How the Panasonic cordless flosser looks, feels and works

From the physical retail box to the unboxing experience, all is pretty typical for a water flosser.

The box calls out some of the key features and benefits of this unit and whilst the EW1511 looks smart, nothing about it particularly jumps out as being particularly unique.

You get the essentials that you need out of the box.

If anything does stand out, it is the charging stand.  I will cover this in a bit more detail later, but it is wall mountable and has a place for replacement nozzles to be stored.  This isn’t something you get with most products of this type.

The EW1511 is a cordless water flosser, meaning inside it has a rechargeable battery and doesn’t need to be connected to a power outlet to function.

If you are not too familiar with water flossers, you typically have countertop or cordless models.  Countertop units are the most capable but are tied to a power outlet and thus less portable.

Cordless is more freeing and better suited for travellers. But due to the nature of water flossing you still have to use both within range of a sink so that you can expel the waste water generated.

The big appeal here is that water flossers are more convenient and easier to use than regular string floss.  Albeit they are still technique sensitive.

The gold standard is to use interdental brushes, but most important is to do some flossing daily.  Few do, but water flossers can help make creating and sticking to that habit a bit easier.

At the time of review, the EW1511 comes in just 1 colour option, white.

This white variant is accented with a soft grey colour in a couple of places on the unit.

More travel friendly than a countertop unit, this is. But, it isn’t small. Unfortunately, the need to have a water tank built-in dictates the size to some extent.

It measures 28cm/11.03 inches tall with the nozzle (21cm/8.23 inches without), is 7cm/2.76 inches wide and 8cm/3.15 inches deep.  

It weighs in at 276g/0.61Lbs.

If you are wishing to travel particularly light you might want to consider the Panasonic DW-DJ10 instead, this is collapsible.

This EW1511 is actually very similarly sized to the popular Cordless Advanced from Waterpik.

Disappointingly, the Panasonic does not come with a pouch case to protect the unit or keep the nozzles and flosser together.  You could though stow the nozzles inside the water tank when not in use.  

It doesn’t come with a plug to prevent any drops from the flosser either.  You just want to run the flosser for a few more seconds after use to make sure all the water is out.  Giving it a towel dry too will help.

Lacking these extras are small issues and not necessarily deal breakers, but help some of the alternative cordless options stand out.

The flosser itself has a rounded design.

It is largest at the bottom and a fraction smaller at the top, but the upper third of the unit thins out to allow for the hand to better fit to and hold the unit.

The unit does stand upright on a countertop.

At the very top there is a hole into which the nozzles fit.  They can be removed by pressing the eject button that is placed at the top edge on the back of the unit.

Running down the front of the handle are 2 buttons and a number of LEDs.

The top and larger concave button is the power button that turns the flosser on and off.  A raised point in the middle helps make it noticeable to the fingertip the button itself isn’t too soft or firm.

Beneath this is a smaller, button that controls the different levels available on the flosser.  The levels are essentially the pressure or power settings you have on the EW1511.

There are 5 choices, each of which can be selected or changed before the unit is powered on or as it is running.

There are 5 LED’s that depict what pressure level is chosen. These are stacked on top of each other and run vertically down the front of the unit.

In the lower half are 2 additional LEDs each with an icon below them.  One is to show the battery power and the other is lit when the unit is being charged.  

Towards the bottom is the Panasonic logo in black contrasting with the white body of the EW1511.

The sides of the flosser are free of any controls.  From the side profile, you see more of the curvy shape of the unit and the large grey panel of rubber found on the back wraps around the sides a little.

This large panel of rubber is to help the hand grip onto the flosser.  

The main body has a matt white finish to the unit and is smooth to the touch.  The rubber is a bit more resistive and you can get a good comfortable grip on it.

In the lower third of the unit at the back is the door to the water tank.  It folds back about 130 degrees to give good access to fill the 200ml/7 oz reservoir.  You don’t need to hold it open when you fill the tank.

Press it firmly closed and the rubber o-ring on the door creates a secure and leak free seal.

I want to mention too how the design of the door is such that it is easy to open.  It might sound silly, but some others are just more awkward to get a fingertip or nail in to open the door.  It is a small but key part of your daily interaction, so it is noticeable when it is good or bad!

The base of the flosser is grey in colour like the rubber grip.  It is plastic, not rubber like the grip.

The design is such that it wraps up the front, back and sides to create a thin grey strip around the bottom edge of the flosser.

About three quarters of the base can be removed by pressing a release button and this allows access to the reservoir.  It makes emptying, drying, and cleaning this unit very easy.  It is a nice touch not really seen on similar products.

Other water flossers often have removable tanks, but few allow such easy access inside.

The remaining part of the base, which is not removable is home to 2 pins recessed in the body of the flosser. These are only noticeable when you have lifted it up and are specifically looking at the base.  These connect into the charging stand.  The provided power cable does not fit into these pins on the base of the unit. 

In hand, the flosser feels solid and well built and relatively fitting of the price tag it commands.

It is worth knowing that this is water resistant and can be used in the shower if you would like to.

Many water flossers come with multiple tips (nozzles) included and this comes with 2.  They are the only style Panasonic offer for this flosser.

Those with periodontal pockets, braces, or implants might find the more diverse range of jet tips from Waterpik to be more suitable

The clear plastic nozzles clip into the hole on the flat top of the unit.

When pushed into place, it will click in and you won’t be able to remove it unless you press the eject button.

The nozzle does rotate a full 360 degrees.  The base of the nozzle has large plastic fins which give the fingertip something to grip and push against to rotate them.

The rotation is pretty smooth, but the design means it isn’t quite as effortless as on the Waterpik Cordless Advanced.  I am being a bit picky, but I kind of have to be when more refined options exist.

It is suggested to replace nozzles every 6 months on average.  This is pretty standard.  

The big problem here is the price and availability.

Sold in packs of 2 and typically cost around £20. That is 2 times the cost per tip as most competing products.  There is no real justification for this.

Part number WEW0983 is what you need.  You will have to go online to find these, but tracking them down is difficult.  Few places stock them and availability seems to be poor.  

Your best chance is via picking them up here. Panasonics own webshop does a poor job of promoting them and making clear how to buy them.

Truthfully, the lack of availability and price essentially makes what is otherwise a good product into one I can’t really recommend unless availability and price improve.

A nice touch to the nozzles is that they have coloured rings and these can be used to identify whose nozzle is whose.  This is great if you choose to share the flosser.

The 200ml/7 oz water tank is said to offer up to 60 seconds of usage time.  This is when set to the highest of the 5 pressure levels.

With repeated tests, I achieved 1 minute and 25 seconds.

If I set the level to the lowest of the 5, I achieved 2 minutes in total.

Perfect your flossing technique and you can clean the mouth in 45 seconds, but 1 minute is ideal.

In most instances, you are going to have plenty of flossing time left from a full tank, which is good.  Too many competing products have small tanks and insufficient running time.  Often you need to refill to complete the clean.

To change the level you press the lower of the 2 buttons on the flosser.  This is unsurprisingly labelled ‘level’.

Depending on the level chosen, the number of LEDs lit changes too.

• Level 1 = 1 blue LED
• Level 2 = 2 blue LED
• Level 3 = 3 blue LED
• Level 4 = 4 blue LED
• Level 5 = 5 blue LED

At level 1, it produces 960 pulses per minute and 196kPa (28 PSI).

At level 5 it produces 1600 pulses per minute and 647kPa (94 PSI).

Whilst the vast majority of users don’t really require 5 different levels it is nice to have a choice.

Level 1 is more gentle than most Waterpik cordless models which have a low setting whilst Level 5 is more powerful than Waterpik’s high setting on cordless models.

Power certainly isn’t everything, but it does play some part.  The technique is arguably more important.

Panasonic describes the technique well in their manual.  Essentially you want to have the water flowing at 90 degrees/perpendicular to the tooth and gumline.  You shouldn’t direct the water down into the gums. 

You move along the gumline, pausing between each tooth briefly.  You do this for the front and back of the teeth in each arch.

If you are not used to water flossing, it does take some getting used to.  It can be messy and you do need to be lent over a sink to expel the waste water.

Don’t be surprised if you spray a bit of water across the bathroom, it happens, even with experienced users.

