How to measure your nipple - Brown and red circles on pink background

How (and why) to measure your nipple

Not sure which size pump, flange or cushion is right for you?

Measuring your nipple is the key to getting the right size and make sure your next pump is as comfy as possible.

So, here's how to measure your nipple.  

Nipple width Milkdrop pump size
Up to 15mm (0.6") XS
15-20mm (0.6-0.8") S
20-25mm (0.8-1.0") M
25-30mm (1.0-1.2") L
Remember
  • Measure your nipple not your areola
  • Measure before you pump so that your nipple isn't already swollen
  • If you're ordering a Milkdrop pump, and you're between sizes, choose the larger size. We will swap out a different cushion size (free of charge) if you find you need it, but it's best to go with a slightly larger flange size, and then reduce it with a cushion.
  • Contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com if you're having trouble choosing - we're friendly. 

    Here are the steps again: 

    Once you have your flange and cushion, check that your nipple fits into the hole and can move freely. Start with your pump suction low and increase slowly to the highest comfortable setting.

    If you have any pain or discomfort stop using the pump setup, and contact us. 

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    For Milkdrop Pumps, we take care of this for you, by sending you a flange size or insert that matches your size.

    But, if you're using a different pump, here's the lowdown.

    The cushions will fit on any flange size. Most pumps will come with a standard flange size of 24mm, but you can purchase other flange sizes or sizing inserts to bring the flange size down. 

    • If you don't have elastic nipples (you'd know this if your nipple tissue stretches right to the end of the pump), then you can use your cushion on the standard 24mm. You can also use it on any other flange sizes if you've already been fitted for those!
    • If you do have elastic nipples, use your cushion on the flange size that is closest to your nipple. This is to stop your nipple from swelling once it passes through the cushion. 
    • The best flange size for you is the one that is the comfiest and allows you to express the most milk. The best way to figure out your size is to test some different sizes in person. But if you aren't able to access flanges to try, then you can figure out a good place to start, by adding 1-3mm to your nipple measurement and choosing the next largest available flange size. So if you measure 14mm across, you could start with a breast pump flange anywhere between 15 and 17mm. Remember, this is just a start, you may need to change it up if it's uncomfortable or you're not able to get much milk. If you're after more detail, read this step-by-step guide on flange sizing! 

    Once you have your flange, then you can stretch a Milkdrop cushion over top for extra comfort.

    Check below for your size (nipple width), and the flanges that it works best with:

    For non-elastic nipples:

    • XS (<15mm) cushion can be used on any flange size up to 28mm
    • S (15-20mm) cushion can be used on any flange size up to 28mm
    • M (20-25mm) cushion can be used on any flange size up to 28mm
    • L* (25mm+) cushion can be used on 32mm flange size and larger

    For elastic nipples:

    • XS (<15mm) cushion can be used on any flange size up to 19mm
    • S (15-20mm) cushion can be used on any flange size 17-21mm
    • M (20-25mm) cushion can be used on any flange size 22-27mm
    • L* (25mm+) cushion can be used on 27nn+

    *If you are measuring 25mm+, please contact us at support@milkdroppumps.com so we can double-check your pump setup.

    Our cushions are designed specifically for Milkdrop Pumps, and fit those best!

    But they also work with other pumps. Check out the list of compatible pumps.