Are you confused about which type of medical gloves to buy? Choosing the right type can be a bit confusing if you’re not sure about the material or its environmental impact.
If you need new gloves, you may wonder whether nitrile or latex gloves are better. Both are popular, but you should know how they vary and which is the right choice for your particular needs.
If you work in the healthcare field, disposable gloves are a must-have! Here’s a look at the differences between nitrile and latex gloves.
What Are Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile gloves are made from synthetic materials. These materials are derived from petroleum.
Nitrile gloves are popular with hobbyists, tattoo artists, doctors, and surgeons. Many hospitals only use medical-grade nitrile due to its strength and level of puncture protection.
Nitrile gloves are used in a variety of settings, including healthcare, chemical labs, and construction sites. Nitrile mimics latex and provides superior protection for your hands.
Nitrile is hypoallergenic and these types of gloves have become the standard for those with latex allergies. Nitrile has its advantages.
- Nitrile is durable, strong, and resistant to tears and punctures
- Nitrile gloves come in a variety of colors so tears and stains are easily visible
- Medical-grade nitrile is resistant to solvents and chemicals
- Nitrile gloves are resistant to body oils
- Nitrile products are hypoallergenic
Nitrile gloves are latex free. Latex allergies can be quite serious and even life-threatening.
In extreme cases, reactions can result in anaphylaxis. Nitrile gloves are the perfect solution for those with latex allergies.
Disadvantages of Using Nitrile Gloves
Here’s what to look out for:
- More expensive than latex
- Not as comfortable as latex
- Less tensile strength than latex
- Nitrile isn’t biodegradable
- Production has decreased as demand has increased
Tensile strength is the load the material can tolerate before tearing or cracking. Nitrile is a versatile material with a high degree of tensile strength.
Nitrile gloves offer excellent protection against cuts, tears, and punctures.
What Are Latex Gloves?
Latex gloves are strong and a popular choice in the medical and industrial fields. Some advantages of using latex gloves include:
- A smooth, snug fit similar to a second skin
- More dexterity and sensitivity
- Good choice for precise applications, such as surgery
- Lightly powdered and easy to put on and remove
- Highly elastic which increases their strength
They’re a good choice for everyday use.
Disadvantages of Using Latex Gloves
On the other hand, latex gloves have downsides:
- Latex causes allergic reactions in some wearers
- Latex can trigger patient allergies as well
- Second-skin fit can make it difficult to detect punctures or tears
- Not the best choice for handling chemicals or solvents
Latex once was the main choice for gloves, balloons, catheters, prophylactics, and more. The widespread use of latex resulted in skin irritation and allergies.
These types of allergies can be severe. Due to increasing levels of allergic reactions, the industry found nitrile gloves to be a good alternative.
For those who aren’t allergic, latex gloves are cheaper and more comfortable. They have a high degree of touch sensitivity and are a popular choice with surgeons who need a tactile feel while working.
Difference Between Nitrile and Latex Gloves
Both latex and nitrile gloves are made from rubber and are quite durable. The main difference is that nitrile contains different proteins from the ones found in latex.
Although both are good products, people tend to favor one over the other. The main reason people choose nitrile over latex is they are less irritating and less likely to cause allergic reactions to those who wear them and the people they come in contact with.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Gloves are abundant in the healthcare industry. Medical gloves are necessary for single-use personal protective equipment.
Healthcare workers need gloves that are easy to use, elastic, and durable. They depend on gloves every day.
Even before Covid-19, gloves were a staple in the industry. They are even more necessary today.
Latex and nitrile gloves are common forms of PPE. There are a few reasons people prefer one over the other.
Latex is used for PPE due to its comfort and elasticity. For those who want a more tactile feel, latex is a popular choice.
In some people, latex can cause swelling, rashes, or hives. Those with extreme latex sensitivity can have a more profound reaction.
Gloves made from synthetic materials such as polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PCV), and nitrile are safer choices for those with latex sensitivities.
Nitrile is more resistant to chemicals and punctures. In some healthcare settings, nitrile is the safest and most obvious choice for PPE.
Can Latex and Nitrile Gloves Be Reused?
The CDC doesn’t recommend reusing latex or nitrile gloves. They are meant to be a one-use disposable product.
In extreme situations, gloves may have to be reused. In these cases, an alcohol-based sanitizer can be applied to latex and nitrile gloves.
Both types of gloves can maintain their integrity with up to six applications of a sanitizing agent.
The Benefits of Nitrile and Latex Gloves
Both nitrile and latex gloves are superior products. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Latex is more elastic, provides a more tactile feel, and is more environmentally friendly. Nitrile is hypoallergenic, provides reasonable tactile feedback, and is more durable.
Latex allergies are a serious problem today. If you’re purchasing gloves and have any sensitivity to latex, nitrile is the better choice.
It’s a neck-to-neck competition for which product is better. It really comes down to personal preference or which type of gloves your workplace allows.
If you’re looking for latex or nitrile gloves or other high-quality medical PPE products, take a look at what Lifemedz has to offer.
