Sonata^® Smart Breast Pump

FAQs

• What Rhythm is best for mom to use?

  Every mom reacts differently to the vacuum feeling of a breast pump. Sonata’s two rhythms are available to customize your pumping session.  You may find one rhythm more comfortable or effective than the other.

• Can Sonata be repaired at Medela or a local repair center?

  Call Customer Service for any type of service needed to your pump. We will troubleshoot to determine the cause of malfunction and help you to restore it to working order. Medela does not repair motors of personal care products like the Sonata even within its warranty. If within warranty, we may replace the unit after verifying the purchase date with a copy of your receipt. If outside warranty, we suggest purchasing a new unit.

   

• How do I register my Sonata breast pump?

  Pump Registration

  
  Congratulations on your new Medela breast pump!
  
  Register your pump now
  
  Questions? Call 1-800-435-8316 to speak with a Medela Customer Service team member or contact us.

• How do I clean the Sonata breast pump kit?

  Watch the Sonata cleaning video

  Clean breastpump kit parts after each use.

   

  IMPORTANT: Make sure all parts are completely dry before re-assembling.

  IMPORTANT: Do not wash the pump or power cord. Use a damp (not wet) cloth to wipe down the pump body if necessary. Do not sterilize piece parts in autoclave.

   

  1.     Disassemble breast shield, breast shield body, back cap, membrane, bottles and bottle caps.

  2.     Rinse in cool water all separated parts that came in contact with your breast and breastmilk in order to remove breastmilk residue.

  3.     Washing options: Wash in sink or dishwasher.

  a.     Washing in sink:

  ·   Soak all separated parts in warm soapy water for 5 minutes.

  ·   Clean with a clean dish-cloth or soft brush.

  ·   Rinse all separated parts with clear water.

  ·   Allow all parts to air dry in a clean area.

  ·   Store dry parts when not in use.

  b.    Washing in dishwasher:

  ·   Wash all separated parts on top rack of dishwasher.

  ·   Allow all breast pump parts to air dry in a clean area.

  ·   Store dry parts when not in use.

   

• What is the size comparison between Sonata and Freestyle?

  Sonata weighs 2.2 lbs. and includes an integrated handle for a secure griop when moving from one stationary pumping surface to another. Freestyle weighs less than 1 lb., fits in the palm of your hand, and includes a belt clip designed for mobile pumping.

• Are Sonata parts compatible with other Medela breast pumps?

  Sonata’s double pumping kit components and power adaptor were developed exclusively for Sonata, to optimize performance.  PersonalFit™ breast shields are compatible with all Medela breast pumps.

• How long does Sonata's battery last on one charge?

  Sonata’s battery will last up to an hour on one charge. 1 Hour of pumping time will give a daily pumping mom 3-4 sessions before having to charge Sonata again.

   

• How do I clean the Sonata breast pump motor unit?

  IMPORTANT: Do not wash the pump or power cord. Use a damp (not wet) cloth to wipe down the pump body if necessary. Do not sterilize piece parts in autoclave.

  Tip: As an alternative to using a damp cloth, use Quick Clean™ wipes for easy, convenient cleaning.

• Does altitude affect the suction level of Sonata?

  Sonata features Responsive Pump Technology. With Responsive Pump Technology, the pump automatically adjusts for changes in the body and or pumping environment making sessions more consistent and productive.

• How long does it take to charge Sonata?

  It may take Sonata up to 12 hours to fully charge.  The battery icon will indicate when the breast pump is fully charged. 

   

• I was resetting my breast pump and now it won’t turn on.

  • Reset your breast pump by pushing the power button on the back of the pump, while it’s on, for 3-5 seconds or until the display flashes. If you hold the button in longer the pump can go into “storage mode”.
  • To remove from storage mode, plug your breast pump in to external power (wall outlet).

• Do I have to fully charge the battery before using Sonata for the first time?

  We recommend fully charging the battery before using Sonata for the first time.  If you can’t fully charge the battery, you can use it plugged in to a power outlet.  

• Are Medela pumps safe to use with an implanted cardiac defibrillator?

  The Sonata Breast Pump has passed the required EMC standards for medical devices; however, this testing is not specific to pacemakers. It is recommended that you consult with a licensed healthcare professional. The Medela Harmony® Manual Breast Pump | Medela  is always an option in case there is a concern with using an electric breast pump. Here is also a link with helpful information Devices that May Interfere with ICDs and Pacemakers | American Heart Association.

