Dailies Total 1 vs Dailies AquaComfort Plus - Your 2025 Kiwi Guide

30th Jun 2025

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Dailies Total 1 and Dailies AquaComfort Plus are premium contact lenses from Alcon, each representing significant advancements in contact lens technology. This article will explore key aspects of these lenses, highlighting the innovations behind Dailies AquaComfort Plus and Dailies Total 1 in terms of comfort, technology and cost.

The short version: Dailies Total 1 offers premium all-day comfort with top-tier breathability, while Dailies AquaComfort Plus delivers reliable comfort at nearly half the cost. Your choice depends on how long you wear contacts, how dry your eyes get, and what fits your budget.

Quick comparison: Dailies Total 1 vs. Dailies AquaComfort Plus (2025 edition)

Dailies Total 1: The "water cushion" approach

Dailies Total 1 contact lenses uses a clever water gradient design where the silicone hydrogel core (33% water) provides excellent oxygen flow (Dk/t of 156), while the surface approaches nearly 100% water content. This means only a soft, water-rich layer touches your eye.

According to an Optometrist review from Review of Optometric Business, patients often exclaim, "Wow, I don’t feel it," "They feel silky," or "I can’t tell I have them on" upon inserting DAILIES TOTAL1® contact lenses.

One of our customers, Max L. from Northland, New Zealand, shared his experience with Dailies Total 1: "Excellent lenses. Very comfortable to the point I even forget I have them in."

Another customer, Marilou H. from Auckland, New Zealand - "I hadn't used this brand of disposable daily lenses before, and now I'm a total convert! They are light, easy to use, great value, and well-packaged. Everything I want."

Dailies AquaComfort Plus: Blink-and-refresh comfort

Every time you blink, Dailies AquaComfort Plus lenses releases a small amount of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) that refreshes your tear film and smooths your vision. The 69% water content throughout gives an immediately moist feel that many first-time contact wearers prefer—it's easier to insert and feels naturally soft.

“I explain to patients that the nice thing about DAILIES® AquaComfort Plus® material is that it releases moisture with every blink, which can help to create a smooth ocular surface for better vision and comfort.” Optometrist April L. Jasper said.

Why does breathability matter for eye health?

Dailies Total 1's high oxygen transmission (156 Dk/t) puts it in the premium category, ideal for long workdays, screen-heavy jobs, or anyone prone to red, tired eyes.

Dailies AquaComfort Plus (26 Dk/t) meets the standard for daily disposables but may feel less comfortable during 12-hour days or if you're sensitive to dryness. Eye care professionals recommend a minimum Dk/t of 25-30 for daily wear to prevent corneal changes, so AquaComfort Plus just meets this threshold.

How much does it cost in NZ?

Pack size	Dailies Total 1	Dailies AquaComfort Plus
30-pack	$55.95 ($1.87 per lens)	$39.95 ($1.33 per lens)
90-pack	$138.95 ($1.54 per lens)	$84.95 ($0.94 per lens)

The 90-pack saves you 18% per lens for Dailies Total 1 and 29% per lens for Dalies AquaComfort Plus.

Prices are indicative only. Always check LensesOnline for current pricing before purchasing.

Which lens fits you?

Choose Dailies Total 1 if you:

Work 10+ hours on computers daily
Battle afternoon dryness or grittiness
Want maximum comfort for active weekends
Have naturally sensitive or dry eyes
Don't mind paying more for premium comfort

Choose Dailies AquaComfort Plus if you:

Wear contacts part-time or socially
Want quality dailies under $1.33 per lens
Prefer traditional hydrogel softness
Are new to contacts and want easy handling
Need reliable comfort without premium cost

The verdict

For premium comfort - Total 1 wins hands down, especially for digital workers or dry-eye sufferers.

For solid value - AquaComfort Plus delivers reliable daily comfort without breaking the bank.

Remember: Everyone's eyes are different. What works brilliantly for your mate might not suit you. When in doubt, have a chat with your local optometrist—they know your peepers best.