Before the invention of nitrile gloves, latex gloves were considered the best kind of disposable gloves on the market. Latex gloves provide substantial protection against many hazards, including punctures, chemical products, and biological agents. They are also inexpensive to produce and they stay comfortable with extended use. Considering these advantages, latex gloves were understandably the best type of disposable gloves available at the time.
However, that all changed when nitrile gloves were introduced to the market. Nitrile gloves accomplish what latex gloves cannot: to prevent allergic reactions to latex, all while providing the same high standards of quality and functionality as latex gloves do.
But what exactly are nitrile gloves? And why are they a better option than latex and vinyl gloves? In this article, we will discuss what nitrile gloves are made of, the benefits that they provide, and what industries they are most suitable for. Better yet, we will give you a list of the best nitrile gloves you can choose from--so don't skip anything!
What Are Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile is a synthetic copolymer formed through the combination of acrylonitrile and butadiene. The term nitrile is shortened from Nitrile Butadiene Rubber or NBR. Nitrile is also referred to as NBR latex, but it does not contain any natural rubber latex or latex proteins.
Nitrile rubber can be formed into many different products, such as shoes, adhesives, automotive parts, and--of course--disposable gloves. Nitrile gloves are latex-free and are often powder-free as well. When they were first introduced to the market, nitrile gloves were hailed as the best alternative to latex gloves. Today, nitrile gloves are considered the best choice for disposable gloves in general.
What Are The Benefits of Nitrile Gloves?
There are a lot of other disposable gloves that you can choose from. Aside from nitrile, you have latex, vinyl, neoprene, and polyethylene. So, what makes nitrile gloves the best choice for disposable gloves? Here are the main benefits of nitrile gloves:
Hypoallergenic
Nitrile gloves are latex-free, making them safe for the wearer and other people that they touch. Latex allergies can cause mild symptoms such as itching and runny nose. In more severe instances, it can cause anaphylactic shock.
Most nitrile gloves are also powder-free. Since 2016, the Food and Drug Administration banned the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of powdered gloves. The powder found on powdered gloves is cornstarch, which makes the gloves easier to put on and remove. However, cornstarch can cause allergic reactions in people with sensitivities to corn-containing products.
Superior resistance
The best nitrile gloves are highly resistant to physical damage, chemical products, and biological agents, among other hazards. They are three to five times more puncture-resistant than latex and offer better protection against oils, acids, and chemicals compared to gloves made from natural rubber.
Because of this high level of durability, the use of nitrile gloves is common in high-risk settings, from operating rooms and dental clinics to auto shops and factories. Moreover, the more durable a glove is, the less frequent it needs to be changed (unless a replacement is necessary).
Recyclable
Although nitrile gloves are made from synthetic rubber, most recycling programs take them in. In fact, nitrile gloves are more likely to get recycled than latex or vinyl disposable gloves.
Expired nitrile gloves can be recycled as long as they are unused. Instead of throwing expired nitrile gloves away, learn how you can recycle them and reduce your impact on the environment.
Comfortable
Nitrile gloves offer a comfortable fit as long as you get the right size. And since they are hypoallergenic, you are very unlikely to experience allergic reactions with this kind of disposable glove.
To achieve maximum comfort, choose a brand that is thermally activated. Thermally-activated gloves mold to the shape of your hands and fingers as soon as you put them on, providing a snug yet flexible fit.
Different cuff lengths and colors
Nitrile gloves come in varying cuff lengths and colors for specific applications. For example, nitrile exam gloves tend to have longer cuffs (about 8 to 12 inches long) to protect the wearer up to the forearms. Long-cuff nitrile gloves are typically used for surgeries, medical examinations, and other situations where the risk of pathogen exposure is high.
Nitrile disposable gloves also come in multiple colors, making it easier to color-code tasks. Common colors include black, dark blue, white, purple, and more. Many workplaces assign a specific color of disposable nitrile gloves to different departments, teams, or certain applications. In a hospital, for example, black nitrile gloves can be used for the medical technology department, while light blue is used for general tasks.
Why Is It Important to Find The Best Nitrile Gloves?
Having disposable gloves that are safe, reliable, and eco-friendly is important for every industry, especially in hazardous settings. But why is it so important to find the best kind of nitrile gloves? Here are some of our top reasons:
Increased safety
The number one reason why you need the best disposable gloves is safety. Nitrile rubber in itself is a durable material, but only the best kind of nitrile gloves go through the necessary processes to achieve the highest level of durability possible.
Increased safety means fewer risks for tears, punctures, chemical burns, disease transmission, and other kinds of occupational hazards. This is especially important for particularly dangerous work environments, such as hospitals, auto shops, and manufacturing plants. And only the best kind of nitrile disposable gloves can provide the level of safety that workers in these hazardous settings need.
Moreover, having extremely durable disposable gloves reduce the risk to patients and customers. To illustrate, a more durable pair of nitrile gloves is less likely to transmit bacteria to a patient undergoing surgery compared to a lesser quality pair that has a higher chance of breaking.
