Disposable gloves are used in many industries, such as medical, food production, and even electrical engineering. They provide a liquid-proof and dexterous covering for workers' hands. A pair of disposable gloves are designed to offer protection for your hands from an external environment and vice-versa.
They also offer a preventative of contamination from either side of the material. Using a pair of disposable gloves gives the user confidence that they are protected, being protective, and maintaining an appropriate level of hygiene in a personal, commercial, or industrial environment.
While most disposable gloves have a similar appearance, they are often made of different materials. The two most common materials used for disposable gloves include nitrile and latex. So, what is the difference between nitrile and latex disposable gloves, and which type should you choose?
Nitrile Disposable Gloves
Nitrile is a synthetic rubber compound that is usually used as a disposable glove material. Nitrile gloves have been around for a while, but only recently it has become more affordable, which explains why it’s gaining popularity throughout industries such as medical, food and cleaning. Nitrile has a higher puncture resistance than any other glove material. It also has a better chemical resistance than Latex or Vinyl gloves, and being latex-free, is less likely to cause allergic reactions.
Features include:
- Latex-free.
- Perfectly suited for most medical environments.
- Exceptionally puncture resistant.
- Have a high level of sensitivity.
- Molds closely to hands for a great fit.
- Great for wearing for an extended amount of time.
- Ideal choice for high-risk situations involving infectious material, hazardous and corrosive chemicals.
- Long shelf life.
- Available in multiple colours.
Latex Disposable Gloves
Latex gloves are the time trusted go-to protective glove of the medical industry. These gloves use a natural material, made from rubber. The primary reason people choose alternates to latex is that some people suffer from latex allergies. When allergy is not a concern, latex gloves do have a slight advantage with comfort and dexterity over nitrile gloves.
Features include:
- Fit very comfortably.
- Have a high level of touch sensitivity.
- Are good for wearing for an extended amount of time.
- Work well for high-risk situations involving infectious material.
- Cost-effective.
- Lightly powdered, making it easier to put on.
- Very elastic and strong.
- Biodegradable
- Strong dexterity.
As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to make sure that you stay on guard. It’s vital that the hand protection you pick is the right fit and match for the work you do and offers the level of protection you need for yourself and the people, patients, and customers you work with, help, and serve.
Understanding the difference between nitrile gloves and latex gloves will help you make the right decision when choosing which disposable gloves to buy.
For a wide range of safety gloves, browse Southland's range here.