{"id":975,"date":"2026-10-20T20:09:51","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T20:09:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/?p=975"},"modified":"2026-10-20T20:09:52","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T20:09:52","slug":"which-contacts-can-you-sleep-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/which-contacts-can-you-sleep-in\/","title":{"rendered":"Which Contacts Can You Sleep In?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

You should only sleep in contact lenses if your exact lenses are indicated for overnight wear in Canada and your eye doctor has prescribed that schedule for you. Some lenses can be worn overnight for a limited period. Most should come out before you sleep. Even with extended-wear lenses, sleeping in contacts increases your risk of a serious eye infection. [1, 5]<\/p>\n

For Canadians, the product name alone may not tell the whole story. Wear instructions can differ between countries, and similar names within one brand can refer to lenses with different schedules. Here are the Canadian options to discuss with your optometrist.<\/p>\n

Which contact lenses have overnight-wear options in Canada?<\/h2>\n

The table below covers selected soft lenses with overnight or continuous-wear instructions in Canadian manufacturer materials. These are maximum labelled periods, subject to the exact product and prescription. Your eye doctor may recommend fewer nights or daily wear only.<\/p>\n

\n\n
Contact lens<\/th>Vision correction<\/th>Maximum labelled extended wear<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
AIR OPTIX NIGHT & DAY AQUA<\/td>Nearsightedness or farsightedness<\/td>Up to 30 nights<\/td><\/tr>\n
Biofinity, Biofinity XR and Biofinity Energys<\/td>Nearsightedness or farsightedness<\/td>Up to 29 nights \/ 30 days<\/td><\/tr>\n
Biofinity toric and Biofinity XR toric<\/td>Astigmatism<\/td>Up to 29 nights \/ 30 days<\/td><\/tr>\n
Biofinity multifocal<\/td>Presbyopia<\/td>Up to 29 nights \/ 30 days<\/td><\/tr>\n
AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde<\/td>Nearsightedness or farsightedness<\/td>Up to 6 nights<\/td><\/tr>\n
AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde for Astigmatism<\/td>Astigmatism<\/td>Up to 6 nights<\/td><\/tr>\n
AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde Multifocal<\/td>Presbyopia<\/td>Up to 6 nights<\/td><\/tr>\n
ACUVUE OASYS with HYDRACLEAR PLUS, ACUVUE OASYS for ASTIGMATISM and ACUVUE OASYS MULTIFOCAL<\/td>Spherical, toric or multifocal, depending on the model<\/td>Up to 6 nights \/ 7 days<\/td><\/tr>\n
ACUVUE 2<\/td>Nearsightedness or farsightedness<\/td>Up to 6 nights \/ 7 days<\/td><\/tr>\n
Bausch + Lomb ULTRA, ULTRA for Astigmatism, ULTRA for Presbyopia and ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism<\/td>Spherical, toric, multifocal or multifocal toric, depending on the model<\/td>Up to 7 days between removals<\/td><\/tr>\n
PureVision and PureVision 2 HD<\/td>Nearsightedness or farsightedness<\/td>Up to 30 days between removals, within the indicated power range<\/td><\/tr>\n
PureVision 2 for Astigmatism<\/td>Astigmatism<\/td>Up to 30 days between removals, within the indicated power range<\/td><\/tr>\n
PureVision Multi-Focal and PureVision 2 for Presbyopia<\/td>Presbyopia<\/td>Up to 30 days<\/td><\/tr>\n<\/tbody><\/table><\/div>\n

Canadian product references: Alcon [2\u20133], CooperVision [4], ACUVUE [5] and Bausch + Lomb [6\u20137]. The table preserves each manufacturer’s use of \u201cdays\u201d or \u201cnights\u201d; a seven-day schedule should not be read as permission for seven nights. Ask your eye doctor when to remove, clean or discard your lenses and how long to leave them out.<\/p>\n

This is a selection of products, not a list of every lens sold in Canada. It also does not apply to every lens with a similar name. For example, ACUVUE OASYS 1-Day is different from the reusable ACUVUE OASYS lenses listed above.<\/p>\n

Why do Canadian wear instructions matter?<\/h2>\n

Health Canada licences corrective contact lenses before they can be imported and sold in Canada. The relevant product instructions are the ones for the Canadian market. An FDA approval statement describes the United States and does not, by itself, establish a Canadian wearing schedule. [1]<\/p>\n

