Philips Sonicare HX6932/10 FlexCare RS930 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
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Customer Reviews of Philips Sonicare HX6932/10 FlexCare RS930 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
Customer Review: Get Buzy Buffing Your Chompers
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this toothbrush following a recommendation from a dental hygienist, who only said two words: "Philips" and "sonic." So I was on my own trying to winnow down the wide array of models and features available online and at local retail stores. I settled on this unit based on several positive reviews, its feature set, and the fact that for $5 more than the next model down, it came with the UV sanitizer feature. Although that is an unnecessary embellishment, I thought what can it hurt to try it out for about 3% more money?
I have now been using the Sonicare Flexcare for more than 90 days, and I have to say I am extremely pleased at its performance so far. The sonic action really does leave my teeth and gumline feeling cleaner than I was EVER able to get them by manual brushing, and I have even seen slight improvement in my periodontal situation (some moderately deep pockets). Of course I did start with a pair of very thorough periodontal cleanings 3 months apart, but my periodontist and hygienists agree than the Sonicare is an outstanding dental home-care maintenance tool.
The features on this unit all work as advertised, and are actually handy. I found the 14-use "ramp-up", which slowly increases the brushing to full-power over about a week's time, to be a good way to ease into the Sonicare experience, which can be startling for a newbie. This is a very powerful cleaning tool, unlike anything I have ever felt, other than at the dentist's office. I normally use the "MaxCare" cycle, 30 seconds of cleaning plus 15 seconds of massage on each quadrant. The regular "Clean" cycle (30 seconds of cleaning per quadrant) is fine for the morning brushing. The "GoCare" cycle (15 seconds of cleaning per quadrant) is fine if you're in a hurry, or just want to touch up The "Sensitive" cycle will probably come in handy as I ease back into brushing following any future dental work or periodontal surgery. The "Massage" cycle is fine for some gum stimulation.
I find the feature that makes the toothbrush "burp", a tiny pause and beep after each of the first three segments of a cycle, to be also extremely handy. I don't have to keep track of time, I just switch to the next quadrant when the toothbrush tells me to. The brush heads fit perfectly, and do not seem to get any gunk underneath where they attach to the unit. I do take the brush head off and clean the mounting post about once every 8-10 days. The battery seems excellent: the instructions say a full charge takes 24 hours, so when the battery indicator has been on one green bar (out of three) for a couple days, I put the unit on the charger after my evening usage, and leave it there for 24 hours, using a manual brush the next morning. The charge has lasted at least 10 days per, so far, or at least 20 cycles. It might even go longer, but it's probably bad for the battery to drain it all the way. BTW, I do NOT keep the unit on the charger, but stand it up next to it. I believe it is better for the battery to "cycle" all the way up and most of the way down, rather than keep it fully charged all the time. Your experience and intuition may vary.
I use the sanitizer about once a week, putting the brush head in the little compartment after the evening brushing, firing up the UV light, and then wiping off the unit's mounting post. The sanitizing cycle takes only 10-15 minutes, and shuts itself off automagically. So far, I have avoided any hideous mouth diseases (except for my pre-existing periodontal disease), but I didn't contract any in my previous 55 years of non-sanitized toothbrush use, so I can't say this UV sanitizing thing is too essential. Might be good if you shared the brush AND the brush head. (Yuck-o!)
I was able to buy extra brush heads for about $8.50 apiece for a 3-pack, cheaper than retail. Philips also sent me one free one as a purchase bonus for signing up online with them. You're supposed to change the brush head every 90 days, but you can probably go 4-6 months between new heads without diminishing brushing effectiveness too much. Since you actually do NOT need to press the brush hard against the tooth and gumline surfaces, the brush does not wear out and get ragged as quickly as a manual brush.
Regarding criticisms that this toothbrush spurts toothpaste and water all over, is difficult to use, make a deafening sound, is accidentally activated, etc, I can only say that some people clearly did not read the instructions carefully. I have found NONE of these flaws and, if used correctly, the unit is fairly easy to use. It should be held lightly but firmly, not clenched in one's fist, taking care to keep your fingers off the various buttons on the front. No "brushing" motion is required: simply moving the buzzing brush head over the tooth surface and gumline at about a 45 degree angle does the trick. My teeth feel cleaner than they have ever felt, and seem to stay that way between professional cleanings. I have also noticed an appreciable increase in the overall "whiteness" of my smile, an unexpected benefit.
