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.
Simply choose the breast pump that you’re interested in below we’ll let you know the sizing option we’d recommend.
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 |
What is a flange (breast shield)?
Your pump uses a flange (breast shield) to connect your nipple with the pump. Elvie makes these in 21 mm, 24 mm and 28 mm. If the product doesn't include your recommended size breast shield in the box, you can add it to your order at no extra cost when purchasing your pump direct with elvie.com, or purchase additional shields from our accessories shop.
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 (which are included with all the breast pumps listed above) 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.
Already own a pump from Elvie? You can purchase your breast pump sizing options in our accessories shop.
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.
Can I use Elvie Nipple Cushions with my Elvie Stride 2?
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.
Understanding breast pump sizing
Why is breast pump sizing important?
No two ways about it. Getting the right size for you 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?
What do I need to measure?
To get the recommended breast pump fit for you, you need to measure the base of your nipple. The base of your nipple is where it meets the areola. The areola is the circular patch of darker skin on your breast.
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.
To avoid inaccurate measurements, do not measure yourself directly after pumping or breastfeeding.
How do I find the right Elvie size for me?
If you haven’t purchased your breast pump yet, we'd recommend using our nipple sizing tool before you buy.
Already own an Elvie breast pump and flange? You can use the fit lines on the Breast Shield (Flange) 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. If all of the Breast Shields seem too big, its probably time to measure your nipples and try an Elvie Nipple Cushion which can be purchased in our accessories shop.
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.
Breast Shields/Flanges, Inserts and Nipple Cushions. What’s the difference?
A Flange/Breast Shield is a key part of your pump as connects your nipple to the pump. These are included with all of our pumps. However, dependent on your nipple size and the product you’re using, you may require an additional sizing option. You can identify which of these you need at the top of this page.
Nipple Cushions are for use with our Elvie Pump, Elvie Stride and Elvie Stride Plus. They provide comfort and fit for smaller nipples.
Inserts are for use only with Elvie Stride 2. They fit inside 28 mm Breast Shields. They provide comfort and fit for smaller nipples.
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.
This guide has been written in collaboration with Kristin Linden, a certified lactation consultant, to ensure accurate and supportive information for your breastfeeding journey.