Biofinity is a useful example. CooperVision’s Canadian professional pages list up to 29 nights and 30 days for Biofinity, Biofinity XR, Biofinity Energys, Biofinity toric, Biofinity XR toric and Biofinity multifocal. Its US professional page lists six nights and seven days for Biofinity and Biofinity XR. That difference is a reason to check the local instructions, not to extend your own schedule. [4, 8]<\/p>\n

Product licensing and individual fitting also serve different purposes. A lens can have an overnight-wear indication while being unsuitable for you to sleep in. Your optometrist needs to assess your eyes, the lens fit and how your eyes respond to wear before prescribing an overnight routine.<\/p>\n

Prescribing and dispensing are also subject to provincial professional rules. In Ontario, for example, the College of Optometrists requires its registrants to dispense contact lenses using a valid prescription. British Columbia has its own standards for optometrists and contact lens fitters. Wherever you buy your lenses, the ordering process does not replace a fitting or permission to wear them overnight. [9\u201310]<\/p>\n

Does \u201cmonthly\u201d mean you can leave contacts in for a month?<\/h2>\n

No. \u201cMonthly\u201d describes when a lens is replaced. It does not tell you whether it can stay in your eye while you sleep.<\/p>\n

A monthly lens prescribed for daily wear comes out before bed and is cleaned, disinfected and stored according to its instructions. You use it again during the day until the prescribed replacement date. Extended wear is a separate schedule that allows some overnight use with a suitable lens. [3]<\/p>\n

The same distinction applies to two-week lenses. Reusable ACUVUE OASYS may be replaced every two weeks when prescribed for daily wear, but its extended-wear limit is up to six nights and seven days. Switching to overnight wear changes the routine; it does not give you two weeks of continuous wear. [5]<\/p>\n

Nor does a lens’s oxygen rating settle the question. A breathable material, a moisture feature or a \u201c30\u201d in the product name cannot substitute for an overnight-wear indication. Canadian Alcon guidance distinguishes monthly lenses that may be slept in from monthly lenses that must be removed each night. [3]<\/p>\n

Can you sleep in toric or multifocal contacts?<\/h2>\n

Some have overnight-wear options. Toric lenses correct astigmatism, while multifocal lenses help with presbyopia, the age-related difficulty focusing up close. The table includes options for both, plus ULTRA Multifocal for Astigmatism for people who need both corrections.<\/p>\n

Check the complete model name. Biofinity multifocal and Biofinity toric multifocal are different products. This guide does not extend the overnight schedule for Biofinity multifocal to the toric multifocal version. Similarly, an overnight indication for reusable ACUVUE OASYS does not apply to OASYS 1-Day or OASYS MAX 1-Day lenses. [4\u20135]<\/p>\n

Your prescription details matter too. Some PureVision instructions set different extended-wear limits for different power ranges. A brand-level claim such as \u201cup to 30 days\u201d needs to be checked against your exact lens. [7]<\/p>\n

Are overnight contacts safe for everyone?<\/h2>\n

No. Extended-wear approval does not remove the risk of infection. Health Canada warns that sleeping in lenses, including those labelled for extended wear, increases the risk of serious eye infection. Corneal ulcers can cause lasting damage, which is why symptoms should not be ignored. [1]<\/p>\n

Your optometrist may advise daily wear if overnight use does not suit your eyes or your ability to follow the care routine. Dryness, irritation, the condition of your eye surface and previous problems with lenses can all affect that decision. Manufacturer instructions also call for follow-up checks when extended wear begins. [5\u20136]<\/p>\n

If you are considering overnight lenses because of shift work, travel or an unpredictable schedule, describe that routine at your appointment. Ask which exact product is suitable, how many nights you may wear it, what breaks you need and when your next check should be.<\/p>\n

A longer labelled maximum is not a reason to keep lenses in longer. Follow the schedule prescribed for your eyes, and remove the lenses if a problem develops.<\/p><\/div>\n

What about a short nap or sleeping after a night shift?<\/h2>\n

A nap still counts as sleeping in your lenses. There is no general \u201cshort enough\u201d nap that turns a daily-wear contact lens into an overnight lens. If you have not been specifically prescribed a lens and schedule that allow sleep, take your contacts out first. [11]<\/p>\n

The same applies if your main sleep happens during daylight hours. Plan lens removal around when you sleep, rather than the time on the clock. Keep your glasses and the supplies for your prescribed care routine where you are likely to need them.<\/p>\n

What should you do if you accidentally sleep in contacts?<\/h2>\n

Remove the lenses after waking, but do not force a dry lens off your eye. Wash and dry your hands first. If a lens feels stuck, apply contact-lens rewetting drops recommended by your eye care professional and wait until it moves freely before removing it. If it still does not move after a few minutes, contact your eye care professional for help. [5, 12]<\/p>\n

