Nitrile vs Latex vs Vinyl Gloves – Understand difference between these 3 gloves types!

Nitrile vs Latex vs Vinyl Gloves – Understand difference between these 3 gloves types!

Let us look into the characteristics of disposable gloves

Latex vs Nitrile vs vinyl gloves – what are the differences between these types of gloves?

Are you looking for disposable gloves? Gloves come from different materials, including latex, vinyl, and nitrile. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the right type can be tricky if you are unsure about its contents, materials, and environmental impact – which is why we are taking a “hands-on” approach to provide the difference between nitrile, latex, and vinyl. We will address the benefits, cons, settings, and after-effects of the three gloves and recommend the best fit for you.

What are nitrile disposable gloves?

Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic rubber called nitrile. They are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Nitrile gloves are usually latex-free, making them a good choice for people with latex allergies. Nitrile gloves can be used in a variety of settings such as hospitals, construction sites, and chemical labs. They are made out of synthetic material alluded to mimic latex and provide a thinner feel to your hands. Nitrile gloves are slowly becoming the standard pick-up at supermarkets due to their hypoallergenic quality.

Advantages of nitrile gloves

Some benefits of nitrile gloves include:

Hypoallergenic – This is especially important for individuals who are allergic to latex.

Puncture resistance – It is safe to use in construction sites when lifting heavy objects.

Chemical resistance – Provides adequate protection in chemical labs when handling hazardous acids, oils, etc.

Transmission – They can help prevent transmission of COVID-19 due to their dense material.

Long shelf life – They are economical and last longer than most other types.

Disadvantages of nitrile gloves

Some cons of using nitrile gloves include:

Costly – They cost more than normal gloves. On average, it cost $32 per box; whereas pre-pandemic they were only $3 per box.

Scarcity – Production of nitrile gloves has decreased while demand has significantly increased. The market is anticipated to grow 13.1% from 2022 to 2027.

Less sensitivity – It provide little to no touch sensitivity.

How to pick the right nitrile gloves (NBR gloves) for your needs?

There are 3 key factors to consider when choosing the right nitrile gloves (NBR gloves) for your needs:

Size

When choosing the right gloves for you, the size is important and you must avoid the problem of making them too tight or too loose. If the gloves are too tight, it will affect the dexterity and comfort of the hand; on the other hand, if the gloves are too loose, it will not provide sufficient protection. Therefore, when choosing gloves, you should consider the size of your hands. We will use the following five sizes XS, S, M, L, XL:

Thickness

It is important to choose a glove thickness that is appropriate for the application and working environment. When handling hazardous chemicals or substances, gloves with increased thickness should be selected to provide better protection. This ensures that the hands are more effectively protected from the adhesive bonding required during the work process. When choosing gloves, the required thickness must be strictly considered to ensure the best balance of safety and protection.

Nitrile gloves are available in a variety of thicknesses for different applications and needs, so the thicknesses can be divided into the following 3 types:

Glove Thickness Thickness Range Features Thin 3~4 (mm) Provides good dexterity and tactile feel for height and fine manipulation Medium 4~6(mm) Provide better durability and protection, suitable for a variety of industrial applications Thick 6 (mm) or more Offers extreme chemical and puncture resistance for high-risk work environments

Colors

Selecting a glove food color that meets the requirements of the application is straightforward. Obviously, in the industry, gloves should be transparent or light blue to facilitate inspection of food safety and sanitation. Clear or light blue gloves provide clear visual feedback, making it easier for operators to sense possible contamination or abnormalities. Inspections can be carried out effectively.

Nitrile Gloves (NBR Gloves) Features

Features Describe Sufficient amount of nitrile material

Provides excellent protection.

Gloves are soft and less likely to cause allergic reactions.

It has the characteristics of anti-oil, anti-static and acid and alkali resistance.

Sufficient materials ensure more complete protection.

Super wear-resistant, slightly grained surface design

Specially treated micro grain surface design.

Provides excellent grip and sensitivity for both hands.

Effectively reduce user error rate.

Super elastic, puncture resistant

5 times elastic design, enhanced stretch resistance and puncture resistance.

