How To Use Spectra S1 Plus

If you’re a newcomer to the Spectra S1 Plus and have questions on how to use it, then you’re in the right place!

In this how to use Spectra S1 tutorial, I’ll walk you step by step through the components that make up your S1 breast pump, the different Spectra pumps settings, and how to use Spectra S1 Plus to its full capacity.

• Prefer to watch your how to pump videos? There’s a video right below. Then, you can skim the written tutorial for more details.
• Prefer to read your how to pump guides? Scroll past the video, and you’ll find my written tutorial.

Spectra S1 Components

When you first receive your Spectra breast pump, whether it’s the Spectra S1 vs S2, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the different components that make up the S1 pump.

I highly recommend checking out my breast pump glossary if you are not familiar with any of the component terminology.

When you purchase a Spectra S1 pump, included in your kit is:

Double Electric Breast Pump Kit

• 2 * 24mm Spectra Breast Flanges
• 2 * 28mm Spectra Breast Flanges
• 2 * Spectra Tubing
• 2 * Spectra Duckbill Valves
• 2 * Spectra Backflow Protectors. Includes silicone membrane, uppercase, and lowercase for each Backflow Protector
• 2 * Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles. Includes nipple, disc, cap, and cover for each bottle
• 1 * Spectra 12V AC Power Adapter/Charger

I strongly advise taking a moment to check all these parts are included in your package. If you find anything missing or damaged, don’t hesitate to reach out to Spectra’s customer support for assistance.

In case you’re using a second-hand pump, it’s essential to ensure that all the necessary parts are intact. Additionally, I recommend considering replacing items like valves, backflow protectors, tubing, and breast shields in accordance with Spectra’s maintenance guidelines.

While acquiring new parts may involve an extra expense, it plays a pivotal role in maintaining the cleanliness and effectiveness of your pump during every pumping session.

Furthermore, make certain you have the appropriate flange size that matches your nipple size, which may require a separate purchase.

You may also like my guide on bottles compatible with Spectra!

How to Assemble Spectra S1

Properly assembling your Spectra S1 breast pump is vital for its effective performance. The parts all need to be connected properly with effective seals to ensure the pump can create an effective vacuum for your pumping.

Before assembling your pump for use, ensure that you have sterilize it and followed proper hygiene methods.

Here are some hygiene tips to follow:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching any pump components.
• Disassemble the pump parts that come into contact with your breast milk (breast shields, flanges, valves, membranes, and collection bottles) after each use and wash them with warm, soapy water. Rinse and air dry or use a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
• Sterilize these components regularly, especially if you are using the breast pump multiple times a day. You can do this by boiling them for a few minutes or using a steam sterilizer.
• Ensure that the breast pump unit and tubing remain dry and free from moisture or milk residue.
• Store your breast pump and its components in a clean, dry place when not in use to prevent contamination.

Now once your breast pump has been cleaned and sterilized you can look to reassemble it ready for your first pumping session.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you reassemble your S1:

Step 1

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling any components.

Step 2

Assemble your backflow protector by inserting the white silicone membrane into the lower case. Then insert the upper case into the silicone membrane. Pull on both cases gently to ensure that they have been connected properly and will not come apart easily.

Step 3

Connect the silicone duckbill valve to the end of the breast shield. Ensure there is a sufficient seal.

Step 4

Connect the backflow protector to the breast shield. You will notice that there are two connection points, but only one the larger point on the lower case will attach to the breast shield.

Step 5

Screw the base of the breast shield to the top of the collection bottle.

Step 6

Connect the tubing to your backflow connector using the thinner connection point on the upper case.

Step 7

Connect the tubing to your pump motor via the vacuum nozzle located at the bottom front of your pump motor.

For double pumping, connect both completed collection bottles and tubing.

For single pumping, attached just one collection bottle and tubing. Then ensure that the air cap is covering the second vacuum nozzle.

Step 8

Plug your S1 pump into a power source or if using the battery ensure that it is charged.

Step 9

Turn on the Spectra S1 breast pump by pressing the power button. You will see the LCD screen light up.

Now, your breast pump is ready for pumping breastmilk, but first make sure to familiarize yourself with the pump’s controls, including the suction level and mode settings.

Spectra Settings

There are 7 buttons used to operate the Spectra S1, with an LED screen that provides valuable information during your pumping sessions.

Here’s what you need to know controlling your breast pump:

On/Off Button: You can turn your pump on and off with the power symbol button.

