Accessories

Fine Toothbrush
This toothbrush was recommended by Aetna Insurance in a newsletter. Our orginal Sonicare was starting to make a funny buzzing sound, so we thought it was about to die and bought this new one to replace it. We've been pleased with both.

Sonicare excellent
To sum it all up-- this is a great product. My periodontist recommended it, and I'd highly recommend it.

packaging is terrible
I'm disappointed I've used Sonicare for about 15 years. My latest one lasted about 3 years and then pooped out when the gree on-off button's seal failed and allowed rinse water to enter and ruin the works. So I ordered a new one- a e5000.
This unit arrived in a clear, form-fitting polycarbonate bubble, fully welded to create a hermetic and utterly impenetrable package. There is no way "in" except to take a very sharp knife and try to cut this tough material open without damaging the products within. The package, once cut, is razor-sharp. Much force is required to cut the tough plastic. I URGE CUSTOMERS WHO INJURE THEMSELVES DOING THIS TO SUE PHILIPS FOR NEGLIGENCE. I struggled hard to open it....and I'm a burly Engineer!
They clearly are trying to make a package that, once opened, can never be
reclosed...thereby reducing returns. Its downright foolish and stupid.
As for the product within...yes, it works OK. this model lacks the
interval "timing" that all previous models I've used had...and there is a bright green LED that blinks off and on all night making my nightime bathroom seem like some rented room above an old bar room, with its neon sign outside blinking. I may change to another brand next time

Electronic toothbrush
I'm not happy. I have used Sonicare toothbrushes ever since they were invented. At first there was only one model. When it wore out after many years I replaced it with a one just like it. When the company was sold to Phillips they started making several different models. When I recently had to replace my second one(after many years) I still bought the basic, most economical model. I have no hopes that my new one will last 1/2 as long as the old ones. Every time I use it it has leaked water into the brush handle and I have to dump it out. It seems very flimsy.

Planned Obsolescence
Here are two things Phillips will not tell you about their Sonicare toothbrushes and heads.

1) The collar that holds the toothbrush to the handle will disintegrate in a couple of months. That's what prompted this review, because they would not replace mine after it fell apart two weeks after purchasing a replacement.

They manufacturer these things to disintegrate so you will continue to buy replacements - planned obsolescence. However, I suspect their China supplier is skimping on the plastic specifications and they fall apart in weeks instead of months. (Do you think China would really do that?)

2) UNPLUG your base until you need to charge the toothbrush. If you charge it up overnight, then unplug the base, the toothbrush will work for four brushings per day for about a month. Then, when it signals or stops, plug the base in to charge it.

This method will allow your toothbrush to work for five years or longer. If you keep the base plugged in all the time, these NiCad batteries develop memory and will stop functioning after 18 to 24 months.

A bonus, if you travel a lot as I do, you don't have to pack the charger. Just make sure it's topped off and you're good for a month's vacation.