Air Optix Night & Day Aqua vs. Air Optix plus HydraGlyde

If you wear contact lenses, you've likely come across Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde. Both are popular monthly disposable contact lenses designed to provide clear vision, excellent oxygen transmission, and long-lasting comfort.

That said, they are not identical. While both lenses are made from silicone hydrogel, they use different materials and design approaches, which can create a noticeably different wearing experience.

Your eye doctor will ultimately determine which lens is best suited for your eyes. During an exam, they evaluate factors such as your tear film, corneal shape, prescription, and how a lens fits your eye. Still, understanding how these lenses differ ahead of time can help guide which questions to ask during your next appointment.

This guide breaks down the key differences between Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde, including comfort, materials, wear schedules, and cost.

Before comparing them directly, let's look at each lens individually.

Air Optix Night & Day Aqua

Air Optix Night & Day Aqua is a monthly disposable contact lens made by Alcon. With proper cleaning and care, each pair is designed to be worn for up to one month before being replaced.

The lens is made from Lotrafilcon A, a silicone hydrogel material that allows exceptionally high levels of oxygen to reach the eye. One of its biggest distinguishing features is its high oxygen transmissibility, which helped make it one of the first soft contact lenses approved by the FDA for up to 30 nights of continuous wear when prescribed by an eye care professional.

Many wearers choose Air Optix Night & Day Aqua because of its excellent breathability, particularly if they're looking for a monthly lens that prioritizes oxygen flow or have been approved by their eye doctor for extended wear.

Key Features of Air Optix Night & Day Aqua

• Replacement schedule: Monthly
• Material: Lotrafilcon A silicone hydrogel
• Water content: 24%
• UV protection: No
• Notable feature: FDA-approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear (with your eye doctor's approval)

Air Optix plus HydraGlyde

Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is a monthly disposable contact lens made by Alcon. Like Air Optix Night & Day Aqua, each pair is designed to be worn for up to one month with proper daily cleaning and storage.

The lens is made from Lotrafilcon B, a silicone hydrogel material designed to provide high oxygen transmission and all-day comfort. It also features SmartShield Technology, which helps resist deposits on the lens surface, along with HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix, a technology designed to attract and retain moisture throughout the day.

Many wearers choose Air Optix plus HydraGlyde because of its reputation for comfortable monthly wear, particularly during long workdays, travel, and extended screen use.

Key Features of Air Optix plus HydraGlyde

• Replacement schedule: Monthly
• Material: Lotrafilcon B silicone hydrogel
• Water content: 33%
• UV protection: No
• Technology: SmartShield Technology and HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix

What Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Have In Common

Both Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde are monthly disposable contact lenses. With proper cleaning and storage, you wear the same pair for up to one month before replacing it.

Both lenses are also made from silicone hydrogel materials, allowing high levels of oxygen to reach the eye compared to traditional hydrogel contact lenses. This increased oxygen transmission helps support overall eye health and comfortable wear throughout the day.

Unlike some contact lenses, neither Air Optix Night & Day Aqua nor Air Optix plus HydraGlyde includes built-in UV protection. Because contact lenses don't protect the entire eye from ultraviolet light, wearing UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors is still recommended.

Both lenses may also be approved for overnight wear by your eye doctor. However, sleeping in contact lenses isn't appropriate for everyone and should only be done if specifically recommended by your eye care professional.

How Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde Differ

The biggest difference between these lenses comes down to what each lens is designed to prioritize.

Air Optix Night & Day Aqua uses Lotrafilcon A, a silicone hydrogel material that delivers exceptionally high oxygen transmissibility. Its design focuses on maximizing the amount of oxygen that reaches the cornea, making it one of the most breathable soft contact lenses available. It is also FDA-approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear when prescribed by an eye care professional.

Air Optix plus HydraGlyde uses Lotrafilcon B and combines SmartShield Technology with HydraGlyde Moisture Matrix. Rather than focusing primarily on maximum oxygen transmission, the lens is designed to help maintain a clean lens surface while retaining moisture throughout the day for long-lasting comfort.

In practice, Air Optix Night & Day Aqua is often chosen by people who prioritize oxygen flow or have been prescribed continuous wear, while Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is often preferred by people looking for enhanced moisture and comfortable all-day monthly wear.

Neither lens is objectively better. The best choice depends on your eyes, your lifestyle, and how each lens performs during a fitting with your eye doctor.

Cost

Price Comparison (6 Pack)

Prices from Blue Planet Optics and other retailers are subject to change and may vary over time. We recommend checking each retailer's website directly for the most up-to-date pricing, availability, and promotions.

Which Lens Should You Choose?

Both Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde are excellent monthly contact lens options.

Air Optix Night & Day Aqua may be a better choice if you're looking for a monthly silicone hydrogel lens with exceptionally high oxygen transmission, have been prescribed extended wear by your eye doctor, or prioritize breathability above all else.

Air Optix plus HydraGlyde may be a better fit if you're looking for enhanced moisture throughout the day, tend to experience dryness during long workdays or screen time, or want a monthly lens that emphasizes lasting comfort.

Ultimately, your eye doctor will determine which lens is the best fit for your eyes.

FAQ

Can I switch between Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde?

You should not switch contact lenses without consulting your eye doctor first.

Are both lenses monthly disposables?

Yes. Both lenses are designed to be worn for up to one month with proper cleaning and daily care before being replaced.

Do both lenses use silicone hydrogel materials?

Yes. Both Air Optix Night & Day Aqua and Air Optix plus HydraGlyde are silicone hydrogel contact lenses, although they use different silicone hydrogel materials.

Is Air Optix Night & Day Aqua better than Air Optix plus HydraGlyde?

Neither lens is objectively better. Air Optix Night & Day Aqua focuses on maximizing oxygen transmission and extended wear, while Air Optix plus HydraGlyde emphasizes moisture retention and all-day comfort.

Can you sleep in both lenses?

Both lenses may be approved for overnight wear by an eye care professional. Air Optix Night & Day Aqua is FDA-approved for up to 30 nights of continuous wear, while Air Optix plus HydraGlyde is FDA-approved for up to 6 nights of extended wear. However, you should only sleep in contact lenses if your eye doctor has specifically prescribed overnight wear.