 Fits the user’s hand to provide better protection.

 Comfortable to wear and reduce hand fatigue.

Applicable occasions

Nitrile gloves (NBR gloves) are suitable for the following occasions:

Medical

In the medical industry, nitrile gloves are considered as guardian’s protective tools, which can effectively protect patients from bacterial and viral contamination and ensure the safety and health of patients and patients. These gloves provide a reliable barrier against the spread of viruses and cross infection. They are widely used in operating theatres, clinics, emergency rooms and their medical environments. Wearing nitrile gloves can effectively perform various medical procedures while ensuring the hygienic standard of the mask. Therefore, nitrile gloves play an important role in the medical industry as a driver to protect the health and safety of the whole medical team and patients.

Chemical Industry

In the industrial industry, nitrile gloves are widely evaluated for handling chemicals, oils and grease and their harmful substances in the working environment. These gloves can effectively protect workers from hand injuries and contamination. Nitrile gloves have good chemical resistance and can withstand the corrosion and monitoring of many chemicals, providing a reliable protective barrier. They play an important role in industrial manufacturing, chemical treatment, painting and cleaning work. Wearing Nitrile gloves, workers can safely handle hazardous substances, reduce the risk of exposure and ensure workplace safety. Therefore, nitrile gloves are a key protective tool in the industry to help ensure the health and safety of workers.

Food industry

In the food industry, nitrile gloves are widely examined for processing food and food materials. This kind of gloves can effectively protect the safety and hygiene of foodstuffs, and at the same time protect the workers’ hands from contamination and injury. Nitrile gloves have excellent barrier properties, effectively isolating workers’ hands from food and preventing cross-contamination. Its non-toxic and odourless property ensures that the food is not contaminated by any harmful substances. By wearing Nitrile Gloves in food processing, catering services, hospitality and food packaging, workers can ensure personal safety and hygiene standards while protecting themselves and consumers from the risk of food contamination. Therefore, nitrile gloves play an important role in the food industry to ensure the safety and quality of the food supply chain.

Cleaning Industry

In the cleaning industry, nitrile gloves are widely evaluated for cleaning and disinfection work. These gloves can protect the cleaners’ hands from contamination and injury while improving cleaning efficiency. Nitrile gloves are durable and protective, effectively separating detergents and chemicals from the skin and reducing possible irritation or injury. In addition to wearing hygienic gloves, cleaners can carry out cleaning tasks, including washing, disinfecting, sanitising and waste disposal, with greater peace of mind. This protects them, so nitrile gloves play an important role in the cleaning industry, providing the necessary protection for cleaners while ensuring the efficiency and quality of cleaning work.

What are latex glove?

One of the most commonly used ones is latex gloves. They are created using natural rubber and strengthened by adding liquid rubber sap. Although 26 million Americans are allergic to latex, it holds the leading sales market for the most resistant and strong sensitivity.

Advantages of latex gloves:

Strong sensitivity – The lightweight yet strong material of latex makes it effortlessly tangible, offering higher sensitivity.

Eco-friendly – Because of its origination from rubber trees, natural latex gloves can be biodegradable or even put into compost as an easy recycling method.

Highly resistant – Thick rubber skin offers extreme protection against spills, scrapes, and cuts.

Disadvantages of latex gloves:

Highly allergic – According to the CDC, between 1–6% of the general American population suffer from latex allergies.

Low chemical resistance – In the event of a chemical spill or handling organic solvents, latex has little resistance. Thus, it is more difficult to utilize Latex gloves in a safe manner.

Little to no flaw detection – It is hard to detect punctures or tears on latex because of its advertised sturdy material.

Nitrile vs Latex gloves

Nitrile and latex gloves are both made of synthetic rubber and are designed to be worn on the hands to protect against the transmission of infectious materials. However, there are some differences between the two types of gloves:

Material: Nitrile gloves are made of a synthetic rubber called nitrile, while latex gloves are made of natural rubber.

Allergies: Some people are allergic to natural rubber latex, so they may prefer to use nitrile gloves to avoid an allergic reaction. Nitrile gloves are a good alternative for people with latex allergies.