I have to say I have been pleased with the results.  My testing is by no means scientific, but I don’t think it is unfair to say the results have been comparable to the competing products.  For my fairly normal set of teeth, I haven’t noticed the flosser struggling or succeeding any better than others.

Pansonic suggests (in this video) their flosser provides superior results as a result of their ‘ultrasonic’ cleaning.  The design of the nozzles is such that it pushes the water out in a way that creates microbubbles.  When these bubbles burst as they hit the teeth and gums they send our ultrasonic shockwaves that remove debris.

Clinical evidence can be helpful in confirming how well or poorly a product performs.

To my knowledge, Pansonic has not submitted the EW1511 for any independent clinical research or produced any clinical results to prove its effectiveness. 

I do believe it works, but I am not really in a position to say better or worse than the alternatives.  The flossing experience felt similar and the results appear similar.

In use, it isn’t super quiet, but comparably noisy with other flossers of this type.  Expect for it to produce sound in the region of 77 decibels.

To close off this section I want to come back to the charging stand that is included.  It is a nice touch.  

It appears a bit bulky on the first inspection, but it has t be to accommodate the flosser.  It is one of the only products I know to come with this wall mountable solution. And screws are even provided, I didn’t expect that.  Not wall plugs/anchor or anything though.

I like it as it is a neat way to free up countertop space.  It has also 2 spaces to mount replacement nozzles.  This is handy.

Unfortunately, the stand lacks any ability to stow excess power cable.  This feels somewhat of an oversight given most will likely mount this within a few feet of the socket. The power cable is 6ft long.  If you mount this 2 ft from the socket, where does the extra 4ft of cable go?

All things considered, there is a lot to like with the Panasonic EW1511.  It certainly competes well with most other cordless water flossers.

How the Waterpik Cordless Select looks, feels and works

If you have seen or handled a cordless water flosser before, then the Cordless Select isn’t any different.

It has the typical look, shape and size.

The flat base allows the unit to sit upright on a countertop.

With the nozzle inserted it stands 29.2cm/11.5 inches tall.

It is 6.3cm/2.5 inches wide and as is normal, it is quite deep.  It has a depth of 8.9cm/3.5 inches. It isn’t quite as deep as the Waterpik Aquarius. 

To be fair, it does look a little bit more modern than some of the other options.  There is quite a clean and minimal look to the unit. This is a good thing I believe.

On the front, there is a rounded rectangle panel that runs vertically down the upper third of the handle.  Inside this is a single button, battery icon and LED.

This button is both the power and mode button.

With a very slight concave design to it, it does too have a power symbol printed on it.  It is accented by a silver ring that runs around it.

It is a plastic button, not silicone like you get one some other models.  The button itself doesn’t give lots of feedback to the fingertip, but it is passable.

Below the button sits a battery icon.

Underneath this is an LED that displays the battery information.

It is not until we get to the very bottom of the unit that we are presented with a Waterpik logo.

Underneath this, right on the bottom edge are 2 silver pins.

It is through these that the NiMH battery that is sealed inside the handle, is recharged.  More on this within the battery life section of the review.

The right and left side of the flosser is free of any ports or controls.  Although it is from the side you now see the transparent water tank that wraps into the side of the flosser.  

You do too see how it tapers to a thinner profile at the top of the flosser.  This thinner profile is intentional to make it easier to hold onto.

Looking at the rear of the unit, you have a textured surface, made up of raised dots, in the upper third of the handle. The rest is the water tank.

The tank is removable and has a door on it, which allows you to refill it.

At the top of the flosser, is where you will find the hole for the nozzle or jet tip if you prefer.

1 of the 4 supplied nozzles fits clips into the hole, located right in the centre.

To release it, you press the button that sits to the side of this hole.  You can’t remove it unless you press this button.

This top section of the unit has a cogwheel design to it.  This is because it can be rotated a full 360 degrees.  

The rotation allows you to better control the angle and position of the water flow into the mouth.

This is all good in principle.  But, the design of the WF-10 I do believe works against this ease of use a little.

I find this harder and more awkward to grip in hand than most other cordless water flossers. I a somewhat disappointed to have to say this.

The thinner part of the flosser, which you usually grip to, is not as long as other units. 

There is a lack of surface area, which restricts the security in hand.  Your grip is much more cramped. 

Yes, it is usable, but it is something I have noticed and is bugging me compared to other options.  I am sure it will frustrate some others too.

Models like the Cordless Advanced or Cordless Plus are much more comfortable to hold.

As a cordless water flosser it does give you more flexibility than a corded unit.  But, as you will likely be aware from the directions above, you still need to be near a sink to use it.  This is because of the amount of water that is pushed into the mouth during use.  You need a place to expel the water.

The benefits of being cordless are great. I would suggest you consider your lifestyle. Take some time to assess whether a countertop flosser might be a better investment of your money.

The water reservoir of the Cordless Select has a 207ml/7 ounce capacity.  

It can be removed for filling and for cleaning.  You slide it on and off as you please.  In most instances, I suspect you will fill it when it is attached.

The reservoir door is easy to use and provides a secure seal.

A full tank will last up to 60 seconds.  

The WF-10 offers 2 pressure settings or cleaning modes if you prefer. 

The default mode is a low pressure setting and there is too a high pressure option.

The low mode empties the tank in 60 seconds, whilst the high mode takes 45.

The pressure of the 2 modes are 45 and 75 PSI respectively.

As soon as you press the power button, it activates the low power mode.  Press it a second time to activate the high mode.  A third press will turn the flosser off.

It does not remember the last mode used.  I find this a touch frustrating.  It will always default to the lower power mode.

This is a first world issue, I know.  Low power mode is functional, but I know many prefer the more intense high mode.

During use it produces up to 70 decibels and is quieter than some other models I have used.

I have noticed a very small, but significant design tweak.  Most water flossers have a flat base inside the tank.  This means that most water gets suked up.  But, it can mean a small amount of residual water is left.  This has been pretty much rectified with the Cordless Select.  There is a tapering internally, which causes the water to pool neatly at the bottom of the tank.  Thus, when emptied all the water is extracted.  No residue left.  Good work Waterpik.

4 nozzles come provided in the box.  

• 2 x JT-450E– Waterpik Classic High Pressure Jet Tip
• 1 x OD-100E – Waterpik Orthodontic Tip
• 1 x PS-100E – Waterpik Plaque Seeker Tip

For the vast majority, the classic tips are the best option to use.

If you wear braces, then the Orthodontic tip is useful. Those with dental implants will find the Plaque Seeker tip most useful.

There are 3 additional styles of nozzle.  Each is designed for different use cases.

• PP-100E – Waterpik Pik Pocket Tips
• TB-100E – Waterpik Water Flosser Toothbrush Tips
• TC-100E – Waterpik Water Flosser Tongue Cleaner

The Pik Pocket tips are designed for those with Periodontal Pockets.

Any of these styles can be purchased and used with the Cordless Select WF-10.

You can find more information on each of the different tips here.

If you use the Classic tip, you should change this every 6 months on average.

The other tips should be replaced every 3 months.  

All the nozzles can be rotated a full 360 degrees. When in use you can get the maximum benefit from the flosser and position the tip in the mouth at the ideal angle.

The dial that controls this rotation is simple to use.  Not quite as easy as the Cordless Advanced, but one of the best configurations I have used.

A series of ridges around the edge of the rotating wheel make it easy for the finger to align and grip to.  You can achieve quite finite control, with just 1 or 2 clicks of the wheel. Or you can easily make a much larger sweep of the fingertip to move it up to 180 degrees at a time.  With as little as 2 passes of the finger, you can rotate the nozzle a full 360 degrees.

Such a feature should not be underestimated.  You have finite control, more so than when you are all fingers and thumbs with regular floss.

It will take a bit of practice to actually do when in use.  But you can use your index finger to twist the nozzle into the perfect angle to reach all areas of the mouth.

You will have up to 60 seconds to clean your interdental spaces with the Cordless Select (subject to mode).

Unlike an electric toothbrush, there is no timer/pacer built in to help you ensure an even clean.  It will take a bit of trial and error to perfect the technique.

If you have perfected your flossing technique you should manage it in this time. But, for some, the high powered mode might not offer quite enough using time and a refill may well be necessary.

