Is the Clean Ounces Pump Worth the Hype? A Practical Look from a Pumping Pro
If you’ve spent even 10 minutes on TikTok lately, chances are you’ve seen the Clean Ounces pump making the rounds. Between its squishy silicone flange and claims that it “feels like a baby,” it’s become something of a viral sensation.
But what is this thing really? Is it a game-changer? A Limerick dupe? Or just another TikTok gimmick designed to look good in a 15-second clip?
Let’s break it down.
The Short Version
The Clean Ounces pump is a single-sided, motorized hand pump with a soft silicone flange that collapses during use. It has serious potential in very specific cases—but it’s not going to be the answer for most pumping parents, especially those exclusively pumping or building a stash.
Let’s Talk About That Flange
The pump's main appeal is its soft, flexible silicone flange, which visually mimics the Limerick Joy—a top-tier pump using constant vacuum and compression (completely different tech). While the Clean Ounces flange collapses nicely, the insert has hard plastic sunburst ridges that are not nipple-friendly unless you're using an insert.
✅ We tested the pink Nursing Luna inserts on Amazon and they worked well.
❌ Don’t use this at a 24 mm without inserts—you will regret it.
Design Flaws (Or Just… Choices?)
Here’s what you’re working with:
Heavy and Lopsided: The full setup weighs about 11.8 ounces and is top-heavy. You’ll need to brace the whole unit with your hand, which leads to hand fatigue fast.
Single-Sided: You’ll need to pump each breast separately—no time savings here.
3 Modes:
Light/flirty suction
Deep, sustained pulls (similar to BabyBuddha)
Mixed rhythm (short + long pulls)
Despite the gimmicky look, the suction range is impressive, from 30 mmHg up to 326 mmHg with cycle speeds from 124 to 30 CPM. That’s not bad! If this motor were in a dual pump setup, we’d be paying attention.
Real Talk: Who This Pump Is For
🔹 Pumping one side during a letdown
🔹 Managing hyperlactation or sudden engorgement
🔹 A backup for occasional relief
🔹 Curious gadget lovers who want to try something new
If you're a parent looking to pump hands-free, double-sided, or efficiently while managing a stash, this is not your pump. It doesn’t outperform a good manual pump—and it’s nowhere near the convenience of a wearable or a solid double electric.
But the Flange? That’s the Future.
This pump is likely made by Horizon, the same OEM behind several Pumpables and Zomee models. And here’s where things get exciting: the collapsing flange tech here feels like an early version of what’s in the Pumpables Liquid Kit, minus the expensive all-in-one inserts.
There’s hope we’ll see this kind of dynamic, collapsible silicone make its way into mainstream, double-sided pumps—and that would be a game-changer.
Final Verdict
✨ Innovative but impractical.
✨ Potential in the tech, not the execution.
This isn’t the next Limerick. It’s not going to replace your primary pump. But as a peek into what’s possible for flange design? We’re watching closely—and hoping the real innovation ends up in pumps built for long-haul use, not just viral videos.
Want help finding a pump that actually fits your life and your body?
Join us for a Virtual Pumping Consult, or check out the Genuine Lactation On-Demand Program for real answers, no hype.
