I use a regular Waterpik oral irrigation unit at home. But while I was on vacation I missed it. I love my Waterpik for cleaning my teeth and getting the the hard to get stuff out of my braces. So while I was on vacation, I decided to buy a Waterpik WP360 which is a cordless rechargable model. I had read reviews on Amazon.com, and they weren’t real positive, but I wanted to try it and see for myself.
The unit was bigger and heavier than I expected. I got it assembled, and charged it for close to 24 hours. I was excited to try it. I filled it’s water tank, and got started. The water ran out shortly. I refilled it, and started again. Again the water ran out. I found it took about 3 fillings of the reservoir to clean my teeth as well as I like. Then I plugged the unit back into recharge.
There were several things about the WP360 that I didn’t like. I didn’t like how fast it went through the water. The tip turned too easily, and I had to actually hold it in place so that I could keep it aimed where I wanted the jet to go. And as I said, the unit was larger and heavier than I thought it was be. I had bought it for travel, and though the regular home unit wouldn’t take up all that much more space in a suitcase, and would work much better.
I returned the unit and got my money back. I just ordered a Panasonic EW1270AC Portable Oral Irrigator which is slightly more expensive, but has better reviews, and I am hoping will work better for me.
It seems likely that I will be getting braces soon and stumbled across your blog while searching for information. I must say that I’ve really enjoyed reading your experience as an adult with braces, and I’ve learned quite a lot from your postings. I am considering ordering an Oral Irrigator, and since we don’t have power outlets in our bathrooms where I’m from I’m looking at the portable Waterpik and the Panasonic. Would you mind updating us on how you liked the Panasonic one?
Much appreciated
Comment by Firas — March 26, 2008 @ 3:51 am
The portable waterpik kind of sucked. I returned it. It didn’t have a lot of power, and ran out of water way too quickly. I liked the Panasonic. But last time I tried to use it, it didn’t seem to work anymore. The motor ran, and it sounded like it was working, but it didn’t pump any water. And I have only used it for one or two vacations. So I can’t really recommend either.
Comment by Rob — May 14, 2009 @ 9:54 pm