Types of Disposable Gloves | How to Choose the Right One?

When you are choosing a disposable glove it can be overwhelming with such a wide variety to choose from. Some of the best gloves are latex gloves, nitrile gloves, vinyl gloves and many other types. The choices are endless! With so many choices available to buy the decision can get overwhelming, and that’s where this guide comes in.

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Purchase disposable gloves that fit your needs. Remember to consider the purpose, quality and if you're allergic to latex. Disposable gloves come in all different types, shapes, uses and prices.

But, how do you choose the best disposable gloves for your needs? In this guide we break it down to make the process of choosing gloves simpler and faster. 

Purposes of Disposable Gloves

Disposable gloves are one of the first lines of defense against common workplace injuries and illnesses. Before you buy them, it is important to know what they are being used for as different uses require different types of disposable gloves.

There are two major uses of  disposable gloves – medical and general purpose. Both have their own uses and adhere to FDA standards, but it's vital that you also understand their differences.

General purpose disposable gloves are commonly used for:

• Food handling
• Gardening
• Household Chores
• Janitorial
• Salons/Spas
• Automotive

On the other hand, medical gloves are commonly used for:

• Examination gloves
• Surgical gloves
• Chemotherapy Gloves
• Other types of healthcare gloves

Disposable gloves are made out of a variety of materials, and each material has its strengths and weaknesses. Different materials will vary in their level of protection against chemicals, dexterity for grasping tools and ease of cleaning. To get the best performance out of your gloves, you'll want to choose the right material.

Types of Disposable Gloves

There are multiple materials that go into making gloves, and knowing which components those gloves are made of can help you select something that will work seamlessly with the things you need it for. The three materials most commonly used in medical gloves are latex, vinyl, nitrile, and polyethylene. But what makes each of them different?

Nitrile Gloves

You will find nitrile gloves useful in many industrial settings, as they are resistant to a wide range of chemicals and other hazardous substances and they have good tensile properties.

Created from synthetic rubber, nitrile is suitable for those with latex allergies, since it does not contain similar proteins that could cause a reaction. These disposable gloves are latex free gloves, produced through a rigorous process that eliminates the proteins.

Nitrile gloves are impervious to water, which makes them excellent for washing up, while they are also resistant to punctures. This makes them perfect for when you need to handle sharp tools, chemicals or biological hazards.

These disposable gloves also offer protection against a variety of substances and conditions, including biological contaminants like fungus. When it comes to handling glass, electronics, paper and other fragile items, nitrile gloves can help keep your hands safe.

Nitrile gloves are available in numerous sizes and colors. They come in a range of thicknesses, and they can be used for general and medical purposes. They are extremely versatile disposable gloves.

Popular users of nitrile gloves include mechanics, medical professionals, tattooists, people with allergies to latex, laboratory workers, and food handlers.

Latex Gloves

Latex gloves are made of a biodegradable material made from the latex produced by rubber trees. Despite the development of synthetic materials, it's still the most popular glove material because gloves are highly elastic and resilient, and form a snug fit.

Latex gloves offer a great deal of flexibility, so they're perfect for many tasks that require a steady hand and fluid movement. Others even commend latex gloves for its "second skin" feels, letting you touch and perform tasks with precision.

Many people find these disposable gloves comfortable to wear and enjoy using them for long periods of time. These disposable gloves are strong and reliable. They prevent the spread of infectious agents and help to contain contamination to a specified area.

Although latex gloves are common gloves, many people experience allergic reactions to it or develop reactions over time. In fact, latex gloves have been prohibited in some states because of their potential to cause an allergic reaction.

Another downside of latex is these gloves are not resistant to many chemicals and they do not provide as much puncture resistance as nitrile gloves.

Latex gloves are great for medical professionals, beauty industry workers, surgeons and others who need a high level of touch sensitivity, as well as advocates of green practices due to its biodegradable features.

Vinyl Gloves

For those who have had problems with allergies to latex or synthetic accelerators in other gloves, vinyl gloves is another good option. These latex free gloves do not contain accelerators or latex which can cause type I and type IV allergies.

