Elvie Breast Pump Review: Is This Silent Wearable Pump Worth the Hype?

As a new mom, finding the right breast pump is essential for your breastfeeding journey. You want something effective, comfortable, and convenient, especially if you plan to pump regularly while on the go or returning to work. One of the most buzzed-about pumps in recent years is the Elvie Pump – a silent, wearable breast pump that promises to free you from the restrictions of traditional pumps. But is it truly worth the hefty price tag?

In this comprehensive Elvie breast pump review, we‘ll take a close look at the Pump and other innovative products from Elvie. We‘ll dive into the key features, read real customer reviews, and consult expert opinions to help you decide if the Elvie is the right choice for your pumping needs. Let‘s get started!

About Elvie

Founded in 2013 by Tania Boler and Alex Asseily, Elvie is a British femtech brand on a mission to bring innovative technology solutions to women‘s health issues, particularly in the post-pregnancy and breastfeeding stage. Their flagship product, the Elvie Pump, made waves as the world‘s first silent wearable breast pump. Elvie has since expanded its line with other smart products like the Elvie Trainer for strengthening the pelvic floor.

Elvie‘s products have won numerous accolades, including being named wearable design of the year in 2019 and receiving the 2020 Red Dot Award for best product design. The brand has been featured in major media outlets like Vogue, Refinery29, BBC and more. With over 400K followers on social media, Elvie has gained a loyal fan base of moms who rave about the sleek, liberating design of their breast pumps and femtech devices.

Elvie Pump Review

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Elvie Pump, a wireless, hands-free breast pump that fits discreetly inside your bra. Using advanced technology, the Pump aims to provide the freedom and flexibility moms crave while pumping breastmilk. Here are the key features:

• Completely wireless and tubeless design
• Ultra quiet motor – pump discreetly in any setting
• Wearable in-bra design with 5 ounce capacity
• Seamless auto-shutoff when milk container is full
• Connects to the Elvie app to monitor milk volume, pump history and more
• 2-hour battery life and USB charging
• BPA-free components

Customer reviews for the Elvie Pump are largely positive, with an average 4 out of 5 star rating across major retailers. Moms love being able to pump hands-free while multitasking, without being tethered to an outlet. Many say it‘s a "game-changer" and the ideal solution for pumping at work. The quiet motor is also a huge plus.

However, the Elvie Pump does have some limitations. Some moms find the suction less powerful compared to hospital-grade pumps. Others report occasional connectivity issues with the app. The 5 oz capacity may not be enough for moms with an oversupply. And at nearly $500 for a double pump, the price point is quite steep.

In terms of troubleshooting, a common complaint is the Elvie Stride (the pump mechanism) squeaking during use. Elvie advises that a squeaking noise can occur when the seal isn‘t positioned properly and there isn‘t enough lubrication. Applying a few drops of breastmilk or pumping lubricant to the rim of the seal usually resolves the issue.

Other Elvie Products

In addition to the Pump, Elvie offers a range of other innovative products for postpartum recovery and breastfeeding:

Elvie Trainer

This smart pelvic floor exerciser guides you through Kegel exercises and helps you visualize your pelvic floor movements through biofeedback. A pelvic floor training program can be invaluable for strengthening weakened muscles post-childbirth. The Elvie Trainer syncs with an app to guide you through fun, five-minute workouts and track your progress over time.

Elvie Curve

For a simpler, lower-tech pumping option, the Elvie Curve is a wearable silicone breast pump that uses natural suction to express milk. It‘s compact, portable, and ideal for collecting letdown and relieving engorgement on the go. The oval shape allows it to fit comfortably into any bra.

Elvie Catch

The Elvie Catch is a set of two breast milk collection cups that slip into your bra to catch leaks and letdown from the non-nursing side during breastfeeding sessions. Made of soft silicone, each cup holds up to 1 oz of breastmilk, saving every last precious drop.

How the Elvie Compares to Other Pumps

When weighing your breast pump options, it‘s helpful to see how the Elvie stacks up against other popular pumps on the market. Here‘s a quick comparison:

• Medela Freestyle Flex: Like the Elvie, this is a wireless double electric pump with a rechargeable battery. It‘s not wearable, but is fairly compact and portable. The Freestyle has more customizable settings and higher suction strength than the Elvie. ($379)

• Willow Wearable Breast Pump: Willow is Elvie‘s biggest competitor in the wearable pump category. Both are in-bra, tubeless pumps with similar features. The Willow has the edge in app functionality and a slightly higher milk capacity. However, the Elvie is quieter and generally receives higher ratings for comfort. ($499)

• Spectra S1 Plus: A popular double electric pump, the S1 boasts hospital strength suction and is loved for its quiet operation. It‘s bulkier than the Elvie and must be plugged in, but is a workhorse for moms who exclusively pump. ($200)

Ultimately, the best pump for you depends on your lifestyle, pumping goals and budget. If discreet wearable pumping is your top priority and you‘re willing to pay a premium, the Elvie Pump is one of the best options. But if you need a heavy-duty pump, you may be better served by a traditional electric model.

