With so many types of disposable gloves available on today’s market, it can be hard to know what you need, so here’s what you need to know.
When trying to decide what type of medical gloves you need, it can get a little confusing. There are nitrile, latex and vinyl gloves. Some are powdered and some powder free. So which type of glove is right for you? Let’s go through the different benefits of each one.
Latex Gloves
Latex is a natural rubber material. Latex gloves are a first choice for most healthcare facilities as they have a great fit, and they are extremely flexible. They are also very good for cases involving infections, providing full safety for the patient and caregiver. The problem that often arises is that many people are sensitive to latex. However for those who do not have latex sensitivity, latex gloves will offer full protection and high quality performance.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are a cheaper option of gloves and offer basic protection. The one thing to keep in mind is that some vinyl gloves can be very thin, thus making it easy to rip. Vinyl gloves are usually the choice in the food industry or even in the healthcare industry where protection is not needed that much. They can be used for general use and are almost always latex free.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves are probably the gloves that offer the best protection from contamination and infection. It has much of the same flexibility as latex, however in certain instances nitrile can provide better protection. In most instances it is also more expensive. Nitrile gloves are a great alternative for those that are allergic to latex. They are normally made in blue or black, thus giving you the ability to see if they have been punctured.
The sizing of the gloves you choose is also important if you want to get the most out of your gloves. When a glove is too tight, it can rip very easily when it touches something sharp. For those who wear gloves for long periods of time, gloves that are too tight can also get very uncomfortable. It is therefore recommended to wear a glove that is slightly loose-fitting.
Another thing to look for when purchasing gloves is if they are medical grade. A lot of disposable gloves are not made for protection against contamination and infections. When needing a glove for most healthcare purposes, you want and need that protection. Medical grade or exam gloves go through testing and have to meet certain standards of quality.
To learn more about the many glove options and their benefits, check out our comprehensive guide on disposable gloves.
Disclaimer: No information presented on this website or in this guide is medical advice or intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician. All information on this website concerning medical conditions is from publicly available sources.
