Nitrile vs. Vinyl vs. Latex Gloves
Disposable gloves have become an essential part of the health care industry as they protect patients, doctors, and health care providers from dangerous microbes like COVID-19. The gloves also help in setting up a hygiene practice in hospitals and houses. Even though all the gloves look the same, gloves are made from different materials suited and used according to the surroundings’ environmental and medical conditions.
Disposable gloves are made of three materials: Nitrile, Latex, and Vinyl. There is general confusion on deciding which type of glove is best for use. Ordering the wrong type of glove can result in wastage of resources, money, and also the risk of increased infections due to punctures or tears.
When deciding between Nitrile vs Latex vs Vinyl gloves, it might not be very clear to determine which glove is ideal.
Latex gloves are the most commonly used gloves made from rubber taken directly from trees. Latex gloves are preferred because of the disposable material used for making these gloves. Latex gloves have been recommended against HIV protection in the 1980s and 1990s. As latex gloves’ popularity increased, other problems like allergies towards rubber developed in some people and reduced the usage. Latex gloves are the best, comfortable, cost-effective for those who are not allergic, and offer a high touch sensitivity.
- Acts like a second skin
- Suitable for wearing for an extended time
- Are cost-effective and work well in situations of high risks
- Are biodegradable, elastic, and strong.
Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber and are a perfect alternative for people having allergies to latex gloves. Nitrile gloves give superior protection and are more puncture resistant. These gloves must undergo a series of medical tests before getting packed and marketed to the medical labs or institutions. The FDA conducts the tests to ensure the durability of each glove.
- Latex-free and puncture-resistant
- Good for wearing for a long time
- Having a high level of sensitivity and have great protection against infectious materials
- Has a long life and resistant to many chemicals.
Vinyl gloves are made from a petroleum-based film, also known as PVC. Vinyl gloves are most inexpensive to manufacture but less durable than Nitrile and Latex. Due to the low cost and durability, latex gloves are used in non-infectious and non-hazardous environments. When vinyl gloves are stretched or flexed, the protection of gloves is compromised.
- Latex Free
- Have a loose fit and can be used for short term
- Most economical option and best for non-hazardous environments.
- Have anti-static properties
How To Choose?
When buying gloves, the level of comfort, durability, protection, and type of material used for making should be taken into account. With so many choices available, decision making can be confusing. When buying gloves, a lot is considered, like allergies, type of job used, the glove’s life, impact on the environment, and cost.
Choose The Best Glove For Using
Disposable gloves must be chosen carefully, as many infections are spreading in the world. Medical and disposable gloves are available in different materials and offer the best protection and comfort. Protech Safety Supply company is the supplier of gloves of various thickness and durability. Contact us to place an order according to your requirement.