Medela Solo Hands-Free Breast Pump – FAQ’s:
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 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.
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.
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. 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), centre 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 centred in the breast shield tunnel and will move freely during pumping.
- Visit Medela Breast Shield sizing guide, 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 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.
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?
Before first use, boil the Hands-free Collection Cup for 10 minutes. Also sterilise after each use and wash them – either by hand or in the dishwasher. Sanitize it once a day by boiling for 10 minutes or using Medela’s microsteam quick clean bags.
Is the Hands-free Collection Cup dishwasher safe?
The Hands-free collection cup is dishwasher safe on the top rack only.
How can I clean and dry the tubing?
Do not clean or rinse the inside of the tubing under any circumstances. You can wipe the exterior of tubing with a damp cloth if it becomes dirty.
Can I store milk in the wearable collection cup between pump sessions?
No. Do not store expressed breastmilk within the pump cup. After pumping, mums should pour any expressed breast milk into a milk-safe storage container and store it in the refrigerator, freezer, or use it immediately.
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.
