Electric Toothbrush Reviews - The Sonicare FlexCare sonic toothbrushes (and UV brush head sanitizer).

The FlexCare series of sonic toothbrushes is one of Philips Sonicare's top-tier lines. 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 models.

Although we do think that Sonicare toothbrushes are great products, our feelings are that the higher-end models can be so loaded with features that we just don't believe we would significantly benefit from (like uv brush-head sanitizers or mutiple brushing modes and routines), that they end up being too expensive and, in general, not the best value in a Sonicare.

If you are the type of person who must have a top-of-the-line brush with all-the-bells-and-whistles, then a FlexCare toothbrush will likely make a great choice 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.

» What features does the FlexCare line offer?

The FlexCare brushes offer three brushing modes (Clean, Sensitive and Massage) and two pre-configured brushing routines (Max Care, Go Care). They also feature Sonicares Easy-start, Smartimer and QuadPacer functions.

They utilize Sonicare's newer-design, snap-on brush heads and feature a rechargeable lithium ion battery and multi-voltage charger. Due to their improved design, they create a lower level of operational noise and vibration than other Sonicare models.

The recharging base of the FlexCare RS930 includes an integrated UV (ultra-violet light) brush head sanitizer.

» Model names and numbers.

The Sonicare Flexcare series (as opposed to the FlexCare+ line) is composed of the model RS930 (HX6932) and the R910 (HX6911, and possibly HX6942). Both products feature the same electric toothbrush. However, the RS930 features an integrated UV sanitizer and comes packaged with both a Standard and Compact-size brush heads whereas the R910 has no santizier and comes packaged with a single Standard-size head. (Model numbers and features change, so make sure you check before you buy.)

The FlexCare sonic toothbrushes - features.

1) Brushing modes and routines.

» The Clean mode.

The FlexCare line of toothbrushes features a number of different brushing modes and routines. In our opinion, however, the most important of all of these is the FlexCare's Clean mode.

This is the setting where a FlexCare will generate Sonicare's hallmark 31,000-brush-strokes-per-minute brushing action. And this is the single setting we personally feel that most Sonicare owners are best served by. (We'll also point out that all other Sonicare models, including the less expensive ones, offer this same brushing action.)

» The Sensitive and Massage modes.

The FlexCare brushes feature Sonicare's Sensitive and Massage operational modes. The Sensitive setting produces a reduced-power (and less efficient) brushing action that may be needed for people who have trouble tolerating the vigorous brushing action of their Sonicare when set to full power.

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 regarding which Sonicare model to buy.

» The Max Care brushing routine.

The FlexCare line of brushes also features some elaborate brushing actions that Sonicare terms "brushing routines." One of these routines is the Max Care. When it is selected, the toothbrush will operate in Clean mode for thirty seconds followed by fifteen seconds of Massage mode. This cycle is repeated four times, for a total operating time of 3 minutes.

We will state that we love the idea that someone would use their toothbrush for 3 minutes. Other than that, we arent' really a big fan of the Max Care routine.

» The Go Care brushing routine.

The FlexCare toothbrushes also offer the Go Care routine. Evidently, this brushing routine is intended for people who are on the "go" and in a hurry. In 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 really aren't favorably impressed by the availability of the Go Care routine.

» Other FlexCare features.

The FlexCare line does feature Sonicare's brushing timers (the Smartimer and QuadPacer functions). It also has the Easy-start feature (designed for those who are having difficulty getting used to the vigorousness of their new sonic brush).

2) Brush heads. / The UV brush-head sanitizer.

» The FlexCare RS930 UV brush head sanitizer.

The FlexCare RS930 [HX6932] has a UV brush-head sanitizer incorporated into the design of its recharging base. (The R910 [HX6911] is the same electric toothbrush, just without the sanitizing unit.)

We have a lot to say about toothbrush sanitizers and why we don't feel they are necessary. Bottom line, and especially in terms of toothbrush value, we clearly think that the R910 (the model without the sanitizer) makes the smarter buy.

» FlexCare toothbrushes utilize ProResults and HydroClean brush heads.

[We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different Sonicare brush-head designs in more detail here.]

Both FlexCare models can be used with either ProResults or HydroClean brush heads. These are Sonicare's newest types of brush heads and are stated to have greater cleaning efficiency over previous designs. (Presumably HydroClean being more effective than ProResults.)

ProResults brush heads come in both Standard and Compact (Mini) sizes. HydroClean brushes only come in Standard size. HydroClean heads are more expensive than ProResults. Sonicare recommends replacing brush heads every 3 months.

From a standpoint of convenience, it's important to note that FlexCare products uses snap-on brushes rather than the older-style screw on type. If a toothbrush is shared, the ease and quickness of a snap-on head is a nice feature. Also, the design of the snap-on brushes makes it easier to keep the toothbrush clean.

3) Recharing / batteries.

FlexCare models feature Sonicare's rechargeable lithium-ion battery. (Only the toothbrush runs off this battery, not the toothbrush sanitizer.) They also come with a multi-voltage charging unit. For the travelers, the charger can be separated out from the base unit and used as a compact travel charger.

The lithium-ion battery does offer advantages over the NiCad-type battery found in older-design Sonicares. Both in terms of performance and reducing the overall size of the toothbrush.

4) Other features.

Design improvements built into the FlexCare line includes a vibration-canceling feature. And it may make using a sonic toothbrush more acceptable to a wider range of people.

Model-specific problems.

We have seen postings where Sonicare owners have reported that the snap-on style brush heads used with their toothbrush come on when it is operating. This does not seem to be a widespread problem with FlexCare models but instead something that can occur with isolated units.

We did take notice of the fact that even though the FlexCare represents a design change from previous generations of Sonicare brushes, it still is not possible to replace its battery. The need to discard an otherwise functional (expensive) electric toothbrush just because its battery has failed seems to be a glaring oversight.

Our conclusions about the FlexCare series.

The FlexCare line of toothbrushes features two of Sonicare's top-of-the-line brushes. And if having a toothbrush that has close to every function, mode and feature possible on it is important to you, then a FlexCare should make a good selection.

Having said that, the FlexCare products aren't our favorite Sonicare models. We don't see a need for the UV sanitation of brush heads. And we personally favor the use of Sonicare's standard brushing action (a setting found on all Sonicare models) over the more elaborate brushing routines that these brushes feature.

We will concede that the new mechanical and battery design of the FlexCare offers some advantages (for example, a smaller, lighter brush that is less unwieldy could be very beneficial for an elderly person). And the snap-on brush heads do offer a convenience factor. But all and all, we feel that other Sonicare models offer a better sonic toothbrush value.