How often to replace spectra backflow protector

Spectra Spare Parts/Accessories - Backflow protector witth Membrane (1pc) (Local Version)

S$16.50 List Price: S$20.63 You Save: S$4.13 (20%)

Spectra Spare Parts/Accessories Backflow protector w/ Membrane (1 pc) is a backflow protector which acts as a physical barrier between milk and the pump motor to prevent milk from flowing to the pump. This is the new version of backflow protector.

• Comes with a a membrane inside that can be replaced
• Compatible with Spectra S1+, S2, 9+, M1, Q Breast Pumps.

*The part connecting to Spectra Breast Shield is fragile. So when slotting the backflow protector into Spectra Breast Shield, do not do it too tightly as it will result in difficulty removing later on. Secure it to Spectra Breast Shield but not all the way in.

This product consists of ONE backflow protector with membrane ONLY.

Note that some of these accessories can also be purchased as part of Premium Breastshield Set.

Backflow Protector & Membrane (New Version)

1. Backflow Protector Cover is encase by the Backflow Protector Membrane so there is no possibility of milk crossing the membrane to cause backflow. 
2. Backflow Protector Cover caps on the membrane to ensure a secure fit.
3. This new version Backflow Protector also comes with a new version Backflow Protector Membrane. 

Please note that the new Backflow Protector Membrane and Backflow Protector is completely different from the old version. Therefore, old Membrane cannot be use in new version Backflow Protector & vice versa. 

Backflow protector diaphragms need to be replaced every 3 to 6 months

Just like the valve membranes, the diaphragms in the backflow protectors can stretch and degrade over time, impacting suction. Replace these every 6 months if you pump once or twice a day, and replace every 3 months if you exclusively pump. Inspect this part regularly before you pump because a torn or damaged backflow protector diaphragm can allow moisture into the pump motor, causing irreparable damage and the potential for mould and bacteria to fester. This part does not come in contact with your baby’s milk, so does not need to be washed, unless you see condensation in the part. Then, wash it in hot soapy water and let it air dry and ensure it is completely dry before use again. The backflow protector is the heart of a closed system pump and protect your baby’s milk from contaminants and bacteria that could cause harm, so take great care of these. If not changed regularly, they will impact suction strength.

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Cycle and Suction Settings

The cycle speed is measured in “CPM” or “Cycles Per Minute” on your breast pump and refers to how many times the pump will ‘suckle’ and release per minute. When a baby goes to breast to elicit the letdown of milk, the baby will suckle faster (more cycles per minute) to get the milk flowing.  Once the milk lets down (releases from the breast), the baby will start to slow down (decreased cycles per minute) at breast.

Your pump has 6-cycle levels. To adjust the cycle speed, press the +/- button.

The vacuum level is measured in mmHg on your breast pump and refers to how strongly the pump will ‘suckle.’ The strength of suction level should mimic how strong the baby suckles but should always be kept at a comfortable level.  Some women think that milk expression occurs faster on higher vacuum levels, however, it is important not to set the vacuum level so high that it makes you uncomfortable, as the resulting pain will hinder your milk flow. We suggest that you start off with the vacuum level on low and gradually increase the vacuum level to a comfortable level. A “comfortable” vacuum level may vary significantly, from day to day, during the day and even during the same expression session.

Your pumps vacuum levels vary from L01-L12.  To adjust the vacuum level, press the +/- buttons.

Example Chart of Cycles and Suction Settings for S1 Plus & S2 Plus

Every woman is different so adjust the combination of vacuum suction and cycle speeds to the settings that work best for your body.

You will want to mimic your child at the breast as much as you can during a pumping session.  No child can or will suck at the same pace from the beginning to the end of a nursing session.

Pumping should NEVER hurt!

Massage Mode vs. Expression Mode

• Expression Mode: This mode has 5 cycle speeds–38, 42, 46, 50, and 54 and 12 vacuum strength levels—L01–L12. After letdown begins and once the milk is flowing, you should be in expression mode. Adjust your pump cycle speed to a level that best mimics baby’s nursing patterns or adjust it to a rhythm that your body responds to best.

• Massage Mode: In this mode, your cycle is locked at 70 CPM, the 3-wave symbol is displayed on the upper left corner of the LCD screen above the cycle value, and your vacuum strength level can vary from L01-L05. If you need to generate a let-down at the beginning or any time during your pumping session, you need to be in massage mode.

Press the 3-wave button above your power button to switch from expression to massage mode.  Adjust the vacuum level in massage or expression mode to find the suction level that works best for you.

Using Spectra Pumps

Center the breast shield on your nipple so that the nipple fits freely in center of tunnel opening.

Press the power button. The screen will light up.

Your pump starts in expression mode.

