Well, I wasn’t expecting that... I think I say this often which can mean one of two things, either I have a bad sense of judgement or I don’t set my hopes high enough. I'd like to think it’s the latter. I try not to get my hopes too high going into a new review so I won’t be disappointed. This way when I have a positive experience I’m even that more wowed. I’ll be the first to say when I laid eyes on this pump my initial thoughts were, “here we go again, another run of the mill pump.” Bad attitude, maybe, but I’m so sick of seeing the same pump over and over again. I’m very pleased to share that this pump really did have a wow factor for me and didn’t feel like every other similar model out there.
Let’s start with the obvious, the S1 Pro model isn’t cheap. But is it worth it and what are we paying more for? There are a few options here to explore and then decide which is best for you. We are given three options; only two of which I’m able to speak to in this review. The first option, go big or go home with the charging case and wearable pumps with heat flow technology. Or another option is to ditch the case and just get the wearables with heat flow minus the case and save yourself over $100. The third option that won't be mentioned in this review is the plain wearable without heat flow. I do not have this pump so I cannot speak to the comfort of this flange, as it's not the same as the heat flow flanges.
Getting back to it, is the case worth $100? It’s convenient, I’m not going to lie and it’s kind of cool; but for $100 I don't know if its necessary. However, it might come down to how and where you’re using these pumps. If you’re pumping at home, no, then the case may not be worth the cost with outlets available on every wall. If you’re traveling, working out of your car or maybe you're too busy to always charge your pump and looking to reduce cords and consolidate things, then this case might actually be perfect.
The hubs magnetically connect to the case and voila, you’re charging! Of course you’ll want to make sure your case also has a full charge. The case can hold a charge for five days! I reached out to Eufy because I wanted some clarification on this chart below. This chart shares that after less than 3.5 hours you’ll have a completely charged case. If you charge the case with the hubs attached you’re looking at 5 hours. Good news, once totally fully charged, you may not have to charge this set up again for 5 days! There’s definitely some factors to consider: How often are you using these pumps? Are you cranking the heat and for how long during your session? These are all variables that will play into that charge lasting the possible five days.
Now for the next obvious difference, those flanges. They look different and offer a little something extra, heat flow. If you’re wondering why would we want to add heat to our sessions, well here’s a little tidbit of information. Adding heat to your pumping session has the ability to help milk to flow. Is it necessary? Meh, if I had to choose heat or vibration to help milk flow, I’d personally choose vibration (or hands on massaging!) I do think it’s cool how they’ve found a way to implement heat right into the pump without the need to adding anything bulky or extra. With 7 levels of heat, you can really get something started. I might actually like this best in the dead of winter, just a thought. Or how about for the fridge hack for all the moms saying how they hate the cold flanges on their breasts when taken out of the refrigerator! But listen, I don’t want to be to blame if the fluctuation between cold and heat messes with the sensors on the flange, that’s all I’m sayin'. As for the tech compatibility with the fridge hack, temperature should not play much of a part as we are refrigerating a heating element, not the motor. You are also instructed to boil the flange to sterilize and wash with soap to clean for daily maintenance, this said as long as the seal around the heating element does not fail, neither should teh fridge hack.
And one last detail to consider about the carrying case, it’s not waterproof. So now think about needing these pumps consecutively over the course of the day. Where do you put the dirty collection cups? Well, I’ll tell you what, not back into this case. You’re going to want a separate cooler to store your used cups with an ice pack. This case really is only for charging, when considering this minor detail. Again, I don’t think it’s a waste of money but I would want to make sure you have a plan to maximize this case and your dollar.
This next one has its pros and cons, for some. App controlled pumps aka "blue tooth boobs". Maybe you’re thinking, well that doesn’t bother me and you want to hear more. Or maybe you read that line and about to tap out because you’re not interested in moving forward with this pump. If you’re sticking around, let me elaborate; but if you’re outta here, no judgment, you gotta do what you’re most comfortable with. (I’ll admit, I do agree with those who may have left, I don’t really want this kind of tech on my boobs either, but I'd consider it sparingly.) Getting back to it, the app is kind of cool, one of the more involved apps I’ve seen! This app allows you to choose from four preset suction patterns. You’re also able to set the duration of your pump session or the duration of the heating mechanism so it’s not on for the whole 30 minutes. As for the four preset mode choices, I surprisingly respond to and prefer the Max Rhythm mode. This means that the pump is in stimulation mode for two minutes, then seven minutes in expression, then stimulation and then expression again. When I had first used this pump I felt like I was constantly changing it back to expression mode with the help of the buttons on the hub but couldn’t figure out why I needed to do this every few minutes. It wasn’t until I opened the app that I figured out what was going on. The pump setting program I was using had me switching back and forth every 7 minutes. Mystery resolved! And surprisingly, for me, very effective for my output.
