Our Mommy Care Team is here for you!
General
Will BeauGen cushions work with my pump?
Our cushions work with most major pump brands and accessories on the market, including Spectra, Medela, Willow, Elvie (by folding the cushion), BabyBuddha, Lansinoh, Hygeia, and Evenflo, just to name a few.
Cushions are not guaranteed to work with Pumpin Pals flanges due to their unique design. To inquire about compatibility with a specific product, contact us at [email protected].
What are the cushions made of?
Our cushions are made of a food-safe, BPA-free, latex-free and FDA-compliant stretchy plastic material. Unlike other inserts on the market, cushions are not made of silicone. BeauGen cushions are 100% recyclable and proudly made in the USA. Click here for more information on what is and is not used when making BeauGen Breast Pump Cushions.
Do I need cushions if I don’t have discomfort while pumping?
Maybe! It's so wonderful that you do not experience discomfort such as rubbing or friction while pumping!
BeauGen cushions also help provide a more customized fit if you are in-between standard flange sizes. Having the wrong sized flange could impact your milk output. A flange that is too small or tight could cause extra pressure on the breast in ways that can lead to clogged milk ducts. Clogged milk ducts can be painful, and if left unaddressed, could lead to infection (aka mastitis).
Do I need cushions if I am not pumping?
No, BeauGen cushions are exclusively designed to be used with breast pumps. If you are not breast pumping, you do not need cushions – though you will still get our love and support!
Can I use cushions like a nipple shield to nurse my child?
No, only use cushions with a breast pump as intended. Please be aware that breast pump cushions are potential choking hazards for children.
Sizing
What size flanges work best with BeauGen cushions?
Cushions are compatible with flange sizes 21-28mm. They stretch to fit inside flange sizes 21mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27mm, and 28mm. Cushions are approximately 1mm thick, so once they are inserted into the flange, the cushion reduces the flange size by 1-2mm (or 3-4mm folded). Therefore, we recommend cushions for moms who measure between 17-26mm.
Psst! Some users have found success achieving a 17mm flange fit using the fold method. The fold method reduces the flange size by 3-4mm, so folding the cushion while using a 21mm flange may help you achieve a desired flange fit of 17-18mm. Simply fold the tunnel of the cushions down like a turtleneck. To see the fold method in action, check out our How It Works page and this how-to video.
Please Note: Unless you are in between sizes, you may need to size-up your flange to accommodate the cushion. If you measure 28mm and already use a size 28mm flange without the cushions, you will not be able to size up to a 29mm or larger because the cushion does not stretch enough to fit flanges larger than 28mm.
While we do not have a specific timeline right now, our product development team is thinking about the next generation of breast pump cushions. Click here to complete a brief survey to help us prioritize the development of more sizes to support even more moms.
How thick is the cushion? Will I need to size up my flange to use it?
Cushions are approximately 1mm thick, so when inserted into a flange, the cushions reduce the flange size by approximately 1-2mm (or 3-4mm folded). We usually recommend going up a flange size, unless you are in between sizes. If you experience any uncomfortable rubbing during your first use, it might be that the flange is still too big, so you can try the fold method.
Will you offer larger/smaller cushion sizes?
Great question! We’re always collecting feedback from our BeauGen Moms to hear about their experiences using BeauGen cushions to determine what other features - including sizes - our moms want.
While we do not have a specific timeline right now, we have heard your feedback, and our product development team is thinking about the next generation of breast pump cushions. Click here to complete a brief survey to help us prioritize the development of more sizes to support even more moms.
What is the fold method?
The fold method is turtle necking the tunnel of the cushion. It reduces the flange size by 3-4mm (instead of 1-2mm when regularly inserted). To learn more about the fold method, check out our How It Works page and this quick how-to video.
The cushions don’t seem to fit around my nipples. Is there a way to stretch them?
Yes! If you are finding them a little snug, you can “train” your cushions to conform to the size and shape of your flange by stretching them around the outside of your flanges (see the first image below).
