Perfecting size and fit
The Breast Shield (or flange) is one of the most important parts of your pump. If it doesn’t fit you, using your pump could be like wearing the wrong bra. Awkward, frustrating, and pretty damn uncomfortable. Read on to find out how to find your perfect fit.
Find your size with our sizing tool
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
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 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:
What if the 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.
Learn about how to use your nipple cushion below.
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?
There are two ways to find your size. The first is using 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:
The second way to measure is by using our online sizing tool. The Breast Shields and Nipple Cushion are then sized like this:
NIPPLE MEASUREMENT: | OUR RECOMMENDATION: |
|---|---|
11 mm - 12 mm | 15 mm Cushion placed in 24mm Breast Shield |
13 mm - 15 mm | 17 mm Cushion placed in 24mm Breast Shield |
15 mm - 17 mm | 19 mm Cushion placed in 24mm Breast Shield |
17 mm - 19 mm | 21mm Breast Shield |
20 mm - 22 mm | 24mm Breast Shield |
23 mm - 26 mm | 28mm Breast Shield |
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.
Finally, if you ever need more help with sizing, please reach out. Our Customer Care Team is on hand to answer all your questions.