Customer Reviews

Vitamin Shower Refill Filter - 5 Pack

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

One of the important things to keep in mind with these shower filter inserts for the Sonaki hand held shower wand is that performance will vary depending on both the condition of the water in your specific area and also whether one is using in conjunction with them a primary NSF-certified shower filter designed to remove chlorine and other particulates first that the Sonaki wand with these vitmain C inserts can then attach to after that to address chloramine removal specifically. These two main factors appear to be the primary reason for the mixed reviews of their performance.

The way I came to know of these filter inserts was via an NSF-certified filter company who recommended the Sonaki hand held wand attachment/w vitamin C filter inserts. The reason for the recommendation at the time I first purchased the main filter was due to the fact that the filter I was buying already addressed chlorine removal and other harmful particulates, but not chloramine removal specifically which is where the vitamin C inserts came in to complete the picture.

So, if one does not already have a main filter in their shower designed to remove chlorine and other substances first, there could potentially be an undue amount of stress put on the vitamin C filters in the shower wand to remove all chlorine as well as chloramines---which it will do, but the preformance will most likely suffer tremendously as a result depending on the specific levels of chlorine/chloramine in one's local water. If the filter inserts are only having to handle the residual chloramines that a primary filter does not catch, then the performance should be as advertised or at least close to that.

With this said, I find that these filters work very well but not as excellent as I would appreciate given the cost (They could easliy be about $10 cheaper and I would be much happier). However, I can definitely tell the difference when I am using them in concert with my main shower filter vs. when I am not. In my particular case, the 5 filters generally last ~6 months or close to that (2-3 showers/day of ~10-15 minutes for each shower or so...) when used with my main filter and the performance is very good.

Lastly, I have not experienced any sort of problems with the water not hitting the vitamin C or anything else to that effect as some other reviewers have mentioned. The only thing I would suggest in those cases is that either the filter may not be installed correctly (make sure the insert is ALL the way down in the wand) and/or there may be a compatibility issue with the filter and another brand of hand-held shower wand that is not a Sonaki possibly?

Bottom line with these inserts is definitely make sure you have a primary NSF filter in your shower to use with them and also purchase a simple testing kit for chlorine/chloramine levels as well. Conduct a before/after test and that way you will definitely know if your current filter system will benefit from a continued investment in these additional filter inserts or no with your particular chlorine/chloramine issues in your area. Basic testing kits are fairly inexpensive and widely available for purchase online, but if you are having trouble locating one--contact NSF directly for suggestions/recommendations. Happy bathing!

According to the Sonaki website, "the lifetime of the Vitamin C shower filter is about 3-6 months or 10,000 liters of water". From my experience having this showerhead for over 2 years, each filter lasts no more than a month. Now whether the Vitamin C filter works to purify chlorine is another matter. My aunt believes that it works. But I'm upset because a 5 pack is almost $50, meaning $10/month for these filters which I feel is too expensive.

I noticed right away that the refills that I ordered did not work the same way as the original that came with the showerhead. The Vitamin C powder never really gets wet with the refills that I got, and I later noticed that there is no hole at the bottom for the water to go through. I read a couple reviews mentioning the same thing, so I'm wondering if this is a common problem? It's too bad that I only noticed this problem after I've used 4 out of 5 filters.

I've been using 2 cartridges (out of 5) so far , and all of them have same problem;
-a little rotating part that mix water with solids had stop working after 3 days.

Just ordered a set of refills from a separate website.

Because I have learned that Amazon is an EXCELLENT resource for product feedback, I decided to review what I could on Sonaki products. Because I do not appear to be the only one who was confused about not having a hole at the bottom of the filter, I decided to ask the supplier to address. His response was as follows:

"The water enters and exits at the top of the filter - this allows for a more economical use of the Vitamin C - if the water ran straight through the filter a lot of the powder would just wash away with it and provide no benefit."

This was the conclusion I was hoping for, but could not say without confirming. I am happy about that. I am also happy with the entire Sonaki shower system. I have the LOTUS handheld, and have had for 9 months. Will be getting one for my mom as a happy new year gift in a couple of days!

Being highly allergic to chlorine I can say that this filter does take it out completely of low to moderately chlorinated water. For water that is highly chlorinated (like public pool levels) it still leaves a small amount of chlorine in the water and you are better off going with a higher quality more expensive filter. That being said I love this filter. It is the best affordable filter for those of us who have to use it allot.

Very disappointed. The replacement filter is not even close to the original filter. Had no effect on skin and hair whereas there was noticeable difference in the original one. Am now thinking of getting another filter altogether. Really a bad deal...

I was having issues after moving to a new city and discovering their water supply seemed to be a little heavy on the Chlorine. I developed a nasty rash on my hands and some spots on my face. After purchasing this setup I was all cleared up within a week or two. I have since been using this in my shower and have been very happy that my rash has not returned. If you are sensitive to Chlorine, then this is a great way to prevent issues.

I only have been using it for the past week now, so I can't tell of any long term results yet. But, so far it's been working out just fine now. I do taste a hint of vitamin C and I think it would be good to use on any parts which may be infected with yeast ( for anyone who has this dilema - arm pits, crotch, etc.).

Check your local Vitamin Shoppe to see how inexpensive Vit C powder cost. But you're out of luck cos' SONAKI forbids you from refilling these cartridges. Bad for your wallet, bad for the environment, good for SONAKI.

Now about potency, Vitamin C is most unstable under heat so do you actually think that you can expect any benefits from these cartridges after exposing them under hot water for some time? Never mind if you can see powder left in these things or not, worry about potency! Once again, if you're allowed to refill with fresh Vitamin C powder, this won't be an issue.

Look for a Vitamin C handheld showerhead from Japan that allows you to:

1) Refill it with any fresh (and cheap) Vitamin C powder that you acquire locally. Imagine the savings.

2) Emit negative ions too via high velocity means, not the conventional electrical method. The dilated pores on your skin during a hot shower allows you to absorb negative ions (and antioxidant from the Vit C) like never before.

3) With an on board indicator so that you know when to replenish it with fresh powder. No more guess work.