There are four main variables in plug design: material, occlusion, size, and shape:

Collagen vs silicone: Collagen plugs dissolve by themselves. They will be effective for a few days and dissolve within 7-10 days, typically. Collagen plugs are a great way to test out whether punctal occlusion is a good idea for you, and are often used diagnostically for that purpose. We strongly recommend that you start with collagen plugs.

Total or partial occlusion: Most plugs prevent any tears from draining. There is at least one brand however which has a plug that prevents some drainage. In certain cases where plugs seem to clearly be needed, but where standard plugs result in too much tear overflow, these plugs may be the most suitable. See our Product Reference List for details.

Size: Most plugs come in a few different sizes, usually equating to the diameter of the shaft, with 0.9mm the largest, while some may simply be small, medium and large. You may have to experiment, starting with a smaller size and, when the stupid (not to mention expensive) little buggers fall out, try the next size up.

Shape: The standard plug design is a tapered shaft. There are several variations, mostly aimed at helping keep the plugs stable and preventing them from falling out. This includes traction ribs (like the Eagle FlexPlugs) and an umbrella sort of structure below the top of the plug (Odyssey Parasol).

Now, of course, NONE of this answers your real question, which is what kind of plugs should you get? The fact is, your doctor probably has one or perhaps two brands and he probably feels somewhat strongly about what kind to use based on his experience. Nothing wrong with that. We would only say that if, based on your own research, you decide you feel just as strongly about what kind of plug to try, you should not hesitate to say so.

Just one further note: I really like SmartPlugs. I have had several different kinds of plugs put in — or attempts to put them in anyway — and these were far and away the least painful to get in and the least perceptible once they were in.