I  wouldn’t want a smaller water tank. It makes it tricky to complete a thorough clean on 1 fill of the tank.  You have to refill.  This is why I generally recommend staying away from models that have a reservoir capacity of less than 200ml.

In fact, models like the 5020E are appealing because of their large 300ml tank.  This does affect the size and weight.

The WF-10 continues to function, even if the tank is drained of all the water.  

It will turn itself off after 2 minutes, but it will have long since drained the tank of any water.

When the tank is empty, you will hear the sound change. You will also notice the lack of water being pushed against your teeth and gums.

Although using a water flosser can be a little bit messy, I actually find it easier. This is compared to string dental floss and interdental brushes.  

It still requires a technique, but it feels a little easier to master.

And I know I am not alone.  I have learnt of many people who use a water flosser. Otherwise, they would not stick to an interdental cleaning regime otherwise.

Dental professionals typically see the brushes as the ‘best’ option. They will advise a water flosser to be used in addition to these.

Yet, almost all would prefer you use a water flosser instead of doing no interdental cleaning at all.

Brushing alone leaves up to 40% of the tooth surface uncleaned.  Water flossers like the Select have been clinically proven to remove plaque.

There has been lots of research by Waterpik to show the effectiveness of their flossers. Impressive stats are available on the clinical research pages of the Waterpik website.

A 2016 study found the water flosser to be 18% more effective than interdental brushes.

The flow and pressure of the water reach bacteria deep between teeth and below the gumline. Brushing and traditional flossing can’t always reach this.

The water massages and stimulates the gums to improve circulation. This encourages your gums to be strong and healthy.

I found that I preferred the more powerful setting of the 2 offered. Those with sensitive gums may find the lower power setting to be better.

Countertop units do offer softer and more intense modes, but I don’t think you necessarily need them.

I use the water flosser before brushing and it is amazing how much debris it removes. And that is the stuff I can see!

Using the flosser in this way feels like a clean of the mouth, even before you complete the brushing.

A noteworthy point is that the Cordless Select has been designed as water resistant.  If your preference is to use it in the shower, you can do so.

A benefit of the cordless options is that they are more suitable for travel.

Sadly, the Select does not come with a travel pouch in the box, which is disappointing.

A concern I have is the size. The anticipation might be that this will fit nicely in a bag when I go away for business or pleasure.

It will fit. But, if you are travelling light, say for a weekend break; this is a bulky unit to have in the bag.

Overall the Cordless Select does the job it is designed to do.  I like it, but there are a couple of small things that are for me frustrations.  These are overcome with the Cordless Advanced from Waterpik.

How the Cordless Express looks, feels and works

The Cordless Express comes packaged in a very typical Waterpik style box.  It promotes the product and calls out the key features you can expect and the benefits you will get from using this product.

I have used water flossers before, but first impressions for some will likely be this is bigger than I was expecting.  

This isn’t a flat out negative, it is just the nature of the situation.  Make the unit smaller and the size of the reservoir is impacted.  Make it bigger and it is larger and heavier to hold.

I think Waterpik has managed to achieve a fairly good balance.  This size vs portability question is an issue all cordless water flosser manufacturers have.

There are essentially 3 key parts to this cordless unit.

You have the main handle/flosser body.  Then you have the removable water tank (reservoir) and then you have the flosser tip or nozzle.

I have the white coloured version of the WF-02, but you can also get it in blue.  It is nice to have a choice, not just plain old white.  

It is a fairly clean looking device and relatively inoffensive.  The overall shape and design is very similar to the WF-03 Cordless Freedom water flosser.

Looking at the unit head-on, in the upper third of the handle is the power/function slider switch.  It has a rounded rectangle design and sits slightly proud of the unit's body.  It has 4 embossed chevrons on it (2 in opposing directions) that give grip and a more tactile feel to the switch.  This controls the 2 modes, which I will explain shortly.

A little lower on the handle is the Waterpik logo.

The remainder of the front is smooth touch plastic with no ports or controls.

Only on the very bottom edge at the front do you then have the slider switch for unlocking the cap on the bottom of the flosser, to access the batteries.

From the side profile, you will see the lower half of the handle is deeper than the upper half.  This is because the upper half of the unit is the area around which your hand grips to hold and control the unit.

The right side is free of any notable features whilst the left side has the opening to the water tank itself.

Looking at it from the rear, the lower half is the transparent water tank, with the upper half of the plastic body covered in lots of differently sized dots.  These give a texture to the handle.

The size and positioning are such that you can get a pretty good grip on the unit.  It doesn’t feel all that awkward.

It is not as comfortable in hand as the Cordless Advanced, but more comfortable than the Cordless Select.

For some, the unit will just be too awkward to hold.  Particularly if holding heavier items is more challenging.

Little hands of children are not ideally suited.  Typically this is designed for adults or older kids.

The base of the unit is flat, so the Express will sit upright on a countertop.  It is essentially split into 2 parts.  You have the bottom of the water reservoir and the compartment to access the batteries.

Padlock icons and arrows on the base depict how to lock and unlock it to gain access.  

At the top of the unit, centrally placed is a hole, into which the nozzles fit.  Behind this is a raised grey button that is pressed to release the nozzle fitted into the handle. 

Over the last few years, Waterpik appears to have been making small tweaks and improvements to their products and that has resulted in a more comprehensive range but also better quality products.

The Express doesn’t boast all of the best bits of Waterpik, but given that the Express is an entry level it is still relatively impressive and hard to criticize.

Water flossing isn’t a new thing, it has been around for years. But, it isn’t something that is all that heavily promoted by dental professionals.  Many tend to recommend dental floss or interdental brushes over water flossers.

This is typicaly because these tools are considered more effective because of the physical contact they have with the spaces between the teeth.

But, many people don’t floss and this isn’t good for anyone’s oral health.

Therefore, most dental professionals will agree that doing something is better than nothing.  Water flossers are a more convenient approach and are clinically proven.

Waterpik has plenty of clinical evidence to prove that their products are more effective than string floss.

The Express has also earned the American Dental Associations (ADA) seal of acceptance.  To do so, it has to pass stringent tests and proof must be shown that it can achieve the results the manufacturers claim. 

Such certification brings peace of mind to you and me as users.

I am not here to argue the pros and cons of each or say which is right.  Water flossing is most certainly an option that many people can embrace with more ease as it is less difficult to master.

I feel it important to note how messy water flossing can be.  This applies to all water flossers, irrespective of brand and whether it is a countertop or cordless option.  

You have to be lent over a sink really. This is because the volume of water pushed into the mouth during use means you have to expel it somewhere. 

It takes practice to master the technique. 

The suggested technique is:

• Lean low over sink and place the tip in mouth.
• Aim the tip towards the teeth, and turn the unit on (l or II).
• For best results, start with the back teeth and work toward the front teeth. Glide tip along gumline and pause briefly between teeth. Continue until you have cleaned the inside and outside of both the upper and lower teeth.
• Direct the jet stream at a 90-degree angle to your gumline. Slightly close lips to avoid splashing but allow water to flow freely from mouth into the sink. Keep unit upright during use for best results.

Even experienced users will slip up at times and you will end up spraying their bathroom mirror etc with water.  It is worse for new users.  It gets easier quite quickly, but just be aware that this is something to contend with.

The Express is cordless.  This means you are not tied to a power outlet and have much more freedom to move when in use. 

This is great, but, as I have highlighted, you still need to be lent over a sink. So even with the cordless option, you are not truly free of the bathroom like you might expect.  

And linked to this, because it needs to push through water, it needs the tank built into the unit to allow this to happen.  Thus, even cordless models, like the Express, are bigger than some might expect.  

They are more travel friendly than a countertop unit, but if you want to pack minimally, it is unlikely even the cordless water flosser will make the cut.  

The water reservoir on the Express has a door on the side that can be opened to fill it, whilst attached to the rest of the unit, or alternatively, you can slide it off if you would prefer.

It is a bit more hassle I feel to remove it each time, particularly to refit with the water in.  But, the fact it is removable is good, because it helps if you want to clean out the tank.

Because it is clear, you can see the water inside.  

You can add a couple of dashes of mouthwash to the water if you want to give that extra freshness.

It holds 5 ounces (148ml) and ideally, you want to use luke warm water rather than cold because it makes for a more pleasant flossing experience.

How quickly the water drains from the tank is depicted by the mode you are using.

