#Freemie cups vs spectra cara cups free#

Note that the end of the tunnel will slope into the standard 25 mm so that it will fit into the valve base piece. Be careful the bra isn't too tight as milk ducts may become distorted if compressed too hard by the flange area (although this can happen with any kind of flange with any pump system).ġ) The flange shape is identical to regular flanges.Ģ) If you are dependent on Pumpin Pals, these may not be for you.ģ) The flange tunnel size can be swapped out for other sizes without changing the remaining components. A sports bra appears to be the most ideal to combine fit with stretchiness. The Cups can be applied to the breasts & held in place with a bra (no slits/holes). If you put it in backwards &/or connect the barrier in the wrong direction, it will NOT transmit your pump suction. So, if you want to convert an open system to a closed system, be prepared to experience some decrease in suction.ĥ) Pay attention to the orientation of the barrier as it fits into the 2-piece shell.

This is simply due to the physics of needing to use some of the energy to move or transmit through a barrier. I didn't try to sterilize my barriers, just washed & air dried them.ģ) Bear in mind that the more connections/pieces present in ANY system, the more areas exist for potential leaks & therefore, loss of suction.Ĥ) Whenever a barrier is used, the suction force will be less than without a barrier. Apparently, Spectra barriers can be sterilized although the Freemie instruction say that the barriers with their Cups cannot. The components consist of the SAME elements that ALL flange assemblies must have:ġ) Suction tubing to transmit the suction from the pump to the flangesģ) A valve to open & close (closes to allow a vacuum to form, opens to allow the milk to enter the collection area)Ī barrier is available to maintain or create a closed system.Ībout the barrier that came with my Freemies (Ameda connection kit):ġ) The barrier is applied AFTER the tubing so milk CAN enter the tubing.Ģ) The barriers that came with my Cups appear to be Spectra barriers. However, at the moment, it seems they have started including both 25 & 28 mm sizes in a Collection Cups Deluxe package & the connection kit for closed systems (has a barrier) must be purchased separately.įreemie Collection Cups are essentially a flange with the 'bottle' part formed around the flange instead of hanging down. Sidenote: When I purchased my Collection Cups, the Cups could be purchased with options for pump connection kits included (you just chose Medela or Ameda/Philips) & the available sizes were 25, 28 & 32 mm. Even a small misalignment can result in dysfunction of the Cups. As well, there are many pieces (even more with closed system connection kits) that MUST be assembled & aligned correctly for the Cups to function properly. There are also a number of caveats to keep in mind (also see below). Once you have become familiar & comfortable with yourself, your supply, your pumping skills AND the ability to multitask while pumping, then I would recommend Freemies for some specific situations (see Benefits below).

For EP, I do not recommend them as your regular flanges, especially if you are just starting out. (I will add pictures as I can but don't hold your breath for any right now.)įreemies are likely to be either a love or hate thing. Please see their website: Opens a new window Note: I do not have the Freedom Pump (electric). There is an approved list of pumps the Cups are compatible with on their website. The Collection Cups can be connected to a variety of pumps or the Freemie pump.

#Freemie cups vs spectra cara cups free#

This thread is linked in the featured post.įreemies are designed to be concealable hands free flange system. Ask questions & put comments for this topic in this post, please.