Disposable Nitrile Gloves vs Latex Gloves: What’s the difference?

Disposable gloves are typically made from either latex, nitrile or vinyl. These simple thin single-use gloves provide a physical barrier to common contaminants on site such as some chemicals, bacteria and viruses.

Whilst they have some similarities, there are a number of differences that make certain gloves better for certain applications.

Nitrile gloves for example provide good protection against petroleum products and chemicals however they are generally slightly more expensive than latex. Latex gloves on the other hand offer excellent virus protection and are cheaper, but they have a lower puncture resistance.

Vinyl gloves are cost effective and often more comfortable as they have a looser fit, but they can be susceptible to infection risk and don’t offer the same dexterity as the tighter fitting latex and nitrile.

Advantages of latex gloves

Latex gloves are made from natural latex which is a rubber made from the sap of the rubber tree. Although it can cause allergies in some individuals, latex gloves are still widely used in cleaning, medical and some commercial and industrial applications.

These gloves fit like a second skin and are generally a lower cost option. They offer a high level of dexterity and sensitivity making them ideal for fine or precise work. Latex gloves are sometimes ‘powdered’ with cornstarch on the inside, making them easier to put on.

Plus, because they are a natural product, they are biodegradable.

Advantages of nitrile gloves

Nitrile gloves are a more premium option that offers superior dexterity and strength. They are made from a synthetic rubber and have some stretch, so they fit the hand quite well. Some nitrile gloves are considered ‘medical grade’ if they have been approved as such. This is because the nitrile material provides good protection against infectious material, viruses and bacteria.

Nitrile gloves have a long shelf life and are comfortable when worn for an extended period. Because they are not made of latex they generally don’t cause allergies or sensitivity.

Like most other disposable gloves, they are often available powdered to enable easier wear. Note that for some applications, powdered gloves are not desirable, because the powder mixed with moisture from the wearer’s hands can cause mess and a coating or residue to be left on your hands.

Advantages of vinyl gloves

Vinyl gloves are often used in the food industry and are best for short term tasks where there is little risk of infection or contamination of your hands. They are cheap and loose fitting making them an economical and comfortable option. However, they are usually more susceptible to punctures and do not provide good dexterity. They are also not as resistant to viruses and bacteria as nitrile or latex.

Using disposable gloves to protect against viruses or other types of contamination

Before using disposable gloves, make sure you check each glove as you take it out of the box and ensure there are no punctures, holes or tears. Once you have used your gloves – dispose of them! These styles of gloves are not designed to be re-used so make sure they go in the bin after each use. If hygiene or infection is a concern, use a new pair of gloves for every task to avoid cross contamination or spreading germs.

Lastly, simply wearing gloves does not mean you have clean hands – hand washing is still vital to prevent bacteria and germs from accumulating or transferring to other surfaces. Always wash your hands properly before you put on your disposable gloves.

A note on surgical gloves

Medical grade surgical gloves are usually tested to a higher standard, and packaged so that they are sterile for medical procedures such as blood tests. Surgical or examination gloves can be made from different materials, and are available in sizes so that they offer a perfect fit.

If you are purchasing gloves specifically for medical use or surgical procedures, ensure they are sterile and approved for that particular use, and that they meet the local requirements of your area and industry.