If you happen to work in an environment that requires hand protection, or simply looking to safeguard yourself while doing tasks at home, our comparison on nitrile vs latex gloves will set you on the right path to choosing which is best for you or your staff.
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It was created specifically for those who are evaluating their options for a reliable way to keep their hands out of harm's way. With that in mind, let's dive into the details that will set these two popular types of gloves apart from each other.
Nitrile gloves are a type of disposable glove made from synthetic rubber known as nitrile butadiene rubber. They were originally developed as a solution to the allergic reactions that some individuals experience with natural latex gloves. Nitrile gloves are known for their flexibility, durability, and resistance to chemicals, oils, and punctures.
This makes them a popular alternative to latex gloves in many industries, including healthcare, food handling, and industrial settings. Nitrile gloves are also latex-free and allergy-friendly, offering a reliable option for those with latex sensitivities.
Nitrile gloves are widely used across various industries due to their high durability and resistance to chemicals and punctures.
They are commonly used in:
Nitrile gloves are also popular in the automotive industry and for general maintenance work due to their ability to withstand exposure to oils and mechanical wear.
Latex gloves are a type of disposable glove made from natural rubber latex. They are known for their excellent elasticity, flexibility, and fit, providing a high level of comfort and tactile sensitivity.
Latex gloves are often favored in situations that require precision and dexterity, such as medical procedures or detailed work. However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the proteins found in natural latex, which has led to the development of alternatives like nitrile and vinyl gloves.
Latex gloves are commonly used in the healthcare industry, especially in medical and dental settings, where a high level of protection and tactile sensitivity is required.
They are ideal for:
While they provide excellent protection, their use may be limited in environments where individuals have latex allergies.
Although they are manufactured to serve the same basic purpose - provide a barrier between your skin and harmful or unclean substances, they do differ in various ways. These differences can determine if nitrile or latex would be better for your particular circumstances.
Below you will find a breakdown of qualities that are typically important to the end-user, and how each glove type compares to the other:
For those of you who may be interested in what elements are used in the manufacturing process, let's take a closer look:
Latex Gloves: The main component that makes up this particular glove is the sap that's derived from rubber trees, also known as Hevea Brasiliensis. The tree sap is comprised of a natural combination of various proteins and lipids. Chemical compounds are added to the sap; this includes ammonia, sulfur, pigments, zinc oxide, antioxidants, and thiurams to accelerate the rubber hardening process, as well as anti-webbing agents.
People tend to like latex gloves because they feel comfortable and like a second skin, which is especially advantageous if you require dexterity when using your gloves. This is one reason surgical gloves tend to be made out of latex.
Nitrile Gloves: They're created from what is called nitrile butadiene rubber, which is a copolymer that's formed by the process of bonding two molecules - butadiene and acrylonitrile. Acrylonitrile boosts the chemical resistance of the gloves, and butadiene makes the gloves strong so that they can resist tears and punctures. Because of made by an artificial process, nitrile is known as a synthetic rubber.
Other elements that are used in the manufacturing process are chlorine and polymer which aids in making the surface less friction-resistant for easy glove removal, as well as water, bleach, calcium carbonate, calcium nitrate, and petroleum. Nitrile doesn&#;t contain the same proteins that are found in latex, which is why it's safer for people with latex allergies.
It&#;s a common misconception that nitrile gloves contain latex.
This has come about as a result of how nitrile gloves are made. To make nitrile gloves, rubber is taken from rubber trees and processed into latex. Then, they are processed again until they become the nitrile compound, and it&#;s during this stage that their latex proteins are eliminated.
Having to undergo additional processing is what used to make nitrile gloves expensive, but thanks to technological advancements their price has decreased.
If your line of work exposes you to chemicals of any type, it's worth researching what hand protection will stand up to hazardous chemicals the best. Nitrile gloves have been tested and rated with high chemical resistance and outperforms latex in this category. This is due, in part, to the acrylonitrile copolymers that give it a protective quality.
Here is a clear example of this material's ability to withstand chemical exposure - In a list of 71 chemicals, both glove types were rated against a particular substance, and the results concluded that nitrile had a mark of excellence protecting against 44 chemicals on the list, and latex had an excellence rating for only 24 of the 71 chemicals. Although latex gloves provides quality protection against many elements, chemical resistance is not one of its strong points.
Nitrile gloves are also greaseproof and oilproof. This is one big advantage over latex, which may break down when exposed to oil.
It's worth noting that with any single-use disposable glove, they should be subjected to the chemical for only a brief amount of time; long-term exposure is not recommended.
Both latex or nitrile gloves can be worn with confidence when the task that's being performed requires working with water or other liquid substances. A quality hand covering will keep your hands clean and dry in damp environments, or when working with water-based materials, and the like. This makes them especially useful within the cleaning industry, with restaurant dishwashing staff, professional car wash establishments, and the like.
