How Do Latex Gloves Differ from Nitrile Gloves?

Along with other personal protective equipment, gloves are also an important thing. They not only act as a protective material but also act as a barrier between germs and your hands. As a result, overall they help in preventing germs from spreading. 

So do you need to buy new gloves? Being both latexes as well as nitrile gloves popular, you must be wondering which to choose. Don't you? With this, also comes to mind- Are both gloves the same? Simply saying, No! Furthermore, there is more to understand about latex gloves and nitrile gloves. 

What are Latex Gloves?

Made of natural gloves, biodegradable material, latex gloves are protective gloves that fit comfortably to the hands. Be it viruses or bacteria, it acts as a protective barrier. They are a common choice in the healthcare industry. Simply put, they are environmentally friendly. 

What are Nitrile Gloves?

Made up of durable, synthetic rubber, nitrile gloves resist punctures and harsh cleaning chemicals. Nitrile gloves are best suited for tasks that require more durability and less dexterity.

What is the Durability of Latex and Nitrile Gloves?

Talking about how long latex gloves last, depends on various variables. The setting you are using your disposable latex gloves is the key aspect that affects how long they will last. You can use one pair of them for roughly 4-6 hours in a hospital or medical setting. 

Besides, you can anticipate getting 12–24 hours from one pair if the environment is a more demanding or high risk, such as in the food service industry. However, unlike latex gloves, nitrile gloves have a much longer shelf life. Simply put, they can last for an average of 5 years. If stored in ideal condition, it can also last 8 years. 

Pros of Latex Gloves 

• Latex gloves are form-fitting enough to allow for unrestricted movement. 
• Latex gloves are comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.
• It suits best jobs that require a high level of cleanliness and motion control.
• The fact that latex gloves are disposable is another major advantage. This means that the gloves may be discarded and replaced following a single use or a few hours. As a result, it lowers the rates of bacterial and viral transmission in healthcare environments.
• Being strongly elastic and lightly powdered, they are easy to put on as well as take off. 

Pros of Nitrile Gloves

• To make it simpler to spot any tears in the gloves, a range of colours are available. Their hues can also serve to cover up contaminants that may be on them, including blood or tattoo ink.
• Nitrile, a substance that resists bodily oils and fats, is typically used to make medical-grade gloves.
• Nitrile gloves are safe for those with latex allergies because they don't contain any latex.
• Nitrile gloves are puncture and chemical-resistant.
• They are long-lasting and durable. 

Cons of Latex Gloves

• Latex gloves are less durable than nitrile and less resistant to abrasive liquids. 
• They are more prone to allergic reactions and punctures as they are powered. 
• It might be challenging to see tears and punctures in latex gloves because of their colour and ability to feel like a second skin.
• Also the protection against chemicals and solvents that latex gloves provide is modest.

Cons of Nitrile Gloves

• They provide less protection from bacteria. 
• Less fitted to the hands and less comfortable. 
• Not biodegradable and restricts ease of movement. 
• Also Nitrile gloves are more expensive than latex gloves. 

When is it Better to Use Latex or Nitrile Gloves?

It's a good idea to think about your needs before deciding between nitrile and latex gloves. Even though these both latex gloves and nitrile gloves are almost used for the same purposes, there are a few things to consider including :

• Use of Latex Gloves

From dishwashing, medical examinations, and janitorial work to any general pictures, latex gloves are appropriate. However, it is important to keep in mind that latex gloves aren't always advised when it comes to cooking and food preparation due to the risk of latex allergies. 

Furthermore, the powder that is typically used to make latex gloves might leave a residue on food, despite the fact that it makes it easy to put on and off. Besides, they are advised for usage in healthcare facilities including dentistry and surgery because of their great tactile sensitivity.

• Use of Nitrile Gloves 

Similar to latex gloves, nitrile gloves are also used for purposes like dishwashing, medical examinations, janitorial work and other general work. Besides, the only difference between latex gloves and nitrile gloves is that they can be used to cook and prepare meals because they are latex- and powder-free. 

Since they are more adaptable as a result, they have an advantage over latex gloves. Gloves made of nitrile are totally waterproof. Therefore, they are also resistant to many chemicals and are grease and oil-proof. They are popularly used among tattoo artists, lab technicians, and surgeons as well as at academic labs.

Do and Don'ts when Storing Gloves 

Here are some things to consider when storing gloves:

Do's

• Do keep your medical gloves in a cool, dry location with low humidity. 
• Also make sure temperatures don't drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or rise above 90 degrees.
• Do not place your gloves near heat sources like steam pipes, motors, or even electrical equipment.
• Do adhere to the shelf-life instructions listed on the gloves' packaging.

Don'ts 

• Avoid exposing your gloves to ozone or UV radiation for an extended period of time. This is because gloves can deteriorate more quickly when exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun or fluorescent lights.
• Make sure not to keep your gloves in a damp environment.
• If you aren't planning to use the gloves, don't remove the seal or open the container, if any. 

Buy your Gloves from the Best Seller

Be it latex gloves or nitrile gloves, choosing the right material should always be the top priority for everyone. Keeping this in mind, we at Medguard are your top medical partner. Stocking the world's most reliable brands, we always look forward to meeting clients' needs. From specific requests, tenders, once-off orders or orders in large bulk quantities, we are always ready to serve you with top-notch products at affordable prices.