Strength: Nitrile gloves are generally stronger and more durable than latex gloves. They are also more puncture-resistant.

Chemical resistance: Nitrile gloves are more resistant to a wider range of chemicals than latex gloves.

Fit: Nitrile gloves are often more form-fitting and provide a closer fit than latex gloves, which can be more loose and may cause hand fatigue during extended use.

Cost: Nitrile gloves may be more expensive than latex gloves.

Overall, both nitrile and latex gloves can be effective in preventing the transmission of infectious materials. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and any allergies you may have.

What are vinyl gloves?

Vinyl gloves are low-priced, easily replaceable gloves situated for fast workforces such as restaurants and industrial fields. They are produced from a petroleum-based material called PVC, which is easy to source. It offers the least amount of protection and frames itself as a convenience in terms of money and accessibility. In simple words, they are less durable than the others.

Advantages of Vinyl gloves:

Non-allergic – Scraping off the necessity of having latex, vinyl gloves are non-allergic. This makes vinyl gloves an easy and inclusive option for everyone.

Cost-effective –Vinyl gloves are cheap and offered at a low market price for their quality. They are mostly used for food indu

Readily available – They are easier to mass produce because they cost fewer materials and resources; assuring that they are always in stock.

Disadvantages of vinyl gloves:

Not eco-friendly – When petroleum breaks down, the leachate remains on top of the water, and this causes disruption in aquatic life and the inability for many sea animals to live underwater.

Low pathogen resistance – Due to its thin and cheap material, vinyl gloves are hazardous to use in medical and chemical lab situations.

Under protective – When vinyl gloves undergo pressure, such as stretching or pulling, the integrity of the gloves is reduced and can underperform.

When should I use nitrile, latex, or vinyl gloves? 

Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic rubber that is resistant to chemicals. They are a good choice for people who have latex allergies, and they provide good protection against infection.

Latex gloves are made of natural rubber and provide good protection against viruses and bacteria. However, they can cause allergic reactions in some people, and they are not as durable as nitrile or vinyl gloves.

Vinyl gloves are the least expensive glove, but they provide the least protection against infection. They are a good choice for short-term use, such as when cleaning up after a sick person.

Nitrile glove:

Hospitals because of their medical-grade and FDA-approved strength test.

Industrial setting or a construction site due to their durability.

Latex glove:

Operation theater because of high touch sensitivity.

Chemical labs due to their rigid material and low chemical transmission rate.

Vinyl glove:

Handling and serving food in order to prevent the transfer of bacteria onto food.

Light tasks such as painting, cooking, and cleaning.

Nitrile vs Latex Gloves

Nitrile gloves are also more resistant to chemicals and punctures. Latex gloves are more elastic than nitrile gloves. However, some people are allergic to the latax gloves

Why would someone choose nitrile over latex? Allergy is key!

While nitrile and latex gloves are both commonly used, sometimes you might still want to choose nitrile over latex. That is because people with latex allergies may develop hives, swelling, or rashes when in contact with latex gloves. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, between 8 to 17% of healthcare workers and those who regularly use latex gloves are allergic to latex. In contrast, nitrile gloves are much more skin-friendly. According to the FDA, gloves made from synthetic materials such as polyvinyl chloride, nitrile, or polyurethane are also safer for those with latex allergies.

In conclusion

Nitrile – Most popular form of gloves is used for the highest rate of safety and durability. They are reliable for the most hazardous tasks such as transporting chemicals to perform heart surgery in a hospital. Their durability and synthetic rubber make them a top-of-the-line glove for heavy work.

Latex – It is a neck-to-neck competition between latex and nitrile gloves, but latex gloves make their mark as a leading contender because of their high sensitivity and eco-friendly material. Thus, they are the most popular in medical care and food services.

Vinyl – Stacked on shelves for its mass production ability, vinyl gloves are the go-to for individuals satisfied with minimum features. Vinyl offers lower-scale protection for professionals looking to save a couple of extra dollars and perform light-duty tasks such as painting a fence or cleaning the kitchen.

If you are interested in learning more about the certification requirements of medical gloves, make sure to read the regulations and certifications for medical gloves.