Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

BACKGROUND: I have been using the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush (see my previous review for a detailed write up) for about a year and a half before getting the FlexCare Plus with the UV Sanitizer. For this review, I will highlight the differences between the two models as well as comment on the UV Sanitizer, and I will conclude with an overall recommendation between the two. SETUP: Much like previous units, this is a breeze. Simply plug in the base sanitizer/charging unit combo and place the base handle on the peg to begin charging. The instructions recommend charging 24 hours prior to the first use, but I doubt this is necessary given that the brush will only be used minutes a day and likely be able to charge 23 hours minimum every day that you use it. For multiple users, Philips again includes the standard colored rings to distinguish one brush head from another. For this unit, Philips includes both a standard and a compact brush head. These compare well with manual toothbrushes so it's a matter of preference. However, some will find it nice to try out both sizes before ordering new brush heads. USAGE: The basic operation of the FlexCare Plus is the same as the previous model. It uses the same Quadpacer signal in thirty second intervals over two minutes in the "Clean" mode. It seemed to me that this unit pulses a little faster, yet it is also quieter while running. You can still discern the signal when it is time to change "zones" on your teeth. Philips did a nice job of simplifying the mode selection over the previous FlexCare model. There are five modes to choose from: Clean, Gum Care, Refresh, Sensitive, and Massage. This is much more user friendly than the previous model's Clean, Sensitive, and Massage modes paired with the separate routines of Go Care and Max Care. I stick to the Clean mode for the most part, but the Refresh is a nice one minute version of Clean if you doing a simple between brushing touch up. As for the UV Sanitizer, I am not able to do a scientific test of whether or not it provides added benefit. I did some research that suggests that UV Sanitizers are effective, but that is taking someone else's word for it. What I can say is that it does operate as the instructions indicate. Once you remove the brush head and insert it into the peg stand and close the door, pressing the power button once starts a 10 minute cycle that shuts off automatically. The blue light is fairly bright and much larger than the green battery indicator on the main brushing unit. If you use this right before bed, you will probably want to close your bathroom door to avoid having the nice blue glow in your bedroom. I did find that after the 10 minute cycle was complete, the brush head was dry as far as I could tell. This is important since the sanitizer becomes a closed container, and excess water could cause mold/mildew. In the end I can't offer any negatives on the UV Sanitizer which is good because (as of this writing) the only FlexCare Plus model you can by is this one. There is currently no standalone model. Battery life is rated for 42 two minute brushings, but I don't think most people will ever put this to the test. An individual would have to be away from home for three solid weeks and not take their travel charger to drain the battery. ACCESSORIES: One of the things I criticized on my older FlexCare brush was the soft travel case. Philips stepped up on the FlexCare Plus and added a hard plastic case that holds the base unit and two brush heads. They also include a travel charger, which is nice, but you would only need this for an extended trip away from home with the increased battery life. DRAWBACKS: There really aren't any. Some may find the price steep, but you do get what you pay for. Perhaps offering a unit without the UV Sanitizer could lower the price some, but I wouldn't expect a large difference. CONCLUSION: Philips has done what all manufacturers should strive to do in the next generation of a product. They kept what worked and made improvements in the shortcomings of the prior version. After having used a Sonicare FlexCare brush for over a year and a half, I highly recommend this model to anyone looking for a new power toothbrush. If you have the older FlexCare model, I would wait until it is time to replace your old one before upgrading as the differences, while improvements, are not substantial.