Vinyl gloves are made of vinyl—a synthetic, protein-free, non-biodegradable material containing polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers. Plasticizers are added to PVC to make gloves flexible and comfortable.

Vinyl gloves are one of the most affordable types of gloves available, making them a popular choice among healthcare professionals, food handlers, and other people in heavily-gloved fields. They are also often loose-fitting and easy to change.

While vinyl gloves are usually less expensive than latex and nitrile, they offer limited protection against chemicals and disease. In fact, you should avoid using these gloves when handling fatty foods. The oils may leach out the softening agents into the food, causing the glove to become brittle. As a result of these limitations, these gloves are often used in non-hazardous settings where the risk of infection is low.

These gloves are a great choice for anything where you want a thin glove, like food prep (unless the food is greasy). They're thinner than latex, and some people who are allergic to latex can use them easily. You can also wear the, for low risk procedures and non-hazardous materials.

Polyethylene Gloves

Made from polyethylene and designed to be disposable, poly gloves are perfect for light duty tasks. They are the kind of glove with a looser fit to make it easy to pull them on and off.

Polyethylene gloves are a cost-effective form of disposable PPE. They're made from durable material and protect the wearer from contamination and some hazards during light activities.

For many jobs around the house, polythene gloves are just fine. However, they shouldn't be worn while working with chemicals or for medical work. Another disadvantage of polyethylene is its lack of sensitivity. If you require a high level of detail and precision, or if you need to feel the object you are handling—say, for example, you are repairing jewelry— these plastic gloves are not for you. Polythene gloves are too clumsy and feel very loose on the hands.

When you're working in the kitchen, or around food, use a polyethylene gloves for best protection.

Powdered Gloves vs Powder Free Gloves

Powdered and powder-free gloves serve the same purpose: keeping your hands clean while you wear them. However, many practitioners already use non-powdered gloves. In , the FDA banned powdered gloves from operating rooms and other patient-care areas due to concerns about such elements as allergies and sensitivities.

Powdered gloves are easier to put on, especially if you're in a rush. To make these powdered gloves easier to put on, and to prevent them from sticking together, cornstarch powder is added. However, over time the powder can cause skin sensitivities and allergies.

Powder-free gloves are made from material that has been chlorinated to make them less form-fitting and easier to put on and take off. During the process, gloves are placed in a chlorine solution, rinsed with water, and dried. This reduces the amount of powdered residue left on them and also removes some of the proteins found in latex, making powder free gloves safe.

Poly Gloves Vs Vinyl Gloves

When choosing between poly gloves and vinyl gloves, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your tasks. Poly gloves are lightweight and cost-effective, making them ideal for food handling and other low-risk activities. They offer a looser fit and are designed for short-term use, providing basic protection against contaminants. On the other hand, vinyl gloves are more durable and offer a better fit and higher puncture resistance.

They are suitable for low to medium-risk tasks and are often used in healthcare and cleaning environments. While vinyl gloves provide more protection than poly gloves, they are less elastic and comfortable compared to latex or nitrile gloves. Understanding the differences between poly and vinyl gloves can help you select the appropriate type for your needs, balancing protection, comfort, and cost.

Conclusion

If you've ever worked on a job that required protective gloves, it's likely that you just grabbed the cheapest pair of vinyl gloves you could find at the local hardware store and got to work. However, never do that again!

Some people prefer vinyl for their personal preferences. Some nitrile gloves are cost effective, but you will want to choose the highest grade you can afford. Your budget and needs should help you select the best glove for your needs.

The choice of what type of glove to use is a personal decision based on your needs, but if you’re looking for sheer strength and durability in your gloves, you’ll want to go with nitrile or latex gloves. Also, if you are looking for a glove that can withstand most chemicals, look to nitrile gloves. They will also have a higher resistance to tears and punctures.

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In conclusion, the best disposable gloves are the ones that work best for you. Remember that they are disposable and should be treated as such. This means taking care in choosing, using and disposing of your used glove properly.

Where Is The Best Place To Buy Disposable Gloves?