Pumping Mode: There are two pumping modes on the S1, massage mode for stimulating letdown, expression mode for efficient milk removal.

You can switch between the two modes by pressing the massage/expression button.

The LCD screen will indicate the current mode.

The wave symbol represents the massage mode and no symbol represents the expression mode.

Cycle Level: The S1 has multiple cycles that represents the number of cycles per minute (CPM) that your pump will operate at.

The massage mode is fixed at 70 CPM and cannot be adjusted.

The expression mode has 5 different cycle levels: 54, 50, 46, 42, and 38.

You can adjust these levels by pressing the cycle+ button to increase the number of CPM or the cycle– button to decrease the number of CPM.

Suction Level: The screen displays the current suction/vacuum level. You can typically increase or decrease this level to find the right intensity for your comfort and milk expression.

The vacuum+ button will increase the suction level and the vacuum– button will decrease it.

The level you are on will be displayed by a number on the screen.

Timer: The S1 pump has an inbuilt timer which you can see on the LED screen once your pump in turned on. This counter is located in the middle of the screen.

Battery Status: The battery status of the S1 breast pump is displayed on the top right of your LED screen. It will display 4 bars when fully charged.

Light: The S1 comes with an inbuilt night light. There are two light levels that you can access by pressing the light button. Press once for a low light, twice for a brighter light, and a third time to turn the light off.

Error Messages: The LCD screen may display error messages if there are any issues with the pump, such as a blocked tube or low battery.

Pump Hours: If you want to check the number of hours your pump has been running, then follow my Spectra pump hours hack!  

Spectra S1 Suction Levels And Modes

The Spectra S1 comes with 2 modes and up to 12 different suction/vacuum levels.

The two pumping modes are massage mode for initial breastmilk stimulation, expression mode for milk removal.

The stimulation mode usually has a faster rhythm to encourage letdown at the start of your pumping session, while the expression mode operates with a slower, more consistent suction pattern during the main part of your pumping session.

During both modes you are able to adjust the suction strength.

For the massage mode you can choose between 5 different vacuum levels and for the expression mode you can choose between 12 different vacuum levels, from gentle to strong.

I highly recommend experimenting with different levels to find what feels comfortable and effective for you. Start with a lower suction level and gradually increase it until you find the right balance.

Just keep in mind that the strongest setting may not be the most beneficial for milk extraction as it is also strongly connected to your comfort levels.

How To Use Spectra S1 Plus

Once you’re ready to start pumping with the Spectra S1, it is a relatively straightforward process.

Here are the key steps to follow when using the Spectra S1:

Step 1

Wash Your Hands: Clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water to maintain hygiene.

Step 2

Assemble the Pump: Ensure that you have sterilized and assembled your pump ready for use.

Step 3

Place the Breast Shields: Position the breast shields over your breasts, ensuring that your nipple is centred and can move freely within the shield. Create a gentle seal by pressing the shield slightly against your breast.

Step 4

Secure your Pumping Bra: If you want tobe hands-free during your pumping session, you can use a hands-free pumping bra.

To do this you will need to remove your backflow protector, tubing, and collection bottle from the breast shield.

Next you will need to attach the breast shield to your pumping bra via the opening. Ensure that the flange end is on the breast side of your bra, with the bottle connect side on the outer side. The pumping bra should be holding the neck of your flange.

Connect your backflow protector, tubing, and bottle once the breast shield.

Once your pumping bra is in place and the bottle has been reconnected, place the flange centrally over your nipple so that the nipple is drawn into the flange.

Step 5

Turn On the Pump: Press the power button on the Spectra S1 to turn it on. The LCD screen will light up, and you’ll be able to see the current settings.

Step 6

Select Pumping Mode and Adjust Suction Level: Choose the pumping mode that suits your needs.

Start with the massage mode to stimulate letdown.

You can also adjust your suction level on the massage mode. I recommend starting with a level 2 or 3 on massage mode for around 2 minutes and then once your milk starts flowing, switch to the expression mode for efficient milk removal.

On the expression modes, I recommend beginning with a low suction level and gradually increasing it until you find a comfortable yet effective setting.

You should feel a gentle pulling sensation, not pain.

Your expression/mixed mode should for around 15 to 20 minutes. 

Step 7

Monitor: During your session it is vital to keep an eye on your milk flow. This will allow you to trouble shoot any issue that arises such as your nipple shield moving or low suction power.