There are 2 pressure settings.  The lower setting, labeled as I on the handle is 45 PSI, whilst the higher power mode, labeled as II on the handle is 75 PSI.

You are not getting the 10 different settings you often get on the countertop units, but this is more than good enough.  Essentially you have a powerful and gentle mode.

Set to the lower pressure setting the tank drains in approx 45 seconds.

Set to the higher pressure mode and the tank drains in approx 35 seconds.

To an experienced user, you might just manage a full floss.  I can generally get a good clean in 45 seconds.  However, many will find that a refil of the tank is necessary.

I do like the slider switch.  It is easy to use and you can quite quickly change between pressure settings as you floss, if you desire.

I found that I preferred the more powerful setting of the two offered, but those with sensitive gums may find the lower power setting to be better. 

Despite my preference for the more powerful option, my mouth did feel clean after use with either mode.  

It is amazing just how much debris these water flossers blast out from between the teeth.

Included in the box are 2 classic jet tips.  These are great and suit most users.

However, they don’t serve everyone.  Waterpik has a range of alternative tips that are compatible with the Express and can be used if you so desire.

Other tips available include:

• DT-100E Waterpik Implant Denture Tip
• OD-100E Waterpik Orthodontic Tip
• PP-100E Waterpik Pik Pocket Tip
• PS-100E Waterpik Plaque Seeker Tip
• TB-100E Waterpik Water Flosser Toothbrush Tip
• TC-100E Waterpik Water Flosser Tongue Cleaner

As the names imply some are specially designed for specific scenarios that might apply to you.

As you can probably tell from the list of tips this water flosser is suitable for a whole range of users.  Whether you have braces, dental implants, dentures or a crown.

You can find more information on each of the different tips here.

In some respects, it is a shame that more tips are not included.  For some, additional tips might be required before you can really benefit from it.  However, it suits the majority and does mean that many people are not getting tips they wouldn’t have otherwise used.

The classic tips included need replacing every 6 months on average.

Waterpik advocates holding the tip at a 90 degree angle to the gumline to complete the cleaning.  This is fine for the most part, but one of the features lacking on the Express is the ability to easily rotate the nozzle.

Technically it is possible, but you can only really do this when it is out of the mouth and it is switched off.  

Whilst I find with many water flossers that my need to rotate the nozzle is relatively limited, it is nice to have this option.  It makes things a little more convenient and the product overall a bit more versatile.  I think some will miss the lack of a rotating nozzle, especially if you have used such before.

The unit is water resistant if you were wondering.  You can use in the shower, and rinse it off if needs be.  There is a good seal around the batteries, so the chance of ingression is very slim.

By no means are these things essential, but they are handy for those who do want to travel with their cordless water flosser.  A soft drawstring pouch case and a plastic water stopper. The case holds and gives a bit of protection to the unit and tips.  Whilst the stopper goes in place of the nozzle when travelling.  

These are items that come included with the like of the Cordless Advanced and the Cordless Freedom.  They don’t come with the Cordless Express.  It is a bit of an oversight in my opinion.  But, this then might be a reason to pick the Cordless Freedom over this Express model.

The overall build quality is good, a bit better than I had expected for the price. Having been made by a leading brand, one hopes for long term reliability.  It does come with a 1 year guarantee which is pretty standard.

How the Ultra Plus looks, feels and works

By the nature of a countertop water flosser, they are not all that small.  The Waterpik Ultra Plus measures 25.15cm/9.90 inches tall, 14.22cm/5.60 inches wide and 13.46cm/5.30 inches deep.

It does too need a power outlet to function.

If you have very limited space in your bathroom, a countertop unit like this might not be for you.  The same can be said if you don’t have a shaver socket either.

And you will need to be mindful of the position of the water flosser in relation to the shaver socket. It may well be necessary for the power cable to trail across parts of your sink or bathroom shelves.

In fairness to Waterpik, that they have done a pretty good job on the design.

The Ultra Plus, looks cleaner and more modern than the Ultra that sits below it in the range.  The white with silver accents is a classic colour combination that works well.

Whilst talking about the 2 other models, it is worth noting that very little separates these 3.

The Ultra Plus reviewed here, sits in the middle, technically.

All have the same pressure settings, the same water tank capacity.

The main difference between the Ultra and the Ultra Plus are:

• The Ultra Plus has a slider switch on the handle rather than a push button

The main differences between the Ultra Plus and Ultra Professional are:

• The design of the units
• The Professional has a massage mode
• The Professional has a built-in timer and pacer
• The Professional has LED’s on the unit
• The Professional is quieter
• The Professional comes with more tips included
• The Ultra Plus has a more practical nozzle storage unit

In use, all 3 models work well.

I have been very pleased with how Ultra Plus cleans between the teeth and along the gumline.

I use the water flosser before brushing and it is amazing how much debris it removes. And that is the stuff I can see!

Although using a water flosser can be a little bit messy, I actually find it easier. This is compared to string dental floss and interdental brushes.  

It can be a bit messy, due to the amount of water used, you need to expel this from the mouth.  You are therefore going to be dribbling over the sink as you do this.

It still requires a technique, but it feels a little easier to master.

And I know I am not alone. I have learnt of many people who use a water flosser. Otherwise, they would not stick to an interdental cleaning regime otherwise.

Dental professionals see the brushes as the ‘best option. They will advise a water flosser to be used in addition to these.

Yet, almost all would prefer you use a water flosser instead of doing no interdental cleaning at all.

Brushing alone leaves up to 40% of the tooth surface uncleaned.  Water flossers like the Select have been clinically proven to remove plaque.

There has been lots of research by Waterpik to show the effectiveness of their flossers. Impressive stats are available on the clinical research pages of the Waterpik website.

A 2016 study found the water flosser to be 18% more effective than interdental brushes.

The flow and pressure of the water reach bacteria deep between teeth and below the gumline. 

Brushing and traditional flossing can’t always reach this.

The unit itself comprises of several parts.

You have the main base unit.  This contains all the electronics.

On top of this sits the removable water reservoir/tank.

On top of the tank is the removable tip storage compartment come lid to the reservoir.

Sat on the front of the base unit is the handle.  This is connected to the base unit via a hose. The handle is the part you hold and position up to the mouth.

From the top of the handle extends the removable and replaceable nozzles/tips. It is the tip that direct the water into the mouth.

The base of the unit has 4 rubber feet that help prevent it from slipping on a countertop.

On the front of the unit, to the left side, you have 2 main controls.  There is the power on/off switch. This is white in colour. It does the job but isn’t as firm or clicky as you might expect.

Under this a rotating pressure control dial.  White in colour it is accented with a silver trim around the edge.

Ridges on the dial, make it easy to grip.  A slight depression on the dial acts as an indicator to which pressure setting is selected.  When rotated it aligns with the markings above the daily. These denote the pressure level.

In the middle of the base unit is the mount for the removable handle.

Under the mount is a recess into the body of the unit that the hose cable for the handle coils up into for neat storage. The hose is white in colour and measure approximately 90cm in length.

The Waterpik logo is in the lower right corner on the front of the unit.

The sides of the unit are free of ports and controls and curve towards the rear.

On the rear, the only notable element is the power cord that extends from it.  It is on the lower right edge. 

The cable has a length of approximately 130cm. The unit itself supports voltages from 100-240v.

Sitting on top of the base unit, is the removable water tank with a 651ml/22 ounces capacity.  It is made of a clear plastic. On the right side of the tank are measuring markers in both oz and ml for the water in the tank.

On the top of the tank is a removable storage compartment for the nozzles that come included in the box.  It acts as a lid for the tank too.  White in colour like the base unit the compartment is hinged to the rear for access. It holds 4 nozzles.

The handle is lightweight and has an easy to use slider switch on it.  Move the slider between the on and off positions to control the water flow.

Even when you power the main unit on, the water will only come out of the handle, if the switch on the handle is set to ‘ON’.  This is a  useful feature to more easily control the water when in use.

The handle tapers towards the bottom where the hose joins the handle.

At the top of the handle is the nozzle.  You can fit any of those offered by Waterpik. They push into place and are released by pressing the button on the side of the handle.

All nozzles can be rotated a full 360 degrees to help position the tip in the right place when in use.

