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: The Perfect Toothbrush?
Summary: 5 Stars
Sonicare Flexcare: The Perfect Toothbrush?
About six months ago I decided it was about time to upgrade my toothbrush. It had treated me well, but the battery was no longer holding a charge for more than 60 seconds, and the heads were getting harder and harder to track down. Using Google and Amazon, I was quickly able to determine that the heavy hitters in the power toothbrush playing field were the Sonicare Flexcare and the Oral-B Triumph.
The Flexcare is Sonicare's flag-ship model. Earning its moniker from the multiple cleaning modes feature, this lithium battery powered device is the Mercedes of electric toothbrushes.
Alternatively, the Triumph is Oral-B's "Most technologically advanced toothbrush." It's claim to fame is what Oral-B calls SmartGuide technology. Wirelessly, it transmits brushing feedback data (pressure, time, etc.) to an LCD screen. A bit over the top? Perhaps.
Both models offered top-of-the-line features and each had earned near 5-star reviews on Amazon. After reading through some of the reviews and pricing out each model I decided to take one last step before making my final decision: ask my dentist what they recommended. To my surprise they didn't have a preference. I was instructed that either model would work great, so long as I brushed at least twice daily and flossed nightly!
I ended up purchasing the two-handle Sonicare Flexcare bundle with UV sanitizer. One handle for me, one for my girlfriend, and a super cool UV sanitization chamber to play with! Aside from the two handles (handle is really just Sonicare lingo for toothbrush) the box also contained: two travel pouches, one travel charger, and different color rings used to personalize each toothbrush. The colored rings certainly come in handy when two people living in the same household use the same model toothbrush!
Here are my thoughts after six months:
Build Quality:
Excellent. The Flexcare feels very solid in-hand. The buttons are all sealed, easy to press, and the head slides on and off with little effort. The charging station is fairly compact and interfaces well with the handle.
Ease of Use:
Pressing the mode select button will move through all available brush modes. Including: quick care, max care, massage, clean, and sensitive. Press the power button (with the toothbrush in your mouth!) and the Flexcare goes to work. After about 30 seconds or so the head will vibrate on and off a few times, this is a signal to move on to another section of your mouth. Sonicare calls this feature "Quadpacer" and claims it helps promote even cleaning. After two to three minutes the brush shuts itself off and you are done.
What I like:
-Keeps you honest. Turn the toothbrush off before the brushing cycle ends and you are only cheating yourself out of a thorough cleaning.
-Multiple cycles. I tend to use the quick care (one minute) cycle in the mornings and in the evening I switch off between the normal clean cycle (two minutes) and the "Max Care" cycle (three minutes).
-Newly designed head. Made to resist toothpaste build-up, it is easily removed for cleaning/sanitizing. The included heads are also very soft and extremely comfortable to brush with
-Battery life is amazing. We're talking upwards of two weeks used 2 to 3 times daily.
What I don't like:
-Splatter! Don't think about taking this thing out of your mouth while it is on, if you do micro droplets of toothpaste will go everywhere.
-Cost. Price is high, but then again you can't really put a price on healthy teeth and gums.
Conclusion:
What really triggered me to write this review is how pleased I have been with this toothbrush over the past six months. Yes, three minutes feels like an eternity when brushing your teeth, but fire up your cell phone and read news/twitter updates/email/etc. and will go by in no time - the beauty of multitasking! What does my dentist think? At my last cleaning I was told my brushing could not have been better. No plaque, no tartar, and most importantly, no cavities. I wholeheartedly believe if everyone brushed with a toothbrush like this, dentists would lose a great deal of business! Hats off to Sonicare for making an excellent product that needs no improvement. A+
Customer Review: Two Years Later - Time to Move On
Summary: 3 Stars
UPDATE - Two Years Later
It's been more than two years with the Sonicare Flexcare for me and more than 10 years using Sonicare toothbrushes exclusively, save for trips where I took a non-electric standard toothbrush with me. I can say that it's time for me to move on and move back to the world of non-electric toothbrushes, and hence lower my original score of a 4 to a 3. Let's see why:
Durability: this is an issue that bothers me because the handle with the soft rubber began peeling/coming off after just a year of normal use. When I received the Flexcare I wondered about durability of the soft handle since I knew from using previous Sonicare models that the hard plastic handles were very durable, and only yellowed over time. A $150 toothbrush should not look like this with normal use.
