Selecting the right daily disposable contact lenses is crucial for both comfort and vision. Among the top picks are DAILIES® AquaComfort Plus® and DAILIES® TOTAL1®, both by Alcon, each with distinct advantages for daily wear.
In this article, we’ll dive into a side-by-side comparison of these two Alcon products, discussing the unique features of each to help you determine which lens is right for you.
Whether you’re new to contact lenses or simply exploring alternatives, our detailed guide — along with tailored advice from your eye care professional (ECP) — will equip you with the necessary information for an informed decision.
DAILIES AquaComfort Plus vs Dailies TOTAL1: Specs Compared
| Brand | DAILIES AquaComfort Plus | DAILIES TOTAL1 |
| Manufacturer | Alcon | Alcon |
| Wearing Schedule | Daily | Daily |
| Material | 31% nelfilcon A | 67% delefilcon A |
| Water Content | 69% | 33% |
| Vision Problems Corrected | – Nearsightedness – Farsightedness | – Nearsightedness – Farsightedness |
| Special Features | – Blink-Activated Moisture technology – LightStream Technology – Visibility tint – Inside-out mark | – SmarTears Technology – Water Gradient Technology – Visibility tint |
| Lens Design | Spherical | Spherical |
| Lenses Per Box | 90 (3-month supply) | 90 (3-month supply) |
What Is the Difference Between DAILIES AquaComfort Plus and Dailies TOTAL1?
Wearing and Replacement Schedules
Both DAILIES AquaComfort Plus and DAILIES TOTAL1 are daily disposable contact lenses that align with the wear-once-and-discard routine that many contact lens users find convenient and hygienic. This format is especially beneficial for those with active lifestyles or those prone to allergies, as it reduces the buildup of allergens and irritants on the lens surface.
Daily disposables like these are ideal for wearers who prioritize eye health and convenience, as they minimize if not eliminate the need for daily cleaning and storage, reducing the risk of infections. Both brands cater to those who seek fresh, comfortable lenses each day without the maintenance of longer-term lenses, ensuring a consistent, trouble-free wearing experience.
Our Take: Given their similarities in wearing schedule, neither DAILIES AquaComfort Plus nor DAILIES TOTAL1 holds a distinct advantage over the other in this respect. Both offer the same benefits of daily disposability, providing a clean, fresh pair of lenses each day for the wearer’s convenience and eye health.
Wearing Comfort
Comfort is key for contact lens wearers, and understanding how different brands engineer their products to enhance this can be crucial in choosing the right lens.
DAILIES AquaComfort Plus delivers comfort using its Blink-Activated Moisture technology that releases polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with every blink, ensuring a refreshing experience throughout the day. The lenses also feature LightStream Technology, creating a water gradient that provides a high water content of 80% at the lens surface, which translates to a comfortable initial wearing experience and supports tear film stability throughout the day.
DAILIES TOTAL1, on the other hand, leverages Water Gradient Technology to provide a cushion of moisture on the eye, coupled with SmarTears Technology that releases phosphatidylcholine, an element found in natural tears, to promote tear film stability. Made of silicone hydrogel, these lenses allow more oxygen to reach the eye, which is crucial for maintaining eye health. However, they may offer less initial comfort due to their lower water content compared to hydrogel lenses.
Our Take: In terms of comfort, both DAILIES AquaComfort Plus and DAILIES TOTAL1 provide innovative solutions to ensure a comfortable wearing experience. DAILIES AquaComfort Plus focuses on surface hydration and ease of wear, while DAILIES TOTAL1 emphasizes breathability and maintaining moisture. The best choice will depend on personal preference and individual response to the lens materials and technology.
Special Contact Lens Features
When examining special features, both DAILIES AquaComfort Plus and DAILIES TOTAL1 have visibility tints to aid in the insertion and removal process — a subtle but significant aid for those who may struggle with handling contact lenses. The tint helps to quickly locate the lenses in their case and on the finger and to ensure proper orientation before application.
Neither brand, however, offers UV protection, which is a consideration for wearers who are frequently outdoors and exposed to sunlight. The lack of UV protection means that additional eye protection, such as UV-blocking sunglasses, would be necessary for outdoor activities to safeguard eye health. This is an important factor for users to consider if they are looking for an all-encompassing solution within their contact lenses.
Our Take: Both DAILIES AquaComfort Plus and DAILIES TOTAL1 provide the practicality of a visibility tint but neither addresses the need for UV protection. This puts them at a similar standing, leaving the choice between them to be influenced by other factors such as comfort, material preference, and overall eye health needs.
Price Comparison
In the realm of pricing, DAILIES AquaComfort Plus is positioned in the mid-range category across various retailers. This makes them an accessible option for those seeking the convenience and comfort of daily disposables without a hefty price tag. Their cost reflects their position as a hydrogel lens with a solid balance of comfort-enhancing technologies.
DAILIES TOTAL1, being a silicone hydrogel lens, sits at the higher end of the price spectrum. The premium is attributed to the advanced material that allows for increased oxygen permeability, posited to offer better eye health benefits over traditional hydrogel lenses. This material, along with the lens’s moisture-retaining features, justifies its elevated price.
Our Take: DAILIES AquaComfort Plus offers affordability and comfort, making it a compelling choice for daily lens users. DAILIES TOTAL1, while more costly, brings the supposed advantages of silicone hydrogel technology to the table. Potential wearers should consider each brand’s features alongside their specific eye health requirements, their ECP’s recommendations, and their budget to discern which brand presents the best value proposition for their particular needs.
Customer Reviews
User reviews are a valuable gauge of a product’s performance, and for daily disposable lenses like DAILIES AquaComfort Plus and DAILIES TOTAL1, customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive across various retailers.
Reviews for DAILIES AquaComfort Plus frequently highlight their comfort, the slim feel of the lenses, and their reliable performance, suggesting a high level of satisfaction with the wearing experience.
Meanwhile, DAILIES TOTAL1 garners praise particularly from those with dry eyes, who find the breathability of the silicone hydrogel contact lenses ideal for maintaining moisture and comfort throughout the day. This aspect is consistently noted as a differentiator for those who may have struggled with lens dryness in the past.
Our Take: The verdict from user reviews suggests that both brands stand out for their comfort and performance, each with its loyal following. DAILIES AquaComfort Plus is often celebrated for its comfort and ease of use, while DAILIES TOTAL1 is particularly esteemed for its breathability and suitability for dry eyes. Potential buyers should weigh these user experiences against the lenses’ features, their eye health requirements, and the guidance of their ECP.
Wrapping Up: Which Daily Disposable Contact Lens Is Better?
Both DAILIES AquaComfort Plus and DAILIES TOTAL1 have cultivated their loyal following. Users consistently find value in their distinctive features and performance — DAILIES AquaComfort Plus for its Blink-Activated Moisture technology that provides a refreshing experience, and DAILIES TOTAL1 for its advanced silicone hydrogel material that offers superior breathability for wearers who struggle with eye dryness.
While both products offer unique advantages, the ultimate choice of which to wear should be made in consultation with an ECP who can offer tailored advice based on your specific eye health needs, lifestyle, and preferences.
This in-depth guide is intended as a resource, not medical advice. Consult with your ECP to determine the best daily disposable contact lens for your needs.
