Let’s start with the obvious and work our way into the mechanics of these two pump options.⠀
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The Elvie and Willow are painfully different when comparing the overall size. The Elvie has a more shallow profile and would likely be the better option of a larger chested mama. There’s no doubt I feel more confident that my session can go unnoticed while pumping with the Elvies. The Willow pumps add unwanted inches to my already 36DD, unless I have a scarf to cover my chest I feel they’re on display for anyone to see.⠀⠀
🏆 Elvie wins overall size ⠀⠀
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If in a loud setting you’d likely be able to go unnoticed as far as volume of functioning pumps go. But there’s no denying the distinct sound of the Willow. The mechanism that functions the flexitube is both a pro and con. The functionally is simply designed but also it’s downfall because it is so loud. ⠀⠀
🏆 Elvie wins overall preferred volume ⠀⠀
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Both the Elvie and Willow have reusable containers for collecting milk. The Willow’s original design was based off one time use closed disposable bags. I absolutely feel these bags are wasteful; but I also have to admit I love the option when on the go. This offers one less part to clean. One and done. ⠀⠀
🏆 Willow wins due to two containment options⠀
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Elvie requires 5 individual pieces for assembly.⠀
Willow requires 2 or 3 pieces for assembly, depending on choice of containment ⠀🏆 Willow, easy peasy set up⠀⠀
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Flange Modification⠀⠀
Both of these pumps have the ability to be reduced with flange inserts and you'll likely need to use them. I have found the Elvie pumps have more compatible options (inserts, hacked flanges) but due to the placement of the suction holes you have to be careful when inserting anything into the flange tunnel. This inserted piece can easily block the Elvie suction holes and cause more trouble than it’s worth. ⠀⠀
🏆 Willow wins for me because I have found using them Maymom inserts (Willow also sells their own flange reducing inserts) are easier to use since they require no cutting and work the best and easiest with this setup. ⠀
Modes and suction⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Elvie’s modes can be manually controlled from the app. Willow's modes automatically turn over, if you like the ability to toggle between modes- willow is not for you.⠀
Elvie suction is less aggressive, kind of a feathery feel. Willow is more pronounced- which I personally respond better to.⠀
🏆🏆 it’s a tie- I like being able to toggle with Elvie but I prefer the power of the Willow suction⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Reliability⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
😬 I find they’re equally unreliable. But I do find the Elvies have more complications with alignment or blocking of suction holes when using a hack. The Willow also seems to error out often but most times I just need to slap the flange back into the motor and I’m good as new⠀
🏆 Willow wins this one for me- I find myself grabbing the Willows when given the option between two clean sets of pumps and I hate having to worrying about blocking Elvie’s suction holes during a pump session.
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Wrapping it up 🎁⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This was a tough comparison, I’m very 25/75 about these pumps. I understand and appreciate when they come in handy and I’m grateful to have them on hand in a pinch (neither sponsored). But ultimately I feel they have the ability to lead to an wanted demise of a mom's milk supply when used exclusively. They have a reputation of leaving milk behind, which is no-no when it comes to the science behind milk production⠀
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I could easily suggest other ways to spend less money and have a similar pump set up, which may yield more milk⠀⠀
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I know this isn’t what you wanted to read or came here for but if I had to do it again, I likely wouldn’t buy either of these pumps. I’m absolutely not getting $1000 worth out these purchases and for the amount of errors and lack of milk I’m getting - I’d say, unless you really have a purpose for these pumps don’t do it. If you’re working long hours and need to remove milk but can’t sit and pump due to your demanding position then these could be perfect for you. Remember any milk removed is better than no milk removed. For a person in a similar situation like myself who’s able to sit and pump, these may be unnecessary and as it’s turning out, a waste of money
Edited 9/19/23 If you're still in the market for a wearable pump check out THIS pump. I have had great success with it, gave it a good review AND it's half the price of these competitors above.