I cannot speak to the longevity of this product, but the two-year warranty should take care of any issues. If it breaks in month 25 of my ownership, I will definitely buy another one- it's still cheaper than dental work! To possibly improve my chances for toothbrush longevity, I rinse the brush head and toothbrush body briefly under running water after usage, dry it lightly with a hand towel, and flick it a few times to shake the excess water off the brush head. So far, I am VERY pleased with this product, and recommend it unconditionally to anyone seeking to maintain and augment their professional dental care.
SEMI-DISCLAIMER: My dad is a retired dentist (practiced 45 years) and had nothing to say about, or add to, this review. I showed him the toothbrush, he felt the buzzing brush head with his finger, and said, "Huh. Might have to get one."
Customer Review: Effective teeth cleaning and gum care - I definitely recommend this item!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
DEVICE INSTALL/SETUP
The Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush required no complicated setup, simply removing the items from the packaging and plugging it in.
MANUALS/DOCUMENTATION
I was pleased to find that not only does this product come with very informative, concise written instructions, but the manuals can also be easily downloaded from the Philips' website in PDF format. This is very handy for those of us who don't always keep up as easily with the printed manuals, or who prefer to be able to text search the manual for the information we need.
FUNCTIONALITY
I have never used an electric toothbrush of any kind before, and although I've been intrigued by the idea for some time, I was a little nervous to use this one at first. Turning the toothbrush on for the first time didn't alleviate my nervousness much, as the device certainly SOUNDS powerful. To my relief, actually using the toothbrush was painless, although the first few times it tickled a bit. I have been using the toothbrush daily since September 21, 2007 and am happy to report that this product performs as advertised. In fact, my teeth feel and look as good as if I've just had them cleaned at the dentist's office. I'm brushing in half the time I did manually, and the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush is doing twice as good a job as I ever did with a standard toothbrush.
The toothbrush is packaged with a number of items, including a travel case and a travel charger which packs in a toiletry bag much easier than the countertop charger with the built in sanitizer. Also included is two toothbrush heads, a compact size and a full size.
I use the sanitizer faithfully each time I brush my teeth, but to be perfectly honest, I don't know how to judge whether the sanitizer is really making any difference or not. I love the idea of it, and I hope that it is truly keeping my toothbrush germ-free.
I particularly love the massaging function on the toothbrush, designed to prevent gingivitis by massaging the gums. With just over two weeks of regular use, I can already tell a difference here. Using the massager stimulates the gums, making them stronger and healthier. The cleaning routine I prefer, the `MaxCare', includes massage in the routine for each tooth quadrant, making it easy to incorporate into your daily brush habit without extra effort.
Speaking of the cleaning routines, there are two: MaxCare, and GoCare. I've tested the one-minute GoCare routine and found it acceptable for a rush job, but I much prefer to perform the full MaxCare routine, which runs through a 4-quadrant brush and massage cycle in three minutes. There aren't many times I can't spare my teeth that extra two minutes, and my dental health is important. After running through the brush and massage cycle for each of the four quadrants (upper front, upper back, lower front, and lower back), the toothbrush automatically shuts off.
EASE OF USE
There are a number of buttons on both the base charger/sanitizer and the cordless toothbrush, but they are simple to learn and easy to use. After checking the manual once on how to activate the cleaning routines, I've not needed to consult it again for this information. The sanitizer activates with a simple push of the button on top of the unit and shuts off automatically when it completes the sanitizing cycle.
QUALITY/DURABILITY
Of course, I'll be better able to report on this area in a year, but the product seems sturdy and built for long-term use, unlike some hardware which feels more like it is made for disposability. The product inspires confidence in me that Philips truly means this unit to last the consumer for many years, only needed to replace consumable parts such as the toothbrush heads periodically.
VALUE
This area is the real kicker. I love the toothbrush, and find myself extremely satisfied with all of its parts and features, as well as the results of brushing with it diligently for almost three weeks. Is it worth the initial investment? I think that is a question better answered by looking at your own budget and how important your dental health is to you. The general person will not likely spend this much on a toothbrush, sonic or not. In fact, it is the pricing on these units that made me waffle over the decision to invest in one for the last year. Having used it, I am now confident that it is worth the price, and am looking forward to fewer dental visits, other than the general check-ups necessary. Again, only time will tell here if that is wishful thinking on my part or a true benefit.
