Latex vs Nitrile Gloves: Are They the Same? What’s the Difference?

Both Latex vs Nitrile gloves help reduce the risk of cross-contamination, but what’s the difference between Nitrile and Latex gloves. Let’s find out.

Latex vs Nitrile Gloves: What’s the Difference?

Pros:

✅ Made from Natural rubber collected from Rubber trees.

✅ Fits and feels like your own skin, offers excellent movement of fingers and hand, elastic and strong.

✅ Excellent biological protection against blood borne pathogens, bacteria and viruses where risk of infection is a concern.

✅ Best for use in patient care, hospitals, where risk of disease is a major concern.

✅ Biodegradable.

✅ Comes in a lightly powdered and powder free version at a very competitive price.

Cons:

Not good to use with chemicals especially where solvents are involved.

Not suitable for people with sensitivity to latex allergy.

Lower puncture resistance from sharp objects compared to nitrile.

Pros:

✅ Made from synthetic rubber derived from petroleum.

✅ Comes only in powder free versions in the market.

✅ Able to withstand oils, solvents and acids. A glove of choice to use for chemical handling.

✅ An alternative glove choice to use in medical professions for individuals sensitive to latex allergy. (non allergenic)

✅ Expose the glove and make it unusable if punctured or holed.

✅ Prevents its use by completely damaging itself if there exists unnoticed puncture or hole.

✅ Higher puncture resistance from sharp objects.

Cons:

Quite rigid to stretch. Does not offer high elasticity and flexibility compared to latex gloves.

Low sensitivity to touch.

Non biodegradable.

Slightly higher price when compared to Latex gloves.