Waterpik Water Flosser vs. AirFloss
There is a lot of buzz surrounding water flossers these days. Many people swear by it and include it as a part of their daily oral care routine. But they may be looking at some competition in the innovative Philips Sonicare Airfloss device. Both are reputable companies with cutting-edge inventions. Both have evolved the simple silk strand floss idea into more advanced, modern devices aimed at cleaning between the teeth like no pioneer has done before. So how to choose between the two?
Let's take a look at the important details of each and you can decide from there which is right for you.
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What are the Main Differences Between an Air Flosser and a Water Flosser?
Although there is a big difference separating an air flosser from a water flosser, there are many small similarities between the two.
Water Flosser:
A water flosser uses water to clean between the teeth and gums removing debris and plaque build-up. A water flosser does not use air pressure like airfloss does. It requires power. The water is held in the device and needs to be refilled, usually with each use. There are different water pressure ranges on different models.
Air Flosser:
An air flosser also removes plaque from between the teeth but instead uses microburst technology: rapid bursts of air combined with water or mouthwash droplets. Like the water flosser, it is a good alternative for those who dislike or cannot use regular string floss. It was designed especially for those inconsistent flossers.
Air Flosser vs. Water Flosser Comparison
It's not up to us decide which is more appropriate for you personally, a water flosser or air flosser; but our goal is to help you better understand the differences and make a well-informed choice. Read on for the pros, the cons and considerations of each.
Philips Sonicare HX8332/11 Airfloss Ultra | Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser WP-660 |
|---|---|
Method: Air pressure with liquid microbursts | 
Method: Water pressure |
Healthy Gum Guarantee: 2 weeks | Healthy Gum Guarantee: 2 weeks |
Usage time: 1 minute | Usage time: 1 minute |
Science: Clinically proven to be as effective as string floss for gum health | Science: Clinically proven to be more effective than string floss |
Comes with: 2 nozzles | Comes with: 7 tips |
Safe to add mouthwash: Yes | Safe to add mouthwash: Yes |
Warranty: 2 years 
| Warranty: 3 years
|
The Pros & Cons
Waterpik Water flosser:
Philips Sonicare Air flosser:
PROS | CONS | PROS | CONS |
|---|---|---|---|
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Considerations
Cost
If we were to compare the latest models of the Waterpik water flosser and Philips Sonicare Air flosser the price is nearly identical.
Efficacy - Waterpik vs. Airfloss
Efficacy is the most important consideration to look at when making a choice between a water flosser or air floss. Waterpik takes the cake here. Clinical studies have proven the Waterpik water flosser to be significantly more effective than the air flosser at removing plaque from tooth surfaces when combined with a manual toothbrush. Another study shows the Waterpik water flosser to be more effective than Sonicare Air Floss at reducing gingivitis. I personally feel a cleaner clean when using the power of water vs. air for flossing between my teeth.
Space
Countertop models of Waterpik can be space hogs as they require a larger water reservoir and include tip storage. Cordless versions however do not require a large amount of counter space. The air flosser is more similar in size to portable models of Waterpik.
Customer reviews
Customer reviews can be very telling about the quality of a product. It is concerning to see how many air floss customers have dealt with faulty units soon after the purchase was made. Waterpik customer reviews are generally quite positive and have overall high ratings.
CONCLUSION
While both Philips and Waterpik are reputable, trusted companies with high-quality innovative products, the better choice between a Waterpik vs AirFloss in our opinion is the Waterpik water flosser. Clinical studies prove the Waterpik to be more effective in gingivitis and plaque reduction and customer reviews are very telling as to which is the more valuable product. Now whether you would like to floss with air/micro bursts or a full-on water stream is up to you.
If you have any comments about this article, please share below!
References: https://www.waterpik.com/oral-health/blog/dental-floss-vs-water-flossers/
Aurora is the lead editor here at pearlywhytes.com. She is one of those people who actually likes going to the dentist. She loves to write about anything health related, but oral health is her most passionate topic. Her free time is spent partaking in family activities and experimenting in the kitchen.
