I had a Hawley when I was younger and didn't wear it because it felt uncomfortable on top. I am getting a Hawley again though, but I'm thinking about going to my regular dentist for an Essix retainer afterwards since everyone tells me they are more comfortable. I let my ortho send an order for the Hawley since she finally agreed giving me fixed retainers for the front teeth(I had a bad crowding problem in the front and this one tooth always kept gapping in my 2 1/2 year sentence so that's why I requested them). (17 days until debracing and I have braces and fixed retainers on right now). My original ortho got cancer so this new ortho took his place a year into treatment, and she and I don't click that well

Which removable retainer is more comfortable for you?

I still have my braces, but my mom recommends the essix. She said the Hawley felt bulky and annoyed her. She is still in retention, and wears the essix every day.

I've had both and would say the Essix is more comfortable.

Maybe more importantly, the Essix seems to do a much better job of keeping teeth from shifting.

On the downside, it seems like your teeth need to be perfectly free of food bits before you put an Essix in, so I tend to leave them out if I go out to eat and then brush/floss when I get home before re-inserting the Essixes.