Electric Toothbrush Review : What we think of the Philips Sonicare FlexCare RS930 sonic toothbrush with UV sanitizer (HX6932/10).
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Our comments and opinions about the Sonicare FlexCare RS930 electric toothbrush with UV sanitizer.
The FlexCare RS930 sonic toothbrush with UV sanitizer could easily be considered to be Philips Sonicare's top-of-the-line product. If you've read any of our other Sonicare reviews, however, you'll already know that we typically aren't so enamoured with high-end Sonicare toothbrushes. Our feelings are that although we think that Sonicare toothbrushes are great products, the higher-end models can be so loaded up with features (that we personally don't believe we would significantly benefit from), that they end up being too expensive and in general not the best value in a Sonicare. Our opinion about the FlexCare RS930 electric toothbrush with UV sanitizer would fall into line with the above way of thinking. We don't see a big need for its brush head sanitizer. And we don't see the giant benefit provided by the FlexCare's specialized brushing routines in comparison to its standard brushing mode. If you are the type of person who must have a top-tier all-the-bells-and-whistles type product, then this is the toothbrush for you. But for anyone who is looking for a best-value purchase, you owe it to your self to look at our reviews describing the other Sonicare toothbrush models. Philips and Sonicare are registered trademarks of Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. |
The Sonicare FlexCare RS930 sonic toothbrush with UV sanitizer - features review.
» The FlexCare RS930 UV brush head sanitizer.
The only reason to purchase the FlexCare RS930 instead of the R910 (which offers the same FlexCare toothbrush) is the model RS930's integrated UV brush head sanitizer. Towards making this decision, we would like to point out the following considerations.
First off, this product, as it has been properly named, is a toothbrush sanitizer. This is not to be confused with a toothbrush sterilizer. Information found on Philips Sonicare's website specifically states that the Sonicare FlexCare integrated UV sanitizer can kill up to 99% of what they term "selected microorganisms on selected toothbrush heads."
It seems to us that this statement could be interpreted as meaning that, at best, 99% of microorganisms are killed but in many cases the percentage is less. Our point here, however, isn't to identify the product's precise degree of effectiveness. It is instead making sure that you understand that it is never (on a regular and reliable basis) expected to be 100%. And we're not stating that this it a bad thing, but instead simply pointing out that your toothbrush, even with the use of this UV sanitizer, can never regulary and reliably be expect to be germ free.
Now, as a next step, we must discuss if it important for a toothbrush to be either germ free or close to it. We would suggest that the answer is that it's not. We don't necessarily expect you to take our word for it. For proof, we offer this link to the federal government's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Oral Health. It makes statements about toothbrush disinfecting and sterilization. It also provides useful information about toothbrush care in general.
» FlexCare RS930 brushing routines and modes.
The FlexCare RS930 sonic toothbrush features a number of different brushing modes and routines. For us, the most important brushing setting is the FlexCare's Clean mode. This is the mode at which the toothbrush will create Sonicare's hallmark 31,000-brush-strokes-per-minute brushing action. This is a very efficient brushing action and the one that Sonicare built its reputation on. It is the single setting we personally feel that Sonicare owners are typically best served by.
The members of the FlexCare line of sonic toothbrushes also offer two other brushing modes. One of these is the Sensitive mode, the second the Massage. The Sensitive mode creates a reduced-power brushing action that, for some, allows them to tolerate the use of their Sonicare where otherwise they would not be able. The tradeoff is that this gentler Sensitive setting creates a less efficient brushing motion. (That's why we think most people should, if possible, use their FlexCare in Clean mode.) The Massage mode is a non-brushing mode. Its purpose is to create soft tissue (gum tissue) stimulation. We personally do not see the Massage mode as being an especially attractive feature. And certainly not one whose availability would influence our decision about which Sonicare model to buy.
The higher-end Sonicare sonic toothbrushes also come with more elaborate brushing functions. For example, the FlexCare RS930 features what is called the Max Care routine. When this choice is made the toothbrush starts a three-minute cycling where it alternates between running in Clean and then Massage mode. Since we stated above that we aren't really a fan of the Massage mode, you can understand why we aren't a big fan of the Max Care routine either. Hands down, our thoughts would be that if a person is going to brush for three minutes, they would derive more benefit from just brushing using the Clean setting alone.