• What’s the difference between the two pumping rhythms?

  The Signature Rhythm (Rhythm 1) is inspired by our popular hospital-use Symphony Breast Pump. The Lifestyle Rhythm (Rhythm 2) is an alternate rhythm for when you want to change your pumping routine. It includes additional benefits of longer battery, and quieter pump operation when you need it.

• Can I pump hands-free with Sonata?

   You can pump hands-free with the Hands-free™ Pumping Bustier!

• How do I clean the tubing?

  Inspect tubing after each pumping session. Clean tubing if there is any sign of condensation and/or milk.

  CAUTION: If tubing becomes moldy, discontinue use and replace tubing. Shop for the Sonata Double Pumping Kit (includes tubing)

  CAUTION: Do not store wet or damp parts as mold may develop.

  NOTE: Tubing should be washed if dirty or milk is present.

  1.     Turn off breast pump

  2.     Unplug breast pump from power source.

  3.     Remove tubing by pulling straight out of tubing ports. Do not wiggle or pull tubing at an angle.

  4.     Remove tubing from breast shield.

  5.     Rinse tubing in cool water to remove breast milk.

  6.     Wash tubing in warm soapy water.

  a.     Rinse tubing with clear water.

  b.    Hang to air dry.

• How do I dry & store the breast pump kit?

  Allow all breast pump kit parts to air dry in a clean area and store dry parts when not in use.  Do NOT store wet or damp parts.

• What should I do if my Sonata breast pump displays a "CALL" message?

  1. Plug the power adapter into the pump and into the power outlet.   
  2. Turn the pump on   
  3. Press and hold the power button on the back of the pump for 30 seconds. You’ll notice that the display will start to flash and will then go through a pattern where it will turn off and flash and turn back off. Continue to hold the power button until it reaches the 30 seconds.   
  4. This should resolve the issue. The pump requires 12 hours of charging time after reset. If the issue continues, please call or chat with Customer Service at your convenience.

• My display shows an empty, flashing battery cell.

  Your battery is broken.

  • First, reset your breast pump by pushing and holding the power button on the back of the pump, while it’s on, for 3-5 seconds or until the display flashes.
  • If that doesn’t work, Your battery is broken and unfortunately cannot be serviced or replaced.  The pump is still operable in when plugged into an external power source but unfortunately will no longer work off battery power.
  • If your breast pump is still covered under warranty please contact Medela Customer Service.

• What do I do if milk gets in the Sonata pump tubing?

  Watch the Sonata cleaning video

   

• How do I store the tubing?

  It is important not to kink your tubing.  When storing your Sonata breast pump. Remove tubing from the tubing port and store separately. Leaving tubing in tubing port or wrapping tubing around the breast pump can cause damage.

• Traveling outside the U.S. : When traveling outside the U.S. you have two options:

  • Use the power cord that came with Sonata in conjunction with the proper travel adapter for the relevant country (available at many electronic or travel stores)
  • Use battery power

• How do I find the right size breast shield?

  Read our article Breast Shield Sizing: How to Get the Best Fit for more information about choosing the right size breast shield.

• My breast pump is not responding as expected.

  Perform a breast pump reset if Sonata is not responding as expected.  (i.e. acting strange, controls have stopped working, abnormal issues or noises, etc.) 

  To reset your breast pump push and hold the power button on the back of the pump, while it’s on, for 3-5 seconds or until the display flashes. 

  Watch the video to learn more

• What does an air leak alert mean and how do I fix it?

  If the air leak alert appears on your pump display it means your vacuum is not operating at optimal performance. Watch this video to learn more

• How do I sanitize the Sonata breast pump kit?

  Watch the Sonata cleaning video here

  Sanitize breast pump kit parts once daily.

  1. Fill a pot with enough water to cover all parts.
  2. Bring water to a boil.
  3. Place parts in boiling water for 10 minutes.
  4. Allow water to cool and gently remove parts from water with tongs.
  5. Place parts on a clean surface and/or towel.
     -  Allow parts to air dry
     -  Store parts when not in use.
     -  Do NOT store wet or damp parts.

  Or you may sanitize your kit parts by following the instructions on Medela’s Quick Clean™ Micro-Steam™ bag.

  
   

• Is there a quicker way to clean the breast pump kit?

  You can use Quick Clean™ Soap, Quick Clean Wipes or Quick Clean Micro-Steam™ bags. Please follow instructions included with each of the Quick Clean products.