Some other perks to this app: a pumping reminder, a volume log and a button that brings you to a Facebook group ran by Eufy to help connect with other Eufy users - not a bad move on their part. In addition to the built in digital user manual, now you can go to a resource to hear from other users.
How about more specifics when it comes to actually using these things. The cups hold five ounces and is made up of four parts, not including the motor. I have to say the flange tunnel is on the shorter side but not to worry, you can still use their flange inserts that come with this 24mm flange. The flange inserts include 17mm, 19mm and 21mm. Unfortunately for those who need larger flanges than 24mm, this might be an issue, I have reached out for more insight on this important detail- stay tuned. So all this said, I’d say all good things, with the exception of the short flange tunnel and 24mm max flange. One thing I want to add about the short flange tunnel if you're feeling concerned - if you’re dealing with elastic tissue at the end of the tunnel is silicone backflow protector. In other words, while pumping if you think you require more tunnel length you may be okay because you’re not bouncing off hard plastic. More importantly, when the pump suctions and compresses the silicone BFP your nipple will have more space down the tunnel. I personally have elastic tissue and found these flanges surprisingly comfortable, like really comfortable.
If you know me, you know how much I love silicone flanges. These flanges are a step above! I’m not lying when I say I’d like to see this material in a traditional flange I can pair with all other of my 50 pumps. There’s no grip, no friction and it provides an immediate comfort unlike I’ve felt before. I’m going to give this flange a 5 out of 5 based on the flange material alone. There’s clear silicone, frosted silicone and then whatever this is. I’m trying to get more clarification on this detail too, but it’s a step above frosted silicone, which I think says a lot. I have been incorporating heat while pumping but I find myself reaching for these pumps simply because I have grown to love the feel of the flange alone.
Minor detail, which may not matter to anyone, but consider this while pumping in direct sunlight. The buttons and light indicators which operate the hub are not sunlight friendly, they’re actually just the opposite. When you use these pumps in the sun just be sure to shade the indicator lights so you can see what you’re doing; powering on, setting levels and such.
Overall, I will absolutely be reaching for this pump again. I love how comfortable it is. I don’t love that you have to maximize its settings by the use of an app, but if you’re not picky I guess it doesn’t matter. I also don’t love that it doesn’t have a sensor to stop from over flowing, but I think that’s asking too much for this type of design. I have definitely overflowed these cup in public, nonetheless. I guess you can say it’s not really a bad thing, I responded that well and the leaking wasn’t out of a connection that should have been solid, it was out of the top-tippity-top pour spout on the cup. I love how the hub is anchored within the cup housing by a tab. To remove the hub from the cup you must pull back on the flat face of the flange to allow the hub to come off. This detail is important to the connectors for the heating mechanism but it’s an added bonus for us. Oh and my last thought, it stands. It stands vertically, and pretty stable may I add. All and all, pretty solid pump. Still wouldn’t recommend as primary but I’d back this puppy up as a secondary all day.
Not sure if this photo is a pro or a con. It certainly gets to work.
Remember there are multiple options, heat flow wearables with or without the case, or a wearable without heat flow. After reading this review I hope that gave you the confidence you were looking for when making this choice!
If and only if you’re interested in getting yourself a set, here's links to purchase:
- You can do so over at Amazon
- Buy direct at Eufy and use code BMBF15 to save 15% off
"Still wouldn’t recommend as primary but I’d back this puppy up as a secondary all day".. to elaborate on this comment- read these blogs!
FAQ According to the bemybreastfriend Community
1. Do the flanges stay on better than the Imani without a hack? Worried about unexpected leak?
A: Yes, these flanges really hug the cup. That was something I noticed right away, the flange does not come off easily and takes a little more effort to get on because it is so snug.
2. Is there an there automatic stop?
A: No, there is not a sensor which turns the motor off or indicates to the user the cups are about to overflow.
3. Profile view of how it looks in bra - huge and ridiculous or could take a zoom call
A: I was in a Zoom meeting and I had asked if they were able to hear the pump and I was told no. I think these pumps would be totally fine for both audible and visual purposes.
4. If you get the hole plugs from their site, can you use those while pumping?
A: I put out an email to my contact at Eufy, my guess is no. When the pump operates the pressure from the motor needs to be released. If we plug the holes we can burn out the motor because it might begin to work against itself. I believe these caps are intended for storage use, not for while in use.
5. How is the volume / sound
A: The volume of these pumps are suprisingly quiet. As I shared above in #3, they went unnoticed during my Zoom call.
6. Is it hard to line up the nipple in the flange since it's not clear?
A: I do not find it difficult to line up, even while using clear cups I still do not look through the cup. I like to hold the cup low and roll up into my bra over my nipple and center it based on my best judgement.
Items in this shoppable image are all Eufy brand
Looking for dupes that are compatible and less expensive?
Check out these dupe duckbills
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