Updated June 2, 2026
For some reason I’ve been referred to as the Queen of Elastic Nipples, not sure if this is something to be proud of or not. Let's start with a fact, having elastic tissue is not a bad thing, elasticity is completely normal and is to be expected. However it’s when the elasticity becomes too exaggerated that it can present an issue. These issues can range from slight discomfort from friction within the flange to full blown nipple damage. I have experienced both the subtle damage all the way to blistered nipples and open wounds.
How do you know if you have elastic tissue? The best way to describe elastic tissue is if you’re using a flange that is your best fit and you find that your nipple is either expanding to fill the tunnel and/or pulling so far down the tunnel that it’s causing you pain. There’s even nipples that are able to be stretched so long the nipple will repeatedly bounce off the back of your flange tunnel.
**If a substantial amount of areola is being pulled into your flange, it’s more likely your initial concern of elastic tissue may not be the problem. The real issue may be your flange is simply be too large**
So how do we avoid this issue? First and foremost, flange size. Knowing your flange size is critical, especially if you’re an exclusive pumper. We are reliant on adequate removal to keep our supply in demand. When we are using flanges that don’t fit well and are leaving us damaged, there’s a pretty good chance we aren’t moving milk as well as we could be. When we regularly leave milk behind or find our inability to achieve a let down due to discomfort- this can absolutely hinder our milk supply. Click here to learn how to measure for your best flange fit.
Lets talk plastic vs silicone. I'd be lying if I said silicone wasn't a top pick for elastic tissue from 2019-2025.
The first silicone flange on the market was the Pumpin' Pals. These are angled flanges that range from XS (15-19mm), S (20-23mm), M (24-28mm), L (26-30mm), XL (31-40mm). The design of these flanges is to help reduce constriction of the milk ducts.
Next on the list, LacTeck Baby Motion Flanges. These flanges are your conical style (run of the mill shape) but make it silicone. I personaly found these flanges super comfortable and when they orginally launched, they hit the ground running. Lots of positive reviews and severel generations of modifications. The silicone was a great at assistanting comfort while pumping, while holding tissue back allowing the nipple to move more feely without taking the areola as passanger. SIDE NOTE: if your areola is being excessively pulled in, you more likely have a size issue.
Comin' in next, the Idaho Jones. They originally had offered silicone flanges 21mm and up, also conical shape. They eventually released a huge range of silicone flanges several years later. I'd be lying if I said that both rounds of generations are the same. The mold used for the latest generation, on the smaller designs seems a bit sloppy. Fun fact, my father is a tool and die maker, he worked with injection molding for good portion of his career. Therefore, I was exposed to terms such as "blanks", used for product that didn't make it into the finishing processes. That's exactly how I feel about the Idaho Jones flanges, I found the inside tunnel of the smaller flanges didn't finish the buffing and sanding phase. This left burr like edges that would come into contact with the motion of the nipple during pumping. *I even had a mom DM on instagram sharing just this and how she was disaspointed and felt discomfort while pumping, confirming my thoughts.
Finally to the game are the BareMotherhood silicone flanges. Being completely honest, I don't see these being used a ton. I personally found them too bulbus and since it's recommended to flip inside out when placing on the breast, similiarly like the Pumpin' Pals.. it was just too much work in my opinion. Not to mention not pumping bra friendly when needing to add this extra set, again, my opinon.
Then 2024 happened. Hello Pano plastic flanges. Holy Cow, we welcome you with open arms. These flanges are plastic, yea I know, I was surpised too. When I had heard of these flanges coming to market and being suggested as an elastic solution, you know I had to try them. Well now, 2026 I have several sets and haven't looked back.
But what makes these different? Well, to thicken the plot, 2025 we learned more about the importance of flange shape. Yes, more to consider, I know. Download my Free Pump Comparison Guide, at the end you'll find alllll the flange shapes and recommendations.
So now, we are adding shape of flange that best benefits YOUR individual breast anatomy. The Pano flanges offers a 105° slope that seat very comfortably on a more doughy, round breast- like my own. This design has proven to be a top pick for many moms, elastic tissue or not. The flanges prioritize dough breast tissue like no conical style flange ever could. This design is not only more comfortable, it also helps hold the breast tissue back and allow focus on the nipple. My recommendation would be to order the flange size in the Pano that is closest to your resting nipple size.
Here are the current silicone flange and cushion options on the market:
1 Entirely molded silicone flange such as the LacTeck or Idaho Jones Flanges
use code BREASTFRIEND10 for 10% off at LacTeck
Click the image!
