What I Love About Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are definitely my favorite disposable glove out of the 3 main kinds. They were originally developed as a synthetic alternative to latex and vinyl gloves in the medical field, and were first seen in the market in the late 1990s. However, since that time, nitrile gloves have expanded into most industries and are now extremely popular in industrial applications as well. Here are a few reasons why.

First and foremost, nitrile gloves are latex-free. Whether using them while cleaning around the house or taking out some yucky leftovers forgotten at the back of the fridge…it’s great knowing chances of developing a sensitivity to latex are minimized by choosing a latex-free glove. After all, latex allergies are often associated with prolonged use of latex gloves over time. If you can use a different glove for some tasks…why not?

Another great plus a nitrile glove offers is the excellent protection against many chemicals. Do you work on cars? If so, nitrile is usually a better glove choice. If break fluid comes in contact with a latex glove, it will dissolve the glove. In contrast, you can dip a nitrile glove in break fluid, and it would be just fine. Also, because nitrile gloves take the shape of your hand very well, especially after reacting with the warmth of your skin, they provide superior comfort, great dexterity and excellent tactile sensitivity.

Thirdly, nitrile gloves hold up better to rips and tears than latex and vinyl. In fact, a nitrile glove is three times as resistant to abrasion and punctures than an equivalent glove in latex and vinyl! Not to say you should use a nitrile glove if the specific application directly involves handling sharp objects, just like you wouldn’t choose a latex or vinyl glove... But as far as disposable gloves go, nitrile holds up much better than the other two.

So there you have it. From latex-free, to excellent protection against chemicals, to superior fit and feel, to holding up better to rips and tears than other disposable gloves, these are just a few of the reasons why I love nitrile gloves. Find out some of the reasons why YOU like nitrile gloves, and come back and tell us.

Sincerely Yours,

The Ammex Glover

Vinyl Gloves: The Second Generation of Gloves

With a number of people reporting allergies to latex, a second generation of gloves was developed to meet the needs of these individuals: Vinyl.

Vinyl is a synthetic material derived from petroleum. It is also referred to as poly vinyl chloride or PVC. In other words, vinyl gloves are essentially plastic. Not surprisingly, vinyl gloves have a looser, baggier fit and they do not take the shape of the hand as well as a latex glove. This is why they are usually considered a less effective medical barrier than latex and are more often seen in industrial and food service applications.

However, vinyl gloves are a practical, inexpensive and latex-free alternative, which provide effective hand protection in a variety of applications. In fact, vinyl gloves are recommended for some applications latex gloves are not. Keep in mind it all depends on the specific application and situation, and you should always test the glove first.

How about if you experience sensitivity to latex, yet need a form-fitting glove providing a superior medical or chemical barrier?

Is there an alternative disposable glove to latex and vinyl?

Let’s find out.

Sincerely Yours,
The Ammex Glover

Latex Gloves-The Real Rubber Gloves

While not all disposable gloves are made out of rubber, you have probably heard people refer to them as “rubber gloves”. This is not surprising when you think that the first surgical-type gloves made, were indeed made out of rubber

We’ve got Dr.William Stewart Halsted to thank for rubber gloves! In 1889, his Head Operating Nurse and wife-to-be, Caroline Hampton, developed dermatitis from the harsh hand disinfectants used prior to surgery. Dr. Halsted turned to the Goodyear Rubber Company to manufacture thin rubber gloves that could be used for hand protection. ( William Stewart Halsted, Retrieved May 20th 2009 from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Stewart_Halsted)

Latex rubber gloves are made of a natural rubber protein derived from the rubber tree. Neatly-lined groups of rubber trees are “tapped”-or cut- and their sap collected in containers. This sap is then mixed with chemicals in an elaborate manufacturing process, to produce what nowadays are more commonly known as Latex Gloves.

Latex gloves take the shape of the hands extremely well, making it easy to manipulate small objects. This is why they are found across all industries, from medical to food service, manufacturing and industrial.

In more recent years, however, there has been growing concern with individuals experiencing sensitivity to latex. As a result, a second generation of gloves has been developed to cater to the needs of these people.

Do you know what the second generation of gloves is? Stay tuned to find out!

Sincerely Yours,

The Ammex Glover