When a hand product is labeled as waterproof, this also means that other substances such as blood and bodily fluids will be kept at bay.
So, for the question at hand - which is more water-resistant? The answer is that no matter which of the two glove types you wear, they are both equal in their ability to keep water and other liquids from reaching your hands.
In the case of latex vs. nitrile gloves in regards to allergies, without a doubt, nitrile comes out on top. Although there are some who may have an allergic reaction to nitrile, which can be caused by a sensitivity to the rubber accelerators used to create them, it's not very common at all.
In contrast, allergies happen on a much larger scale with latex vs non latex gloves. Latex in general is an allergen, and there are many individuals who have mild to severe allergy symptoms when they come into contact with this material. Latex gloves also often have a powdered coating to make them easier to handle, but people can experience reactions to this powder, such as in the form of skin irritation and respiratory distress.
Nitrile gloves are latex-free and safe for use by those with skin sensitivities. If you, or any of your staff members have skin allergies, you will want to read this article we created on the topic of what hand protection is best for those with latex allergies.
Additionally, if you do not have an allergy such as this, but you work directly with patients, latex should not be used because your patients may have an allergic reaction. Furthermore, care must be taken if you're in the food prep industry. Latex gloves should be avoided because the food that is being handled could be consumed by those with latex allergies.
Because they are very close in their level of sensitivity, the difference between latex and nitrile gloves when it comes to the sense of touch, can be determined by the end-user. Even so, we will go over a few details regarding this topic:
Latex Gloves: They feature a great sense of touch, as well as a snug fit. Some refer to them as having a "second-skin comfort level". This is why they have been preferred by doctors who perform surgical procedures, as well as nurses.
However, it's most likely the case that it would need to be confirmed that the patient does not have a latex allergy first. If you're a nurse doing research on the topic, you will want to review our article titled - What Type of Disposable Gloves Should Nurses Wear &#; Nitrile or Latex?
Nitrile Gloves: This type of hand protection also offers a snug fit, with good tactile sensitivity. Manufacturers have made great progress in bringing this glove type up to par with latex in regards to sense of touch, which makes them a great alternative for those needing to retain tactile sensitivity without the threat of an allergy attack. To achieve this, they have been made thinner while keeping the strength and durability that they are known for.
In addition to this, one aspect of nitrile gloves that attracts those looking for tactile sensitivity, and the ability to grasp small items, is the fact that they conform to the hand as they are exposed to the warmth of the skin - mimicking a shrink-wrap effect.
In sum, although latex has a reputation for being great in its ability to retain the sense of touch, nitrile can also meet the standards of those looking for this quality. Both pass the test for tactile sensitivity needs.
When it comes to nitrile gloves vs latex gloves in a puncture and tear resistance comparison, nitrile holds up the best. Not only in the puncture and tear resistance itself, but also its ability to reveal them. This is an essential element because if a glove was punctured and it goes unnoticed, the hands can be exposed to hazardous substances such as patient blood or pathogens.
Why is nitrile less likely to tear? Because it's a thicker and more durable material - this is in part to the butadiene that is used in creating flexibility and resistance to tears. Plus, it has been shown that nitrile hand products are 3 to 5 times more durable than latex.
When it comes to strength and tear resistance, latex just doesn't hold up as well. So those working in industries where hand exposure could be detrimental, a nitrile product would be more appropriate. Also, latex is known to not reveal tiny holes and tears as easily as its counterpart.
For latex-based gloves, powder that's applied during the manufacturing process can help lessen the friction when hand coverings are put on and taken off. This is important when working in an industry where frequent glove changing is essential. However, the powder, which is typically a cornstarch base, can irritate the skin for some, and powder is not recommended while working with food.
Concerning low friction, what is the difference between latex and nitrile gloves? Nitrile has lower friction that's created during the manufacturing process. This is accomplished by applying a special coating that is meant to ease friction. This means that no powder is needed.
All things considered, nitrile is the better choice for those who work in an environment where gloves would need to be switched out often.
In a price comparison for nitrile gloves vs. latex, you will typically find that nitrile is slightly higher. Why is this the case? To begin with, the cost reflects the quality of the product. It's designed to be durable, tear-resistant, and highly protective against chemicals, and it's the best hypoallergenic alternative. These four aspects alone present it as a quality glove and justify the price point.
Because of its reliable protective qualities, nitrile is in high demand, and in turn, this material has become more scarce. This is especially true during the recent global COVID pandemic. Market analysts have revealed that the demand for hand protection has almost doubled in less than a year, from 300 billion gloves to 585 billion, with the numbers growing rapidly. Additionally, production has slowed down in manufacturing facilities due to this worldwide pandemic. Take a moment to review our latest article that covers the strong demand for nitrile gloves during the pandemic.
