Disposable gloves are generally made from one of these two materials: latex and vinyl. In this blog we will explore what makes these gloves different from each other.
VINYL vs. LATEX Which to Choose?
Vinyl gloves are latex free and so are suitable for anyone wearing protective gloves that may have a latex allergy. They are a great fit for most people and provide more agility so hands can move freely enabling most tasks to be done quickly and efficiently. For low risk tasks where gloves are needed for short periods, vinyl gloves are a suitable, low cost option.
Vinyl gloves are produced from the granules of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), one of the most common plastics, and plasticizers (mostly phthalates). PVC is rigid plastic but when mixed with phthalates becomes flexible and moldable. Vinyl gloves comply with regulations concerning plastic materials (both for Medical Devices and materials intended for food contact norms), unlike Latex gloves which comply with Rubber related norms. Vinyl gloves have also raised a red flag in terms of their environmental impact, as noted by Health & Safety International.
Due to their low cost and low protection levels, vinyl gloves are commonly used in non-hazardous and low-infection environments.
BENEFITS OF VINYL GLOVES OVER LATEX
Vinyl offers standard protection when handling most chemicals and it’s very soft
And comfortable to wear. Comparatively, vinyl is the least favorable fabric or material for manufacturing gloves. The main reason for this is because vinyl is less durable than latex, and less sensitive to touch than the other fabrics or materials.
Vinyl is manufactured in a way to enable stretch and versatility whilst they are also able to hold up against punctures, stretch and general wear and tear. They can be used for healthcare tasks; keeping hands safe from contamination they do not cause any skin allergies or reactions. Vinyl gloves are excellent for any low-risk tasks requiring hygienic protection and are a less expensive option than latex
Vinyl gloves have a wide range of advantages. They are cost-effective, latex-free, anti-static, and flexible.
Because of their anti-static nature, vinyl gloves can be useful when working with wires and cords. When working with cords, vinyl gloves are useful to protect hands against chafing
OPTIONS FOR THOSE WITH ALLERGIES
Allergic reactions to vinyl gloves are pretty much nonexistent and reports of allergic reactions are rare. While people do complain of an allergic response from wearing vinyl gloves, the problem is actually a skin irritation from lack of ventilation whilst wearing the gloves. The hand will perspire and irritate the skin as the glove traps the heat and perspiration inside the glove.
The substance used to create vinyl gloves is also known as PVC-polyvinyl chloride and is one of the most widely used, readily available plastics in the manufacturing of protective gloves. The durability and protective properties of PVC enables gloves to be made as an alternative to natural rubber and replaces latex as an allergen free alternative.
Another benefit of PVC is its low cost and couple with its biological and chemical resistance vinyl gloves become the most versatile protective glove across the industries and are suitable for household tasks. Next time you’re completing a task such as food prep, or looking to order some gloves to protect your hands whilst performing tasks such as low risk healthcare jobs, consider how much better the job would be performed by choosing flexible, adaptable vinyl gloves. So when deciding what glove is most suitable. Ask yourself; how much protection do I need? And do I need to consider potential allergies?
WHAT ARE LATEX GLOVES?
Disposable latex gloves are produced with natural latex from the rubber tree and have greater resistance to punctures and tears. Often they are used by those who work in contact with biological material thanks to the fact that latex gloves guarantee greater control of the level of micro-holes and a level of impermeability superior to other disposable gloves on the market.
Disposable latex gloves powder free professional gloves of different colors: black latex gloves, blue latex gloves, green latex gloves with aloe for care and protection of hands, latex gloves white with colloidal oats to prevent hand irritation and dermatitis. They are widely used in healthcare and medical fields, as well as many other workplace applications, around the globe.
WHY CHOOSE LATEX GLOVES?
One of the advantages of latex gloves is that they are very tactile and are hence highly preferred for sensitive applications like surgery. A practical benefit of latex gloves is that they are very durable, flexible, and comfortable to wear. Latex gloves are an excellent choice when dealing with biological, chemical hazards and water-based materials making it an ideal choice for those who come into contact with patients during medical examinations, dentistry, care work and veterinary work. It’s also very hard to detect lacerations or puncture holes in latex.
Latex gloves are an effective shield for the hands and wrists against certain chemicals, including detergents, alcohols, biohazards such as viruses and bacteria, bodily fluids, abrasive materials, and more. With a high level of flexibility, protection and comfort, disposable latex gloves are suitable for most medical environments. As long as latex allergies are not an issue, they offer a high degree of touch sensitivity.
Do Latex Gloves Offer Far More Protection Than Vinyl?
Latex gloves offer a high degree of protection against a broad range of hazards, including chemical and biohazards, and abrasive or tearing hazards. Latex provides a greater level of strength and protection against punctures and tears than vinyl gloves. They also offer wearers a snugger fit and a greater level of stretch, making them more comfortable for extended use, and providing superior dexterity.
Disposable latex gloves can also protect users against exposure to potentially harmful materials such as cleaning products and detergents, alcohols, and biohazards. For these reasons, they’re a popular choice in cleaning and janitorial roles, care work, and domestic work. Where there are stronger chemicals involved, including oil-based chemicals, nitrile gloves are once again, often a more suitable alternative.
Finally, in workplaces where latex allergies are deemed to be a risk, a synthetic glove material such as vinyl or nitrile glove (or a vinyl/nitrile blend) may be preferred.
For help in selecting the right glove material for your medical use, browse our full range of Gloves from avacaremedical.com today.