If you have a flange that does not allow you to stretch the cushions, then you can train your cushions around a similar-sized cylindrical object, such as a glue stick (see second image). Doing this for an hour or more before your first use will help the cushion material to "relax" and even better conform to you and your flange.
Pumping experience
Will the cushions help to increase my supply?
The method for increasing supply will vary from mom to mom, but it generally requires nursing and/or pumping more frequently. Using BeauGen cushions does not guarantee an increase in supply, but it may help by providing maximum nipple protection and comfort while pumping which could help you to fully empty on a more regular basis.
Will the cushions affect my letdown?Since pain and discomfort can inhibit the release of oxytocin (one of the hormones associated with the release of milk), having a more comfortable pumping experience may lead to better letdowns, better milk flow and more efficiency. The overall amount of milk pumped with and without the cushions is usually about the same.
Will the cushions work for everyone?Every mom is different. And we acknowledge that at times there is a learning curve for new BeauGen cushions users.
If there is a specific situation you want to inquire about to see if the cushions will help, feel free to email our Mommy Care Team at [email protected] with your questions.
Will the cushions help with elastic nipples?While our cushions were not explicitly designed for mamas with elastic nipples, many customers find that our cushions help hold back elastic tissue and improve comfort while pumping. If you have elastic nipples and have any questions about our cushions, please email our Mommy Care Team at [email protected].
Care
Hand wash with gentle dish or hand soap and rinse under warm water. Allow them to air dry. Do not expose cushions to high heat as it can degrade the soft material and cause premature wear and tear.
Can I sterilize my cushions?Since the material is so soft and stretchy, exposing the cushions to high temperatures may make them more prone to tearing. Avoid sterilizing your BeauGen cushions with boiling water, steamer bags, or other sources of heat.
How should I store my cushions?Store your cushions in a dry, climate-controlled location, and out of reach from small children.
Do I have to replace my cushions?Yes! To help you get the most out of each pumping session, we recommend replacing your cushions once you notice wear and tear. This is similar guidelines for other breast pumping supplies that need to be regularly replaced with frequent use. Like contact lenses, a fresh pair of cushions make a big difference!
Please note that the cushions' longevity will vary for each mom based on a variety of factors, including: frequency of use, length of pumping session, and care of the cushions. We recommend replacing your cushions every 2-8 weeks, depending on frequency and duration of each pumping session. Most users replace cushions each month, with exclusive pumpers replacing closer to the 2-week timeframe.
Watch for signs of wear, such as thinning or tearing - that is when you will know it is time to replace your cushions.
Why do I have to replace my cushions?Over time, the cushions will start to thin and lose their cushion-y feel. You might also experience a tear in your cushion - this is a normal sign of wear given the nature of its super-soft and stretchy material. Like contact lenses, a fresh pair of cushions makes a big difference!
When it comes time for you to get a new pair, remember that our cushions are 100% recyclable!
My cushions tore shortly after use. What can I do?
We’re terribly sorry to hear that your cushion tore shortly after use. Cushions fit inside flange sizes 21-28mm. If you used a flange size outside the recommended range, that is a likely reason for premature tearing.
If you did use a flange size between 21-28mm and the cushion still tore prematurely, please email our Mommy Care Team at [email protected], and we'd be happy to help you out.
Shipping
When will I receive my order?
Please see our Shipping Policies for up-to-date shipping information.
Do you ship internationally?Currently, we ship to any location in US. To inquire about shipping to a specific country or for international wholesale opportunities, please contact us at [email protected].
Returns
What is your return policy?
Please see our return and refund policy for details. Customers are responsible for the cost of return shipping and providing a tracking number. Any shipping method is acceptable. All international sales are final.
What if I find out the cushions don’t work for me? Can I return for a full refund?Because cushions are a personal use item, we do not accept returns after use. If the cushions cause an adverse effect to your pumping experience, please email our Mommy Care Team at [email protected] within 30 days of delivery. We do consider refunds on a case by case basis. Please see our return and refund policy for more details.
We care about you and we want to help you have the most optimal pumping experience!
