How does the Solo™ Hands-free breast pump work?
The Solo™ Hands-free single electric pump provides you with an intuitive superior pumping experience. This small yet powerful pump has 9 adjustable vacuum levels, keeping you pumping in comfort. With Medela’s trusted 2-Phase Expression™ technology it mimics babies' natural sucking rhythm - faster at first to stimulate milk flow, then slower to feed – for comfortable and efficient pumping.
Vacuum is applied to the breast by means of a tubing connection to the pump. The air flow between the pump and the hands-free cup generates a vacuum that is applied to the breast for milk expression. The milk is then collected within the cup and once pumping is finished the expressed milk can be poured from the cup into a bottle or storage bag. The Hands-free Collection Cup is not intended to be used for milk storage.
How can I connect the cup to the Solo™ Hands-free breast pump?
The Hands-free Collection Cup is connected to the Solo™ breast pump by way of a tubing connection.
Do you have to be sitting or can you be more active?
The Solo™ Hands-free is great for relaxing back and taking a moment, and also for those times when you have to be on-the-go. Whether you choose to use your hands-free pump while sitting, walking around, or tending to your baby, the Solo™ Hands-free allows you both options. It is good to note as with all pumps, the milk collection cup is not designed to be used when leaning over completely or during exercise as there is an opening (pouring spout) at the top of the cups through which milk could spill out.
Do I need a special bra to be able to use the Solo™ Hands-free?
A special bra is not required when using the Solo™ Hands-free. The wearable pump cup is designed to fit into most nursing bras.
For the ultimate hands-free experience, check out our Keep Cool Bra / 3 in 1 Nursing Bra.
How much milk does the wearable breast pump cup hold?
The Hands-free Collection Cup can hold up to 150 ml breast milk.
What is the weight of the Hands-free Collection Cup?
At only 76 g it is amongst the lightest available and won’t weigh you down.
How does the wearable cup hold on to the breast?
The Hands-free Collection Cup is placed on the breast inside the nursing bra. The fit of the bra and vacuum generated from the pump creates a seal that allows the cup to stay in place while pumping and collecting milk.
Do you need WiFi to use the Solo™ Hands-free breast pump?
No, you do not need WiFi to use the Solo™ Hands-free pump. The pump has the ability to connect to the Medela Family™ app via Bluetooth® connectivity.
The Medela Family™ app is your personal assistant that provides automatic real-time tracking, personalized, science-based content and pumping tips, a virtual milk inventory system, plenty of smart tools and interactive checklists.
How long does the battery last and does it need the original charger?
With the Solo™ Hands-free built-in USB chargeable battery, you can pump on a single battery charge for up to 1.5 hours, which is on average up to 6 pumping sessions.
Only use the power adapter and cable that comes with the Solo™ breast pump to recharge the battery.
Can I turn the Solo™ Hands-free single electric breast pump into a double?
No. It is not possible to convert the Solo™ Hands-free into a double pump. If this is tried a significant loss in vacuum could occur impacting how much milk is able to be expressed during pumping sessions.
Does my Solo™ Hands-free pump also work with the classic bottle pumping set?
The Solo™ pump is also compatible with the Medela PersonalFit Flex™ set (with bottles). You can use the pump either with the wearable collection cup included in the configuration or the classic PersonalFit Flex™ set that can be bought separately.
How do I know how long should I express when using the Solo™ pump and Hands-free Collection Cup? What can I do to help drain the breast effectively when pumping?
Many mums don’t sense their let down, so watch for this as you pump. When you start to see jets of breast milk squirting into the collection cup, you’ll know it’s happening.5
As you are using a breast pump with 2-Phase Expression™ technology, it will have a stimulation mode and an expression mode. The stimulation mode lasts one minute but once you see milk flowing as described, it’s important to switch to the expression phase. This is because that first let down typically provides around 36% of the milk volume, so you’ll be taking advantage of your flow to collect more milk.5,6
During the expression phase, pump at your Maximum Comfort Vacuum, which is the highest breast pump setting you can use while remaining comfortable. In research, this was found to remove a similar amount of milk as a baby does during breastfeeding.7,8
To find the right level for you, increase the breast pump suction gradually until it becomes slightly uncomfortable, and then turn it down a notch. Pumping breast milk shouldn’t hurt.
