Breast Pump

Are Elvie Pumps Worth It? What You Need To Know

Updated on

Overview

Some moms find that Elvie pumps are worth the money because they can make breastfeeding life easier.

For many mamas, these wearable pumps are a game changer because they offer more freedom to be mobile

Many also find these pumps good for their mental health because they can relax or multitask and do other things, even while pumping rather than being attached to a pump.

These pumps also tuck discreetly into your bra. Plus, Elvie includes bra adjusters in each box to help you get a better fit in a standard nursing bra.

Elvie is different from other wearable breast pumps, such as Willow, because you can buy just one pump hub instead of two.

Getting just the single breast pump lets you save money if need just one hands-free pump.

Elvie Breast Pumps

  • Elvie Pump (one hub for $299.99, two hubs for $549.99) – Completely tube-free wearable breast pump available as a single or double breast pump, depending on the number of hubs you buy
  • Elvie Stride Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump ($269.99) – Less expensive wearable breast pump with hospital-grade performance and a stronger pump (up to 300 mmHg)
  • Elvie Curve Manual Breast Pump ($49.99) – Wearable manual breast pump with a unique pumping mechanism

Continue reading to learn more about these wearable breast pumps.

Elvie Pump (Single Or Double Electric Breast Pump)

(source: elvie.com)

Price

  • Elvie Double Electric Breast Pump (two hubs) – $549.99
  • Elvie Single Electric Breast Pump (one hub) – $299.99

What Makes It Special

  • Silent, wearable double or single electric breast pump that doesn’t have tubes or wires
  • The pumps fit in your bra for discreet pumping even on the go
  • Includes breast shields in two sizes
  • Five washable components (dishwasher safe)

Key Features & Specifications

  • Material: Plastic
  • Product Safety: Free from toxic chemicals, such as BPA (bisphenol-A)
  • Capacity: 5 oz
  • Spill-Proof Cups: Not spill-proof
  • Pump Bags: None
  • Apps: Connects via Bluetooth to the Elvie app for milk volume tracking, pumping history, and remote adjustments on the intensity settings
  • Pump Type: Hands-free, wearable pump
  • Batteries: Rechargeable; charges in two hours via micro-USB charging cables for up to 2.5 hours of pumping (depending on your settings)
  • Portability Options: Yes, easily fits your diaper bag
  • Pump System: Closed system
  • Grade: Not hospital grade
  • Settings: Stimulation and expression modes, plus seven intensity settings
  • Display: None, only buttons on the pump but more options available on the Elvie app
  • Pump Strength: Up to 220 mmHg
  • Pump Controls: On the pump or using the app
  • Noise Level: Quiet
  • Dishwasher-Safe: Yes
  • Warranty: Two-year warranty on the pump mechanism; 90-day warranty on the washable components
  • Bag and Cooler: Carry bag only, no cooler bag

Pumps and Accessories In The Box

For the double electric breast pump (two hubs):

  • Two pump hubs (pump and container)
  • Four BPA-free bottles (5 oz)
  • Two breast shields (24 mm)
  • Two breast shields (28 mm)
  • Four storage lids
  • Four spouts
  • Four valves
  • Four seals
  • Four bra adjusters
  • Two carry bags
  • Two USB charging cables
  • Instructions for use

For the single electric breast pump (one hub):

  • One hub (pump and container)
  • Two BPA-free bottles
  • One breast shield (24 mm)
  • One breast shield (28 mm)
  • Two storage lids
  • Two spouts
  • Two valves
  • Two seals
  • Two bra adjusters
  • One carry bag
  • One USB charging cable
  • Instructions for use

Product Recall

  • None

Cons & Factors To Consider Before Purchasing

  • Elvie pumps are pricier ($549.99) than traditional pumps (e.g., Spectra S2 Plus, $172).
  • They’re more expensive than the Willow wearable pump ($499.99).
  • They’re considered an upgrade item by most insurance policies. While many insurance policies cover plugged-in pumps for free, you need to pay extra to get Elvie pumps through insurance.
  • Unlike the Willow 3.0, the Elvie pump can’t pump directly into milk bags.

