When you shop for gloves in the market today, you'll be offered varieties, from natural rubber to synthetic rubber gloves. Most people today use synthetic gloves because of their low allergy trigger tendency, flexibility, and versatile use. The most popular among them are probably nitrile gloves. However, there are polychloroprene gloves too - another common choice.
Polychloroprene and nitrile gloves have many things in common. They are both strong, stretchy, durable, and made from synthetic rubbers. However, each has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different purposes. That, of course, means that you have to make a purchase decision based on your intended application of the disposable gloves.
Are you wondering which gloves to choose between polychloroprene and nitrile gloves? Here's a polychloroprene gloves vs nitrile gloves comparison to help you make an informed decision when next you shop.
Why Choosing the Right Gloves is so Important
No glove offers protection in every application- where one glove shines, another falls short. Some glove types combine the functions of two or more others, which makes them superior and applicable in more areas.
So, by choosing the right gloves for a specific purpose, you can maximize their capacity. Such gloves will protect your hands adequately from hazards and harsh substances, including liquids, vapors, gasses, or powders. They will also last longer than when used for unsuitable purposes. In the case of health care and dentistry, your gloves will also influence the protection of your patients.
Another perk of using suitable gloves is productivity. The right gloves will always provide comfort and make a task more doable for their wearer. For instance, nitrile gloves offer tactile sensitivity, low allergy risk, and puncture, alcohol, and chemical resistance, making them useful in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Latex and vinyl also provide tactile sensitivity and flexibility, but they do not compare to nitrile in strength. This means there are some tasks where latex and vinyl work that nitrile can't and vice versa.
Now that you know why choosing the right gloves is essential, let's get started with our chloroprene gloves vs nitrile gloves comparison.
What are the Differences Between Polychloroprene Gloves vs Nitrile Gloves?
Chloroprene gloves vs nitrile gloves may seem like a close match because of the similar properties of the subjects involved. However, there's also a wide gap between them in terms of application.
Here's a closer look at the origin and functionalities of nitrile and polychloroprene gloves;
What are Polychloroprene Gloves?
Polychloroprene gloves are also called neoprene or chloroprene gloves. They are made from chloroprene which is polymerized to form the gloves' main production material -polychloroprene chips. The chips are melted and combined with foaming agents and carbon pigments during production to strengthen and color the by-product.
Due to their combo, polychloroprene gloves stand strong against flame, water, weather, sunlight, and ozone. They are also useful in tasks that may induce sudden shocks or intense force. All these characteristics make them suitable for the following situations;
- When doing tasks that require grips in a wet environment.
- During outdoor activities, like environmental clean-ups, construction works, repairs, and more.
- Chloroprene gloves are the best for handling printing tasks, from frame cleaning to final production.
- Polychloroprene gloves are efficient when handling common chemical substances and petroleum-based mixtures.
What are Nitrile Gloves?
Nitrile gloves are lab-synthesized rubber gloves made from acrylonitrile and butadiene. These two synthetic liquids are combined to form liquid nitrile, mixed with antioxidants and coagulating agents, and then baked to get the finished product.
Due to their processing, nitrile gloves have excellent resistance to chemicals, water, abrasion, oil, and punctures. They are stretchy and can return to their original state after being extended. It is unlikely you’ll deal with nitrile gloves allergy symptoms unless you have extremely sensitive skin.
You can use nitrile gloves for the following purposes;
- Nitrile gloves are food safe, meaning they are used in food processing and restaurants alike.
- Their tactile sensitivity, protectiveness, and strength make them ideal for healthcare applications.
- Nitrile gloves can handle highly hazardous chemical substances that other gloves cannot withstand.
Polychloroprene Gloves vs Nitrile Gloves: Which is Better for Your Needs?
The characteristics of both nitrile and polychloroprene gloves discussed earlier have shown the strength of each material. Now, let's dive into polychloroprene gloves vs nitrile gloves to see how they compare;
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is one of the things to consider when determining if a glove is suitable for you. Chloroprene gloves feel similar to latex in terms of tactile sensitivity. Their finishing makes them fit snugly and comfortable to wear during a task. However, polychloroprene gloves can be uncomfortable after being used for a prolonged time.
Nitrile gloves are more comfortable to wear and use. They are so breathable that they can make your hands feel bare even after wearing them for extended periods of time. The correct nitrile glove sizing will also offer even better tactile sensitivity than polychloroprene gloves.
Protection Against Chemicals, Heat, Electricity, and More
Nitrile gloves are more effective against chemicals. That is not to say chloroprene gloves are not chemical resistant - but nitrile gloves protect against a broader range of chemical and harmful substances than chloroprene gloves.
Polychloroprene gloves are more appropriate for heat application because they hardly succumb to fire or extreme temperate. Nitrile gloves can stand the heat, too but not as much as chloroprene gloves.
Overall, nitrile gloves offer more protection and can be applied in almost any situation except for extreme temperatures.
Strength & Puncture Resistance
Both gloves are strong but compared to chloroprene gloves, nitrile gloves exhibit superior puncture resistance. They are better for handling tasks that involve handling rough materials, like those experienced at construction sites, manufacturing companies, mechanic shops, gardening, and more.
Where polychloroprene gloves shine is their super-stretchy technology. They are highly elastic and can retain their original shape after. Nitrile gloves stretch easily, too but not as much as chloroprene gloves.
Environmental Concerns
Both gloves are sourced from artificial rubbers, which affects their biodegradability. However, while polychloroprene gloves can never decay or decompose, nitrile gloves can rot over time. Nitrile gloves recycling is also possible like their vinyl and latex when they are not contaminated, unlike polychloroprene gloves.
Overall, nitrile gloves are more eco-friendly than chloroprene gloves.
Affordability
Nitrile gloves are more expensive than chloroprene gloves due to their high demand and scarcity of raw materials for production. However, you get what you pay for with nitrile gloves. They compensate with their superior strength, protectiveness, durability, reusability, and diverse applications.
Chloroprene Gloves vs Nitrile Gloves: The Verdict
After evaluating the performance of chloroprene vs nitrile gloves, we can safely conclude that nitrile gloves are superior.
Nitrile gloves are useful in almost any industry, from food and health care to mechanical and industrial businesses. They have super strength, tactile sensitivity, adequate elasticity, high chemical resistance, low allergy risk, and are safe for handling edibles.
In short, nitrile gloves are versatile and safe choices when in doubt.
However, it is essential to note that the effectiveness of nitrile gloves can depend largely on their manufacturing process and raw material quality. That is why we often advise that people look out for the best nitrile gloves from credible sellers when shopping.
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Final Thoughts on Nitrile Gloves vs Polychloroprene Gloves
Polychloroprene and nitrile gloves are both great quality synthetic rubber disposable gloves choices. But before choosing which one to buy, consider where you want to use it to make the right decision.
Luckily, we have provided you with a comprehensive evaluation of the strength of both gloves. So, you should be able to select the most suitable one following our guide.
Don't forget to shop for your dental PPE supplies from Primo Dental Products to cop the best quality items. Our store is available online 24/7 and is mobile-friendly - you can shop for your PPE supplies anytime and anywhere! Enjoy peace of mind knowing you and your pateints are safe - while saving money along the way.