It is easy to control and you have the ability to make very small changes or much greater via the rotating dial.  It is easily accessed when in use. A series of ridges make it easy to detect and use.

When in use, the flosser produces a sound in the region of 77 decibels. This is a bit louder than some other units, but comparable to the vast majority.

A full tank can be drained in 90 seconds when the pressure is set to the maximum of 10.  

Set it to the lowest, 1, and it takes 4 minutes and 45 seconds to drain completely.

The WP-150 offers 10 settings via the rotating control dial, these range from 10 to 100PSI.

You can set the pressure to the one you find most comfortable. I prefer the higher end of the scale, setting around 7-8, which is 70-80PSI.

With a proficient technique, you can clean the teeth in 45 seconds.  The beauty of the larger tank is you have more time if you need or want it.  And for many, you may get more than 1 session from the tank due to that capacity.

Unlike an electric toothbrush, there is no timer/pacer built in to help you ensure an even clean.  

It is recommended to use lukewarm water rather than cold. The WP-150 continues to function, even if the tank is drained of all the water.  It will only turn off when you turn it off.

6 tips are included in the box.  These are:

• ​Classic jet tip – For general use offering twice as effective results as string.
• Toothbrush tip – For brushing and flossing at the same time
• Plaque seeker tip – Ideal for those with implants, crowns, bridges or veneers. It targets plaque in hard to reach areas.
• Orthodontic tip – Great for those with braces. It offers up to 3 times more effectiveness than traditional floss
• Pik pocket tip – It helps rinse deep below the gumline. Ideally suited to those with periodontal pockets and furcations.
• Tongue cleaner – Freshens the breath by removing bacteria from the tongue’s surface.

In many respects, it is positive to get so many styles included, so you can try a few out. But, not everyone will need specific tips. Some are designed with individual circumstances in mind.

For the majority, it is the classic jet tip that you would want to use.  You only get one of these included.

The toothbrush tip is interesting. It isn’t a replacement for regular toothbrushing with a manual or electric brush.  It does give you a different option to use at times if you would like to.

Classic tips should be replaced every 6 months, whereas other tips should be replaced every 3.

Prices do vary, but a pack of 2 usually costs around $18, so $9 per tip.

You can find more information on each of the different tips here.

How the Aquacare 4 looks, feels and works

The packaging of the Aquacare is very much aligned to other Oral-B packaging.

Lots of blue and white colours. The main features and benefits are highlighted.

What is refreshing to see is that inside the box, the water flosser is within a cardboard lining and there are much less plastics and no polystyrene.

The box contents (listed above) gives what you need, but is not exactly that impressive.

A travel pouch to put the water flosser and nozzle in would have been a nice inclusion for when travelling, but no such luck.

Your initial impression might be like mine, in that this cordless unit is quite large and chunky. Whilst I think there is scope for innovation to reduce the size, in part it has to be fairly large to hold the water tank and the pump to draw the water through.

The overall size and shape is fairly typical of this type of product.

It is primarily an all plastic construction with soft touch rubber around the power/controls section of the unit and at the top where the OxyJet nozzle attaches. The nozzle is removable/replaceable.

The front of the unit is finished in a matt white plastic, with a grey Oral-B & Braun logo in the lower third.

In the upper third are the main power and mode controls.

All of the buttons and controls sit within a soft touch pale blue rubber area.

Nicely recessed at the top is the power button. It has what looks like a grey power icon, but it is only grey when not powered on. When switched on it is backlit with a blue light. There is too a small raised nodule here that confirms for the fingertip that is is the power button.

You press this power button to activate a continuous jet of water.

Below this sits a smaller 'on-demand' button. It has a dotted circle printed on it but is not backlit.

You use this on-demand button for bursts or shorter jets. Press and hold for as long as you want that burst to last. It offers more granular control than the default power on.

Below this button the different intensity levels, or modes are listed.

On this Aquacare 4 model you have regular and sensitive.

There is a large gap in between the 2 mode/intensity names which looks a bit odd.

This is essentially down to cost (as far as I can tell) because it allows Oral-B to change the number of modes in the future without having to alter the overall design/build of the flosser too much.

On the Aquacare 6, there are 3 intensity levels/modes, with the 3rd mode essentially filling this gap.

These selected mode name is backlit when the flosser is turned on.

Below this is another recessed button. This is the intensity/mode selection button, although the dot in the middle, doesn't necessarily make this obvious. Press this to cycle through the different modes.

The buttons all provide an ok level of feedback. They are a bit spongy and require a fairly accurate and firm push. They could be better. Accidental activation should not really be an issue here. That said there is no way to lock the buttons.

Spin the irrigator to the side and this is where you see the adjoining of the water tank/reservoir. Sitting mainly on the back side of the unit, the water tank is an opaque blue colour.

There are no controls on the right or left side, a few dimples in the upper half of the handle are present as they extend round from the back side of the unit.

Looking at the unit from the back, the shape it best explained via the hands on images throughout this review.

Essentially, the top of the unit is a bit deeper, thinning marginally in the mid section of the unit before getting thicker at the base where the water is held.

The upper half of the rear has a number of dimples in the body to give a surface to grip onto a little better.

The reservoir door is in the top part of the removable tank and hinges at the bottom.

The base of the unit is essentially flat, so it can stand upright on a countertop.

There is a round recess into which the pin on the charging stand fits to recharge the built-in battery.

A couple of screws are present and the remainder is the bottom of the water tank.

At the top of the unit is the point at where the user replaceable Oxyjet nozzle attaches. The nozzle pushes in, clipping into place and is released by pressing the eject button that is labelled on the top.

The button is made up of a soft touch rubber, like the power button, but feels more spongy and a bit awkward to press to release the nozzle.

Having talked through the overall design of the unit, let me explain in a bit more detail about the daily use.

Using a water flosser is quite different to string floss or interdental brushes.

This is not the place for saying what is good and bad about each; other than saying that really a water flosser is a good additional product or an alternative if you really won't or can't get on with floss or brushes.

Many people find them a more convenient way of cleaning between the teeth.

The idea is that the water is shot at pressure between the teeth and along the gumline dislodging and washing away the plaque and debris that exists.

The process is different and requires some practice. The first few attempts can be messy and result in water ending up in more places than just the interdental spaces.

Being cordless is one advantage as you are not tied to the power supply or restricted by the hose length as you are with countertop water flossers.

However, after a few seconds of use you normally need to release water from the mouth, so you are essentially confinded to being bent over the sink.

The cordless really comes into its own with travel and for those who don't have power supplies in the bathroom.

Taking a very black and white view of what the Aquacare 4 does, you can't argue with the fact that it does provide a jet of water to help with cleaning those hard to reach areas. My teeth/interdental spaces felt cleaner after use.

This will work for those who have braces, crowns, implants etc too, if you were wondering.

But, there is quite some scope for improvement.

Waterpik have become popular in providing water flossers due to the level of control they offer. You can rotate the nozzle a full 360 degrees in most cases. The tips are also slim and are angled in such a way that they allow a fine level of control.

On the Aquacare, the Oxyjet nozzle can be rotated a full 360 degrees with some effort. You can't do this whilst in use though.

The top of the nozzle is a bit larger than Waterpiks the shape makes it a little harder to accurately position in the mouth.

You do too have just 1 nozzle type, unlike the wide array available with Waterpik.

I think you probably only really appreciate this level of control and even choice of nozzle if you have used something else like this before.

But, I would not be serving you if I didn't tell you this.

Add to this, many cheaper brands/models offer such features too, it is not just a Waterpik thing.

The Aquacare nozzle does have a little grey slider switch which can be moved to control the water flow.

Position it to the top position for a focused stream and move it down for a rotational stream.

The rotational stream has air injected into the water flow and creates a spiraling motion in the water flow as it exists the nozzle to give a different cleaning effect.

It is hard to explain the difference. The focused jet feels best suited to getting in particular gaps.

The rotational stream, to me at least, feels like it gives a good all-over clean. The rotational stream feels more invigorating on the gums.

It is up to you to select which you feel is most appropriate. You can change it at any time you like.

Now, Oral-B advertise this with 4 cleaning modes.

I think this is actually a little confusing.

The Aquacare has 2 intensity settings and 2 different water stream choices.

Combine these and you get the 4 modes.

