Making the switch to a hands-free, wearable pump is a total game-changer for Aussie mums. Whether you’re folding the washing, wrangling a toddler, or finally sitting down for a hot cuppa, The Night Owl is designed to fit into your life, not the other way around.
To help you get the most out of your pump, we’ve rounded up the most common questions we get from our community. Here is your go-to guide for everything from battery life to the "fridge hack."
Battery Life & Charging
We know "battery anxiety" is real when you’re out and about.
- The Run Time: On a full charge, you can expect roughly 90 minutes of pumping time. Depending on your settings, that’s usually between 3 to 5 sessions.
- Power Drain: Keep in mind that using the pump consistently at the highest suction levels will drain the battery significantly faster.
- Flange size: If you find yourself needing to "crank up" the suction to the highest levels just to get a result, it’s often a sign of an incorrect flange size. A proper fit ensures efficient milk removal at lower, more comfortable (and battery-friendly) levels.
- Charging: Your pump comes with a USB-C cable for easy charging. It takes about 90 minutes to 2 hours to go from flat to full.
For more on Battery & Charging please see our FAQ here
Is it Actually Quiet?
In a word: Yes. We’ve designed our pumps to be quiet.
- The Stats: All 3 of our pumps operate at under 55 decibels (about the same level as a quiet library or soft rain).
- You can easily pump during a work call, at a café, or while your little one is napping right next to you without missing a beat.
The Fridge Hack: Can I Refrigerate the Cups?
This is a big one for busy mums!
- The Verdict: While the safest practice is to wash parts after every use, many mums use the "fridge hack." This involves placing your unrinsed collector cups and parts into a clean, airtight container or zip-lock bag and storing them in the fridge between sessions (for up to 24 hours).
- Important: If you do this, ensure your fridge is set to 4°C or colder. Always give everything a proper soapy wash at the end of the day!
Understanding Modes & Symbols
Navigating the settings shouldn't feel like a maths exam. Here’s the breakdown of what you’ll see on your LED screen:
- Expression Mode (Drop Symbol): Once your milk starts flowing, switch to this mode. It features slower, deeper suction to effectively empty the breast.
- Stimulation Mode (Heart or Wavy Lines): This mimics the fast, shallow suckling a baby does to stimulate a "letdown." Use this for the first 2 minutes of your session.
- Auto Mode: (A symbol) A "set and forget" favourite! It starts in massage mode and gradually increases intensity before automatically switching to expression mode.
- Massage Mode: (Ying/Yang symbol) Used to help relieve common issues that occur from milk production such as clogged ducts and engorgement
Cleaning Your Pump Parts
Keeping things hygienic is vital, but silicone is delicate.
- Avoid High Heat: We strongly recommend avoiding drying cycles in sterilisation units, dishwashers, or other high-heat drying methods. These cycles can expose your pump parts to excessive heat, which may cause warping, hardening, or a loss of flexibility in silicone components.
- Performance Impact: Over time, heat damage can affect suction, comfort, and overall pump performance, leading to the need for more frequent replacements.
- The Best Way to Dry: For best results, allow parts to air-dry on a clean towel or drying rack. If needed, gently pat dry with a lint-free cloth to remove excess moisture before use.
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Pro Tip: Never submerge or clean the white motor unit! A quick wipe with a damp cloth or sanitising wipe is all it needs to stay clean.
Got more questions? Check out our full FAQ page.
Happy Pumping, Mummas! xx