Disposable Gloves

Product Materials and Key Features

In the market today there are a variety of disposable gloves to choose from, made from a diverse range of materials and production processes. Using natural or synthetic materials, disposable gloves are designed to suit a range of purposes, environments and user preferences. Here are some common types of disposable gloves that are found in medical and healthcare environments, and we list their advantages:

Latex Gloves | Nitrile Gloves | Vinyl Gloves | Neoprene Gloves | Polyisoprene (PI) Gloves | Glove Coatings

Latex Gloves

Latex is found in nature as a milky white liquid in plants and is commonly known to be sourced from under the bark of a rubber tree. What isn’t as well known is that latex naturally occurs in more than 20,000 flowering plant species, accounting for nearly 10% of all flowing plants. The liquid hardens when exposed to the air and is dried out to be ready for commercial use. Also known as natural rubber, latex is commonly sourced from the Pará rubber tree (Heveabrasiliensis) mainly from Southern Asia and Southern America. Latex gloves are made with hand-shaped ‘formers’ that are dipped into a coagulant solution, then dried out before being dipped into a latex solution for a set time and then withdrawn and dried in an oven.

Features of Latex Gloves:

• Latex gloves are popular because they provide excellent comfort, fit, and dexterity.
• Made from natural materials so there is less strain on the environment during manufacturing. Latex gloves are biodegradable when buried for several years.
• Effective barrier against bacteria and viruses.
• Disposable latex gloves are commonly used in medical settings
• Latex is becoming less popular as it may cause allergies in some individuals.
• The thinness of latex also makes them susceptible to some chemicals and punctures.

Latex Gloves Examples

Nitrile Gloves

Nitriles do occur in nature in some plants and animals and are common in fruit pits like almonds. However, the nitrile used in manufactured products is 100% synthetic rubber derived from petroleum-based materials and is a copolymer of acrylonitrile (ACN) and butadiene. The nitrile glove-making process is similar to the latex glove manufacturing process. Hand-shaped moulds are dipped into liquid nitrile and then baked in an oven. Nitrile gloves are then coated in a polymer to assist with donning and doffing.

Features of Nitrile Gloves:

• Nitrile gloves are the most expensive disposable gloves. 
• Stronger and more puncture-resistant compared to latex gloves.
• Commonly used in medical, and laboratory settings.
• Nitrile gloves are latex-free, making them preferable for those with allergies to latex.
• Often referred to as medical-grade gloves due to their superior protection from punctures and chemicals

Nitrile Gloves Examples

Vinyl Gloves

Vinyl gloves are made from the polymer material PVC (polyvinyl chloride), the same material used to produce PVC pipes. Polymers are substances with large molecules (macromolecules) made up of repeating chains of smaller molecules (monomers). PVC is cheap to manufacture which makes vinyl gloves inexpensive to produce. In production, a plasticizer is added to the PVC to make it flexible and pliable, it is cleaned and washed to remove latex proteins then moulded and baked similar to how latex gloves are made.

Features of Vinyl Gloves:

• Very cost-effective for general-purpose tasks.
• Latex-free and therefore with no natural proteins is less likely to irritate users
• Not as elastic and tactile when compared to latex or nitrile gloves and are prone to ripping
• Not suited for high-risk medical and healthcare uses due to its lack of durability.
• The loser fit results in less sensitivity and dexterity, making it a poor choice for detailed work.

Vinyl Gloves Examples

Neoprene Gloves

Made from synthetic rubber, neoprene is produced from petroleum-based oils or chemicals. After going through an emulsion polymerization process the petroleum products are turned into chloroprene (rubber-like chips) then melted down and combined with forming agents to produce neoprene. The gloves are then dipped, dried and vulcanised (cured by heat) similarly to nitrile gloves. 

Features of Neoprene Gloves:

• Non-latex to help avoid skin allergies
• Resistant to water, heat, vibration, oils, greases, and solvents.
• Offers good flexibility, durability and dexterity.
• Neoprene gloves offer high tensile strength
• Used in laboratories, chemical handling and surgery.

Neoprene Gloves Examples

Polyisoprene (PI) Gloves

Polyisoprene gloves are made from a synthetic rubber material that mimics natural latex but is designed to be free from latex proteins. Polyisoprene is known for its elasticity, flexibility, and comfortable fit, similar to natural rubber latex, but without the risk of allergic reactions. Isoprene goes through a polymerization process to create polyisoprene it is then mixed with various compounds to increase strength and flexibility. The gloves are then dipped, dried and cured similarly to nitrile gloves. Polyisoprene gloves may undergo a sterilisation processes such as gamma radiation to ensure they are medically sterilised.

Features of Polyisoprene Gloves:

• Non-latex to help avoid skin allergies
• Offers similar elasticity and flexibility to natural latex gloves
• Provide a high level of tactile sensitivity, making them ideal for tasks that require precision and dexterity.
• Polyisoprene gloves are durable and resistant to tearing and puncturing
• Do not leave behind chemicals or residues, making them suitable for medical settings
• Can be made thinner than neoprene gloves

Polyisoprene Gloves Examples

Old & New Latex Glove Coatings

Utilising the latest technology, colloidal oatmeal can be used to coat latex gloves which helps protect skin, promote skin repair and moisturise hands. Allowing users with the need for the dexterity of Latex but without the allergic reactions. Check out the Coats Colloidal Oatmeal Coated Nitrile Exam Gloves.

For powdered gloves, cornstarch is commonly used to help with donning gloves and helping reduce moisture. Powdered gloves are growing out of fashion in medical settings today as the powder can increase the risk of allergies due to particles in the air and contamination in wounds and surgical sites.

So Which Glove Is Best For Your Healthcare Setting?

When selecting non-sterile gloves for healthcare settings, Nitrile, Latex and Vinyl are the most commonly used options. Deciding which glove type is best for your needs requires evaluating various factors. Consider the following areas:

Fit & Comfort: Consider if the glove's fit affects your ability to perform tasks efficiently.

Durability & Longevity: Assess whether your current gloves are too fragile for your needs, as this could be both risky and costly.

Protection: Prioritize the safety, comfort, and hygiene of both healthcare professionals and residents.

Economy: Evaluate whether you’re spending too much on gloves or if you're using them up too quickly, indicating that a more suitable option might be cost-effective in the long run.

Allergens: Determine if the gloves might cause allergic reactions in staff or residents.

Over Pull: If extras come out every time a glove is pulled out there is a waste factor, and supplies will be depleted quickly.

For more information and guidance around your clinic’s glove choices, talk to the team at SSS Australia today: https://www.sssaustralia.com.au/general-healthcare-team