A quick refresher on single use gloves!
There are countless types and styles of single use gloves for many different industries and uses. Regardless of type, there are different grades of manufacturing for specific uses. All of our gloves are graded for Industrial Use, not Medical Use. The protection is fundamentally similar, but it is the manufacturing environment that differs.
The main three types of single use glove in our industry are Nitrile, Latex and Vinyl, and in this article we go through their differences. Alongside the different materials, each type of glove comes either powdered or non-powdered. Gloves that are powdered are easier to take on and off, but there are issues that go with this convenience. The powder can go everywhere when you take the gloves off and with latex gloves that powder can cause problems for those with a latex allergy.
Most people will find the right glove for themselves with a bit of trial and error, though the go-to choice these days is nitrile.
Nitrile Gloves
Nitrile gloves are made with a type of synthetic rubber. They have grown in popularity because they are made using manmade materials and are a great alternative for those wearing them that suffer with a latex allergy. They also protect clients who may have a latex allergy. They are generally more resistant to tearing than latex gloves, meaning they offer improved protection while in use. Nitrile gloves fit well and offer a good level of sensitivity.
Nitrile gloves are the most suitable for protecting against the chemicals we use in our industry.
Latex Gloves
Latex gloves wear well for a single use glove and fit the hand well. It is this fit, good grip and durability that has made them popular and the choice of stylists and therapists doing delicate work or manipulating tools. They provide relatively good protection from the chemicals used in our industry, but not as good as nitrile. Latex gloves are available in both powdered and powder free styles. The powder helps with putting them on and taking them off, but it is the powder that has given latex gloves some bad press. The powder can carry the latex protein and can create serious problems for those allergic to latex. There is also the cosmetic issue of powder going all over your clothes when you take the gloves off.
The symptoms of a latex allergy differ from person to person and with the severity of the allergy, but common issues that arise include hives, itching, redness immediately and in more severe cases breathlessness. If you spot these issues, seek medical guidance to confirm the allergy and avoid using latex gloves; instead opt for nitrile or vinyl.
Vinyl Gloves
Vinyl gloves are created using PVC and a plasticiser to make them flexible. PVC is relatively inexpensive to make, which is why vinyl gloves are usually the cheaper option compared to nitrile and latex. Vinyl gloves are fine for everyday use, as they come with a relatively small price tag, and protect your hands and whatever you are handling from contamination. Vinyl gloves are latex free, which makes them a preferable choice for those suffering with latex and skin allergies.
Vinyl gloves are not as strong and durable as latex when it comes to puncture resistance. Vinyl gloves are waterproof but only provide low chemical resistance. Nitrile gloves are more suitable for working with the usual chemicals in our industry.