The Pure Substances: Nitrile vs. Latex. Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic polymer and provide an ideal alternative if allergies are a concern. The answer is that Nitrile is a stronger higher quality glove then Latex. Latex gloves are probably the most popular in the medical industry. Although their names may sound familiar, if you were to handle these protective gloves side-by-side, you will quickly notice a difference between the two materials. As PVC and nitrile gloves are not made of latex, they can serve as a safe alternative for industry workers and patients who are latex sensitive. We are here to break down two popular options –Polychloroprene Gloves and Nitrile Gloves– to help you choose the right gloves for your practice. But, allergies are generally mild and can be prevented easily; choose different glove materials! Latex Gloves. On a basic level, nitrile is a synthetic rubber whereas latex is a natural material made from actual rubber. Nitrile is a durable, synthetic rubber technically known as acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber and was developed for a number of reasons, namely, due to the issues surrounding common allergies to latex gloves and the lack of protection against solvents that latex offers. Looser and less durable than latex and nitrile, vinyl gloves are a popular choice for situations where high levels of durability and protection are less of a priority, like in the food and janitorial services; as well as, oil and painting industries, and when working with cords. Designed with a special nitrile formulation they feel and fit like latex and allow full range of motion and excellent flexibility to minimize stress and fatigue. Whereas latex is a naturally occurring fluid present in over 20,000 species of plants, nitrile is a by-product of petroleum made in a laboratory. When using these gloves in their pure material (think stretchy - usually latex - gloves at the doctor's office) - not the coated kind - it’s important to know if you have an allergy to latex. Work Gloves: Nitrile Coated vs Latex Coated vs PU Coated: Posted by Melanie Predolich on Mar 21, 2017. The best alternative to these would be Nitrile Gloves. For instance, if you work in setting exposed to ammonium hydroxide, or other dangerous particles and contaminated fluids, you will need reliable gloves. Nitrile is also latex-free, so nitrile gloves are a safe option for those who have a latex allergy. Start here. As such they are suitable for rough use. Research has shown multiple disposable latex and nitrile glove brands maintained their integrity when treated with ABHS. It does depend on what job or task you are planning on using gloves for. Vinyl gloves are made from a petroleum-based film called PVC. Nitrile gloves however are not as soft as latex gloves, and are not known for being easy to wear. Because latex is natural and comes from a tree, some people are allergic to it. On the other hand, nitrile is a little more expensive than latex, unless you go for flat nitrile which lacks the grip of foam nitrile. Nitrile Gloves. Made from synthetic rubber, this material reduces the risk of allergies associated with latex gloves. Vinyl Gloves vs. Nitrile Gloves. Nitrile gloves are made from nitrile material, a synthetic rubber copolymer of butadiene and acrylonitrile. Nitrile Gloves (Non allergenic) Pros: Made from synthetic rubber derived from petroleum. Latex gloves. 6.Flexibility. Nitrile, Vinyl, Chloroprene were all’ attempts to copy or improve on latex from glove manufacturers such as Duraskin. NR, Latex, Rubber): This is a natural material, which is created out of the saps of rubber trees. It is known to provide more flexibility than nitrile rubber or PVC. In the nitrile gloves vs latex gloves conversation, they have more durability and tensile strength. They also have more chemical and mechanical resistance. Nitrile gloves are the longstanding solution to the allergy problems of latex gloves. If you have any questions, feel free to Contact The Glove Experts, here. When you take into consideration the low allergy risk, better comfort, improved fit and universal protection, nitrile gloves … Palm coatings add many great benefits and options to your work gloves, including enhanced grip, higher levels of abrasion resistance, and even water resistance. Disposable gloves are generally made from one of three materials: nitrile, latex, or vinyl. Sarah and Casey explain the differences between latex gloves and nitrile gloves. 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