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These are not portable pumps. They are home workhorses!
I have restored dozens of hospital grade pumps manufactured over the last 60 years. The earlier they are (1950 – 1980) the tougher they are. They can be easily purchased for $125 to $150 on Ebay. They are easily serviced from Medelas to Egnells. Right now there are 12 Hospital Grade Medelas for sale for $74, shipping included! That is ridiculously low price! Remember, these pumps all have secondary vacuum isolation circuits, to prevent cross contamination, and were hospital use pumps. I hope they find good homes!
Bonus Round:
For mothers: I found that the gentle rotary swish that these pumps made soothed my kiddos, 20 years ago.Is the very old pump having accessories that are good with it? I know medela has probably all parts fitting among all pumps, with some exceptions, but wondering on the tubing and everything else how people find the fitting for it. Do they regulate the flow/strength? The only other one i saw on the listing was for parts/not working listed, which would be something I could try but those are newer ones.
Are the old ones really strong? I found that once I get used to pumping (after each break) I have a hard time feeling enough of the suction and it feels some is still clogging my milk ducts. So I get hard spots in my breasts and have to constantly massage and use hand, but it just seem too much work.
Anyone has tried using the old models? I am really curious to try it! Probably super loud😂😂😂
Hi Kate,
Most of the old pumps have a 3/16 or 1/4 in suction fitting that you can slide silicone or hard plastic tubing on. That tube should be fitted to the top of an isolation jar (or a fuel filter, your preference, see below), that fits in the other jar/bottle holder on the side of the unit. The isolation jar has two fittings on top, and serves as a trap for vapors and overflow from the collection jar that sits next to it. The collection now is done at the flange cups now, with filters there, so this can be redundant, but protects your pump. The trap jar can be lined/filled with aquarium glass filter medium and charcoal for air filtration back to the pump if you like. An in-line 1/4 inch inlet/outlet automotive disposable fuel filter can be inserted in the vacuum line next to the pump to further isolate the pump. The goal here is to isolate the vacuum air and vapors from the milk from contaminating the pump. There are many solutions, like large in-line 0.33 micron bio disc filters used in labs to prevent pathogen passage in filter setups. The current production models usually have these built in to the tubing setup, but are more expensive. What I am describing is inexpensive and easily replaced by the user.The vast majority of these pumps I have purchased, occasionally repaired, have worked flawlessly. Sometimes they need piston ring replacement, which is a screwdriver, small crescent wrench and trip to ACE Hardware for the piston rings proposition.
If I can be of any help, just ask! They make a soft swishing sound of the piston pumping and a little whoosh when the vacuum vents. Not loud at all. Put my kids to sleep, and sometimes was just used for that!
These are apparently being sold in the USA. You could reach out and ask questions about condition, or ask that they test one. Additionally, they might ship international.
I’m not connected to any sellers on Ebay, I just found these and some under $50 portables. Those I don’t know as well. When people talk about the cost of pumps, (and these are adjustable for suction, but don’t have the digitally programmed vacuum sequences,), I know these to be a sound alternative.
Cheers!
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