Exploratory Research on Comparing Breast Pumps: Using Data to Objectively Evaluate Pump Qualities

Abstract

Objective:By understanding the terminology, functionality, and metrics that matter in breast pumps, both lactation professionals and pump users will be able to better identify, compare, and effectively use breast pumps for efficient milk removal.Methods:A device was created (breast pump vacuum monitoring system) that monitors and logs pressure data with respect to time and generates a pressure/time graph for a visual representation of breast pump performance in addition to providing max/min pressures, average pressure, and periodic cycle time estimations.Results:This exploratory testing showed that breast pumps varied widely in their abilities to maintain effective vacuum suction during simultaneous pumping. Maximum suction data points often refer to single-sided pumping. Cycles per minute (CPM) vary widely as well across breast pumps but can be categorized into two main ranges of 10–70 CPM (expression) and 60–120 CPM (stimulation). We found four major categories of suction patterns in our testing: standard pull and release, microvibration, constant suction, and combination patterns. A combination of these metrics makes up an individual pump’s unique programming.Conclusions:Breast pumps are a complex combination of vacuum strength, cycle speeds, and suction pattern, all of which must be optimized appropriately to function effectively. The lack of available important metrics on individual breast pumps, along with an incomplete understanding of the data presented in popular pump marketing, provides a difficult scenario for evaluating and comparing breast pumps.