• Regular intensity + focused water stream
• Regular intensity + rotational water stream
• Sensitive intensity + focused water stream
• Sensitive intensity + rotational water stream

It is very easy to think that the labelled regular and sensitive options are the modes, implying 2 and not 4.

The following graphic, taken from the Amazon UK sales page best demonstrates how it can be confused or misunderstood. Modes and streams are listed separately. You could argue someone might think it has 8 possible combinations.

Different people will have different opinions, but to me, although there is a difference in the strength of the water stream between regular and sensitive, it was not as pronounced as I had expected.

Cordless units like this tend to have less pressure/intensity settings, but Waterpik models in my opinion tend to offer a more noticeable difference between the intensities offered.

Other brands often just call these intensities, high, medium and low which all seem a bit more, well logical.

Oral-B have not stated the PSI or Bar for each mode like Waterpik does to make a comparison, but to me, the Aquacare did not feel as powerful or as gentle as Waterpik models.

I found it comfortable to use, but I have used many of these before. New users may find it too powerful or indeed a bit weak, expecting a bit more punch.

Experienced water flosser users will likely notice the difference both in power and experience as I have.

All of the modes continue to run for as long as you choose. There are no timers or automatic cut-offs built in.

The water flosser will continue to try and pump out water for as long as you leave it switched on, even if there is no water in the water tank.

It will stop when you turn it off, of the battery runs flat.

The tank has a capacity of 150ml, which equates to approximately 40-45 seconds of water flossing time.

This is just about enough time to clean, if you are used to it. New users may need to refill the tank.

Selecting the sensitive mode did not really appear to reduce the amount of water used, just the pressure at which it was delivered.

Using the on-demand button allows a bit more control and feels like you can extend the cleaning time as less water is wasted compared to the continuous stream.

The position of the on-demand button in particular means it can be a bit awkward to use when the nozzle is in the mouth.

It takes a bit of practice and I found on occasions I was pressing the power button rather than on-demand and vice versa.

Practise and muscle memory certainly comes into play.

You can change the intensity/mode mid clean if you like. The selected intensity is backlit with a blue light and can be changed prior to turning the unit on.

In use it is not all that quiet emitting up to 68 decibels. However this is similar to the competition.

You can fill the water tank with cold or warm water or mouthwash or a diluted mix, it is your choice.

Warm water can feel a little more pleasureable on the gums, whilst a shot of mouthwash in the water can add a certain freshness.

I would suggest against a complete tank of mouthwash as this is excessive and an expensive approach.

To fill the reservoir you open the hinged door on it. You open it by pulling it away from the body. Your fingertip will grip onto it. The seal around the opening seems fairly solid and I noticed no leaking.

Unfortunately the build quality isn't actually that great on the Aquacare 4.

The tank is actually removable for refilling or cleaning. To do so, you need to unclip a small plastic clip essentially on the base of the unit.

It is small and fragile and it broke off on my unit, essentially meaning the tank no longer securely clipped into the main handle.

I try to be quite careful with items and don't recall having broken a product I have tested before. I merely tried unclipping and replacing the tank a few times as I thought this looks prone to breaking and with no force, crack and off it came.

I have not challenged Oral-B on this, but I suspect this would be classed as user damage, unless they are willing to accept that it is a design flaw/weakness.

So, to conclude this section....

The Aquacare does fire water at the teeth and gums, and does what it should.

But, it lacks the refinement that even cheaper models offer.

It is a bit clunky to use and ultimately could be better.

How the Soincare AirFloss Ultra/Pro looks, feels and works

The AirFloss Pro/Ultra feels somewhat of a strange product.  It doesn’t conform to the typical cordless water flosser design and operation, so it is smaller and lighter in hand.

Yet, it feels quite big considering the small water tank that it has.  But, one must remember packed inside the handle is the pump and all the components that make this unit work as effectively as it does.

The handpiece is about 1.5-2 times the depth of a regular toothbrush and a fraction wider.

It doesn’t feel as comfortable to hold.  It certainly isn’t uncomfortable, you just don’t end up wrapping the hand around the unit in quite the way you might expect.

Generally, you can be assured of good product quality when buying a Philips.  From most angles, it looks and feels well constructed and helps you justify the price.

The weakest point is certainly the reservoir door.  The plastic door and hinge feel a little fragile.  The fact that Philips sells replacement doors is perhaps a sign that they are vulnerable to wear. 

I previously owned the original AirFloss and the door did fail on that, unfortunately.

I am not alone.  Many others report similar issues online.

The AirFloss is perhaps a more unusual item to have to store in your bathroom, but it is not unsightly and could potentially share a charging stand with your Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush.

The main body of the flosser contains the rechargeable battery and the mechanics that allow the flosser to do what it does along with the reservoir for the water or mouthwash.

Using mouthwash is a more expensive option.

I am calling the front of the unit, the part of the AirFloss that sits directly under the nozzle.  

This is free of any ports or controls, just the Sonicare logo in the upper half of the body. It is primarily smooth to the touch. 

On the upper half of the left and right sides are a series of raised dots that create a textured surface to assist with grip.  The lower half of the handpiece remains as smooth touch plastic with no additional gripping points.

The whole body of the AirFloss has a sweeping curve design to it and your hands are led to the back of the unit where you interact most with it.

At the very top is the trigger/function button that controls the flow of water that comes out of the nozzle.  This is a clear/grey colour.

Below this is an opaque plastic door to the reservoir.  It has a tap icon on it.  This is hinged from the bottom. You can fill this up with water, mouthwash or a combination of both if you like.

It is quite a small reservoir You can get 2 uses from single and dual burst modes.  It’s a bit touch and go to get 2 uses on the triple burst mode. I found I ran out of water on the last couple of teeth. It might sound daft, but because it is so small, it can be very easy to overfill the tank, if you are not paying attention.  This results in water or mouthwash spilling out and over the handpiece.

This plastic door is very tight and forms a good seal on the unit. Although as I have mentioned, I know this is potentially a weak point. 

Towards the bottom of the AirFloss is the power come mode button.

The button has a nice tactile feel and will not be activated very easily. There is a very subtle clicking sound when pressed.

A single press will turn the unit on, whilst additional presses will allow you to choose between the 3 different burst modes on here.

• Single burst
• Double burst
• Triple burst

Surrounding the button are icons and LEDs which illuminate based on the mode selected.

• Single burst: 1 LED 
• Double burst: 2 LEDs 
• Triple burst: 3 LEDs

Press and hold the button for approx 2 seconds to turn it off.

It will remember the last mode used.  It doesn’t default to the single burst, which is good.

On the bottom of the unit is a recess into which the prong of the provided charging station fits.  It does however sit upright on a countertop despite this.

Back to the top of the unit, where the activation/trigger button is, where you attach the replaceable nozzle.

There is only 1 style of nozzle and each is designed to be used for up to 6 months.

They simply push into and pull out of place.  They fit snuggly and it makes a reassuring clicking sound when pushed into place.

When fitted, the nozzle stretches up and out from the AirFloss unit itself.  Look at it side on and you will see the nozzle is angled.  This is designed to help put the nozzle in the ideal position to complete the interdental clean.

Unlike Waterpik water flossers where the nozzles can be rotated, they cannot be on the AirFloss, it is fixed into place.  

I can see the pros and cons, but in truth, I haven’t felt that I have missed out by not being able to rotate it.

All in all, I have found the orientation and use of the AirFloss to be straight forward.

I keep mentioning water flossers because the AirFloss is most similar to them.  In reality, it is its own separate product category, but cordless water flossers are the closest comparable product.

Where a water flosser is generally offering a constant stream, the AirFloss is offering shorter bursts of water.

As the cleaning mode//burst modes imply you get a single, double or triple burst upon use, depending on what you select.

There are manual or automatic modes when using the AirFloss Pro.

With manual mode, you align the nozzle to the space, press the trigger button once and the mix of air and water is fired out.

You then move the nozzle and repeat.

With the automatic mode, you keep your finger on the trigger button. The AirFloss Ultra sends out 1, 2 or 3 bursts, subject to the mode selected, pauses for approximately 1 second then repeats this until you take your finger off the button.

The 1 second gap gives you enough time to move from 1 tooth to another.

You may start with the manual process, but switching to automatic is quicker and you soon find your rhythm.  

With auto mode you can complete a cleaning in under 60 seconds.

