Glove Buying Guide
Single Use Exam Glove Buying Guide
The number of options available in single use disposable gloves can be confusing. There are distinctive differences between latex exam gloves, nitrile exam gloves and other materials such as vinyl and neoprene.
Once you determine the best material for your use, the final choice often comes down to personal preference in fit and comfort.
About Nitrile
Advantages of Nitrile:
- Latex-free
- Are most puncture resistant
- Have a high level of sensitivity
- Mold to your hand for a great fit
- Are good for wearing an extended amount of time
- Work well for high-risk situations involving infectious material
- Resist many chemicals
- Have a long shelf life
About Latex
Latex is the most soft and stretchy of the glove materials available, making the gloves extremely comfortable and easy on the hands. Latex gloves are natural material, made out of rubber. Latex Gloves are the most popular material for medical or industrial use. Latex is an ideal choice for these applications in conditions where possible latex allergies are not a concern.
Powder Free latex gloves can help to greatly reduce the chance of developing a latex allergy because removing the powder from the glove removes much of the allergens associated with latex.
Powdered Latex gloves are the original exam glove. The soft and stretchy latex with powder to makes it easy to don the gloves. However, Powdered gloves can be associated with latex allergy. If you are concerned about latex allergy, you should consider choosing Powder Free latex, nitrile or synthetic gloves.
Advantages of Latex:
- Fit like a second skin
- Are good for wearing for an extended amount of time
- Have exceptional touch sensitivity
- Good protection for biological and water-based materials
- Are cost-effective
- Are very elastic and strong
About Vinyl
Vinyl gloves are frequently used in the food industry and in conditions that do not require high levels of protection and durability. Vinyl gloves are a low cost option for short-term use.
Advantages of Vinyl:
- Latex-free
- Have a looser fit
- Are good for short-term, low-risk tasks
- Are the most economic option
- Have anti-static properties
- Are best for use with non-hazardous materials
About Neoprene
Neoprene is a synthetic material closer to natural latex in comfort. That’s because neoprene has a molecular structure that’s closely matched to natural rubber latex. Neoprene offers the comfort and feel of latex along with the barrier protection and strength of nitrile. Neoprene is the ideal choice when exceptional comfort, strength and excellent barrier protection is of utmost importance.
The superior comfort of neoprene is due to its lower modulus when compared to nitrile. The lower modulus results in a softer, more elastic glove. This gives a snug comfortable fit that can help increase dexterity and reduce hand fatigue. In addition, neoprene maintains an excellent grip when wet, offering an important advantage in slippery, dexterity-intense environments.
If you need extra protection against a variety of chemicals or are looking for a more comfortable alternative to other non-latex materials, neoprene gloves are a great choice.