Breast Pump Flange & Insert size guide
Getting the right breast pump flange fit for your body is one of the most important parts of your pumping experience. If your pump doesn’t fit you, using it could be like wearing the wrong bra. Awkward, frustrating, and pretty damn uncomfortable.
Our pumps are customisable, with different flange & insert sizing options to allow you to customise the pump to fit your body.
How do I know which size flange/shield to use for my breast pump?
The easiest option is to use our sizing tool. We’ll walk you through how to measure your nipples, collect your measurement and recommend the combination of flange (breast shields) and additional sizing options we think will work best for you.
Already know your nipple measurement?
The sizing option we recommend might be different dependant on the pump you’re looking to purchase:
Elvie Pump / Elvie Stride* shield Size Chart:
*Not including Elvie Stride 2.
NIPPLE MEASUREMENT: | OUR RECOMMENDATION: |
|---|---|
11 mm - 12 mm | 15 mm Nipple Cushion placed in 24mm Breast Shield |
13 mm - 15 mm | 17 mm Nipple Cushion placed in 24mm Breast Shield |
15 mm - 17 mm | 19 mm Nipple Cushion placed in 24mm Breast Shield |
17 mm - 19 mm | 21 mm Breast Shield |
20 mm - 22 mm | 24 mm Breast Shield |
23 mm - 26 mm | 28 mm Breast Shield |
Elvie Stride 2:
Exciting news! Stride 2 is our first product to include ALL sizing inserts in the box as well as a handy kit to help you measure your nipples. We recommend using the in-box measuring tool on arrival to choose your inserts.
Understanding breast pump sizing
What is a flange (breast shield)?
Your pump uses a breast shield to connect your nipple with the pump. Elvie makes these in 21 mm, 24 mm and 28 mm. You can purchase additional Breast Shields with our accessories.
If you have smaller-sized nipples and are using Elvie Pump or Elvie Stride, you might also need Elvie Nipple Cushions. These fit inside 24 mm Elvie Breast Shields (which are included with Elvie Pump and Elvie Stride).
What is a nipple cushion and why do I need one?
Nipple Cushions are soft, silicone accessories that you can place inside a 24mm Breast Shield (included with Elvie Pump and Elvie Stride) to help size down your shield and provide extra comfort. Elvie Nipple Cushions are available in size 15mm, 17mm or 19mm. You can identify your fit with the table above.
We believe in comfortable pumping. The recommended Nipple Cushion size for you is provided with your pump when buying direct with elvie.com.
We wouldn’t recommend using Elvie Nipple Cushion’s with Stride 2, and would recommend using the in-box inserts. Elvie Stride 2 includes inserts within the box, which provide the comfort of a Nipple Cushion.
Why is sizing so important?
No two ways about it. The Breast Shield is kind of a big deal. It connects your pump to your body. If it doesn't fit, you might experience decreased milk volumes and pain or discomfort.
Not ideal, right? Well, the good news is that different Breast Shield sizes are available to help you find your perfect fit.
What Breast Shield sizes are available?
Elvie makes three different Breast Shields. Sizes 21mm, 24mm and 28mm are available. You can tell the Breast Shields apart by the symbols on them.
You can purchase Elvie Breast Shields for Elvie Pump and Elvie Stride with our accessories.
What if the Elvie Breast Shields are too big?
Elvie also makes Nipple Cushions, which are soft, silicone accessories that you can place inside a 24mm Breast Shield to help size down your shield and provide extra comfort. Elvie Nipple Cushions are available in size 15mm, 17mm or 19mm.
What am I sizing?
Good question. The answer is your nipple. More specifically, the width of the base of your nipple. The base of your nipple is where it meets the areola.
It’s important to size both of your nipples. No two nipples are the same, so you might find you need different sizes for left and right.
How do I find the right size?
Already own an Elvie Breast Pump and Shields? You can use the fit lines on the Breast Shield itself. To see if a Breast Shield fits, start by putting it on your nipple. If it fits you, the fit lines should line up with the outside of your nipple.
Yet to buy an Elvie Breast Pump? We'd recommend using our sizing tool before you buy.
Do my nipples really change size?
Yup, they certainly do. Your nipples could get bigger or smaller before and after giving birth.
This is why It’s really important to check your Breast Shield sizing during your pumping journey. We’d recommend doing this every couple of weeks.
Where do I start?
The best place to begin is by taking some time to use our Elvie Nipple Sizing tool. We'll take you step-by-step through measuring your nipple and choosing the right product combination for you.
If you ever need more help with sizing, please reach out. Our Customer Care Team is on hand to answer all your questions.