Breast Pump Flange Styles Explained: Saucer, Pano, Wide Neck and Inserts
Most flange guides talk only about size. Shape matters too, and the two are easy to mix up. This guide explains the difference, then walks through each flange style in our shop so you know what to ask about at your next appointment.
What is a flange?
The flange, also called a breast shield, is the funnel that sits against your breast while you pump. It connects your breast to the pump and the collection bottle. It is the part of your pump that touches you, so small differences in its design can be noticeable.
Shape and size are two different things
Two measurements describe a flange:
Size is the diameter of the tunnel, in millimetres. It is the number printed on the flange, such as 15 mm or 21 mm.
Shape is how the funnel opens out. This covers how wide the angle is, how deep it sits, and whether the rim is soft or firm.
Two flanges can share the same size number and still feel very different, because their shapes differ. That is why a lactation consultant looks at both.
If you’re wanting some information on the right flange size, I have a useful blog
How to Find Your Optimal Flange Size: A Step by Step Guide Using the FITS™ Method
The flange styles in our shop
The angles below are the manufacturer’s published figures (Maymom). They show how each design differs and are not a fit recommendation.
Saucer flange
A shallow, wide-open design. Maymom lists the opening angle at 115° to 150°, the widest in their range, with a low profile that sits closer to the breast. The manufacturer describes it as suited to flatter or wider breasts and to delicate skin.
Our saucer flanges connect to selected Medela pumps and the Lansinoh SignaturePro SmartPump manual pump. Connectors are not included.
Pano flange
A fixed 105° angle with a soft ring around the rim. It sits between the saucer and a classic funnel: wider than traditional styles, with a cushioned edge.
Maymom describes the flange as rotatable, so the position of the tunnel can be adjusted against the nipple.
Wide neck flanges for Spectra pumps
These one-piece wide mouth flanges suit Spectra S1 and S2 pumps and Spectra wide neck bottles.
They follow the more traditional funnel design, deeper and narrower in the opening than a saucer, and come in a range of tunnel sizes.
Shop Spectra-compatible flanges
Flange inserts
An insert is a small ring that sits inside a larger tunnel to make it narrower. It lets you change the size without changing the whole flange, which is useful for wearable pumps that use a 24 mm flange as standard.
Our inserts suit Elvie Single, Elvie Double and the Elvie Stride cup, and selected sizes also suit the Medela PersonalFit Flex shield.
More Medela and Pumpin Pal options
We also stock MyFit Medela-compatible flanges and Pumpin Pal flanges. Each product page lists the sizes and compatible pumps.
Side by side
Questions to bring to your lactation consultant
What size and shape are you currently using, and how do they feel across a whole pumping session?
How does the nipple move within the tunnel while you pump?
How much of the areola is drawn into the tunnel?
Has your fit changed since you started pumping, or as your baby has grown or your pumping routine has changed?
Does your pump brand accept a different flange shape, or only different sizes?
Fit is individual and can change over time. A feed or pumping assessment is the most reliable way to work out what suits you, rather than a chart or a measurement alone. If you would like support, you can book a lactation consultation with me.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between flange size and flange shape?
Size is the width of the tunnel in millimetres. Shape is how the funnel opens out, including its angle, depth and rim.
What is a saucer flange?
A shallow, wide-angle flange. Maymom lists the angle at 115° to 150°.
What does a flange insert do?
It narrows the tunnel of a larger flange, so you can change size without replacing the whole flange.
Can I use a different brand’s flange with my pump?
Some pumps accept flanges made by other brands. Check the compatibility on each product page before you buy.
How do I know if my flange fits?
A lactation consultant can assess your fit during a pumping session. Comfort across the whole session and how the nipple and breast tissue sit in the flange are among the things they look at.
I have a useful blog How to Find Your Optimal Flange Size: A Step by Step Guide Using the FITS™ Method
This article is general information and does not replace an individual assessment. Maymom products are not original Medela, Spectra or Elvie parts, and The Breast Help is not affiliated with those brands. Please check your pump model against each product page before you buy.