Elvie Stride Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump

(source: elvie.com)

Price

  • Elvie Stride – $269.99
  • Elvie Stride Plus (standard pump kit with a 3-in-1 carry bag) – $349.99

What Makes It Special

  • Budget-friendly wearable breast pump

Key Features & Specifications

  • Material: Plastic
  • Product Safety: BPA-free
  • Spill-Proof Cups: Not spill-proof
  • Capacity: 5 oz
  • Pump Bags: None
  • Apps: Smart connection via Bluetooth to the Elvie app
  • Pump Type: Wearable, hands-free breast pump with a separate pump mechanism (connected by tubes)
  • Batteries: Rechargeable, can last for approximately five pumping sessions (30 minutes per session)
  • Portability Options: Yes, wearable (pump mechanism clips on your belt or waistband)
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Grade: Hospital grade
  • Settings: 10 intensity settings for the stimulation and expression modes
  • Display: None on the pump, but can be accessed on the Elvie app
  • Pump Strength: Up to 300 mmHg
  • Pump Controls: Using the pump buttons and through the app
  • Noise Level: Quiet
  • Warranty: Two-year warranty on the pump mechanism; 90-day warranty on the washable components
  • Bag and Cooler: Available for Elvie Stride Plus

Pumps and Accessories In The Box

For the Elvie Stride:

  • One hub (one pump and two pumping sets)
  • Two cup fronts
  • Two cup seals
  • One long tube (for the hub)
  • Two short tubes (for the cups)
  • One tube splitter
  • Two breast shields (24 mm)
  • Two valves
  • Two diaphragms
  • Two caps
  • One cover
  • One charging cable
  • One clip
  • Instructions for use

For the Elvie Stride Plus:

  • All the contents of the Elvie Stride box listed above
  • Two breast shields (21 mm)
  • Two valves (spare)
  • One carry bag
  • One cool bag
  • One ice pack
  • One wet bag
  • One neck strap

Product Recall

  • None

Cons & Factors To Consider Before Purchasing

  • You can’t pump into breast milk bags using this Elvie pump.
  • It can be slightly louder than the Elvie Pump.

Elvie Curve Manual Breast Pump

(source: elvie.com)

Price

  • $49.99

What Makes It Special

  • Uniquely shaped, in-bra manual breast pump
  • One-press, hassle-free manual expression (less hassle than traditional manual pumps)
  • Cord-free and wearable
  • Only two parts to clean

Key Features & Specifications

  • Material: Silicone
  • Product Safety: BPA-free
  • Spill-Proof Cups: Not spill-proof
  • Capacity: 4 oz
  • Pump Bags: None
  • Apps: None
  • Pump Type: Manual
  • Batteries: None
  • Portability Options: Yes, fits in your diaper bag
  • Pump System: Closed
  • Grade: Not hospital grade
  • Settings: Manual
  • Display: None
  • Pump Strength: Not indicated
  • Pump Controls: Manual
  • Noise Level: Quiet
  • Warranty: 90 days
  • Bag and Cooler: None

Pumps and Accessories In The Box

  • One pump frame
  • One pouch
  • Instructions for use

Product Recall

  • None

Cons & Factors To Consider Before Purchasing

  • This is a manual pump. So, it requires more effort to pump the same amount of breast milk than electric pumps.

