Disposable Gloves

From food processing to industrial applications to scientific work to medical applications – disposable gloves are essential to protect products, processes, and people from contamination and infection. Designed to fit like a second skin, disposable gloves are designed for single use. Originally made from natural rubber, other materials have been developed with different properties to meet users’ needs.

Medical vs. Industrial Disposable Gloves

All disposable gloves are manufactured from materials complying with FDA and USDA accepted materials for optimal health and sanitation levels. Vinyl disposable gloves are manufactured in general compliance with ASTM D5250 which was designed for medical vinyl gloves. Nitrile disposable gloves are manufactured in general compliance with ASTM D6319 which was designed for medical nitrile gloves. The essential difference between medical and non-medical (industrial) disposable gloves is the extra quality inspection that the FDA requires for medical examination gloves.

Vinyl Gloves vs. Nitrile Gloves

The choice of glove materials depends on how the gloves will be used. Both glove materials offer barrier protection against dry materials and many wet materials. Vinyl gloves generally have a lower cost than nitrile gloves. However, nitrile gloves will perform better and last longer due to superior strength and chemical resistance. For extended wear, nitrile gloves are the usual choice because they stretch more to fit better.

Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are made from plastic (vinyl) resin which provides the strength and a plasticizer which provides the flexibility. The actual performance of vinyl gloves depends on the ratio of resin to plasticizer. The higher the resin, the stronger but less flexible the glove will be. Vinyl gloves have limited chemical resistance because solvents and harsh chemicals extract the plasticizer from the gloves.

For non-medical applications, vinyl gloves offer a lower-cost solution for general hygiene. Vinyl gloves are often an ideal option for food preparation and food service workers. In medical applications, vinyl gloves meeting FDA requirements are used as non-sterile examination gloves.

Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are made from a synthetic rubber designed to build upon the best features of natural rubber without the drawback of potential latex allergic reactions. Nitrile synthetic rubber has superior resistance to abrasion (wear), puncture, oil, grease, and many solvents. Nitrile gloves stretch more and generally fit better than vinyl gloves. In addition, the nitrile glove manufacturing process includes a textured grip-enhancing finish on the fingers and thumb.

For non-medical applications, nitrile disposable gloves provide a longer-lasting disposable glove for meat and poultry operations due to superior resistance to animal fats and greases. In medical applications, nitrile gloves meeting FDA requirements as non-sterile examination gloves are the choice of medical professionals due to the enhanced sensitivity, flexibility, and fit.

Connect with Saf-T-Gard to Learn More

Hand protection is our legacy going back 9 decades. For an overview of our disposable gloves and to order for immediate shipment, please visit Gloves.

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