Motif Luna vs Spectra S2 – which is the best breast pump?
If you’re researching breast pumps, you’ve likely seen the the Motif Luna and Spectra S2 Plus mentioned as front runners in the breast pump market. Their names are often mentioned together as direct competitors.
It’s no wonder that both the Luna and Spectra S2 Plus are well liked and recommended. These breast pumps are similar in size, pumping capability and mom-friendly design. Some reviewers even mention that the parts can be used interchangeably between the Luna and Spectra S2 Plus!
While both pumps will do the job of expressing milk exceptionally well, there are a few key differences between these breast pumps that might make one a more ideal fit for your pumping situation.
We have sifted through the details to help you understand what makes the Motif Luna different from the Spectra S2. Read on to find out which pump will be the absolute best choice for your pumping journey.
Note: this blog post probably contains affiliate links, which means we may receive small commissions from purchases made through links in this post (at NO extra cost to you). You can read our full disclosure for more information.
TL:DR (too long, didn’t read)
Short on time? Ultimately, we decided that the Motif Luna was the best buy because of its proven track record of helping moms pump more milk in less time. You can check it out here on Amazon.
Motif Luna Review
The big claim for this Motif Luna is “More Milk in Less Time.” After hearing feedback from moms who used their product, Motif Medical partnered with a research firm to see if the claims of the Luna helping express more milk in a faster amount of time were true. Of the moms tracked, 5 out of 6 moms reported that they were able to produce more milk in less time using the Motif Luna electric breast pump.
The Motif Luna pump is small with a sleek design. Weighing in at only two pounds and small enough to fit in a medium sized purse, this pump packs surprising power. The suction range for this breast pump is hospital grade, from 40-280 mmHg.
The Luna can be used as a single or double breast pump. It has two modes of pumping; a massage mode to simulate letdown and an expression mode that will help express milk as efficiently as possible.
Other helpful features of the Motif Luna include: push button adjustable pumps (“cycles”) per minute and suction, a built-in night light for easier nighttime use, a quiet 43 decibel motor that won’t wake up your baby and auto shut-off after 30 minutes of pumping time. The Luna will automatically remember the settings you used the last time you pumped. You can also override those settings if you need to change them.
This pump package includes: two 24mm Breast Shields, two silicone valves, two backflow protectors, two tubes, two milk collection containers, two milk collection container caps, covers, and disks and two bottle nipples. The parts are dishwasher safe, but Motif recommends handwashing.
Pros
- Closed System so milk can’t get into tubes
- 5 out of 6 moms reported more milk in less time
- Ultra Quiet motor (45 decibel)
- Small and portable
- Powerful Suction between 40-280 mmHg
- Adjustable speed and number of pumps (termed “cycles” by Motif)
Cons
- Some users report that the included bottles leak, so you may want to transfer your breastmilk to different bottles.
Spectra S2 Review
Spectra is a company that is owned and operated by moms, lactation consultants, and nurses. Their goal in creating the Spectra S2 Plus was to make a breast pump that was portable, easy to use, comfortable and adjustable. Reviewers of this product seem to agree that they accomplished their goal.
The S2 Plus weighs 2.5 pounds and has a built in handle. Even though it is small in size, the suction strength can go up to 270 mmHg.
The Spectra S2 Plus was designed with many features that make it easy to use including: adjustablility for both vacuum and number of pumps (“cycles”) to help moms find the best settings for their pumping. The S2 Plus also has a built-in nightlight, an automatic timer with display, and last setting memory. It can be used as a single or double pump and has a very quiet (45 decibel) motor.
The Spectra S2 Pump Package includes: Spectra S2 Electric Breast Pump, 12 volt AC power adapter, detachable power cord prongs, two Spectra bottles, two backflow protectors, two duckbill valves, two tubes, two 24mm flanges, and two 28mm flanges. The parts are dishwasher safe but Spectra recommends handwashing.
Pros
- Ultra Quiet Motor (45 decibel)
- Adjustable speed and suction
- Built-in Timer
- Massage mode to simulate baby nursing
- Backflow prevention
- Suction strength 0-270 mmHg
Cons
- Accessory Availability- If you need to replace a part, you have to buy a full kit from Spectra instead of just the parts you need
How to Choose Between Motif Luna and Spectra S2 Plus
While both of these pumps are high quality and have rave reviews, there are some features that might make one a better fit for your pumping needs.
- Do I need a breast pump that I can carry from room-to-room more easily? (Choose Spectra S2 Plus)
- Am I looking for hospital grade suction? (Choose Motif Luna)
- I want a very quiet pump to be more discreet at work or to prevent waking my baby at night. (Choose either Motif Luna or Spectra S2 Plus)
- Do I need to pump as more milk in the shortest amount of time possible? (Choose Motif Luna)
- I have smaller or larger nipples and don’t want to have to buy extra flanges. (Choose Spectra S2 Plus)
- I’ve had milk production issues in the past and am worried about an adequate milk supply (Choose Motif Luna).
- I am concerned about materials used in production of this pump and want a product that is free from BPA/DEHP. (Choose Spectra S2 Plus)
The Last Word on Motif Luna vs Spectra S2
The designers of the Motif Luna and Spectra S2 Plus obviously had moms in mind when designing these breast pumps.
They are created to more closely mimic baby nursing in order to stimulate maximum milk production. The pumps themselves are small, lightweight and relatively portable. Both pumps have night lights and quiet motors to make pumping at night less easier for mom and less disruptive for everyone else.
The Motif Luna and Spectra S2 Plus are adjustable, making it easy for moms to pick the right combination of pull (cycle) and speed that will maximize their milk output.
However, the Motif Luna seems to have one very clear advantage….more milk production in less time! And, when you are pumping, you want to spend the least amount of time pumping as possible (trust us!).
What makes the Motif Luna able to help moms pump more milk faster? It could have something to do with the suction (10mmHg more than the Spectra S2 Plus), but it is also most likely influenced by the modes you can select while pumping. Some reviewers mentioned that the “suck” wasn’t like standard breast pump. Instead of a pull of suction, there is more of a vibration suction done at a much faster rate.
That is why our highest recommendation in the battle between Motif Luna and Spectra S2 Plus narrowly goes to the Motif Luna. While both of the pumps are surprisingly similar in features, there is one clear (and important) advantage to be gained when buying and using the Motif Luna; fast pumping with more milk production.
How Do Other Breast Pumps Compare?
Medela Symphony vs Pump In Style – Which Top Breast Pump Should You Choose?
Medela Freestyle vs Spectra s1 – How to Choose the Right Pump for You
