When it comes to effective hand protection, you need to choose the right glove for the task. Latex gloves have traditionally been the industry standard in medical, industrial, and cleaning spaces for years. More recently, nitrile gloves have gained traction as an alternative because of better performance and lower risk. If you are struggling to choose between the two options, knowing the difference between nitrile gloves vs latex gloves may help you choose wisely.
Here is a detailed comparison of nitrile gloves vs latex gloves to assist you in deciding which is a better option.
What Makes Latex Gloves Unique
Latex gloves are made from natural rubber. This is the reason they are soft, flexible, and can be comfortably worn for a long time. They are very close-fitting and also provide great sensitivity, which is the main reason why the majority of medical workers have been using them for a long time.
Benefits of Latex Gloves
Latex is a material that has a very high elasticity, and as a result, gloves made out of this material can stretch easily without tearing. In addition, these gloves provide a good grip, which is a great advantage in medical and laboratory environments.
Generally, the price of latex gloves is lower than that of nitrile gloves, making them an attractive choice for places that require a large usage of gloves.
Drawbacks of Latex Gloves
The single most considerable drawback of latex gloves is definitely the risk of latex allergies. Numerous individuals have symptoms that initially appear as mere skin irritation and then develop into more serious allergic reactions. Therefore, the use of latex gloves in areas where employees or customers may be allergic is absolutely forbidden.
Besides that, latex will go through its ageing process more rapidly if it is exposed to oils, chemicals, or if it is cleaned with a strong cleaning agent. As a result, they are not suitable for heavy-duty workplaces.
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Why Nitrile Gloves Are Becoming the Preferred Option
Nitrile gloves are made of synthetic rubber and, therefore, are free of latex allergens. The material has been significantly improved throughout the years so that now nitrile is as good as or even better than latex in strength and comfort.
Benefits of Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile is one of the most puncture-resistant materials known. Thus, it is a safer option for healthcare workers, auto mechanics, janitors, and any other workers who use sharp tools or work with hazardous materials.
Furthermore, Nitrile is resistant to oil, solvents, and many chemicals. This strength is the main reason why a large number of industrial sectors have opted for nitrile gloves over latex ones.
Modern nitrile gloves are also considerably softer and more pliable than the gloves made in the past. They resemble the feel of latex while giving better protection and a longer wear time.
Read More: What to Look for When Buying Industrial-Grade Nitrile Gloves
Drawbacks of Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves can be more expensive compared to latex gloves, but the price gap has narrowed over the years. There are also a few people who think that nitrile cannot provide the same amount of finger sensitivity as latex. However, for the majority of work, the difference is hardly noticeable.
Comparing Nitrile Gloves vs Latex Gloves
Let us find out which one is better in terms of features:
- Comfort and Fit:
Latex gloves are a little more flexible by nature; however, contemporary nitrile gloves are quite similar and comfortable to almost everyone. - Allergy Safety:
Nitrile is far ahead of the competition. As it is artificially made, chances of facing allergies are less and is thus safe for any kind of workplace. - Strength and Durability:
Nitrile is tougher in terms of resisting punctures, chemicals, and oils. Whereas latex is a decent performer, it is less durable and will break down faster in hard situations. - Cost:
Generally, latex is less expensive; however, nitrile is a better investment in the long run as it has a longer lifespan and provides protection against a greater number of hazards. - Versatility:
Nitrile can be used in medical, food, automotive, cleaning, and industrial sectors. While latex can still be used in medical settings, it is restricted in certain areas.
Read More: Nitrile, Latex, vs Vinyl Gloves
Which One Is Better?
Nitrile gloves provide more safety, are more durable, and can be used for a wider range of tasks or workplaces than most other types of gloves. The reason that many users prefer nitrile gloves over latex gloves is that they do not cause allergies.
Latex gloves are still used in situations where comfort and high precision are the main factors, and where the risk of allergic reactions is negligible. But today’s nitrile gloves offer nearly all the same advantages as latex gloves.
Final Thoughts
The decision to use nitrile or latex is primarily dependent on the kind of requirements you have; however, for the majority of users, nitrile is the best all-around option. Nitrile gloves are the most efficient and trustworthy means of protection in hospitals, during cleaning, food handling, or in any kind of industrial environment.
With comfort and flexibility getting better, nitrile is the first choice when comparing nitrile gloves vs latex gloves. If you are interested to buy nitrile gloves in bulk, shop today!
