Like the other guy said. Sideways is *not an option.* What else can I say about these things.. get a decent brush and puck of soap. Don't put shave gel in the brush, that'll ruin it. If your face is pretty angular, it's gonna be a bitch to do those areas. Might have to pull the skin up or down to bring it to a flat area. If that makes any sense.. Let the weight of the handle do the work, try not to force it through. If you don't already, wash your face and soak beard area with the hottest water you can stand for a minute or two before having at it. This probably makes all the difference in the world right here. Don't throw out your cartridges. You'll still need those for your neck and other places, just won't go through so many now. Don't have to buy them from you know who (the worst a man can get).