The application of nitrile gloves in foodservice is also a good example. If a restaurant worker uses high-quality black nitrile gloves, he or she has more protection against abrasions, burns, cuts, and other physical hazards. At the same time, there is less risk of biological material ending up in customers' food. Because nitrile gloves are food safe, they are the premier choice in this industry.
Furthermore, high-quality nitrile gloves allow you to handle extremely hazardous material with more confidence. Due to the high level of resistance that these gloves provide, you can work with corrosive chemicals, infectious substances, radioactive drugs, and other high-risk materials with more protection.
Patient and customer trust
Although patients and customers won't exactly ask what kind of disposable gloves you are using, your incidence rate will speak for itself. That said, if you use high-quality nitrile disposable gloves, you are less likely to run into problems at work (e.g. allergic reactions, accidental tears, cross-contamination). Consequently, the people you serve are more likely to trust you.
And the more people that trust you, the more successful your business will be.
Ease and efficiency
It is difficult to work efficiently with poor-quality disposable gloves. Subpar gloves are often uncomfortable and allow minimal finger dexterity. Powder free gloves that aren't thermally activated also tend to be ill-fitting. Obviously, you cannot achieve maximum productivity if you aren't able to make full use of your hands.
The ease and efficiency that the best kind of nitrile powder free gloves provide are incredibly important for industries that require maximum utilization of the hands and fingers. For example, a surgeon needs to be able to perform intricate motions with their fingers during an operation. A forensic worker must have full hand utilization to gather evidence safely. An auto mechanic should be able to work efficiently even while wearing gloves. And so on.
Less waste
Even the best disposable gloves have an impact on the environment. Nevertheless, you can reduce that impact by using high-quality nitrile gloves. With the superior level of quality, durability, and protection that only the best nitrile gloves provide, you won't have to change your gloves as frequently (unless required) because they don't break easily. Moreover, most recycling programs accept nitrile gloves; the same cannot be said for vinyl and latex gloves.
The Best Nitrile Gloves Currently On The Market
Now that you know why disposable nitrile gloves are the best type of disposable gloves for your industry, it's time to choose a brand that matches your needs perfectly. Luckily, you don't have to spend ages looking for the perfect product--we've compiled 6 of the best nitrile gloves on the market today.
#1: OmniTrust Black Nitrile Gloves
The OmniTrust Black Nitrile Glove is a "soft" nitrile glove that is suitable for any industry where a black glove is preferred, including emergency response, police work, and forensic work. It is thermally activated and micro-textured, allowing for maximum comfort and better grip control.
- Powder-free
- Latex-free
- Non-sterile
- 100 pieces per box
#2: OmniTrust Nitrile Gloves
While the OmniTrust Black Nitrile Glove is best for non-healthcare settings, the OmniTrust Nitrile Glove in purple is most suitable for healthcare and general use (except for applications that require sterile gloves). Just like the previous item, this glove is thermally-activated and micro-textured.
- Powder-free
- Latex-free
- Safe for chemo drugs
- Non-sterile
- 100 pieces per box
#3: BeeSure Nitrile Gloves
BeeSure boasts its UltraSoft nitrile formulation that creates an extremely comfortable glove. The BeeSure Nitrile Glove offers superior tactile sensitivity, making it easier to perform tasks that require high levels of dexterity. These gloves are light blue and are best for general use.
- Powder-free
- Latex-free
- Protein-rated
- 100 pieces per box
#4: BeeSure White Slim Nitrile Gloves
If you're looking for more value within the BeeSure brand, go for this 200-piece box of white nitrile gloves.
- Powder-free
- Latex-free
- Safe for chemo drugs
#5: BeeSure Powder Free SuperSlim Nitrile Gloves
These dark blue examination gloves are super thin but provide the same level of durability that you would expect in a nitrile glove. This glove is suitable for many different applications, including healthcare, dentistry, laboratory work, manufacturing, food preparation, and more.
- Powder-free
- Latex-free
- 300 pieces per box
#6: Medline SensiCare Silk Nitrile Exam Gloves
Choose this glove if you're looking for maximum comfort and tactile sensitivity in almost any setting. To help reduce waste, these gloves come with a Smartguard protective film barrier over the box.
- Powder-free
- Latex-free
- Safe for chemo drugs
- 250 pieces per box
Buy The Best Nitrile Gloves at Primo Dental
Find the best disposable gloves here at Primo Dental, where we have only the highest-quality nitrile gloves at the best prices. You won't have to worry about checking for certifications and quality standards, we've already done all the homework for you.
Nitrile gloves aren't the only PPEs we offer. You'll find everything you need in our PPE online store. Check out our curated selection of disposable masks, sterilization pouches, dental bibs, and so much more. We also carry a wide range of dental equipment, so you won't need to look elsewhere to find everything that you need for your dental practice.