Is the Elvie Pump Covered by Insurance?

Good news: Your Elvie Pump may be covered by insurance! Under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance plans must cover the cost of a breast pump. However, which pumps are covered and to what extent (rent vs own) can vary.

Elvie works with several insurance partners to make it easy to get your pump covered. Simply fill out Elvie‘s insurance inquiry form and they‘ll verify your coverage and submit the claim on your behalf. Note that you‘ll still be responsible for any deductibles or copays as determined by your plan.

If you‘re insured through Medicaid, the Elvie Pump is covered in most states as a standard electric pump. For military moms, Elvie is a registered vendor through Tricare and a physician‘s prescription is required for coverage.

Expert Insights on the Elvie Pump

To get a professional perspective on the Elvie Pump, we consulted with International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) Sarah Siebold.

"I think the Elvie is an excellent choice for moms who need a highly portable pumping solution, such as those who travel frequently or want to pump at work without drawing attention," says Siebold. "The discreet, hands-free design is a major benefit for pumping on the go."

However, she notes that the suction of the Elvie may not be strong enough for establishing milk supply in the early postpartum days or for exclusively pumping moms. "I usually recommend starting with a hospital-grade rental pump and then transitioning to the Elvie later on, perhaps when returning to work."

Siebold also advises that moms who are prone to clogs or mastitis may do better with a traditional pump that allows for different flange sizes and manual massage. "The Elvie is fantastic, but it may not be the right choice for everyone."

Clinical Research on the Elvie Pump

So what does the scientific research say about the Elvie Pump? A 2019 clinical study put the Elvie to the test among exclusively pumping mothers. The results showed that the Elvie yielded the same milk volume per session as a standard electric pump. Moms also rated the Elvie as more comfortable and discrete.

Another study looked at whether using the Elvie as a supplemental pump could help increase milk supply. Breastfeeding moms were instructed to use the Elvie on one breast while nursing on the other side. After two weeks, the moms saw a significant increase in pumped milk volume, suggesting that the Elvie may help with establishing and maintaining supply.

Elvie Pump Reviews: What Are Moms Saying?

One of the best ways to gauge whether a product is worth buying is to go straight to the source: real moms who have used it. We analyzed thousands of online Elvie Pump reviews to see what moms are raving (or complaining) about.

The consensus? Moms love the freedom and flexibility the Elvie affords, with the majority saying they‘re pumping more often simply because it‘s so convenient. "Total game changer!" and "Worth every penny" are phrases that come up again and again. Moms appreciate being able to pump while commuting, in Zoom meetings, and around family without anyone noticing.

On the flip side, the most common complaints center around the suction power and fit. Some moms find the suction too weak, especially those used to hospital-grade pumps. Others struggle to get a good seal with the breast shields, leading to reduced output. Several reviews mention downloading the app is a must for visualizing your output and getting the right fit.

Overall though, the Elvie Pump has an impressive 4.2 out of 5 star rating on Amazon, with 69% of the 2000+ reviews being 5 stars. No product is perfect, but the Elvie seems to have hit the mark for most moms seeking a truly wireless pumping experience.

Our Verdict

After an extensive evaluation, we believe the Elvie Pump is absolutely worth the investment for moms who value the unique benefits of wearable, hands-free pumping. No other pump on the market offers such a sleek, discreet design and quiet operation. Being able to pump cord-free is a major quality of life improvement and can make it easier to reach your breastfeeding goals, even with a busy schedule.

That said, the Elvie is not necessarily the best choice for every mom. If you‘re looking for a high-powered pump to establish supply or exclusively pump, a medical-grade pump may be more appropriate. We also wouldn‘t recommend the Elvie as your sole pump in the early postpartum stage. Wait until your supply regulates around 6-12 weeks before relying on the Elvie alone.

Price is also a consideration, as the Elvie is one of the most expensive consumer pumps. But for many moms, the convenience is priceless. If you have a long commute, travel often, or simply want to be able to pump while caring for other kids, the Elvie can be a worthwhile splurge.

As for the Elvie squeaking issue that some moms encounter, it seems to be hit or miss. Experimenting with breast shield size and lubricant usually does the trick, and Elvie‘s customer service is quite responsive if you run into mechanical issues. The 2-year warranty offers good protection for such an investment.

In conclusion, if a wearable pump would make your breastfeeding journey easier and more enjoyable, the Elvie Pump gets our seal of approval. It‘s a beautifully designed, thoughtfully engineered pump that delivers on its promise of effortless, wireless pumping. Being able to pump anywhere, anytime is the kind of freedom all moms deserve.