Other issues: another issue I have is that the timer is only for two minutes, though this is the case with nearly every electric toothbrush, two minutes is just not enough time for me. Another issue is cleaning the Flexcare which is as much a chore as it was with previous models. Finally, the quality of the brusheads appear to have changed when they went to the brushead indicator rather than the sticker expiration date system. Finally, the brushead is just too small for me, though it is nice that I get to feel when I brush each individual tooth.
High points: Customer service is top notch. I had two minor issues and they were ironed out very quickly. Unlike many reviewers, aside from the cosmetic durability, I had no problem with the toothbrush. I also had no problem with the battery life and I think this is key - I NEVER KEPT THE BASE PLUGGED IN. No matter what others say, it seems that keeping the Flexcare on the stand will diminish battery life. Finally, the toothbrush works and I believe that sanitation system also works.
Why I'm moving back to a regular toothbrush: that said, the cost of the brusheads is just too much, cosmetically the toothbrush is done, and I've come to the point where I feel that this toothbrush offers nothing over standard toothbrushes. A few times over the years I used a Swissco brand toothbrush and recently began using a Radius Original toothbrush three times a day. The size of the head is huge and the bristles much softer than the Sonicare. After using it for a few months, my dentist noticed that my teeth were as good as when I was using the Sonicare - plus the Radius lasts me 9 months, 3 times longer than each Sonicare brushead. I'm not sure what the verdict will be in the longrun, but I feel that if I continue to brush for at least two minutes, there won't be a difference. While I enjoyed my time using Sonicare, I feel at this point it is a luxury and doesn't offer me anything more than a standard, albeit special kind, of toothbrush.
ORIGINAL REVIEW
I had two Sonicare Advances that lasted me eight or so years, then I took a three year break and used a manual toothbrush. Last month I bought the Flexcare and the improvements over the Advance are drastic. The brush is contoured, the unit is easy to grip and light, and there is no moldy gunk buildup anymore because the brush head snaps onto the brush.
I'm taking a star off because the unit is a little loud when I'm brushing, but there is almost no vibration, so I guess that is the tradeoff. Also, I could have done without the UV Sanitizer, but I do use it at least once a week, especially when I have a cold.
Also, customer service is really excellent. The little Phillips logo on the travel case arrived broken, and when I contacted Sonicare, they said they would ship me a new one out for free without me having to send my broken one back. The customer service representative even called me back when my phone lost reception. Overall a great brush and company, Sonicare makes brushing fun!
Customer Review: Cheaper than a Cavity and Worth the Investment
Summary: 5 Stars
Your Dentist is like your Mom and Dad: really, they just want what's best for you. Of course, sometimes what's best isn't always what's practical. I've had the Sonicare suggested to me by my dentist for a few years now. At this last checkup, my dentist spotted a problem area where brushing just can't reach: the very pits of my molars are pretty deep. When I thought about the price--and complete lack of fun--involved in getting my head drilled, I decided a hundred bucks was worth the investment to avoid a cavity. The last filling I had was twice that.
The Sonicare comes with its own small charging base. It's really simple to set up and with daily use the battery should last for a couple of weeks. Battery life depends on how you use it, and the nice thing about the Sonicare is that you can change your mind any time: there's "Go Care", which will run the brush for a minute, and "Max Care", which will give you a full 2 minutes of time. I tend to do Go Care in the morning, Max Care at night. You can also adjust for "I want you to focus on cleaning", "I have sensitive gums", and "I'm really in the mood for a good gum massage". I'm typically more no-nonsense than that and just focus on cleaning. One drawback is that the battery is not replaceable, so I'm not sure how many charges the Sonicare is good for.
