Breast Reliever Bulb, Rubber

Quick Answer: A breast reliever bulb is the rubber squeeze bulb fitted to a horn-shaped breast reliever, a simple manual breast pump. Squeezing and releasing the bulb creates the suction that draws milk into the reliever.

How a Bulb-Type Reliever Works

A horn-type breast reliever has a wide funnel that forms a seal over the breast, a small side reservoir that collects milk, and a rubber bulb at the narrow end. The bulb is squeezed, the funnel is placed, and releasing the bulb lowers the pressure inside so milk is drawn out. The seal is broken with a finger before the reliever is removed.

The design has known limitations. Suction depends only on how hard the bulb is squeezed, so it is not adjustable in any measured way, and milk can travel back into the bulb, which is difficult to clean thoroughly. For these reasons, horn-type relievers are generally regarded as suitable only for occasional relief of fullness, not for regular expressing. Anyone who needs to express milk regularly, or who has pain or sore nipples, should take advice from a midwife, lactation consultant or doctor.

This listing is for the rubber bulb. Replacement bulbs are useful because the rubber ages faster than a glass or plastic horn. Whether a horn is included should be confirmed when ordering.

Care & Handling

• Take the bulb off the horn after every use and wash both parts in hot water with mild detergent.
• Rinse well, squeeze water out of the bulb and let it air dry with the opening facing down.
• Discard the bulb if milk has dried inside it and cannot be removed, or if it is sticky, cracked or hard.
• Check the bulb’s rating before boiling or steam sterilising, as heat shortens the life of rubber.

Specifications

Applications

• Replacing a hardened or cracked bulb on an existing horn-type reliever
• Occasional manual relief of breast fullness, on professional advice
• Demonstrating simple manual suction devices in nursing and midwifery training

Why Choose LabEquip

Pharmacies, hospital stores and midwifery training units stock replacement bulbs so existing relievers can be kept in service. LabEquip lists this bulb in the General Lab Products range; send the size of your reliever’s neck through the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a bulb-type breast reliever suitable for regular expressing?

It is generally regarded as suitable only for occasional relief. For regular expressing, a midwife, lactation consultant or doctor can advise on a more suitable pump.

Why is the bulb hard to clean?

Milk can be drawn back into the bulb, and its narrow opening makes the inside difficult to reach and dry. Residue left inside can spoil, so a bulb that cannot be cleaned should be replaced.

Can I adjust the suction?

Only by squeezing the bulb more or less before placing the funnel. There is no setting or gauge, so start gently and stop if it hurts.

How often should the bulb be replaced?

Replace it when the rubber becomes sticky, cracked or hard, or when it no longer springs back fully. Rubber ages even when stored unused.

Will this bulb fit my reliever?

Bulb necks vary with the horn design. Compare the neck size with your reliever’s narrow end and confirm the match when you enquire.

How should the reliever be removed after use?

Slip a clean finger under the edge of the funnel to break the seal, then lift it away. Pulling it off while the suction is still on can be painful.

Last Updated: September 2026