The FlexCare RS930 electric toothbrush also offers a second brushing routine. It is called the Go Care and is evidently intended for people who are on the "go" and in a hurry. With this setting the toothbrush operates in Clean mode for one minute, and then turns off. We find it somewhat disappointing that Sonicare has created a feature that seems to promote one-minute brushings. We think that very few members of the general population can effectively clean their teeth in this time frame. We feel we must state that proper oral health can only be achieved and maintained by way of regular, thorough plaque removal.
As a review of what we have tried to convey in this section of our FlexCare RS930 evaluation, we like the FlexCare sonic brush because its Clean mode offers Sonicare's hallmark 31,000-brush-strokes-per-minute brushing action (however, other Sonicares offer this setting too). We can see how some people may need the availability of the FlexCare's Sensitive mode (but many other Sonicare models offer this mode also). We personally don't think we would be inclined to take advantage of this brush's Massage mode or its Max Care or Go Care brushing routines.
» The FlexCare RS930 utilizes ProResults brush heads.
The FlexCare model RS930 uses ProResults brush heads. This is in comparison to the older-styled e-series brush heads that some of the recent generations of Sonicare toothbrushes have used. The ProResults brush heads do offer some advantages over the e-series line. And these differences may prove to be important considerations when choosing a Sonicare model.
For a brush owner, we would think that the greatest advantage that a ProResults toothbrush such as the FlexCare RS930 offers is a convenience factor. ProResults brush heads have a design where they snap into place. In comparison, the older e-series design is a screw-on mount. This snap-on feature can make setting up the brush for a second user quicker and easier. Additionally, the snap-in-place design seems to have fewer nooks and crannies for gunk to accumulate in.
It is true that the ProResults brush heads (both Standard and Mini format) are marginally larger and have an overall design that Philips Sonicare states creates a more efficient brush stroke. We aren't so sure, however, that we would base our entire purchase decision on just this fact. Replacement ProResults brush heads cost a little less than the e-series heads. Sonicare recommends replacing both e-series and ProResults brush heads every three months.
» Other considerations about the Sonicare FlexCare RS930 tooth brush with UV sanitizer.
The FlexCare RS930 has a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Only the toothbrush runs off this battery's power, not the toothbrush sanitizer. A lithium-ion battery represents an upgrade over the NiCad battery found in older Sonicare models (superior energy-to-weight ratio, less pronounced memory effect or idle charge loss). It allows the FlexCare line of toothbrushes to be less cumbersome (smaller, lighter) and therefore more toothbrush-like than other Sonicare models. The FlexCare also has a new mechanical design that makes it so the user experiences less operational vibration. This can make using a sonic toothbrush more acceptable for some individuals (the elderly, those who are physically debilitated).
The FlexCare RS930 comes with a travel case and each ProResults brush head comes with a protective cap. It also features a multi-voltage charger apparatus that can also be used as a compact travel charger. (You will, however, need to separately purchase plug adapters so you can physically plug the charging unit in to whatever type of receptacle you encounter.)
The FlexCare RS930 electric toothbrush with UV sanitizer: Model-specific problems.
In terms of product problems, we have read postings by owners that relate a phenomenon were with some units the ProResults brush head comes off when the toothbrush is in use. This does not seem to be a product-wide problem but instead something that can occur with some isolated toothbrushes.
We would also like to add, with the FlexCare's new mechanical design Sonicare has failed to includ the possibility of battery replacement. The need to discard an otherwise functional electric toothbrush just because of battery failure doesn't seem to us to be a customer-friendly design choice.
FlexCare RS930 sonic toothbrush with UV sanitizer review conclusions.
The FlexCare RS930 electric toothbrush with UV sanitizer seems to hold Sonicare's top-of-the-line position. With the exception of the HealthyWhite's Clean and White mode, this toothbrush has essentially every bell and whistle that Sonicare offers in their current product line. And if having this type of product is important to you, this (or the FlexCare R910 which does not have an integrated UV sanitizer) is the electric toothbrush for you.
Having said that, the FlexCare RS930 electric toothbrush with UV sanitizer isn't our favorite Sonicare model. We don't see a need for UV sanitation of brush heads. And we personally favor the use of Sonicare's standard brushing action (the FlexCare's Clean mode) over the more elaborate brushing routines that this brush features. We will concede that the new mechanical and battery design of the FlexCare offers advantages. As do the ProResults brush heads that it uses. But all and all, we feel that other Sonicare models, many of which share some of the FlexCare's same features, offer a better value for the purchaser.