When it comes to choosing the right disposable gloves, the decision can be overwhelming due to the vast variety of options available. To make this process easier and ensure you get the best quality and protection, turn to gloves.com. We offer an extensive selection of high-quality gloves, including latex, nitrile, vinyl, and polyethylene gloves, tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re in healthcare, food preparation, or any other industry, our gloves provide the durability and comfort you require.

Shop with confidence at gloves.com, save up to 50% and enjoy unbeatable prices and exceptional customer service. Protect yourself and others by choosing the best gloves from gloves.com today.

Types of Disposable Gloves: Frequently Asked Questions

What disposable gloves are the best?

The best disposable gloves depend on your specific needs. Nitrile gloves are highly recommended for their durability, chemical resistance, and suitability for those with latex allergies. Latex gloves offer excellent elasticity and fit, making them ideal for precision tasks, but may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Vinyl gloves are a cost-effective option for low-risk tasks, providing a comfortable fit and ease of use. Polyethylene gloves are best for light-duty tasks like food handling. Choose the glove material that best matches your task requirements for optimal protection and performance.

What are the different types of exam gloves?

Exam gloves include latex, nitrile, vinyl, and polyethylene. Latex offers great fit and sensitivity but may cause allergies. Nitrile is durable and allergy-friendly. Vinyl is cost-effective for low-risk tasks, and polyethylene is for light-duty use.

Why are disposable gloves so expensive?

Disposable gloves can be expensive due to raw material costs, production expenses, high demand, and transportation logistics. Quality and certification requirements also contribute to the price.

Medical-grade gloves are a vital piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) for many professional environments. Though most often used in healthcare settings, disposable medical gloves are also necessary for caregivers, food handlers, dentists and other professionals. Wherever health and sanitation are top concerns, protective gloves are essential. They help stop the spread of germs and viruses, promoting the safety of both employees and those they serve.

If you need disposable gloves for your professional environment, choosing the best possible kind of glove is critical. You’ll need to understand the difference between various disposable glove types. Not all gloves are the same — different materials, strength levels and other features lend themselves to distinct purposes. Below, we’ll discuss the 10 most important considerations for stocking up on gloves.

Medical Gloves Defined

Only some disposable gloves qualify as medical gloves. To fit the medical-grade description, disposable gloves must meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) quality assurance guidelines. These guidelines ensure all gloves used in medical settings are durable and reliable, not flimsy or brittle. For patient examinations, gloves must have an acceptable quality level (AQL) no higher than 2.5. That rating means no more than 2.5% of the gloves in a batch can have defects. These gloves are non-sterile — sterile gloves must have an even lower AQL measure.

Manufacturers have to keep up with stringent testing measures to achieve a score of 2.5 or lower. Gloves with an AQL higher than 4 or 5 are only acceptable for mechanical or industrial purposes. Rigorous AQL standards require glove manufacturers to employ uncompromising quality control. The AQL scoring guide helps ensure gloves used for medical purposes are without defects. Tears or other lapses in quality could leave healthcare professionals and their patients vulnerable to pathogens or other contaminants.

Depending on your application, you’ll have to decide on an acceptable AQL rating. You may be able to find industry standards, but if not, opt for lower AQL numbers for the best quality disposable gloves. Keep in mind, doctors use gloves with AQL scores of 2.5 or lower during patient examinations. A similar score would likely suffice for your environment unless you need them for surgical purposes.

1. Type of Material

Disposable gloves with an acceptable AQL rating come in a variety of materials. One of the first things you should consider is your glove material preference. Different glove materials are useful for different purposes, so it’s a good idea to learn about the available options before making a bulk purchase.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are one of the best alternatives to latex gloves, offering a longer average shelf life. Standard nitrile gloves are an ideal non-sterile option. A powder-free, latex-free nitrile glove is resistant to chemicals, oils and acids. Nitrile’s strength makes these gloves tough and helps them stay puncture-free, even when worn for extended periods. If latex allergies are an issue, nitrile gloves offer a flexible, touch-sensitive alternative. You can buy bulk orders of nitrile gloves in a variety of colors and sizes.