2 Silicone Flange “kits” such as Pumpables or Legendairy Milk Flanges
use code BREASTFRIEND for 10% off at Pumpables
3 Angled silicone flanges such as PumpinPals
4 Silicone breast cushions such as BeauGen or Mompmuri cushions
click here for a real visual of cushions in action
5 A newer cushion to the market following the BeauGen, the Mompuri cushions. These have proven to be superior for my 21mm cushion needs, but the Elvie cushion has really changed the game for those who need 15mm,17mm and 19mm cushions! I highly recommend these if you're looking for smaller flange needs!
Click HERE for to read the comparison and explanation between inserts and cushions!
Leaving this UPDATE from September 14, 2025, because I think we need all the details.
In addition to considering silicone as a relief for elastic tissue, I need to add and share my latest experience. I've been pumping for seven years and absolutely loving silicone. In the recent months the need for different shape flanges has also been brought to light, based on breast tissue formation. To add to this topic, the need for more shapes, some of these shapes have grown a reputation for helping with elastic tissue too! You know me, I can't just smile and nod, I need to try for myself! So, thats exactly what I did! It's been about a month and a half of using the Pano flanges, plastic flanges may I add. I have really grown to love this option. I will share that I measure at the base, 19mm on my left size and 20mm on my right and very comfortably using the 21mm Pano on both sides. I firmly believe these flanges are an excellent choice for elastic tissue, I would highly recommend the Pano flanges for those who may not want to try silicone or have found they don't like it and need an alternative option. These flanges can easily be used with narrow and wide neck adapters.
So which one do I recommend? I would suggest which is most attainable to start, honestly the Pano flanges may even show up the same day. If you're desperate I would start there. If you've got time and want to try silicone, I would try the LacTeck, if you're desperate and have time.. figure that one out.. I would order LacTeck and the Elvie cushions to help as a buffer while you wait for the silicone to arrive. In addition to this, you can pair the two together but ultimately, the Elvie cushions would override the flanges. So this might just open up more options down the road.
Quick reminder:: Cushions are considered a consumable meaning they need regular replacing depending on how often you’re using them. Silicone flanges, even though silicone, do not need to be regularly replaced. The only time silicone flanges would need to be replaced is when and if your flange size needs change or the flanges become damaged. Click here for replacement suggestions
Already damaged, how do we correct this nipple damage? This is the only time I would recommend cushions to start, I have found that when I have active damage, cushions really help soften the blow of the pump and allow me to continue to pump a bit more comfortably while I am able to heal.
Damaged and trying to heal between sessions? There are several options you can choose between, not to be combined unless otherwise instructed.
Silverette® are the original silver nursing cups designed to soothe and protect nipples during the pregnancy and breastfeeding journey. Silver – a naturally antimicrobial, antifungal, and antibacterial metal – contains potent anti-inflammatory properties that can be used to soothe and prevent soreness and pain during the breastfeeding journey.
Put a few drops of milk in the cup before placing on the nipple. Silverettes also come in two difference sizes! If your Silverettes become tarnished, no big deal, see how to clean here
3 MediHoney Paste sold by LactationHub
Supporting healing while providing instant relief.
5 It’s known that moist wound healing is most effective but sharing my experience I found sleeping topless and allowing my nipples to heal in open air was also beneficial. I feel confident when suggesting using a combination of methods may suit your needs depending on the severity of your damage.
Click here to see more on Milk Blebs
Best way to avoid any and all damage is to recognize serious discomfort before it has an opportunity to become a real problem. I won’t sugar coat it, pumping isn’t for everyone, it’s not always the most comfortable but it should not hurt. Regardless of pumping or feeding baby at breast, our toes should not be curling, our nipples should not be bleeding and if this is the case we need to evaluate the WHY ASAP.
TRIGGER WARNING TRIGGER WARNING TRIGGER WARNING
Below is are actual pictures of my own nipple damage. I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel this massacre on my nipple coming on. I was early postpartum with my first singleton (second breastfeeding journey) I had picked up where I left off with my previous journey with the same size flanges; not knowing my size needs had changed. Pumping leading up to this gnarly result in nipple damage was unpleasant and I ignorantly ignored the red flags. Yes, I pumped through the pain leading up to the damage, through the damage and while healing. Once I remeasured my nipples and brought in a pair of breast cushions (see links above) the healing started. According to my photo album history it was only a few days between this photo and the next that my nipple already looked like it was on the tail end of healing.
also check out my Instagram highlight on Nipple Damage here