The technology behind Sonicare deserves some mention. This isn't an 'electric toothbrush' - I still work it across my teeth and gums like a normal toothbrush. The difference is that the head pulses and emits sonic waves that shake the microscopic ick that you've accumulated right off your teeth. The vibration doesn't rattle your head or make your eyes water: it sounds like you're gargling with a lightsaber, but the feeling amounts to a mild vibration that leaves your gums tingly.
The last time I had an electric toothbrush, it was heavier than the Sonicare, despite being much shorter. It had a shorter stem where the Sonicare's attachment head is long and slender, and I had a tendency to drool messily down the thing--while the Sonicare doesn't cause me that problem at all. The Sonicare brush comes with one of each head: a large and a small. Both have long stems but one has a smaller run of bristles for smaller mouths.
Using my Sonicare for two weeks now, the effects have been noticeable: it's not just the odd sensation that my toothbaste has almost taken on the texture of whipped cream...it's also that my mouth feels clean like the Dentist just got through with it. Even with "Max Care" and "Clean" settings, I don't have that achy, itchy gums feeling that a Water Pik turned on full can do. Instead, I have this odd sensation that this is what good brushing should feel like.
The Sonicare package I purchased here at Amazon came with:
- a small charger just slightly wider than the toothbrush
- a larger charging base with UV sanitizer (to kill stray bacteria accumulated on the head)
- the connector plug
- two heads for the brush
- a travel carrying case
All of it was packed into a relatively small box and the heads even have a plastic cap to slip over the bristles when you're not using the toothbrush.
If you care about your teeth, the Sonicare will help you do what you need. Whether you're OCD-obsessive about teeth and gums or you just want to have clean teeth without a lot of effort, this is definitely worth the investment. The only downside is that the battery is not designed to be replaceable--but if I get even two years' daily use out of it, I think I'll still call it money well spent.
Customer Review: So far, so good!
Summary: 4 Stars
I've had my FlexCare for a little more than four months and I am very happy with it. Hopefully it will have a long life and I will prosper from it! I am so far, anyway.
Like some other reviewers, I have a real problem with plaque. And I am somewhat embarrassed to say that I do not floss because my teeth are so close together that it's nearly impossible (even the dentist has commented on this). Nor do I visit my dentist nearly as often as I should. As a result, I have been fighting gingivitis for years. Now that you know a bit about where I'm coming from, here are my comments concerning the FlexCare:
1. When I used a "manual" toothbrush, my gums bled EVERY SINGLE TIME. This is probably due, in part, to the fact that I brushed too hard, trying to get rid of the freakin' plaque! But with the FlexCare, I don't need to (and am not SUPPOSED to) brush hard. The brush does all the work, and it does it without mangling my gums. My gums don't bleed, yet my teeth feel so much cleaner than with the manual, it's downright amazing. In fact, it's slowly getting rid of plaque buildup that I thought my dentist would have to scrape off. (Please don't think you can get away with not going to the dentist because of this; I'm just telling you what I, a chronic dentist-avoider, am experiencing!) I'm convinced that the next time I go in for a cleaning at the dentist's office, I am going to be able to maintain that cleanliness for a LOT longer with my FlexCare than I ever could with a manual toothbrush.
2. I have not changed my toothpaste, yet I am convinced that my teeth are at least twice as bright as they were before I started using the FlexCare. I can only assume that there is a sort of polishing side-benefit to using it. Huzzah!
3. I have not yet had any problems with the chargers, the sanitizer, the brushing attachments or the handle itself. All seem to work just fine. However, please remember that I have only had it for four months. If I eventually have a problem with it, I will try to remember to post an update.
4. I don't have an issue with the sound or vibration, unlike some other reviewers. In fact, I kind of have to laugh a little at those who complain about the noise it makes. I mean, seriously?! Have you looked up the definition of "sonic" in the dictionary? Not to mention you're using it INSIDE YOUR HEAD. What did you expect? Unless it's making you deaf or genuinely malfunctioning, I don't understand why that's a serious issue.