Because nitrile is labeled a highly reliable glove against viruses, pathogens, and the like, during this time, even the U.S. Strategic National Stockpile's reserves are being depleted. It was reported that they had 72 million in stock in December, but 4.5 billion was their intended target. It's clear that with the current need, the stockpile has come up short. This is a testament to how trustworthy nitrile gloves really are in the eyes of medical professionals, the general public, as well as the government.
In sum, it may be a little higher in price than latex, but when it comes to hand protection, you or your staff's health, well-being, and peace of mind, it's certainly worth the cost. If you're in need of this particular type of hand protection, please visit our Nitrile Gloves product page.
Before you choose between nitrile and latex gloves, it&#;s good to consider what you&#;ll need them for. Both types of gloves can be used for almost all the same purposes, but there are some exceptions.
Latex gloves can be used for general usage, dishwashing, janitorial tasks. When it comes to food cooking and preparation, it&#;s worth bearing in mind that latex gloves are not always recommended as a result of their potential to cause latex allergies. In addition, the powder that&#;s usually used on latex gloves to make them easier to put on and remove can leave behind a residue on food.
Since they have excellent tactile sensitivity, they are recommended for use in healthcare settings, such as medical exams, dental work, and surgery &#; but only if the patient isn&#;t allergic.
Other industries that often use latex gloves include:
Nitrile gloves can be used for many of the same tasks that latex gloves are used for, such as general usage, dishwashing, janitorial work, and medical exams. However, since they are powder-free and latex-free, they can also be used to cook and prepare food. This gives them an edge over latex gloves because it makes them more versatile.
Vinyl gloves usually come up as an alternative to latex because they are also safe to use by people who have latex allergies. They&#;re also inexpensive, easy to put on, and comfortable to wear. This is because they have a looser fit, but that does come with a big drawback - if the fit is too loose, this can interfere with the gloves&#; tactile sensitivity and level of protection.
There are other important drawbacks to know about vinyl gloves. They can&#;t be used in healthcare settings where there&#;s a risk of one coming into contact with bodily fluids and blood.
Vinyl gloves are permeable to viruses in fluids and tend to leak easily. Since they lack the strength and protection that you want from disposable gloves, they are not as effective as latex and nitrile gloves.
Want more information on does nitrile gloves contain latex? Feel free to contact us.
Is Nitrile Better Than Latex?
Whether nitrile is better than latex depends on the specific needs of the task at hand. Nitrile gloves offer several advantages over latex, particularly for individuals with latex allergies, as they are made from synthetic rubber and are allergy-free. Nitrile gloves are also more resistant to punctures, chemicals, and oils, making them ideal for industrial, medical, and high-risk environments.
However, latex gloves provide a superior fit, flexibility, and tactile sensitivity, which makes them ideal for tasks that require precision and dexterity, such as surgeries or detailed medical procedures.
In summary, nitrile is generally better for tasks requiring higher durability and chemical resistance, while latex may be preferred in situations where comfort and tactile sensitivity are key. The choice ultimately depends on the nature of the task and any allergy concerns.
Which Gloves Are Better, Latex, Vinyl or Nitrile?
The best choice between latex, vinyl, and nitrile gloves depends on the specific requirements of the task and any potential allergy concerns.
Latex gloves offer excellent elasticity, fit, and tactile sensitivity, making them ideal for tasks requiring precision, such as medical procedures. However, latex can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, which limits its use in certain settings.
Vinyl gloves are a cost-effective option and are best suited for low-risk, short-term tasks such as food handling or general cleaning. They are less durable and flexible than latex or nitrile and offer limited protection against chemicals and punctures.
Nitrile gloves are highly durable, resistant to chemicals, punctures, and oils, making them ideal for high-risk or industrial environments. They also do not cause latex allergies, offering a safer alternative for individuals with sensitivities to latex.
In summary:
Thoroughly researching the best disposable gloves for your intended use is a wise path to take. With that said, we hope that our nitrile vs latex gloves comparison has been helpful in deciding between these two popular glove types.
If you have any questions regarding which product is appropriate for you or your staff, don't hesitate to contact us.
Or, if you have already come to a conclusion as to which glove you prefer, simply visit our Nitrile or Latex product pages. If you're making an order for your organization we also offer bulk latex gloves and bulk nitrile gloves.
Check out our special selection for gloves and save up to 50% today!
Let us look into the characteristics of disposable 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.
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.
Some benefits of nitrile gloves include:
Some cons of using nitrile gloves include:
There are 3 key factors to consider when choosing the right nitrile gloves (NBR gloves) for your needs:
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:
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 environmentsSelecting 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) are suitable for the following occasions:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of nitrile blue gloves. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.