Step 8

Turn off the Pump: Once you have finished with your milk extraction turn off the pump by pressing on the power button.

Please note your Spectra S1 Plus is designed to turn off automatically after 30 minutes and remember your current settings for your next pumping session.

Step 9

Remove your Collection bottles: In order to prevent spills, I like to remove the collection bottles while my pumping bra is still attached and place on your bottle cap.

To do this, disconnect the backflow protector from the breast shield, then remove the breast shield from the collection cup. Attach your bottle cap to the top of the collection bottle.

If you are not using a pumping bra, then you will need to first remove your pump following step 10.

Step 10

Remove the Pump: Use your fingers to break the seal between the flange and your breast. Lean slightly forward when removing your pump to prevent any spillage.

Step 11

Clean Your Pump: Once finished with your pumping session you will need to wash all the parts that have come into contact with your breast milk to ensure the hygiene of your pump.

Step 12

Check the Battery Levels: After you’ve finished your session, I highly recommend checking the remaining battery life on the pump. Recharge the pumps if needed so they are ready for your next use. The charging port is located at the back of the pump motor.

Step 13

Store: Once clean, store your breast milk and pump in a safe and secure location ready for the next use.

Spectra S1 Replacement Parts

If you’re not aware, there are some parts on your Spectra S1 breast pump that will need regular replacing to maintain your pumps performance.

If you notice that your pump seems to have lost suction, or you think your milk supply has dropped, the first thing you should do is take a look at your pump parts. Particularly the valves, and inspect for wear, fraying, or stretching and replace if needed. Usually you can solve the issue by replacing your worn pump parts.

Spectra recommend that you replace:

• Valves and diaphragms every 2 weeks to 2 months depending on your usage.
• Backflow protectors every 3 to 6 months.
• Your tubing if moisture enters it or you notice the ends are stretching out and it no longer connects properly.
• Flanges, bottles, and teats every 6 months.

Here is the full list of Spectra S1 replacement parts available:

• Flange Set 20mm
• Flange Set 24mm
• Flange Set 28mm
• Flange Set 32mm
• Premium Accessory Kit 24mm
• Tubing
• Duckbill Valve
• Backflow Protector
• Spectra Wide Neck Storage Bottles
• Spectra Bottle Adapter for Narrow Baby Bottles

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Although the Spectra S1 boasts reliability as a breast pump, users may encounter common issues that can disrupt their pumping experience.

Here, you’ll find solutions and troubleshooting tips for addressing these common problems associated with the Spectra S1.

Low Milk Output

• Verify that you’re using the appropriate breast shield size for your nipple.
• Adjust the suction level and mode to match your comfort and milk flow.
• Experiment with breast compressions or gentle massage during pumping to stimulate milk flow.
• Ensure you stay adequately hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, and get sufficient rest to support milk production.

Pain Or Discomfort

• Examine the fit of the breast shield; it should neither be too tight nor too loose.
• If the suction level is causing discomfort, reduce it.
• Prior to pumping, consider applying a lanolin-based nipple cream or using a warm compress.
• Pay attention to proper breast positioning to prevent nipple irritation against the shield.

Loss Of Suction

• Thoroughly check that all pump components, including valves and membranes, are correctly assembled and securely sealed.
• Inspect the tubing for any potential kinks or blockages.
• Promptly replace any worn-out or damaged parts like valves and membranes.
• Ensure the breast shields are firmly attached to your breasts.

Noise Or Vibration

• Confirm that all components are securely assembled and in good condition.
• Position the breast pump on a stable and level surface to minimize vibrations.
• If you experience excessive noise or vibration, consider reaching out to Spectra customer support, as it may indicate a malfunction.

While many issues can be resolved through troubleshooting, sometimes you may need further assistance.

In that case, I recommend reading through the Spectra S1 manual and if that doesn’t help contacting Spectra’s customer support to assist you with any issues you may encounter while using the Spectra S1 breast pump.

They can provide expert advice, troubleshooting assistance, and information on warranty coverage and replacement parts to ensure you have a seamless pumping experience.

You can contact Spectra support at warranty@spectrababyusa.com

Final Thoughts on Using Spectra S1 Plus

I think the Spectra S1 is a great double electric breast pump, designed for efficient pumping. However, the key to success is knowing how to use the Spectra S1 Plus for your optimum comfort and milk expression.

From gaining insights into its components and controls to maintaining a regular schedule of upkeep and hygiene, I hope that this guide has equipped you with a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to operating your Spectra S1 breast pump.