Latex Gloves

Latex is a comfortable, inexpensive glove option suitable for most medical environments. They’ve been a staple of many healthcare facilities since the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic of the s. With that said, latex allergies are common. There’s a high likelihood someone in your organization or someone you serve will have a latex allergy. If you’re purchasing gloves for widespread use, you might consider a material less likely to cause allergic reactions, such as nitrile or vinyl. Latex also has a short shelf life compared to other materials.

Vinyl, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) Gloves

Another option is a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) glove. PVC is a common synthetic plastic polymer. Since they’re easy to mass-produce, these gloves are one of the least expensive options. They’re also less durable than other glove types, and they offer limited hazard protection. For that reason, PVC gloves are best suited for low-hazard applications. In some cases, a nitrile-vinyl blend glove may be the best choice for affordability and durability.

Other Types of Medical Gloves

For most applications, one of the above-listed materials will suffice. Here are a few other material choices you might consider for latex-free medical gloves:

• Chloroprene gloves: Chloroprene is a synthetic monomer. It creates polychloroprene, which mimics latex well and is resistant to many hazardous chemicals.
• Chemo gloves: Chemo gloves, as their name suggests, are approved for use during chemotherapy. Exposure to chemotherapy drugs can be hazardous, so PPE is always recommended.
• Aloe vera gloves: Frequent hand-washing and glove changes can cause hands to become dry and cracked. Some medical gloves include an internal aloe vera coating to moisturize the wearer’s hands.

2. Sterile vs. Non-Sterile

For a glove to have a “sterile” rating, it must meet strict FDA guidelines. Sterile medical gloves are acceptable for surgical purposes, so they must have the best possible AQL ratings. Sterile gloves must have an acceptable quality level of 1.5 or lower. As mentioned above, examination gloves can have an AQL as high as 2.5, so sterile gloves can be considered even safer. Because their manufacture requires strict testing, sterile gloves may have a higher price.

Surgical vs. Examination Gloves

Though the term “non-sterile” may sound concerning, non-sterile gloves with an AQL of 2.5 or lower are acceptable for any non-surgical purposes. Using non-sterile gloves in non-surgical settings is safe and reduces the risk of disease transmission. Most healthcare workers use non-sterile gloves for patient examination purposes.

Non-sterile gloves work well for other applications, as well. If you’re looking for disposable gloves for routine cleaning, food service, caregiving or other purposes, non-sterile gloves should be fine. It’s vital to decide on an acceptable AQL rating for your purposes.

3. Powdered vs. Non-Powdered Gloves

You may come across powdered and non-powdered glove options. Powdered gloves feature cornstarch coatings, which makes them easier to put on and prevents them from sticking together. Though this can improve convenience, the FDA has banned powdered gloves for surgery and patient examination purposes.

According to the FDA, the risks of powdered gloves in medical settings outweigh the benefits. The powder can cling to the wearer’s skin, causing irritation, inflammation or allergic reactions. It can also cause surgical complications involving peritoneal adhesions, which are a type of bond between a person’s organs. Though the ban does not yet extend to food service applications, loose cornstarch from powdered gloves may cause food contamination. In most instances, a non-powdered glove is a preferable choice.

4. Glove Thickness

You should also consider glove thickness. Thicker gloves provide a stronger protective barrier. They also better resist tears, allowing for a longer wear time. A heavy-duty, industrial-grade glove will offer more thickness than a lighter, thinner glove.

With that said, a thicker glove may dull touch sensitivity, which isn’t ideal in certain settings. If your application requires a high level of touch sensitivity, you might opt for thinner gloves made from a durable material, such as nitrile. When browsing glove options, look for thickness measurements in mils.

5. Tactile Sensitivity

Certain situations call for a high level of tactile or touch sensitivity. For instance, a surgeon needs unimpaired touch sensitivity to perform surgery with the necessary precision and accuracy. Tactile-sensitive gloves made of a lightweight material will allow for precision levels similar to an ungloved hand. Sensitivity may also be necessary for a number of applications, including food preparation, electronic handling and pharmaceuticals.

