Medela breast pump--can I replace the tubes if I buy a used one?

By CupQuakeWalk Jun 14, 2012

I registered for the Medela electric pump (the double pump system with all the accessories) so I am hoping I can get it as a gift (and I think I most likely will) but if I don't then I'd like to buy it used.

I have found SO MANY women selling theirs online for half of the $300 price. Most of them had not even opened their accessory kit and have only used the pump once or twice because of supply reaosns or whatever they had going on.

Of course I would NEVER share one with a stranger unless I could completely switch out the pumps but no where on the Medela website does it talk about that so i'm thinking it is impossible to do it....unless they just don't encourage sharing in order to make sure everyone goes out and buys one of their own?

Any clues?

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13 comments

mrs. wagon
blogger / watermelon / 14218 posts

Jun 14, 2012

I would reach out and see if you can buy from a friend or a friend-of-a-friend, just in case, first... and if not, I would go ahead and buy one if you feel like you can really trust them. If you can get your own tubes and other parts it shouldn't be too much of a risk.
looch
wonderful pear / 26210 posts

Jun 14, 2012

You can, but it voids the warranty, if there is any on the machine.
loveisstrange
pineapple / 12526 posts

Jun 14, 2012

I know the non-hospital grade ones have some sort of membrane inside that can be bad news if you get a used one. I'm not 100% on that, but I had someone warn me about it before I had LO.

The hospital grade Medela Symphony is totally fine to use with new tubing though.
LivsMama
pear / 1728 posts

Jun 14, 2012

Its not recommended because its not a closed system. But I can tell you, I have the Medela PISA, and if I had to, I probably would have bought a used one. Ive never had milk get into my tubing, and I have removed the faceplate several times and havent ever had any mold in there. If I were to buy a used one, first I'd have it serviced or at least checked out to be sure the motor was running ok (likely not an issue with one used a few times, but mine is used 3-4 times a day for 10 months now, so that Id check) and definitely replace all of the tubing/flanges/bottles/connectors. Also, take the motor out of the bag to check underneath for any mold or anything. But if you cannot buy a new one, I wouldnt be opposed to going the used route. As an alternative, you can rent a closed system pump from many places
CupQuakeWalk
coconut / 8475 posts

Jun 14, 2012

OK- I did find an entire replacement set with
tubing
membranes
and valves
on Amazon for I guess I could go in with confidence if I need to buy it used.
I'll just wait and see if I get it at the shower and where I stand financially at that point. If I get a few gift cards to BRU then i'll put them together and it'll help me go for the new pump!
mamimami
grapefruit / 4120 posts

Jun 14, 2012

Look for a used hygeia - it's a closed system. Probably you'd be fine with a used Medela, but I would not be willing to take that risk.
Shimmer
kiwi / 553 posts

Jun 14, 2012

I found this video online - I purchased a used pump (used only by one mom) and will be purchasing the replacement set you mentioned earlier and having DH clean the inside of the pump as seen in the video.
HabesBabe
grapefruit / 4400 posts

Jun 14, 2012

One of my girlfriends just gave me her PIS (used, of course) and I'm going to replace the parts to use myself. Luckily, I know her well so I don't have any issues with hygiene or mold or anything like that.

@Shimmer: Thanks for the video! Def gonna check it out so I can properly clean it and replace the parts before the baby gets here.
Mrs. Stroller
blogger / nectarine / 2010 posts

Jun 14, 2012

I have a used pump and have been happy with it so far. I had it tested out by a lactation consultant (check your hospital for one) to make sure it still had good suction. Then I bought all new pump parts like the flanges, necks, membranes, etc. I did buy a replacement set of tubes, but discovered that fish tank tubing works too after I had mold grow in the tubes. Yuck! You just need to cut off the little connectors and stick them in the new tubing. I put the tubes in the microwave steam bag first though. I think new tubes were $20 and the fish tank ones were $2.50.
Shimmer
kiwi / 553 posts

Jun 14, 2012

@HabesBabe: No problem! It made me feel better knowing that I could get inside the pump and clean that out. I just couldn't spend $300+ on a pump!

@Mrs. Stroller: Interesting tidbit on the fish tank tubing... does that work for all breast pumps or just your particular model? I have a Medela In Style Advanced Backpack.
Mrs. Stroller
blogger / nectarine / 2010 posts

Jun 14, 2012

@Shimmer: That's the one I have too. I'm not sure if it works on all brands of pumps, but I know there are a couple different sizes of fish tank tubes. I just took my moldy tubes to the pet store and held them next to each other. They were close to the same size and the little connectors ended up fitting perfectly. I seriously felt like the biggest superstar when I saved us $18 on tubes that day. I think I called at least three girlfriends on the way home from the pet store. What a dork I am!
T.H.O.U.
wonderful clementine / 24134 posts

Jun 14, 2012

I have the Freestyle and do get moisture in the tubes sometimes. I would consider buying used if it was someone you kinda knew (friend of a friend) or something.
CupQuakeWalk
coconut / 8475 posts

Jun 14, 2012

@shimmer: that video is awesome. I will def be taking it all apart and cleaning it and changing all tubing. I mean that'll save me half the price right there.
I am looking at one that is $150 bucks and only used twice and mom's milk refused to even come out so it never had milk run through it anyways. I just hope its still available after my shower because i'd prefer to get it new as a gift.

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Medela breast pump--can I replace the tubes if I buy a used one?

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