In the end, this is no doubt a luxury item for most, more likely to end up under the Christmas tree for those who are interested in a sonic toothbrush.
QUICK RECAP - PROS & CONS
Easy to use - I adapted easily to the button functions on the unit.
Durable - the parts feel sturdy and built to last.
Pricing a little high for most - more likely a luxury expense or gift item.
Replacement parts - Brush heads are easily ordered through [...], but I am uncertain if they can be purchased in local stores. Philips Sonicare ProResults HX6013 Brush Head Standard 3pk
Performance - Brushing with the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush leaves your teeth feeling like you've just had them professionally cleaned.
Customer Review: Not so sure about this one.
Summary: 2 Stars
So I bought mine in June of 2008. This week it broke in October of 2010. It has started turning on in the middle of the night or day by itself and giving us almost a heart attack each time because we can never figure out what the sound is! I am scared to use it now even though it will still take a charge because I don't want it shocking me or turning on again all hours of the night. I guess I will let it die. I am grateful for having the toothbrush for so long as I sincerely enjoyed this product BUT I was expecting to have it longer than 2.5 years after paying over 150 for the product! AND I just recently bought a set of new brush heads which cost me almost 40 bucks which now I can't use! Horrible!
I instant messaged with the company today to see if they would replace it and after 20 minutes of asking me questions and wasting my time they finally said 'oh sorry we have already determined you don't have a warranty anymore.' I hope that wasted time is used to make the brush better in the future.
For now I will take the other peoples advice on here and try a Oral B and a cheaper model for now.
You can see the conversation below:
Please wait while we find an available agent
You have been connected to Harry .
Harry : Hello Jennifer, welcome to Philips Consumer Lifestyle. My name is Harry. Thank you for contacting us.
Jennifer: hi
Jennifer: i need help because my sonicare toothbrush broke
Harry : Please be assured that I am here to help you.
Harry : Are you located in the USA or Canada?
Jennifer: US
Jennifer: is there a warranty?
Harry : What is the model number (HX number), serial number and your units date of purchase? The HX model and serial numbers are located on the bottom or inside the well of the toothbrush handle.
Jennifer: HX6930
Jennifer: i bought it June 9th, 2008
Jennifer: from my dentist
Harry : Thank you for providing the model number HX6930 and date of purchase, could you please also provide the 6 digit serial number.
Jennifer: 080204
Harry : Thank you for providing request information.
Harry : What is the exact issue with your toothbrush?
Jennifer: it keeps turning on by itself and you can't turn it off
Jennifer: and it is making a horrible rattling noise
Harry : Okay.
Harry : How long have you been facing this issue?
Jennifer: for like 4 days
Jennifer: i am actually scared to use it or plug it in now
Harry : We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.
Harry : Has the unit been dropped?
Jennifer: no
Harry : Put handle in charger and plug into outlet. Does the light come on when the handle is on charging base?
Jennifer: just tried it an no...it just starts making that 'beep beep....beep' vibration
Jennifer: no light
Harry : Is the outlet working?
Jennifer: yes
Jennifer: we use it all the time
Jennifer: let me try another one
Harry : Okay.
Harry : Please remove the brush head, and see if the metal shaft on the handle is loose?
Jennifer: same thing with other outlet
Harry : Okay.
Jennifer: yes i removed the brush head...how loose?
Jennifer: doesn't seem like it but i know with the brush head on it was making horrible rattling noises before the battery thankfully finally died
Harry : Okay.
Harry : Verify Easy-Start feature by holding down power button for 7 seconds while handle is on the charger. If you hear two beeps followed by one beep the charger base is working. (Attaching a brush head will make it easier to hear beeps.)
Jennifer: yeah that worked
Jennifer: so the charger works...but i don't want it charged again if it will start turning on and scaring us like that
Harry : Do you have the purchase receipt?
Jennifer: i called the dentist and they have their receipt for that checkup and listing i bought the sonicare
Jennifer: of course i don't have the box or anything anymore
Harry : Based on the information you have provided we have determine that you need to replace your tooth brush. We have also determined that your Sonicare is beyond 2 years warranty.
Harry : I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.
Jennifer: right
Jennifer: so there is nothing you can do?
Harry : All the Sonicare toothbrush are electrically welded and non-repairable unit.
Jennifer: is it normal for a 150 dollar toothbrush to break right over 2 years?
Harry : We apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.
Harry : Is there anything else I may assist you with today?