Discard daily disposable lenses. For reusable lenses, follow the prescribed cleaning, disinfection and replacement instructions. Wear your glasses while your eyes recover, and do not put lenses back into an eye that is sore, red or irritated. Never use tap water or saliva to loosen or clean a contact lens. [5, 12]<\/p>\n

If you have eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, unusual discharge or a change in vision, remove the lenses if you can do so easily and seek prompt eye care. Severe pain, sudden loss of vision or worsening symptoms need urgent assessment. If you cannot reach your eye care professional, go to an emergency department. [1, 6]<\/p>\n

Are ortho-k lenses another option for sleeping?<\/h2>\n

Orthokeratology, often called ortho-k, uses specially fitted rigid lenses to temporarily reshape the cornea during sleep. The lenses are removed during waking hours so the wearer can see more clearly without them for part or all of the day. [13]<\/p>\n

That is a different treatment from leaving soft contacts in for several days. It needs a practitioner trained in fitting these lenses, its own care routine and regular follow-up. It also carries infection risk. Do not use ordinary rigid or soft lenses as a substitute for prescribed ortho-k lenses. [13]<\/p>\n

How do you choose an overnight lens?<\/h2>\n

Start with an appointment, especially if you currently remove your contacts every night. Bring the exact name of your current lenses and explain why you want an overnight option. A familiar brand or a matching power does not guarantee the same fit or wearing schedule. [14]<\/p>\n

Once your optometrist has fitted the lens and set your routine, match the full product name and prescription when you order. You can browse contact lenses at VisionPros.ca<\/a>, including options such as Biofinity<\/a>, then order the exact lens prescribed for you.<\/p>\n

If overnight wear has not been prescribed, keep taking your contacts out before sleep. Clear, comfortable vision during the day does not establish that your eyes will tolerate a night in lenses.<\/p>\n

References<\/h2>\n
  1. Health Canada. Contact Lenses. Updated 19 July 2021.<\/li>\n
  2. Alcon Canada. AIR OPTIX NIGHT & DAY AQUA product information.<\/li>\n
  3. Alcon Canada. Monthly Contact Lenses; AIR OPTIX plus HydraGlyde sphere, for Astigmatism and Multifocal product specifications.<\/li>\n
  4. CooperVision Canada. Biofinity, Biofinity XR, Biofinity Energys, Biofinity toric, Biofinity XR toric and Biofinity multifocal professional product pages; Canadian product specification guide.<\/li>\n
  5. ACUVUE Canada. Patient Instruction Guides: ACUVUE 2, ACUVUE OASYS and ACUVUE OASYS MULTIFOCAL package inserts.<\/li>\n
  6. Bausch + Lomb. ULTRA Package Insert \/ Fitting Guide, document 8161805, revision April 2021, distributed through the Canadian instructions selector.<\/li>\n
  7. Bausch + Lomb Canada. PureVision and PureVision 2 package inserts; PureVision 2 for Astigmatism insert; PureVision Multi-Focal and PureVision 2 for Presbyopia product information.<\/li>\n
  8. CooperVision US. Biofinity & Biofinity XR professional product information. Consulted only for comparison with Canadian labelling.<\/li>\n
  9. College of Optometrists of Ontario. Optometric Practice Reference. June 2025, section E5.<\/li>\n
  10. College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia. Ethics and Practice Standards. Effective 1 April 2026, Restricted Activities and Certifications and Appendices A\u2013B.<\/li>\n
  11. CooperVision Canada. Extended Wear Contact Lenses; Contact Lens Care: Get the Most from Your Lenses.<\/li>\n
  12. Canadian Association of Optometrists. Wear and Care for Contact Lenses.<\/li>\n
  13. ACUVUE Canada. Abiliti Overnight package insert and fitting instructions.<\/li>\n
  14. Canadian Association of Optometrists. Buying Contact Lenses Online.<\/li><\/ol>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Compare contact lenses with Canadian overnight-wear instructions, understand Health Canada labelling, and learn why your exact lens and prescribed schedule matter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":977,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[23,11,16],"semantictags":[],"class_list":["post-975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knowledge-centre","tag-canada","tag-contact-lenses","tag-eye-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=975"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":976,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975\/revisions\/976"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/977"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=975"},{"taxonomy":"semantictags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.visionpros.ca\/pro\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/semantictags?post=975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}