Which Disposable Gloves Should I Choose?

Which Disposable Gloves Should I Choose?

At Gloves4u, we offer a wide variety of disposable gloves for all professions and occasions but which gloves are for you? This blog will help you choose the right material, strength and size.

Latex, Nitrile or Vinyl?

When it come to disposable gloves, the three most popular materials are latex, nitrile and vinyl. It’s difficult to say which one is best because really, it depends on the work you’re doing as each of these materials serve different purposes.

Latex

Latex is a natural material derived from the rubber tree making it biodegradable. Latex gloves offer elasticity, comfort and strong barrier protection against bacteria and viruses.  They fit tight to the skin and allow for a strong grip. These properties make latex a popular choice in the medical field. They are also a good choice for professions that require maximum dexterity in fine-precision work. For this reason, some tattoo artists prefer latex over nitrile.

The main downside to using latex gloves is latex allergies. Around 1% of the world’s population is allergic to latex. However, among healthcare workers it is estimated that 8-12% are latex sensitive. This is because latex allergies generally develop after repeated exposure to latex. In other words, the more you use latex, the higher the risk of developing an allergy that can progressively worsen. For this reason, many who use disposable gloves on a regular basis prefer nitrile over latex.

Recommended For: Surgeons, Healthcare Staff, Tattoo Artists, Dentists, Vets and Laboratory workers.

Shop our Latex Gloves here:  Latex Gloves – Gloves4u

Nitrile

Nitrile gloves are versatile, strong and widely available with many different options in colour, strength and size. Our nitrile gloves are available in a range of thicknesses. Glove thickness is typically measured in mils, where 1 mil equals one-thousandth of an inch. Thin gloves, typically ranging from 2 to 3 mil in thickness, are ideal for tasks that require high levels of dexterity while thick gloves offer maximum protection from chemicals and punctures making them ideal for mechanics and people working with hazardous chemicals.

One advantage of nitrile gloves over latex is their resistance to oil, fuel and chemicals. You will find some of our gloves are even chemo and fentanyl-rated making them a safe option for Gardaí, first responders and medical staff.

The main disadvantage to nitrile gloves is their elasticity and grip compared to latex. While they still offer a tight fit and dexterity, they are inferior to latex in this regard. Another disadvantage is their sustainability. Unlike latex they are not biodegradable as they are made from synthetic rubber which is derived from petroleum.

Overall, nitrile gloves are a good choice for most tasks. We especially recommend them for people who use disposable gloves on a regular basis such as nail artists, dentists, and frontline workers as they are unlikely to provoke an allergic reaction. For people working with hazardous chemicals such as janitors, mechanics etc they are the best choice in disposable gloves.

Recommended For: Healthcare Staff, Dentists, Vets, Janitors, Nail Artists, Tattoo Artists, Beauticians, Laboratory Workers, Mechanics, Engineers, Frontline Workers and Factory Workers

Shop our nitrile gloves here Nitrile Gloves – Gloves4u

Vinyl

Vinyl gloves are made from PVC which is a thermoplastic polymer. They are the cheapest option when it comes to disposable gloves. Their thin texture means they are less durable than nitrile. They don’t fit tight to the skin like nitrile and latex meaning they are not as protective but they are more comfortable to wear. For this reason, they are recommended for low-risk work such as food preparation and light cleaning.

Unlike nitrile and latex, vinyl has a smooth, slippery texture. This makes vinyl gloves unsuitable for fine-precision work but for things like hair-dressing, vinyl is the ideal choice. The smooth texture will allow your hands to glide smoothly through hair without getting caught.

Recommended For: Catering Industries, Janitorial Work, Hairdressers, Manufacturing lines.

Shop our vinyl gloves here Vinyl Gloves – Gloves4u

Powdered or Powder-Free?

On our website, you will see both powdered and powder-free gloves advertised. What’s the difference and which one should you choose?

Powdered gloves contain a corn-starch powder that absorbs sweat. This makes them easier and quicker to put on and reduces the build up of residue as you work. Powdered gloves are perfect for fast paced work environments and people with sweaty hands. We particularly recommend powdered gloves for cleaners and people working in manufactory assembly lines.

However, the powder carries a contamination risk and in some cases can cause allergic reactions. Even though our powdered gloves are food contact approved, it’s generally not recommended to use powdered gloves for food preparation.

What Size?

Finding the right glove size can be a bit tricky. At first you might think small hand = small glove but some people with small hands have long fingers and vice versa. Use this guide to determine which size is for you.

Measuring Hand Circumference

Wrap a tape measure around the widest part of your hand, excluding the thumb.

Measuring Hand Length

Use a tape measure to measure from the base of your hand to the tip of your middle finger.

What if the Measurements Don’t Correspond to the Same Size?

If the circumference measurement and the length measurement result in two different sizes, go for the larger size.

We hope you found this blog post helpful. At Gloves4u we've got you covered.