It will take a few days to get used to using the AirFlosser.  Firstly some may find it a little powerful and secondly getting the positioning right.

On my first few attempts, I managed to spray the mirror I was standing in front of with the spray that bounced back off my teeth, but you quickly get the hang of it.  

It is quite interesting to see other people’s reactions for the first time when using it.  Maybe show friends and family if you get one, just for a little laugh. It’s an odd sensation initially.

As you use it, wastewater is naturally collected in the mouth, just spit this out at the end.  One of the benefits of AirFloss in comparison to the more traditional water flosser is the smaller volume of water means you don’t have to be constantly dribbling out into a sink. 

You can complete a full clean with the Ultra and only have to expel the water once you have cleaned in between all the teeth, not as you go.

One fundamental difference with the AirFloss is that you are only cleaning in between the gaps of the teeth.  This is known as the ‘interproximal’ area.  This is the same space into which an interdental brush would fit.

Compared to a traditional water flosser, you can’t clean along the full gumline.  The more constant stream and nozzle design of Watepik models allows for the water to be directed at the gumline along every tooth, rather than just in between the teeth.  Although technically you could try it with the AirFloss it is not effective.

The AirFloss not only appeals to those who don’t like regular flossing, but it does to serve those who may struggle with regular techniques due to mobility issues.  It is certainly a little less technique sensitive.

Another big draw here is that this device is really quite portable. Many water flossers are countertop units, rather than cordless. Although some great options exist.  But, the AirFloss Pro is still smaller than most of these, making it more travel friendly.

It is much larger than a reel of string floss and it does not come with any form of travel case. It is unlikely to become activated, just be sure to drain the reservoir prior to travel.  I would also advise disconnecting the nozzle.

The AirFloss Pro is suitable for almost any age. The size and the way this needs to be controlled is generally going to be used by adults, but I would suspect any child from about 8 years old would be perfectly fine with it.

There is just 1 type of nozzle, not multiple options like you get with most other water flossers.  This helps keep things simple and easy to use.  But, it does mean this is not ideally suited to some users.  For example, those with advanced periodontal disease, and brace wearers might not benefit in quite the same way.

You get about 6 months from each nozzle, you do not need to replace it every 3 months as you do with a normal electric toothbrush head. The nozzles don’t wear out in the same way a brush head might. Many people will use them for longer than 6 months.  Just be sure to clean it regularly and thoroughly if you wish to extend the usable life.

To spread the cost and benefits, you can share this with another user in your household.  I would strongly suggest each user has their own nozzle. They are simple enough to replace, just pull off, and push back on.

Sadly there is no storage option for additional nozzles.

Despite writing about dental health products, I will hold my hands up and say I am not perfect with daily flossing.  Certainly, I am better than average, but there are odd days I do miss.

Typically I will use a combination of interdental brushes and string floss.  However, it is hard not to be impressed by the AirFloss.  There is an unparalleled level of convenience and I am now using this almost daily.  Most days I will floss at least twice a day. Once with this and then with my normal tools.  It is even great for a quick freshen up of the mouth throughout the day.

Probably a psychological effect more than anything is my teeth feel cleaner after the AirFloss compared to normal flossing, but that could have been the ‘power’ of the jet making me think this.

It does not come cheap and this could be argued to be a bit of an over the top solution to regular string flossing.  But, the big thing here is that you are more than likely to floss use this more regularly.  It is more convenient.

Sonicare have results from testing that proves it is effective as floss, helps with gum health improvement, reduces plaque and gum bleeding.  

Although clinically proven it is likely that your dentist or hygienist will have their preferred approach.  But, I believe most would agree they would rather you do something than nothing at all.

Because I personally flossed regularly prior to using this, I noticed no sensitivity, bleeding or other side effects.  For you, the experience could be different. Best to start with the single burst as you get used to it.  

Sensitivity and a bit of bleeding are normal if you have not been cleaning between the teeth regularly.  It is typically the sign of early stage gum disease.  More often than not this is reversible.  The bleeding should stop within 7-14 days.  If it doesn’t, consult your dentist.

It is probably worth noting that the flosser is water resistant and is protected from splashes, but don’t go immersing it and keep the charging stand well away from water.

It does come with a 2 year warranty, which will cover you against manufacturing defects, should the worst happen. And unfortunately, it seems quite possible it will, please refer to the reliability section of this review.  The warranty doesn’t cover accidental user damage.

How the Waterpik whitening water flosser looks, feels and works

This water flosser comes packaged in a cardboard box. This box promotes all of the key features it offers, including the whitening as well as pointing out key function buttons found on the device.

Inside the box, you get all of the items listed above in ‘what’s in the box’.

By the very nature of the product, it will be a bit bulky because it has a water tank/reservoir on board to allow the flossing action to take place.

However, as water flossers go, I have to say Waterpik have done a good job with the overall design, look and feel of the product. It feels good quality and not particularly ‘cheap’. I do think the WF-05 variant, not commonly sold in Australia s a touch sleeker, but that is personal opinion.

It comes in what Waterpik call ‘white and satin chrome finish’.

The images shown throughout this review demonstrate best how the unit looks, but the main body and flossing handle are all a matte white with the satin chrome really accenting the top of the flossing handle and around the control dial for the pressure settings.

The main controls are found to the lower left side of the units.

The flosser handle sits within a holder on the front of the unit, with the pipe that runs between the pump and the handle coiling away nicely to the lower right side. At full stretch, there is about 1 metre here.

The upper half of the water flosser is made up of a 650ml (22oz) clear plastic reservoir in which the water sits.

User removable the tank is, in the base is a valve which seals closed until the tank is firmly pressed back into the unit, at which point the seal opens to allows water to flow into the pipework below ready for pumping out of the nozzle.

On top of the water tank is the lid come storage case for the tips.

Around the back there is little to speak of aside from the power cable which reaches out from the unit.

Hard wired into the electronics inside, the power cable is not user removable. At full stretch it is about 140cm (1.4 metre) long.

The plug on the end of the power cable is a 2 pin plug suitable for Australian homes.

The unit only supports 230-240v so can be used locally, but you will need plug and voltage adapters should you travel internationally with it.

All the electronics, such as the motor/pump are sealed in the unit and are not accessible to you and me, unless we begin actively dismantling it.

Where some models come in an array of different colour options at the time of review there are no alternative choices. Perhaps this is strategic, the white colour of the unit to match the white colour of your teeth?!

Whilst it will take up some space on the bathroom countertop or shelf, the footprint is relatively small all things considered and I do believe Waterpik have worked hard to reduce the overall size. The unit isn’t all that tall either.

Supplied in the box are 4 tips or nozzles if you prefer, that fit to the handle of the flosser.

You need to fit one of these tips, otherwise things are not going to work properly.

Those supplied are:

• 2 x WJT-2E Waterpik whitening water flosser classic jet tips
• 1 x WPS-2E Waterpik whitening water flosser plaque seeker tip
• 1 x WOD-2E Waterpik whitening water flosser orthodontic tip

The classic jet tip is the one that most users will opt for, assuming no complex dental needs.

The plaque seeker tip is ideal for those with crowns, bridges and other restorations, whilst the orthodontic tip is ideally suited to brace wearers.

It is nice to see a few included to get you up and running, although they do feel a waste if you won't ever use a particular tip.

Also included is a tip storage case. A plastic box that doubles up as the lid to the water tank there is nothing particularly special about the box itself. It holds 3 nozzles.

If you can share the flosser with another person, be that a husband, wife, partner or the kids, you will get more value from it.

When you buy the replacement tips, they usually come in packs of two.

One tip usually has a grey plastic band around it, whilst the other will have a white plastic band. These coloured bands act as the identifiers between whose tip is whose, because each user should have their own tip for hygiene reasons.

Sadly, there are no additional colour options that I am aware of. A family of four may need to find another way of distinguishing whose tip is whose.

The classic jet tip should be replaced on average every 6 months.

The design of each tip provided with the WF-06 whitening water flosser are for the most part the same as any other Waterpik model. But, slightly different is the way they fit into the handle of the water flosser itself.

This means, that this whitening model has a new way of fitting the heads and a design that means tips suitable with most other Waterpik flossers simply will not work here.

Previously the tips clipped in and out of the handle, much like a brush head does on an electric toothbrush.

