The Best Breast Pump Flanges: Guide to the Most Effective and Comfortable Flanges!
Did you know choosing the right size and type of breast pump flange makes pumping more efficient and comfortable? Having the best breast pump flanges mean you will pump more milk or put out the same amount of milk more quickly.
Plus, having a spare set of pump parts, like flanges, helps in case one breaks or needs to be washed when it’s time to pump.
As a working mom, I’ve used both the Medela PISA and Spectra S2 from two to five times daily for over a year, and have experience with a wide variety of pump parts, both from the original manufacturers and third parties.
Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
Breast Pump Flange Guide: Spectra
Best quality
If you want the best quality breast pump flanges for your Spectra, buy the name brand flanges from Spectra.
These flanges are compatible with the Spectra S2, S1, Dew 350, 9 Plus, and M1.
Pros
- High quality and durable
- BPA and DEHP free
- Spectra’s products are designed by moms
- Support a mom-owned company
Cons
- Sold individually- buy two!
- Not as many sizes available as other manufacturers
Spectra has the following flanges available:
- 20 mm Spectra flange: Click here to check the price on Amazon
- 24 mm Spectra flange: Click here to check the price on Amazon
- 28 mm Spectra flange: Click here to check the price on Amazon
- 32 mm Spectra flange: Click here to check the price on Amazon
Widest range of size range options
However, Spectra may not have the size you are looking for. Fortunately, other companies like Maymom do! The flanges themselves are similar quality to Spectra’s, but the valves are thinner and will wear out more quickly.
Maymom’s flanges are compatible with the Spectra S1, S2, and S9.
Pros
- Widest range of sizes available
- Can choose between buying a pair or individually
- Have a deeper thread length than Spectra parts, meaning they stay on bottles better
- Also compatible with bottle adapters so you can pump into a wider variety of bottles! (Like Medela and Dr Brown).
Cons
- Thinner construction means they are less durable than the name brand.
- Valves are poorer quality and wear out more quickly
Check the price of Maymom flanges on Amazon: 15 mm, and 17 mm, and 19, 21, 24, 27, 28, 30, 32mm flanges.
Most comfortable breast pump flange inserts
If you find the hard plastic flanges to be uncomfortable, these silicone inserts from Spectra (available on Spectra’s website) are what you need! These inserts fit inside your plastic flanges.
Pros
- Insert into the breast shields you already own!
- Makes pumping more comfortable
- Massages while you pump, reducing time to letdown
Cons
- Only compatible with 24mm and 28mm flanges
- Reduces flange size to 20mm
- If you double pump, you will need to purchase two
Best Flanges for Medela PISA
Best quality flanges
Medela’s flanges are the best quality you can find. These flanges are compatible with all Medela breast pumps except for the Single Deluxe
Pros
- High quality
- Flange is a separate piece from the connector, meaning you waste less plastic when trying out different sizes
- Comes in a two-pack for moms who double pump
- BPA free
Cons
- Two separate pieces means one more part to keep track of!
Get the best price on Amazon here:
21mm, and 24, 27, 30, and 36 mm flanges.
Widest range of size options
Third party seller Maymom has every size of PISA flange you could need! Their parts are compatible with Medela’s Pump in Style, Symphony, Lactina, and Swing Single.
Pros
- Choose whether you’d have one-piece or two-piece flanges
- Widest range of sizes available
- Come in a two-pack for moms who double pump
- Interchangeable with Medela’s parts
Cons
- Valves are not as high quality as Medela’s and may wear out more quickly
Find the lowest prices on Amazon here: 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27, 28, 30, and 32mm flanges.
Most comfortable breast pump flange inserts
Do you find hard plastic breast shields uncomfortable? Try Medela’s soft silicone breast shields! Just buy one pack and use them in place of your hard plastic flanges.
Pros
- Adjustable oval shape fits your body
- Very comfortable
- Medela claims the efficient and comfortable design allows you to pump 11.8% more milk per minute, meaning you spend less time pumping
Cons
- The tunnel is shorter than the standard Medela flange, so your nipple may extend too far during pumping and rub the end
Click here to check the price of Medela’s super comfortable breast shield flanges (available in 21, 24, 27 and 30 mm) on Amazon!
Breast Pump Flange Size Calculator
For best results, measure right after nursing or pumping. Have a ruler, measuring tape, sizing guide, or a variety of cleaned coins available to measure.
Measure directly across your nipple and do not include the areola
If you have a good fit:
- During pumping your nipple has enough room to move freely in the flange. Not much of the areola is drawn into the tunnel
- Your nipple will not turn red during pumping
- Your nipple will not turn white during pumping
If the breast shield is too small:
- During pumping, some or all of your nipple rubs on the inside of the tunnel
If the breast shield is too large:
- During pumping, a lot of your areola is drawn into the flange, and it may rub on the inside of the flange
Why is the right size flange important?
- The correct size flange helps drain your breast most efficiently. Your pumping sessions will be more productive and may take less time.
- The right size flange is more comfortable during pumping
- The wrong size can cause milk blisters or blebs
- The wrong size can cause plugged ducts when milk isn’t fully expressed
Other resources for determining your flange size:
More Tips
- Rub lanolin or other nipple cream on the edges of flanges and on your nipples before pumping to make pumping more comfortable
- Stock up on spare parts just in case – extra flanges, valves, and membranes – just in case something gets lost or wears out unexpectedly
Conclusions
I recommend using the calculator to find the best breast pump flanges for your body and buying two sets so you have a backup. If there are silicone flanges available in your size, try a set and see just how comfortable they are!
Related Posts
- Read about fifteen activities to help you relax and enjoy breastfeeding or pumping here
- As a pumping mom, I’ve come up with over 35 different tips to make your life easier while pumping with your Spectra S1 or S2!
- I love my PISA too, you can find my favorite Medela pumping tips here!
- Simple schedules for moms who plan to pump at work here.
- Top 5 tips when baby roots but won’t latch!