If you’re reading this article, I commend you on your choice of taking safety seriously. Here, we will explore what the material of disposable gloves is right for your particular task.
We won’t go long diatribes about the origins of each material and the history behind each. There are tons of articles about that already on the Internet. You’re here to make a decision of which one is the best to buy, and that is what you shall receive.
Nitrile
Pros:
- Very durable and chemical resistant.
- High level of Bio-hazard protection.
- Suitable for extended use.
- Water- and grease-proof.
- Can mold to the shape of the hands - reasonable level of comfort for most users, but not as great as Latex.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Longer lasting.
- More thickness options, so they adapt to your particular use case more easily.
Cons:
- More costly than the alternatives
- Less touch sensitive than alternatives
- Less elastic than latex, which comes with a looser fit
Best for:
- Restaurant and Food Manufacturing - handling raw meat, working with oily/fatty food, cleaning equipment.
- Construction - top choice, excellent durability and protection.
- Health care - hypoallergenic, durability and chemical resistance; not so great for surgery due to the usually looser fit as compared to Latex.
- Laboratories - handling chemicals and biological products, specific protection to the necessary environment.
- Beauty industry - great for working with stronger chemicals.
- Cleaning industry - great for stronger cleaning agents and longer cleaning tasks.
Latex
Pros:
- Very comfortable, “second-skin” feel, High touch-sensitivity – giving the highest levels of dexterity to the wearer.
- Strong, tear resistant material – making them safe to wear when working with sharp implements.
- Made from natural rubber - Which makes them somewhat biodegradable
- High level of protection against heat, chemicals and pathogens.
Cons:
- Allergies - around 1% of the population is allergic to the material.
- It is hard to notice tears and punctures.
Best for:
- Cleaning industry - great for tasks that require high dexterity, not as good when handling liquids and roughly handling materials.
- Laboratories - good for scenarios where chemical exposure is limited and touch sensitivity is most important.
- Health care - the superior option when the person involved isn't allergic to the material. Due to the superior fit and tactile sensitivity, like with surgery.
Vinyl
Pros:
- Cheapest.
- Highest touch-sensitivity.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Good for short-term use.
- Anti-static properties – which makes them a great option for handling electronics.
- Easy to put on.
- Great for tasks that require frequent glove change.
Cons:
- Limited durability - material tears and pictures easily
- Not for high-risk use
- Tend to be loose in the hands
- Not biodegradable
- Lack of resistance to chemicals and bio-hazards
Best for:
- Restaurant and food manufacturing - sandwich assembly, salad mixing, pastry decoration.
- Beauty industry - to use for hair coloring and treatments with not overly harsh chemicals and short term tasks.
In conclusion:
- If the task you need the gloves for is more heavy duty, the resistance of Nitrile gloves is the greatest of all the options. You might lose some touch sensitivity, but that can be fixed by using thinner gloves if the task allows. It is a great option when people are allergic to latex, or need them to handle liquids more directly.
- If dexterity is important for the task, the person using the gloves won’t be handling any harsh chemicals or bio-hazards, and might need to use many of them in the same day, the best option is Vinyl.
- Latex gloves are great for most tasks that don’t involve extremely potent chemicals, that require high touch sensitivity, and tight fit of the gloves. As long as none of the people involved are allergic to Latex.