However, with this whitening water flosser, you open the handle, by pressing the button on the front and insert the tip from within, pushing it through a hole at the top. A dot on the tip aligns with a dot on the handle.

It is not a massive issue, but a small frustration, particularly for existing Waterpik users who may be thinking of upgrading.

It does mean that existing tips like the toothbrush, tongue cleaner and pik pocket tips do not fit.

The button that opens up the very top of the flosser handle is the same button that needs to be pressed to insert the whitening tablets, that I will speak about shortly.

The tablet fits into a recess inside the handle, below the hinged joint at which the tip is installed. The hands on images best demonstrate what I mean here.

Also noteworthy is the fact that the tips do not rotate 360 degrees on this unit like they do on many others.

The rotation allowed for more accurate positioning of the tip within the mouth. Typically you would use the index finger to rotate the top of the flosser handle, which in turn rotated the tip.

Whilst useful, I don’t think all that many used it as actually manipulating the position and rotation of the handle in the hand that holds it, is often as effective.

However, this model has what Waterpik call a ‘swivel handle’.

What this means is that the tube that runs from the handle to the main flosser unit rotates at the connection point. So essentially you can swivel the handle 360 degrees in hand instead of rotating the tip. Similar, just different.

The handle in which the tips and whitening tablets fit is of a cylindrical design, which is smooth and comfortable to hold in the hand. It tapers at the bottom where the hose feeds the water supply in.

Whilst grips on the handle are limited, the slider on off button is the point at which the index finger naturally rests and allows for a comfortable in hand hold.

The slider is useful for controlling the flow of water whilst flossing. It is nice and simple to switch on and off, without the need to reach over to the main unit mid floss.

Do be aware though, this controls the water flow only and does not turn the pump on or off, you need to press the power button on the main unit for that.

You have about 100 cm of length from the tip of the nozzle to the hose running into the flosser. That is enough length for most.

The hose is colour matched white to the rest of the unit.

A plastic frame attached to the main unit offers a place to sit the handle upright when not in use.

The WF-06 has a large white on/off flick switch to turn the unit on. Located below this is the pressure setting dial.

Just twist the large and easy control dial to one of ten different settings, to find the most appropriate setting for you.

The pressure ranges from 10 to 100 PSI, or in other words from gentle through to the really powerful. Most are going to find the setting 6-8 most comfortable. 10 will likely be too intense for new or inexperienced flossers.

The exact steps required to complete the flossing are outlined earlier in this review, however, there are some things to note and be aware of that help you and improve your use.

It is not essential, but recommended to use lukewarm water. This is because it is more pleasant on your gums when flossing.

You can use mouthwash but it would be expensive and wasteful. If you want to add an extra shot of freshness or flavour to the flossing add a capful or two to the water tank.

For the best whitening results you should start with the front teeth and work towards the back.

Direct the jet at a 90 degree angle, working along the gumline with a brief pause between teeth.

The idea is that you spend 1 minute flossing, 30 seconds on the lower arch of teeth and 30 seconds on the upper arch.

Now make no mistakes if you are new to this, it is more messy than regular flossing and it will take some getting used to. Don’t be surprised by a lot of dribbling and maybe a bit of spray (it’s only water). But soon it will be easier and more enjoyable.

Many people suffer with red, swollen or bleeding gums, which is often a sign of gum disease and that is believe it or not as a result of not cleaning correctly. It is the bacteria buildup that causes the gums to react.

Regular use will lead to healthier gums as the bacteria is removed and the gums begin to recover.

How often you use this is up to you. Once a day is the minimum you should use it really, but twice a day would be ideal to help with any red gums you may have.

Depending on what pressure setting you have selected will depend how much of the 650ml tank is used.

You can on average get about 90 seconds or more of usage time from it, so many will need to replenish the tank, probably between each flossing session.

It is a fair sized reservoir on here and I cannot complain. Even for slightly extended flossing, there is generally going to be enough water.

It is certainly worth noting that the flosser is pretty quiet.

Compared to some older models I have tested, this is nowhere near as loud. There is definitely an audible ‘pumping’ sound that comes from it, but it is not too loud and similar volume to an Oral-B electric toothbrush. It is not quite as quiet as a Sonicare brush.

So, the last thing to cover is the ‘whitening’ aspect of this flosser.

Both this professional variant and the standard model come with one months supply of whitening tablets in the box.

A months supply is 30 tablets.

Each tablet has the following ingredients.

Glycine, xylitol, sucralose, flavor (aroma), copovidone (VP/VA copolymer), sodium lauryl sulfate, dextrin, magnesium stearate and silica.

A single tablet should be placed inside the handle of the water flosser.

The tablet dissolves as the water is pushed out the tip. The water jet is a little more frothy but it delivers a refreshingly sweet flossing sensation that gives the impression at least of a longer lasting freshness.

You can get approximately 2 flossing sessions from each tablet.

Sometimes you will be left with a small remnant that has not fully dissolved. Either floss for longer until it disappears, or you can just dispose of.

You should know you can use the flosser without a tablet, it is not essential, but of course it is one of the key selling points to the product.

A pack of tablets cost $20, which is quite pricey considering they last only a month and there are no options that I have seen to bulk buy several months worth to get a discount.

It would be nice to see a larger pack size not only to help reduce the cost but reduce the packaging as each supply comes in a plastic tub.

Waterpik suggest use of this flosser restores your natural whiteness in just 4 weeks by removing hard-to-reach stains that other products miss. It’s proven to remove an additional 25% more stains than brushing alone, provides all the clinical benefits of water flossing and is as gentle as regular toothpaste.

It is this study that has confirmed that an additional 25% of stains can be removed than brushing alone.

Now, I am not here to bash Waterpik and their claims. The research has been done and found these results, which they are entitled to promote.

However, there are a few things I would like to point out, so that you can fully understand these ‘whitening’ claims.

• Stain removal is different to tooth whitening.
  • The term whitening is confusing and is often applied to stain removal and teeth bleaching, which are 2 different procedures.
  • Waterpik do state stain removal but many do not truly understand the difference between stain removal and whitening.
  • Stain removal will not change the natural colour of the tooth, it will only remove any discolouration to the exterior surface of the tooth that may have been caused by lifestyle choices such as smoking and consuming particular food and drink.
• The study details are not clear or not necessarily fair.
  • It is not clear from the study how many people took part.
  • It is not clear whether participants had the same diet or not as this could have impacted the results.
  • The study compared tooth brushing alone against what appears to be tooth brushing and the use of this Waterpik device.
  • Had the tooth brushing only group used interdental brushes or floss in addition, the results may have been different, in other words not as great.
  • It is not clear whether longer term use of the whitening tablets is necessary to achieve greater and or maintain results.
• You need to use the whitening tablets
  • The whitening tablets are required to achieve the results suggested.
  • The whitening tablets contain silica which is an abrasive and helps with removing stubborn stains.
  • The whitening tablets are expensive and add to the ongoing cost.

The point I am ultimately trying to make here is that the term ‘whitening’ has been used to help market and sell this product and many will expect results that may not actually be delivered.

Stain removal is a better terminology, but it doesn’t sound as good does it.

Having spent many years trying different products and learning about dental procedures including extensive consultation with our in-house dentists, notably Chhaya Chauhan, tooth whitening is much more complex.

Everyone's teeth are different. Diets, lifestyles, medical history and genetics all play a role.

I believe many are going to be underwhelmed by the so called whitening that this product will offer, particularly as many do not have stains on their teeth.

Investing in a good oral tooth brushing routine, including interdental cleaning can remove surface stains as effectively.

Products like this and whitening toothpastes can help, but they are not essential.

You are probably much better spending the premium you would pay for this ‘whitening’ model and the subsequent tablets on a dental hygienist appointment, that will deliver results that far excel that of a water flosser.

With all this said, overall the 06 is a great water flosser. It does complete the interdental cleaning to a high standard, as has come to be expected of Waterpik units.

Their performance is backed by clinical studies and the unit is generally a pleasure to use, converting even ardent ‘I won’t floss’ people to those who will do so, much more regularly.

Ultimately for me it comes down to the fact that the ‘whitening’ sales pitch for this product is a little heavy and plays a little on the consumers naivety to tooth whitening and how it works.

I like Waterpik, but a cheaper model like the WP-660 is a much better investment for most.