Pumping should be continued until the breast feels well-drained, soft all over and the milk stops flowing, rather than for a fixed duration. Once your supply is established (after about four weeks), you can start tailoring how many minutes you need to pump for, which can save you valuable time. It is advised to check if your milk has stopped flowing and how your breasts feel, to determine the end of your pumping session. Some mums need to pump longer than others due to their number of let downs, which determine how often and how long milk flows.9,10 What’s really amazing is that while every mum has a unique flow pattern, yours will be the same each time you pump as well as when you breastfeed.11
It is important to note that it could be potentially easier for a user to forget how long they have been using in-bra wearable pump when multi-tasking. It is advised to not overstimulate the breasts and prolong use of the breast pump collection cups unnecessarily.
Do you have control of suction in stimulation and expression?
With the Solo™ Hands-free 9 adjustable vacuum settings you have full control in both stimulation and expression mode to find your Maximum Comfort Vacuum.
Is the wearable pump cup adaptable to different breast shapes?
The Hands-free Collection Cup is designed in an anatomical shape to comfortably fit to most breasts.
Which sizes is the Hands-free Collection Cup available in?
The Hands-free Collection Cup comes in three tunnel sizes: 21 mm, 24 mm and 27 mm to maximize comfort and effective milk drainage during pumping. To ensure proper fit with the wearable pump cup, check out our Medela Breast Shield sizing guide https://www.medela.com/fittingguide. The 24 mm breast shield is part of the Solo™ Hands-free configuration. Other sizes are available for purchase separately.
How do I select the correct breast shield size?
Select the breast shield size by measuring the diameter of your nipple. It is best to select the breast shield size that is slightly larger than your nipple.
The 21 mm size is for smaller or up to 17 mm nipple diameter. The 24 mm size is for larger than 17 mm up to 20 mm nipple diameter.
The 27 mm size is for larger than 20 mm nipple diameter.
Here’s how to check:
Using the 24 mm sized shields included with your pump (or the size chosen after measuring your nipples), center your nipple and gently hold the Hands-free collection cup against your breast. (Please note: pressing any pumping shields too hard against your breasts when pumping could restrict the flow of milk through the ducts).
Adjust your breast pump’s vacuum for Maximum Comfort Vacuum to achieve optimum suction level, turning the vacuum up until slightly uncomfortable and then down one notch.
When your breast shield fits correctly, your nipple will be centered in the breast shield tunnel and will move freely during pumping.
Visit www.medela.com/fittingguide, or if you are still unsure that you selected the correct size, see a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist.
Can I use the Solo™ Hands-free breast pump if I have inverted nipples?
Solo™ Hands-free has been anatomically designed to fit comfortably to most breast and nipple shapes.
The right size of breast shield (the funnel-shaped part that fits over your breast) is an essential part of optimal milk flow during pumping as well as to help obtain maximum comfort. To ensure a proper fit with the wearable pump cups, visit our Medela Breast Shield sizing guide www.medela.com/fittingguide
The tunnel diameter on the Hands-free Collection Cup is sized the same as the Medela PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields from all the pumps in the range. Therefore, with correct sizing and use of the Hands-free Collection Cup it should support a comfortable pumping experience.
If you find it more difficult to size with an inverted nipple/s or are still unsure whether the size, you are using is right for you please consult a lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist in addition to the sizing guide above.
Can I use the Solo™ Hands-free breast pump if I have small breast size?
Solo™ Hands-free has been anatomically designed to fit comfortably to most breast shapes.
Can I use the breast pump while breastfeeding?
Yes, it is possible to use the Solo™ Hands-free breast pump at the same time as breastfeeding your baby/child from the other breast. As with many new skills, it may be a little difficult at first to do both at the same time. It can be helpful to discuss this with your breastfeeding specialist or breastfeeding support group to see how you can make this easier.
Do wearable collection cups cause more soreness?
As with all breast shields, they come into contact with the breast and nipple area, therefore it is important to have the right fit to prevent any soreness. The right size of breast shield (the funnel-shaped part that fits over your breast) is an essential part of optimal milk flow during pumping as well as to help obtain maximum comfort.
The breast shield tunnel should surround your nipple closely but leave enough space for it to move back and forth freely without rubbing. It shouldn’t chafe or pull too much of your areola (the darker area around the nipple), or the breast skin around it, into the tunnel as you pump. A badly fitting breast shield can reduce the amount of milk you express, which is why Medela makes breast shields in several different sizes.
The tunnel diameter on the Medela Hands-free Collection Cup is sized the same as the Medela PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields from all the pumps in the range. Therefore, with correct sizing and use of the Hands-free Collection Cup it should support a comfortable pumping experience.
Medela offers a breast shield sizing guide which applies to PersonalFit Flex™ breast shields and the Hands-free Collection Cups www.medela.com/fittingguide
Seek advice and support from your lactation consultant / breastfeeding specialist if you experience discomfort or soreness when pumping.