If your milk is not flowing, press the 3-wave button above the power button to switch to massage mode. Massage mode helps facilitate your let-down. Some moms will get a let-down in 30 seconds, and others will take a couple of minutes. You can massage the breast to help stimulate your let-down as well. The massage mode is set to 70, and is not adjustable. Once your milk starts to flow, press it again to go back to expression mode.

Use the +/- button to adjust the vacuum and cycle to a comfortable level. Find the right combination vacuum/cycle best for your body.

After you achieve let-down, you will want to press the three-wave button to put it back into expression mode. In expression mode, you will be able to adjust the cycles every minute, up or down, going between 38 and 54 cycles/minute. You can adjust the suction strength from level 1 to 12 which is measured in mmHg: level 12 will reach 250mmHg.

Some moms can get multiple let-downs, so going back and forth is recommended if needed.

To stop expressing, press the power button. Next, remove the milk collection kit from your breast.

Twist to detach the backflow protector from the breast shield. Remove the breast shield from the milk collection bottle and close the bottle tightly with the bottle lid and store safely.

The S2/S1 will remember your settings automatically for your next session. If you want to start pumping on different settings than those that you finished with in your previous session, adjust the settings before you start expressing.

Auto Shut-Off

Your Spectra pump is equipped with a safety feature that will automatically shut the pump off after 30 minutes of pumping time.

Sterilizing Accessories

Sterilize Accessories Prior To First Use

Do not wash/sterilize the tubing.  It should never come into contact with breast milk since your Spectra pump is a closed-system pump.

Wash all parts in warm soapy water and rinse well.  Do not insert any tools into duckbill valves when cleaning them.

Accessories (clear/pink) — breast shield/flange, upper and lower case of backflow protector, bottle, bottle ring, bottle cover, and disk:

• Use a pot large enough to fit all your parts—if the pot is too small, parts discoloration and/or distortion may occur.
• Fill with water so that when your parts are added the water is at least 4” above the parts.
• Place lid on the top and bring to boil.
• Once the water reaches boiling point, turn off the heat and place accessories in boiling water—the water will continue to boil.
• Remove accessories after 3-5 minutes.

Silicone Accessories–duckbill valves, backflow protector membranes, and bottle nipples:

• Run them through the boiling water for less than 2 minutes.

Silicone accessories should not be exposed to high heat.

Place all cleaned and sterilized parts to dry on a clean paper towel.  Once the parts are dry, assemble the pump before you store it or use it.

NOTE: Do not boil your accessories for more than 5 minutes as extended exposure to heat may damage your accessories.

Cleaning Accessories Between Use

• Disassemble all parts that come into contact with the breast and breastmilk– breast shields/flanges and valves (duckbill or valve with membrane).
• Rinse parts with cool water.
• Wash each piece in warm soapy water and rinse with hot water.
• Place parts to air dry on a clean paper towel.
• Once the parts are dry, assemble the pump.

**Using non-antibacterial soap is recommended to ensure that you are not leaving a film on your flanges that can impede the natural secretions from your mammary glands**

NEVER wash your tubing as it will never come into contact with your breast milk. DO NOT use breast pump with wet tubing as it will damage the breast pump. If tubing becomes moldy, discontinue using and replace immediately.

WARNING:

• Microwaving your parts can result in distortion and/or discoloration of the parts. Discoloration is cosmetic and does not affect the chemical composition of the parts.
• If using a dishwasher, place items on wash cycle on the top rack and air dry. Do not use heat dry.
• Microwave bags “can be used” if the proper amount of water is added. Follow the instructions of the bag manufacturer.

NOTE:  The above guidelines are for healthy, term babies.  If your baby was born prematurely, has a weakened immune system due to illness, has other health challenges, or is hospitalized, follow the recommendation of the hospital and your child’s health care provider.

Increasing Milk Supply

Factors affecting milk amount:

• Length of time since last feeding/pumping session: If exclusively breastfeeding, pumping within ½-1 hour after a feeding will yield about half of a full feeding.
• Time of the day: You will produce more the morning, as your prolactin levels are the highest in the morning.
• Flange size: You will want to make sure you are in the proper flange size.
• Practice with your pump: Sometimes it takes 1-2 weeks to adjust to your new pump, even if you’re only switching brands.
• Your mood: When you are relaxed, you will be able to pump more milk.
• Breast massage: Massaging the breast stimulates let-down.
• Dual-phase pumping: Dual pumping stimulates more milk. Lean forward to allow more milk to flow into the bottles. If single pumping, switch breasts every 5-7 mins.

Finding Your Flange Size

Use a ruler, a measuring tape, or the breast shield measurement guide.

(Measurement must be in millimeters (mm)/1cm = 10mm)

Measure the diameter of your nipple at base, do not include areola.

If the diameter of your nipple is:

Up to 16mm use 20mm flange

Up to 20mm use 24mm flange

Up to 24mm use 28mm flange

Up to 28mm use 32mm flange

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