Jennifer: i will be posting this conversation on blogs all over warning people then
Jennifer: that they are likely to break right after warranty
Jennifer: and that you can't tell me that is or is not normal whether they break
Harry : We will take your feedback seriously, and I will assure you that, I will forward it to the concern department.
Jennifer: thanks
Harry : The life span of the Sonicare is 3 to 5 years depend upon the use.
Jennifer: yeah apparently not mine
Harry : I understanding how frustrating it can be and would feel the same way if I were in your position.
Harry : Is there anything else that I can assist you?
Jennifer: no
Jennifer: thanks
Harry : Thank you for contacting Philips. We hope we brought Sense and Simplicity to you today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Thank you again. Have a nice day.
Customer Review: Goodbye Oral-B, you were good, but not this good
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been a very happy Oral-B (Braun) user for about the last 4 years. During that time I've gone through 2 of their higher-end brushes. I've never been one to bad-mouth Sonicare, because it's a good brush, but I just preferred the smaller size of the Oral-B, along with the pop-off brush heads. Now however, Sonicare has changed that with their new model, the Flexcare.
I purchased this model because it was recommended by a dentist who said that the new Flexcare is not just a new style of brush, but that it actually has a greatly improved brushing technology. So, I bought a brush online and proceeded to try it out. Wow.
After having used the Flexcare, it doesn't even seem possible to compare it to my old Oral-B (which is only a year old.) This brush actually seems 20 years more advanced, and that is not an exaggeration. It has a bit of a high-pitch to it which doesn't bother me, but the real story is in the vibration. The brush seems to work exponentially better with 80% less vibration; it's a dream to use. I actually get sad after it auto-shuts off after the brushing cycle, something that I wish it didn't do. Also, and perhaps most important, is that it feels like it cleans my teeth better than my Oral-B. After using the Flexcare for awhile, I went back to my old Oral-B, just to compare... As soon as I turned it on, I couldn't believe that I loved it so much, it felt like, and sounded like an antique in comparison.
The different brushing modes on the Flexcare are really nice, but there is a small problem with all your options. One thing I'd like to be able to do is to "program" the brush to do the 3-minute brushing mode every time by default (this mode does the brushing action and also the massage action.) However, whenever you place the brush back on the charger, it automatically resets back to the 2-minute brushing mode. Programming the brush for the mode that you like every time you pick it up is not hard, but it's really annoying. Sonicare: please fix this in later models.
This brush comes with 2 chargers, one for home (with the sanitizer) and a travel one (without a sanitizer.) It also comes with a brush head cover, and a travel pouch to put the wand in. These accessories will make traveling with my brush much more enjoyable. I've never understood why more electric toothbrush makers don't include or even make these accessories.
The pop-off brush heads (as compared to sonicare's old screw on heads) are fantastic and much better than the Oral-B pop-off ones. On my Oral-B I had to remove the brush head to wash out the gunk after brushing, but because the Sonicare brush heads are longer, very, very litle gunk gets in them. That was a pleasant surprise. Although, removing and attaching the brush head on the Flexcare wand requires a lot more force, which I don't like.
The U.V. sanitizer is a nice gadget, but who knows how useful it really is? In fact, there may even be some long-term immune system dangers by killing every bacteria/virus in sight, just like using anti-bacterial soap, but this is not the forum for that. I used the UV Sanitizer a few times, but I don't use it at all anymore because of what I believe to be a very real problem with all the anti-bacterial products out there these days. Although, based on the few times I did use it, I could see where its utilization on a daily basis would be cumbersome. If you brush twice a day, it becomes too much of a bother to remove the brush head every time and put it in the sanitizer. The brush head needs to be aligned perfectly in the sanitizer and the door closed and snapped gently. If you have big hands, putting the brush head into the sanitizer is more awkward, especially if you're using the large brush head (FYI: the brush heads come in 2 sizes, small and large, and one of each is included in the package.)
It's nice to see that Sonicare has FINALLY ditched the NiCad batteries and went to Li-ion batteries; what took so long? This change means that the brush will now run longer on a single charge, and won't develop a memory by leaving it on the charging stand. It's also the reason that the brush handle is now smaller which makes it more manageable.
As much as I love this brush, I do realize that the price Sonicare has marketed it at is exceedingly high. If I were to buy it again, I would save $20 and get the one without the U.V. sanitizer. Other than the high price and a little nitpicking on the brushing modes, I really couldn't be more pleased with this brush. Oral-B has a LONG way to go to catch up to this Sonicare model.