5. What I DO agree with wholeheartedly is the complaint about nonreplaceable batteries (thus the four stars vice five). There is absolutely no good reason why I should be unable to personally replace the battery/batteries in ANY device manufactured after, say, the year 2005 (and that's being generous). I cannot think of any good excuse for the folks at Philips designing it this way, unless it is a money-making scheme. For shame, Philips. Get with the program! GO GREEN!
6. Which leads me to my second and last complaint: the price is pretty high, particularly when you factor in the nonreplaceable battery. However, I may change my mind about this when I find out how much it saves me in dental bills ... not to mention how much "chair time" it may save me when I'm AT the dentist's office!
Bottom line: I think this is a great toothbrush. I would buy it again.
May 4, 2010 UPDATE: Still going strong! Still happy with the product, and would still buy it again. Rock on, Philips!
Feb. 9, 2011: Still working like new. Very happy customer.
Customer Review: Cutting Edge Technology...In a toothbrush
Summary: 5 Stars
I know, I know, that much for a toothbrush? Really? The price is the biggest drawback to this toothbrush. But if you decide to take the plunge, let me tell you what you're getting yourself into.
I've owned a sonicare for several years now, and I have always been impressed with the level of performance. I'm moving up from a sonicare advance, which is their base model. I was blown away by the difference between the advance and the flexcare. I knew it would be better, but not this much. In my review, I will compare it to the advance for a reference.
The Design: Compared to the advance, the design is much improved. The body is slimmer and therefore easier to maneuver around. The brush design was the best improvement. The advance uses a larger, more square shaped brush which makes it somewhat awkward to reach the teeth in the very back. The smaller, more rounded brush head on the flexcare makes it so easy to reach all of the teeth in my mouth. Also, the screw on brush head is gone. Yippee! The brush head now slides on and locks into place. With the screw on models, gunk and grime would build up underneath the threads which made me very queasy. I think my favorite improvement comes with the new design on the base charger. In the older models, the toothbrush would fit into the charger, so about an inch of the toothbrush was hidden while on the charger. This design inevitably lead to a build up of gunk on the bottom of the brush and on the inside of the charger unless you completely dried off the toothbrush before placing it into the charger base. This was very annoying and gross to look at. Philips redesigned the base with the flexcare. Now the base charger is completely flat with a little peg sticking up in the middle. The toothbrush has a complimentary hole in the bottom for the peg to fit into. Now the toothbrush is completely exposed to the air so it dries out better. No more gunk!
Also, it would be pretty easy to share this toothbrush with someone else, assuming you have your own brush head :)
Performance/Features: Performance is great. Simple as that. My teeth feel dentist clean every time I use it. The brush has a couple different settings to fit your different moods, but the normal clean mode turns the brush on for two minutes, which is divided into 30 seconds for each quadrant. The brush signals each quadrant change by a split second interruption in the brushing action. I almost would have preferred a beep, but this works ok.
For the first 14 brush cycles, this unit ramps up on the intensity of the brush action. If you use a sonicare currently, you should have no problem adjusting to this. I didn't notice any of the irritating tickling vibrations common on the sonicare brushes. If you've never used a sonicare, don't worry too much. Everyone always becomes accustom to the vibrations, and after a few brush cycles you won't even notice it anymore.
UV Sanitizer: It's an interesting addition to the toothbrush. I can't comment on how well it works since I don't have the means to test that, but you simply detach the brush head and put it into the UV compartment for a 15(?) minute cleaning cycle. A toothbrush that cleans itself, nifty.
Overall this is a great toothbrush. If you're unwilling to spend the big bucks for this model, and I certainly understand, I would suggest getting the flexcare without the sanitizer or go for the elite model. Heck, you can't go wrong with any of the sonicare models, as they are all improvements over the manual sticks you have been using.