What Is The Difference Between Vinyl Gloves and Nitrile Gloves?
For anyone in the healthcare industry, disposable gloves play an essential role in providing crucial personal protective equipment. They protect nurses and other healthcare professionals from being exposed to dangerous microorganisms and dangerous chemicals, but they have become a symbol of hygienic care across numerous industries.
Depending on your choice, they each contain different ingredients and are best suited for specific medical environments and less suitable for others. Investing in the wrong option could mean wasted money and resources on products that aren’t suitable for your industry.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves offer a low cost alternative to latex and nitrile gloves. Best suited for people working within organizations that handle non-hazardous material such as food and beverage industries. Because they are loose-fitting and have less elasticity than latex or nitrile gloves, they can sometimes be less comfortable for prolonged wear. Since vinyl gloves only offer minimal protection, you’ll typically find them used for shorter periods where tasks are about 5 minutes or less.
If you have suffered an allergic reaction from latex gloves previously, you will take comfort knowing that reports of allergic reactions to vinyl are virtually non-existent. The most common issues from wearing vinyl gloves include skin irritations caused by their lack of ventilation.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile is made with synthetic rubber, durable, and offers more protection from hazardous chemicals in the workplace. They were first introduced in the 1990s as an alternative to latex after scientists discovered that latex could cause allergic reactions due to some of its natural properties. Originally designed with the healthcare industry in mind, they have become iconic for other laboratories and manufacturing industries worldwide.
Due to their versatility and reduced chances of allergic reactions, nitrile gloves have become one of the most popular choices for disposable gloves today. Nitrile gloves now typically cost less than the average latex gloves, making them the optimal choice for many industries. One of the main advantages to companies investing in nitrile gloves is that they are much harder to puncture or tear.
Whether in a laboratory or on an active frontline with patients, the ability to reduce your chances of contaminates and hazardous materials coming in contact with your skin is essential. When deciding which gloves are best suited for your employees, consider the points outlined above to ensure you are taking proactive steps to protect your team. If you’re still unsure about which option to invest in, contact the team at iPromo. We offer an array of personal protective equipment, including both nitrile and vinyl gloves in bulk. Let our team help your team stay safe.
More Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between nitrile and latex Gloves?