Summary & Recommendations

Choose Elvie Pump (one hub for $299.99, two hubs for $549.99) if:

  • You’re looking for a completely tube-free wearable breast pump
  • You want the option to buy just one or two hubs (for single or double pumping)
  • You prefer a smaller, quieter Elvie pump
  • You don’t mind its higher price tag

Choose Elvie Stride Hands-Free Electric Breast Pump ($269.99) if:

  • You prefer a less expensive wearable breast pump with hospital-grade performance
  • You want a stronger pump (up to 300 mmHg)
  • You don’t mind that it has a separate pump hub (clips to your waistband) and tubes

Choose Elvie Curve Manual Breast Pump ($49.99) if:

  • You prefer a manual breast pump
  • You want a wearable manual breast pump with a unique pumping mechanism

FAQs

Does Insurance Cover Elvie Pumps?

Yes. Many insurance companies cover Elvie pumps, but they’re considered upgrade items. You must pay an additional out-of-pocket payment if you pick these pumps.

Medical supply companies like Aeroflow and Edgepark can help you check and process your insurance eligibility before you purchase your wearable breast pump.

Elvie pumps can also be purchased with FSA (flexible spending accounts) or HSA (health savings accounts). Your options include:

  • Using your FSA/HSA debit card upon checkout on elvie.com
  • Paying with your card and submitting the receipt for reimbursement (if your provider offers this option)
  • Purchasing the pump directly from HSAstore.com or FSAstore.com

Can I Use The Elvie Breast Pump Daily?

Yes. Many moms use Elvie pumps daily. Because you aren’t restricted to having pumping sessions in one spot, you can do your chores, cuddle with your baby, or do other things that you might find challenging if you use a standard pump.

Although the Elvie cordless pump has a maximum strength of 220 mmHg, lower than bestsellers such as the Spectra breast pumps’ 270 mmHg, they can also be used as daily pumps. Just make sure to keep the reusable batteries fully charged.

Can I Use Elvie While Breastfeeding?

Yes. Many moms use the Elvie on one boob while breastfeeding their baby on the other.

Some moms also do this for combination feeding (breastfeeding and baby bottle feeding with breast milk).

How Long Should I Pump With The Elvie Pump?

Pumping sessions can vary depending on several factors. For example, pumping time takes longer if breastfeeding hasn’t been established, you aren’t producing a lot of milk yet, and you’re not used to pumping yet.

According to Elvie, pumping might take around 40 minutes in the first few weeks postpartum but will usually take around 15-20 minutes once you’re used to pumping.

Can I Sleep While Using The Elvie Pump?

No. Unlike Willow, which offers 360-degree, spill-proof pumping, Elvie isn’t ideal for pumping while you’re lying down or sleeping. However, it’s fine to use it if you’re taking a nap while sitting down.

Does The Elvie Pump Leak?

Like other wearable breast pumps, Elvie isn’t supposed to leak while you’re pumping, as long as you aren’t working out, lying down, or doing other strenuous activities that can dislodge them from your boobs.

If you notice leaks, Elvie recommends checking for broken parts, improper nipple alignment, valves that aren’t shut properly, or debris in some sections of the pump.

It’s also important to pick the right breast shield size to avoid leaking.

You can contact Elvie if you continue to experience leaks even with the correct flange size and no other issues.

Elvie Vs. Other Breast Pumps

Is Elvie As Powerful As Spectra?

  • Elvie Pump (single or double) has a lower maximum pump strength (up to 220 mmHg) than Spectra pumps (up to 270 mmHg)
  • Elvie Stride is more powerful (up to 300 mmHg) than the Spectra pumps

Which Is Better: Willow Or Elvie?

  • Elvie Stride is stronger (up to 300 mmHg) than Willow Go (up to 280 mmHg)
  • Willow 3.0 (245 mmHg) has better suction than Elvie Pump (up to 220 mmHg)

Which Is Better: Elvie Vs. Medela

  • Medela has a wider, less expensive range of breast pumps than Elvie. For example, the handheld, portable Medela Freestyle Flex Breast Pump costs around $299.99 (price on Amazon).
  • Medela doesn’t offer in-bra, wearable pumps. While Medela’s pumping bra lets you pump hands-free, the dangling bottles don’t allow discrete pumping.

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