Gloves Latex vs Vinyl vs Nitrile
Before purchasing any type of glove, whether it be latex, vinyl, or nitrile, a few things need to be considered.
- What amount of protection is required?
- Can the materials the glove is made from cause allergic reactions?
- The quality of the glove and how it’s made
- Powdered or unpowdered
- The comfort of the glove
- The size of the glove
Latex Gloves
Latex gloves are useful where superior dexterity and tactile feel are required, combined with the strength and comfort of 100% natural latex rubber - they are manufactured using a milky fluid derived from the rubber tree, Hevea Brasiliensis. They then go through a number of various processes and chemicals before being formed into a latex glove.
Protective gloves are most closely associated with medical and dental laboratory use. However since these types of gloves are excellent in protecting your hands from a number of chemicals, latex gloves are now widely used in a number of industries and have become common in the household.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and are latex-free (made from synthetic rubber). They are less form-fitting (i.e. fit more loosely) than latex and nitrile, and will puncture easier. Also, the level of protection is much lower than using latex or nitrile. They are normally used for cleaning, food prep, and other industrial environments and generally cost less than latex or nitrile.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves are a synthetic glove suitable for all situations where latex or vinyl gloves would be worn. They are manufactured using synthetic latex, contain no latex proteins, and are three times more puncture resistant than natural rubber. They offer superior resistance to punctures and abrasions and are also used for protection against a variety of chemicals. Nitrile material also has a naturally low coefficient of friction, making them easy to don (put on). Below are some reasons why nitrile gloves would be chosen over latex or vinyl.
- No protein Allergen
- Anti Static behaviour
- Good chemical resistance
- High puncture resistance
- High flexibility
- Solvent resistant
Below is a table covering the strengths and weaknesses of the gloves.
LATEX GLOVES |
NITRILE GLOVES |
VINYL GLOVES |
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Protection |
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Allergy |
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Comfort |
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Elasticity |
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Price |
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Durability |
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Skin² Disposables gloves
Latex Gloves
Features
- Examination Quality – AQL 1.5
- Ambidextrous
- Excellent strength and dexterity
- Increased sensitivity, comfortable and fitting
- Textured for improved grip
- Available powdered for easy use, or powder free for people with sensitive skin and allergies (Note: To lower the risk of possible irritation GE Free cornstarch powder is used rather than talc)
- Low protein levels*:
- Lightly powdered gloves – maximum 150 microgram/g
- Powder free gloves – maximum 30 microgram/g
Application
- Food preparation and handling
- Medical
- Dental
- Veterinary
- First Aid/Emergency Services
- Electronics
- Pharmaceutical
- Automotive Industry
*Protein Levels
It should be noted that high levels of Protein levels in Latex Gloves can lead to allergic reactions including Type | Latex protein hypersensitivity, although sensitivity threshold has not been established.
Extractable protein content of latex gloves has been found to vary from as low as less than 20 microgram/g to as high as greater than 1000 microgram/g (as measured by the RRIM modified Lowry test).
Skin2 brand latex gloves are manufactured in the most modern facility available. This helps keep the protein at the lowest possible levels. When comparing gloves a certified test stating protein levels should be requested.
Vinyl Gloves - Natural and Blue
Features- Ambidextrous
- For use in the food processing and handling industries and general lab use
- Available powdered for easy use, or powder free for people with sensitive skin and allergies (Note: To lower the risk of possible irritation GE Free cornstarch powder is used rather than talc)
- Blue vinyl gloves – to reduce the risk of cross contamination
- Food preparation and handling
- Delicatessens
- Hospitality/Catering
- Blue vinyl gloves – generally used for raw foods to avoid the risk of cross contamination
Nitrile Gloves
Features- Examination Quality – AQL 1.5
- Non-sterile, ambidextrous, single use
- 100% Nitrile, a synthetic co-polymer
- Latex and Protein Free
- Beaded cuff for added strength and easy donning
- 3 times more puncture resistant of natural rubber or vinyl gloves
- Chemical resistant to a wide range of chemicals
- Close fitting protrection with a high level of resistance to nuisance nicks, cuts and abrasions
- Offers superior splash protection against irritating chemicals
- Powder free for irritation or contamination concerns
- Available in standard or extra length (290mm cuff)
- As for latex but where extra chemical resistance or strength is required, or latex sensitivity is a problem