In many environments, an alternative option for latex gloves must always be in place. Latex has a multitude of benefits in its favour, but the presence of latex allergies will consistently require a backup option to be easily accessible. When it comes to synthetic gloves that don’t contain latex, the two options are usually vinyl or Nitrile gloves. Each type comes with a number of advantages, so here is a brief look into some of these considerations.
Nitrile
Nitrile gloves usually display characteristics that echo those of rubber, and each glove is generally treated with a range of chemicals to increase relevant properties like strength and elasticity. It is the synthetic polymer used to create Nitrile gloves that enables them to be safely used around sufferers with a latex allergy. Nitrile gloves exhibit excellent properties of durability, and thus provide a great amount of protection for the wearer’s hands. The elastic texture of Nitrile also fits the hands as well as could be conceivably expected, and they can also be manufactured in different colours and even complex textures as well.
Vinyl
Disposable vinyl gloves are typically formed from PVC resins, and this common material also avoids any conflict with latex allergies; just like the aforementioned Nitrile gloves. The key difference really comes when one compares their properties of elasticity and protective qualities to Nitrile gloves, as vinyl gloves usually lose out in this respect. They do still offer an effective temporary barrier against contamination, and ‘stretch’ varieties are available to increase flexibility, but Nitrile gloves will still win in these respects more often than not. However, both types of glove are ultimately disposable, and the fact that vinyl gloves are by far the cheaper option is a significant point in their favour.
Essentially, the choice between Nitrile and vinyl gloves will always come down to the weighing of quality against cost. For an industry dealing with frequent exposure to strong chemicals, the durability of Nitrile gloves is an essential safeguard. Inversely, for a food preparation sector, the extreme inexpensiveness of vinyl gloves will mean that these products can be regularly disposed of at will, without any qualms. In this latter environment, the slightly less robust properties of vinyl will also not be of much concern.
There is ultimately no wrong decision when choosing between Nitrile and vinyl, and it is instead a selection which is largely based on specific circumstances. Whichever you elect to purchase, here at Glove Club we are a leading supplier of premium quality gloves that can ensure your every need is met. To find out more, please contact us now.
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