Nursing mothers need a pair of breast shells because of the many benefits that they offer. Silicone models, for instance, are suitable for correcting inverted, retracted, and flat nipples to alleviate pain and ease breastfeeding. They can also stop clothes from irritating cracked or sensitive nipples and relieve mild engorgement naturally to improve the look and comfort of users. Currently, the best breast shells include:
Top 10 Best Breast Shells in 2022 Reviews:
1. Medela Flex PersonalFit Breast Shields
With the Medela Flex PersonalFit Breast Shield, you can adapt the way the shield fits, which helps you to find the most efficient and most comfortable positions nurse your baby. One of the best things about this product is that it changes as the shape of your breast changes. It offers you a personalized experience. Moreover, this breast shell was designed with the help of breastfeeding mums and research scientists, making it useful. It encourages your milk to flow since it prevents milk compression of milk ducts. This also allows it to adapt to the shape of your breasts. As a result, mothers can easily find a convenient position for them.
Medela Flex is available in four different sizes so you can choose the right size for pumping efficiency and maximum comfort. In addition, the rim of this breast shell has a natural-feeling and soft construction that lays smoothly on your breast for optimum comfort. It removes approximately 11% more milk per minute.
What we like:
- Improved efficiency
- Effective and comfortable
- Adapts to most breasts
- Available in multiple sizes
Our verdict:
Overall, the Medela Flex PersonalFit Breast Shields is comfortable, effective, and very efficient. Most importantly, it reduces the number of compressions and massages you need to when pumping milk.
2. Medela SoftShells Breast Shells
Medela is famous for producing high quality and effective breastfeeding products, and the Medela SoftShells Breast Shells lives up to that name. It comes in large and small sizes to meet the needs of different mothers. The large one is ideal for those with sore nipples while the smaller model is for women with inverted, flat, or engorged nipples. The shells come with one back and a pack, which further ensures you get one that will meet your needs
The cupped area offers structure but just enough for moderate discretion when in use. To prevent soreness, it has a vented top that allows air circulation on the nipple. Thus, if you are in the early days of breastfeeding, this breast shell is perfect, as it prevents breasts engorging with milk. If you are struggling with heavy milk leakages, this unit might not be a solution since it does not collect breastmilk.
What we like:
- Provides great support
- Natural look under clothes
- Provide nipple protection
- Large/non-irritant opening
Our verdict:
We recommend the Medela SoftShells since it helps in solving some of the most common issues that breastfeeding mothers face, such as inverted or flat nipples and nipple soreness. It is super comfortable to wear while solving these conditions.
3. Philips Avent 2 Count Breast Shell
If you are looking for a budget-friendly yet effective solution, the Philips Avent 2 Count Breast Shell should do. It is ideal for breastfeeding mothers who want to air their breasts because of sore nipples or those who have a milk leakage problem. The pack is available in non-vented and vented cups. What this means is that it is suitable for protecting milk savers as well as sore nipples without milk spillage. One of the best things about this affordable breast shell is that is has vented cups with a softback, which makes it comfortable to wear when the nipples are sore.
Furthermore, these cups are curved and large enough to allow plenty of space for air circulation. The non-vented shell is ideal to use on a free breast while you express or feed to catch any leaks. With this model, you can collect more milk without spilling. The only downside is that Philips Avent is not discreet when in use.
What we like:
- Easy to clean
- Keeps clothes dry
- Affordable price
- BPA free materials
Our verdict:
If you are searching for a breast shell to wear in public, the Philips Avent 2 may not be the best option if you have large breasts. That said, this is an affordable unit and is quite effective in preventing spillages and relieving nipple soreness.
4. Lansinoh Breastfeeding Nipple Shield
For mothers with flat nipples, the Lansinoh Breastfeeding Nipple Shield is the best option. It is a super soft, thin, and flexible silicone, which makes feeding easy to use and extremely comfortable. The silicone material on the nipple acts as a shield during breastfeeding and helps your baby feed easily from your breast. This tool is quite useful in addressing short term issues related to small, ill, or premature infants as well as inverted or flat nipples, overactive let-down, or lip tie.
This makes it one of the best nipple shields for infants. It comes with a large protective case for convenient and hygienic storage. Furthermore, the unit features a unique cut design that maximizes skin-to-skin contact.
What we like:
- Skin Friendly
- High quality
- Perfectly thin
- Easy to clean
Our verdict:
The Lansinoh Breastfeeding Nipple Shield is not only super comfortable but also has a unique, safe, and flexible construction. It is available in two different sizes to meet the needs of several breastfeeding mothers.
5. Lacti-Cups BPA free Breast Shells
Do you struggle to save breast milk for your child because you lack a breast pump? If your answer is yes, the Lacti-Cups BPA free Breast Shells is worth checking out. The unit helps you have enough milk supply. Moreover, it is way easier and cheaper than using a breast pump. Furthermore, you can use this innovative breast shield on your free breast as you express or nurse and catch any spills. Unlike most brands, you can use this model when you are mobile since it is protective and very discreet. The shell can hold up to 2-3-ounces before emptying. Therefore, always have a storage container close by for decanting and preventing spillages.
Furthermore, it is easy to clean since it is dishwasher safe, or you can use warm soapy water. The most common bugbear with this breast shell is that you need to be careful when placing it. It has ventilation holes that improve the circulation of air. However, if you position it upside down, the milk will spill and soak your top.
