While many may be familiar with breast pumps, specific components are crucial in their functioning – the piston and cylinder.

This guide will dive into these two parts and how they work together to make breast pumping possible.

Whether you’re a new mom looking to understand your breast pump better or curious about its inner workings, this guide will give you a comprehensive understanding of the breast pump piston and cylinder.

Let’s get started!  

The breast pump piston is a crucial component of any breast pump, serving as the main suction source. It works by creating a vacuum effect that mimics a baby’s sucking motion, stimulating milk flow and expressing it from the breasts.

Typically made of silicone or plastic, pistons come in various shapes and sizes to fit different types of breast pumps. They are also designed with soft textures to ensure comfort during use.

There are two main types of breast pump pistons – manual and electric. Manual pistons require manual pumping action from the user to create suction, while motors power electric pistons and operate with the press of a button.

Within these categories, there are also different variations and designs of pistons, such as single or double pumping options.

Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your breast pump piston. It is recommended that the piston be cleaned after each use with warm, soapy water and replaced every few months, depending on usage.

Now that we have covered the basics of the breast pump piston let’s move on to its counterpart – the cylinder.

The breast pump cylinder works hand in hand with the piston to create suction and express milk from the breasts. This component acts as a container for the milk and regulates the pressure within the pump.

Like pistons, cylinders come in various sizes and designs to fit different types of breast pumps. They are typically made of plastic or glass, with some models featuring measurement markings for easy tracking of milk output.

There are two main types of breast pump cylinders – open and closed systems.

Open-system cylinders allow air to flow freely in and out of the pump, while closed-system cylinders have a barrier that prevents air from entering the pump during use.

Closed system cylinders are often considered more hygienic as they reduce the risk of contamination.

As with the piston, proper maintenance of the breast pump cylinder is essential. It is recommended that the cylinder be cleaned after each use and replaced every few months, depending on usage.

In conclusion, the breast pump piston and cylinder are integral to any breast pump. Their proper functioning ensures efficient milk expression and overall hygiene during pumping sessions.

We hope this guide has provided a better understanding of these parts and their importance in breast pumping. Happy pumping!