6. Glove Comfort and Fit

You should also consider glove comfort and fit, including various size options. Depending on your application, your staff may need to wear gloves while performing complex tasks. They may also need to wear their gloves for extended periods. It’s vital to choose comfortable gloves — an uncomfortable glove may hinder someone’s ability to perform their necessary responsibilities.

Size options are an essential consideration. If a glove is too small, it may cause irritability or limit blood circulation to the wearer’s hand, making the fit distracting and uncomfortable. A too-small glove is more likely to tear, as well, compromising its protective barrier.

If a glove is too large, other concerns may arise. Loose space between the glove and the wearer’s skin may leave the wearer vulnerable to pathogens. A glove that’s too big is also likely to fall off, causing a significant contamination concern. When buying gloves, be sure to acquire several sizes, at least small, medium and large.

7. Tensile Strength

Tensile strength refers to a material’s resistance to breaking when stretched or pulled. Gloves with higher tensile strength ratings are more tear-resistant. Nitrile and latex are both materials with high tensile strength ratings — you can tug and pull on them quite a bit before they’ll start to tear. Since a tear would compromise a glove’s protection, tensile strength is essential. It’s an important measurement to acknowledge, especially for applications requiring hand dexterity.

8. Glove Color 

Though you may not think twice about glove color, it can make a notable difference. You may choose to color code your gloves so staff can easily differentiate between various glove types. For instance, you might choose blue for latex gloves and black for non-latex gloves, so those with a latex allergy will have no trouble selecting the non-latex gloves. If you need both sterile and non-sterile gloves, color coding could again be useful.

Certain glove colors also make tears more apparent. If you wear a dark-colored glove on top of a light-colored glove, tears will be easy to identify. You can then change gloves as soon as possible after a tear, minimizing contamination risks.

9. Double-Gloving

You may wonder whether or not double-gloving offers more protection than wearing a single glove. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH), double-gloving is an effective way to protect the wearer from pathogens and other harmful substances. They found that while glove perforations were common, there were no instances of inner double-glove perforation. The NIH recommends double-gloving as a routine practice for operating rooms.

Standardizing double-gloving may help you promote your staff’s safety and wellbeing. Should you choose to do so, you may need to store greater quantities of gloves. It’s a good idea to order gloves in bulk amounts for this purpose.

10. Shelf Life

The final factor you should consider is a glove’s shelf life. Buying disposable gloves in bulk will ensure you always have gloves available when needed — but it may also mean some gloves sit unused for extended periods. A glove’s shelf life depends most on its material. Nitrile gloves last longer than any other material. You should always check the manufacturer’s guidelines, but most nitrile gloves will last in their original packaging for several years.

In most cases, it’s easy to tell if a glove is compromised. A compromised glove may have surface cracks or feel brittle to the touch. Always wear gloves with normal tensile strength and durability, and keep careful track of how long your gloves have sat on the shelf.

Proper Storage Tips

Proper storage can help make gloves last longer. For short or long-term glove storage, you should keep gloves:

• In their original packaging with an unbroken seal: Only break the packaging seal when you’re ready to use the gloves.
• In a cool-temperature environment: Too much heat can cause gloves to degrade, so it’s important to store your gloves in a cool environment. A temperature-controlled closet is an ideal choice.
• Somewhere without ultraviolet light or ozone: Some fluorescent bulbs and electrical equipment can generate ozone or ultraviolet light. Exposure to either may damage your gloves.
• In a low-humidity environment: Too much humidity can compromise gloves or lead to mold or bacterial growth. Keep your gloves away from humidifiers, radiators, steam pipes or any other heat and humidity generating equipment.

When deciding where to store your gloves, opt for a cool, dark environment. In most cases, a shelf in a secluded closet will do fine. Proper storage will help you extend your gloves’ shelf life, saving you time and money long-term and minimizing waste.

Shop Disposable Medical Gloves From SUNLINE Supply

Choosing the right gloves for your application can make your environment safer, healthier and more productive. When shopping for new disposable gloves, consider several factors — the material, AQL, durability, comfort, dexterity, color and additional features. Each of these factors is significant. Once you’ve chosen the right gloves for you, be sure to purchase as many as you may need and follow best storage practices.

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