At times I produce a lot of milk, can I pause the pump to empty the full cup?
Yes. The Solo™ Hands-free pump does not shut off automatically when the milk collection cup is full. However, because of the Hands-free Collection Cup’s transparent design and side scale measurement indicator, it makes it easy to monitor how much has been collected and pause the pumping when the collection cup is full. Just continue your pumping session once the collection cup is emptied.
To empty the cup:
1. Pause the pumping by pressing the On/Pause/Off button on your Solo™ breast pump.
2. Pour the expressed milk into a breast milk-safe collection bottle or storage bag.
3. Place the Hands-free Collection Cup back in position and continue the pumping session.
Is the Solo™ Hands-free easy to clean?
The Solo™ Hands-free has been designed to make cleaning easy. The cup has only 3 parts to clean (cup, membrane, breast shield) and is dishwasher safe on the top rack only.
The pump unit and the exterior of tubing can be wiped down with a damp cloth if needed. The pump features a closed-system so milk cannot get into the tube when used as instructed. Do not clean or rinse the inside of the tubing under any circumstances.
How often do I need to clean the Hands-free Collection Cup?
The Hands-free Collection Cup should be boiled for 10 minutes before first use, washed after every use (hand wash or dishwash), and sanitised once per day (boil for 10 minutes or microsteam). Always allow all parts to completely dry on a clean towel.
How often does it need to be sterilised?
The Hands-free Collection Cup should be boiled for 10 minutes before first use, washed after every use (hand wash or dishwash), and sanitised once per day (boil for 10 minutes or microsteam).
Is the Hands-free Collection Cup dishwasher safe?
The Hands-free wearable pump cup is dishwasher safe on the top rack only.
How can I clean and dry the tubing?
The Medela personal use breast pump features a closed-system so milk cannot get into the tube when used as instructed. Do not clean or rinse the inside of the tubing under any circumstances. The exterior of the tubing can be wiped down with a damp cloth if dirty.
Can I store milk in the wearable collection cup between pump sessions?
No. Do not store expressed breastmilk within the pump cup. When a mum has finished pumping, any breast milk expressed should be poured into a milk-safe storage container, stored in the refrigerator, freezer or used immediately.
For more information, see https://www.medela.com/breastfeeding/mums-journey/storing-and-thawing-breast-milk
When finished pumping, how can I drain the milk from the tunnel into the cups?
To avoid milk spilling out of the breast shield tunnel, when finished pumping, keep the pump running and slightly lean forward to ensure all milk from the nipple tunnel enters the milk collection cups. Once there is no more milk in the tunnel stop the pump by pressing the start or pause button.
Why is my Solo™ Hands-free breast pump losing suction?
Make sure that all pump set components are clean and dry and that connections are secure. While pumping, make sure the breast shield forms a complete seal around the breast.
If suction does not improve after having followed these steps, contact Medela Customer Service.
How can I store the Solo™ Hands-free pump for long-term?
Before long-term storage, disassemble and sanitise all parts (except for the tubing). Do not store the Solo™ Hands-free breast pump in its assembled state over an extended period of time. It is best to fully charge the battery before storing your breast pump for an extended period of time.
Can I return the Solo™ Hands-free pump if I change my mind?
The Solo™ Hands-free pump is a single-user product, therefore for hygiene and safety reasons, it can only be used by one person. This means that once the tamper seal is broken, you will not be able to return the product to Medela or a retailer unless it is faulty. If you received a faulty or malfunctioning device, please contact the Medela customer service team to see if you are eligible for a warranty replacement.
How do I dispose of the Solo™ Hands-free?
Disposal of your breast pump
At the end of its operating life, separate the parts of your breast pump and dispose of according to the following instructions.
This appliance contains batteries that are non-replaceable.
When the battery is at end of life, the appliance shall be properly disposed of.
The integrated battery must not be removed for disposal.
If the battery should leak, the breast pump must be disposed of.
Breast shield, outer shell, tubing and membrane.
The parts are made of plastics that are not harmful to the environment when disposed of as household waste. Recycle or dispose of according to local regulations.
Motor unit and power adapter
Do not dispose of electric or electronic equipment together with unsorted municipal waste, but collect it separately.
In the European Union the manufacturer or its vendor must take back waste equipment. Other countries may have similar collection and recycling systems. Dispose of the waste equipment according to local regulations. Inquire at the point of sale or contact your local authority for appropriate collection points for waste equipment.
The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment.
