the SG needs AC power
Portability
Gone were the days when you could leave the house with just your handbag. Now, you need the stroller, baby bag, and the baby too!
It’s the contents of the baby bag that make a difference – especially if you are breastfeeding and breast pumping. Light and portable breast pumps make a big difference to a mom who takes everything but the kitchen sink when she is out and about.
The Spectra S1 weighs just 2.9 lbs and is 8 inches tall with an easy carry handle. It is small enough to fit into a baby bag. However, the Synergy Gold weighs 4.2 lbs, is 7 inches tall but is not really portable unless you are going to a friend’s house or in a place with an outlet.
Winner: Spectra S1 is more light and has a rechargeable battery so it’s more portable than the SG
Massage Modes
Another important difference is that Spectra Gold has 5 different massage modes (and letdown modes).
Like all Spectra Pumps, the Synergy Gold features Natural Nursing Technology. These vacuum patterns mimic a baby’s suckling to feel more like natural breastfeeding. The SG actually features 5 speed settings in massage mode , where the Spectra S1 and S2 only has one setting in this mode. This means that you have the little bit more adjustability in the SG vs S1.
This extra adjustability in massage mode makes the SG pump a little more helpful for breastfeeding moms who may have a slightly slacker breast and require more massage to stimulate letdown.
Winner: Synergy Gold has more massage modes which gives you more options for stimulating letdown
Is Spectra Synergy Gold Covered By Insurance?
Yes, there are options for having the price of the SG covered by your insurance provider.
Does the Spectra Synergy Gold Have A Battery?
No, the Spectra Synergy Gold does not have a battery. The best Spectra pump with a rechargeable battery is the Spectra S1.
Is the Spectra Synergy Gold Hospital Grade?
Yes, the Synergy is a hospital grade pump, so are the other spectra pumps, the Spectra S1, S2 and S3!
Which Spectra Pump is the Best?
Before now, breast pumps, particularly hospital-grade pumps, were designed to be a one-size-fits-all for adjusting letdown and expression modes. If you increased the suction, both breasts would be pumping at the same level, and almost all breast pumps were dependent on an AC power adapter. Not any more.
The S1 is excellent as it is portable and powerful and great for moms on the go. Some moms may find that 2 hours of charge is plenty of time.
However, the Synergy Gold breast pump has a fantastic feature that breastfeeding and pumping moms cannot ignore: the ability to express each breast at different suction strengths. It isn’t portable, but finding an outlet and a bit of privacy should not be a problem if you are a working mom in an office.
Winner: The Spectra Synergy Gold can pump each breast separately at a pace that suits you best, and has multiple functions to make it the better breast pump overall. However, we still love the portability of the S1.
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