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Update 29 November 07
The brush still continues to amaze me and I LOVE using it everyday. I've stopped using the charging station with the UV Sanitizer and I now only use the "travel charger" for everyday use at home. One nice benefit in changing to the very, very small travel charger was that I freed up some space on my bathroom counter, and the brush is easier to set down and pickup without the sanitizer being in the way. I can't understand one reviewer who said the brush doesn't sit right or balance well on the stand. Also, I have sensitive teeth and use a sensitive toothpaste, and the brushes' actions have not bothered me at all. I'd buy this brush again in a heartbeat.
Customer Review: I swear to brush the tooth, the whole tooth, and all around the tooth
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
First use:
It was a dark and stormy night.
Okay, it actually wasn't stormy, and it wasn't technically "night", seeing that it was two in the morning, but it WAS very, very dark. Not a creature was stirring, not even my Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse, when I crept to the bathroom to try out my new toothbrush. I had read all the instructions twice, and having waited the minimum two hour charging period, I was ready.
Fearlessly, I pushed the shiny button until a green light appeared beside the Max Care routine. None of that sissy "sensitive" or "one minute" stuff for me - I wanted it all!! With a steady hand, I wet the bristles and applied some toothpaste, then confidently pressed the green button......
..... and nearly jumped out of my skin.
It was noisier than I thought it would have been, or maybe it was all in my head, as no-one else seemed to have heard the sonic whine, even in the wee hours of the morning. Starting with the bottom teeth, I gently moved the brush head in the back and forth motion as directed. It tingled with a sensation that was strange and a little uncomfortable. After 45 seconds of "clean" and "massage", the Quadpacer signal indicated it was time for a change of location, as it did faithfully three more times.
Observations:
1. The tingling will take some getting used to. According to the booklet, the power will increase after this for 13 more brushings, by which time I will have grown to love the sensation.
2. Toothpaste is flying everywhere. I try closing my mouth, but then I can't brush the front teeth properly. It's running down my chin too.
3. The standard brush head feels big in my mouth, I think I'll try the compact head next time.
4. My teeth really feel clean afterwards. They actually feel "dentist clean". Maybe this gadget works after all.
5. I'll let the charging process continue and play with it some more tomorrow.
Second use:
The brush is now fully charged.
I switched over to the compact head, set it to "Clean" mode and turned it on. It didn't seem so loud any more, and the tingling wasn't that bad. I was able to maneuver the compact head a lot better, and not so much toothpaste escaped. When using the brushing modes, the toothbrush turns itself off at the end of the brushing cycle. I had just begun to enjoy myself, so I started it again, this time switching to Sensitive mode and Massage mode. Way cool.
Conclusions:
Pros -
1. This toothbrush gives you "dentist clean" with every brushing
2. There are five options for personalized brushing - 3 modes and 2 routines
3. It breaks you in gently to the new sensation
4. You have a choice of two brushing heads with caps
5. It's easy to set up and easy to use
6. There's a gauge to tell you when it needs recharging
7. It comes with a small charger for when you're traveling, and a case for the toothbrush
8. It has a UV sanitizer to zap any germs that dare to live on your brushing head, and may possibly be used to clean some models of the Oral B brushing heads you may be using in other toothbrushes. NOTE: The manual says you should only clean Sonicare ProResults brush heads in the sanitizer, but the Sonicare website lists four types of brushes that can be cleaned. I don't know which is correct.
9. The base of the sanitizer/charger has a groove where you can tuck away some of the power cord so it doesn't dangle in loops from the point.
10. It looks professional
Cons -
1. It takes some getting used to, particularly if you have sensitive teeth
2. This is basically a one person model, especially if you want to use both brushing heads yourself, but it comes with color code rings, so that if two people are sharing, you can code the brushing heads and store them in the UV sanitizer.
3. The standard brush is a bit big for smaller mouths
4. Replacements for the compact brush aren't yet available for sale, and heads need to be changed every 3 months.
5. The toothbrush doesn't fit firmly into the charger base, and I had to check to make sure I put it on correctly. The toothbrush doesn't balance well standing up with the brush head and cap attached.
6. It's a bit pricey, but worth it in the long run when you consider the cost of regular professional cleaning
Overall, I'm very happy with this toothbrush, and look forward to using it for a long time to come.
Rated: 4.5 stars
Amanda Richards, September 29, 2007