Air Optix Aqua versus BiofinityAir Optix Aqua from Alcon Inc. and Biofinity from CooperVision Inc. are high-performance monthly replaceable contact lenses using a silicone hydrogel material. Both lenses are approved for extended wear (6 nights / 7 days) as prescribed by your eye care practitioner.
Biofinity lets more oxygen pass through the lens to your eye, is slightly thinner than Air Optix Aqua and covers a broader prescription range (from -12.0D to +8.00D). The average daily cost of both lenses is in a similar range.

By the way, the two companies have released 'upgraded' versions of the two lenses: Biofinity Energys and Air Optix with Hydraglyde. A comparison can be found here.

Air Optix Aqua and Biofinity - Spec Sheets

AIR OPTIX AQUA

Biofinity

Product Image Air Optix Aqua Biofinity
Price Comparison
Manufacturer Alcon Inc. CooperVision, Inc.
part of
The Cooper Companies Inc.
Release Date 2008 2007
Prescription Parameters
Replacement Schedule Monthly Monthly
Wearing Details Daily wear or
up to 6 nights extended wear
Daily wear or
up to 6 nights or
7 days extended wear
Sphere Powers +6.00D to -8.00D
(in 0.25 steps)
-8.50D to -10.00D
(in 0.5 steps)
-12.00D to +8.00D
(in 0.5 steps after +-6.00D)
Base Curves 8.6 mm 8.6 mm
Diameters 14.2 mm 14.0 mm
Technical Parameters
FDA Group V V
Lens Material Silicone hydrogel
(Lotrafilcon B)
Silicone hydrogel
(Comfilcon A)
Lens Design Aspherical Aspherical
Wetting Agents Yes
- PVP
- PEG
None
% of Material 67% 52%
% of Water 33% 48%
Center Thickness 0.08 mm 0.08 mm
Oxygen Transmission 138 Dk/t 160 Dk/t
Modulus 1.0 MPa 0.75 MPa
Other Features
Special Features
  • TriComfort™ Technology
    High wettability through low contact angle.
    Permanent plasma treatment for a smooth surface.
  • SmartShield Technology
UV Blocking No No
Dynamic Light Absorption No No
Visibility Tint Yes
Light Blue
(VISITINT®)
Yes
(Sofblue®)
Inside-out Mark No No
Packaging, Pricing and Offers
Packaging Details 6 lenses per box,
each lens in a
foil-sealed plastic package containing phosphate buffered saline with (or without) 1% copolymer 845
6 lenses per box,
immersed in buffered 0.83% saline
Price Range $30 - $70 (6 lenses)
$34 - $57 (6 lenses)
Cost per Day $0.17 - $0.39 (6 lenses)
$0.19 - $0.32 (6 lenses)
Online Retailers
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Conclusion:

Biofinity covers a wider range of available powers than the Air Optix Aqua. Both lenses are available as toric as well as multifocal lenses.