To the casual user, the wide range of disposable gloves may not seem to offer much difference from one product to another. However, when choosing a glove for your protection it is very important to choose a glove that meets your needs. This may vary from the need of comfort or dexterity to the need for chemical protection. The fit, the level of protection and the possibility of allergic reactions are all factors that need considering. Take a moment to study our guide to choose the right glove for your application.
Latex Gloves
Latex Gloves made out of Natural Rubber are the glove of chose for comfort and fit and dexterity.
- Latex Gloves provide a high level of flexibility & comfort alongside good protection
- Robust & Reliable – Latex gloves provide a good level of chemical protection, infection & contamination
- Available in Powdered or Powder free
- Can cause Latex allergies
- Costs can fluctuate dependent on weather or season
Summary: Latex Gloves are more elastic than Nitrile and more puncture resistant than Vinyl
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl Gloves are the cheaper alternative to Latex & Nitrile and are the glove of chose for situations where durability and high level protection is not a priority such as in the food industries.
- Latex free – reducing the risk of allergic reactions
- Great for basic hand protection
- Cheap alternative to Latex & Nitrile
- Available in clear or blue, Powdered or Powder free (In some applications Red, Green & Yellow are used)
- Not as good a fit as Latex or Nitrile
Summary: Vinyl Gloves are stronger than Polythene but more cost effective than Latex & Nitrile offering basic hand protection for short term low risk tasks
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile Gloves are made from synthetic rubber and are the glove of choice for puncture resistance & chemical protection.
- Latex free – reducing the risk of allergic reactions
- Are highly puncture & chemical resistant
- Good for dexterity & sensitivity – a comfortable fit
- Superior to Latex as provides protection against petroleum based products
- More expensive to produce than Vinyl & Latex
Summary: The most expensive disposable glove option but with superior performance in a variety of work environments with special mention the puncture & chemical resistant properties
Synthetic Gloves
Synthetic Gloves are hypo-allergenic and durable making them a suitable choose for a wide range of applications.
- Latex free – reducing the risk of allergic reactions
- Very comfortable to wear, even with prolonged use
- Softer, more flexible and greater sensitivity than Vinyl & Nitrile
- Better fit than Vinyl, but less Chemical resistant than Nitrile
Summary: These durable, well fitting gloves are perfect for medical, laboratory and food environments, especially where high exposure to chemicals is not required.
Superstretch Gloves
Superstretch Gloves are allergen free and offer an environmentally friendly and cost effective option to Vinyl.
- Lower cost alternative to Vinyl
- More puncture resistant than polythene
- Food Safe & Odourless
- Skin friendly – no latex, softeners & silicone
- Suitable for short term use as limited protection offered
Summary: Most economically viable glove for food handling and short term cleaning tasks
At Gloves4U we aim to be able to provide you with whichever disposable glove your tasks requires – if you are still unsure after reading the above article, please call us on +44 (0) 113 237 2555 for more information!