What we like:
- BPA-free
- Easy to clean
- Prevents mil leakage
- Protect sore nipple
Our verdict:
Overall, the Lacti-Cups BPA free Breast Shell is not only effective but also comes at a very affordable price. In addition, if you do not like the thought of wasting even a drop of your breast milk, this amazing breast shell is an indigenous solution.
6. Milkies Milk-Saver Breast Shells On-The-Go
The Milk-Saver Breast Shells On-The-Go addresses the problem of milk leakage and does so incredibly. Well. This model is flexible, well made, and can fit different shapes of breasts. You simply need to slip it in the nursing bra on the breast you are not pumping or nursing and set the center hole over your nipple. It collects any milk that spills at the bottom of the cup. Once you are done, pour the milk in a clean container to store the milk. You can also collect the milk directly in the storage bag. The best thing is that this breast shell works well with most milk storage bags, which makes the process much easier and saves time as well.
While the Milk-Saver might look slim, it is slightly noticeable under your cloth. When pumping or nursing in private, that might not really be a big deal. However, when nursing your baby in public, positioning this shell and then removing and pouring the milk out while still juggling the baby can be a bit challenging. As such, the Milk-Saver comes with a lid that prevents milk spillage.
What we like:
- BPA-free
- Included travel case
- Saves breast milk
- Non-leaching material
Our verdict:
For breastfeeding moms who need to save every drop of breast milk, the Milk-Saver Breast Shells On-The-Go will come in handy. If you do not have enough freezer stash or struggle with milk supply, this option could be quite helpful.
7. Medela TheraShells Breast Shell
The Medela TheraShells Breast Shell is quite versatile as it helps to soothe nipple engorgement and sore nipples. In addition, it is an excellent remedy for inverted and flat nipples since it can be quite challenging for breastfeeding moms. You can wear the Medela TheraShells continuously between pumping or nursing sessions to protect your nipple and other breast tissues. It ranks among the best breast shells.
This product has a low profile design that provides discretion and privacy while preventing nipples from irritation and leakages. The patented design further helps to save milk. On the other hand, it prevents milk from staining your shirt, thus an ideal gift for new moms. More importantly, it has a very natural look under your shirt. As you can see, you can use this discrete breast shell at home and in public.
What we like:
- Helps to soothe nipples
- Keeps nipples dry
- Natural round shape
- Vented fronts
Our verdict:
We recommend the Medela TheraShells Breast Shell since it provides relief between feedings, has a natural appearance, and offers privacy and discretion. It also has a BPA free shell, which makes it a safe option for you and your baby.
8. Elvie Pump Shield
If you are searching for a discreet breast shell, then you will probably like the Elvie Pump Breast Shield. It also offers a solution for sore and cracked breasts. It has a hard shell design that collects any spilled milk. The cups can collect up to 3oz of milk without spilling. Thus, if you are concerned about losing breast milk when nursing your baby, this breast shell is a lifesaver. Since it catches a lot of milk, you will save money, as you will reduce the number of breast pads you use.
This item is easy to use and makes it easy for you to transfer the collected breast milk to a storage bottle or container. Apart from that, it has a durable and portable design that offers a comfortable wear and makes it easy to carry it with you.
What we like:
- Comfortable and slim
- Discreet
- Has a protective lid
- Helps you to save milk
Our verdict:
The Elvie Pump Breast is easy to clean, offers discretion and privacy, and, more importantly, ensures mothers save every drop of milk.
9. Phillips AVENT Comfort Breast Cushion
Breastfeeding can be more comfortable and a more pleasant experience when using the Phillips AVENT Comfort Breast Cushion. This unit helps to get rid of frustrating problems such as sore nipples and thrush. We like that this model adjusts to fit well in breasts of different sizes and shapes. Furthermore, the comfortable breast shell helps to prevent breast milk leakages, which make it an excellent option for those with a limited supply of breast milk. This shield wear can help you collect up to three ounces of breastmilk each time.
The Phillips AVENT breast shell is a safe option for the baby and the mother since it BPA free and food-grade silicone. Most importantly, it helps your nipples to stay dry instead of having damp pads that can be quite uncomfortable.
What we like:
- Reduces nipple pain
- Easy to use
- Prevents milk leakage
- Easy and quick to clean
Our verdict:
If you are looking for a breast shell that adjusts to the size and shape of the breast, then the Phillips AVENT Comfort Breast Cushion is the one for you. It is super easy to use and is a non-toxic material. It is one of the best breast shells in stores.
10. Finever Breast Milk Breastfeeding Nipple Cups
The Breast Milk Breastfeeding Nipple cups by Finever also allow you to save breast milk. Not even a drop goes waste with this product. In addition, this option features a foam insert that absorbs any leaks. This comfortable breast shell is a flexible and soft silicone back that adjusts to the size and shape of your breast. It also stays comfortable between feedings. The front has holes that allow airflow, which not only provides comfort but also provides healing for those with painful nipples. Furthermore, this unit is dishwasher safe, or you can hand-wash it with warm soapy water. However, do not sterilize it with hot water, as it can warp.
What we like:
- Leak-proof design
- Comfortable/discrete
- Soft yet durable
- Easy to clean
Our verdict:
This Breast Milk Breastfeeding Nipple cups by Finever is for those who want to prevent milk leakages and discretion when nursing their babies. More importantly, this product is comfortable and easy to use and provides sore nipple relief.