Vinyl Gloves Vs. Nitrile Gloves: What Are The Differences?

One of the greatest differences between these gloves is their resistance. While vinyl gloves aren’t as resistant as nitryl gloves, they are cheaper. Due to their low resistance, vinyl gloves break very easily.

The core function of these gloves is to provide safety for both the service receivers and the providers by keeping them safe from microbes and chemicals in some instances. But Vinyl and nitrile gloves are used in the different sectors. So, the difference between vinyl and nitrile gloves is paramount.

Here, we’re offering you a detailed comparison between the two gloves.

 

What Are Vinyl Gloves?

Vinyl gloves are popular disposable gloves that are made of natural components. Even though these are popular, their usage is restricted to certain situations only.

Price

Vinyl gloves are the cheapest gloves that you can buy out there. However, if the gloves are oiled or powdered, the prices will rise.

Comfort

These gloves offer low elasticity compared to nitrile gloves, which is why they’re fit loosely and are uncomfortable to wear.

Durability

Vinyl gloves are very susceptible to breaking and punctures, which is why they aren’t used in environments with hazardous objects. Plus, they don’t offer much resistance against chemicals either.

Usage

So, where are vinyl gloves used? These gloves are mostly used in packing food and beverages. In such environments, the gloves aren’t worn for a long time, so the fit doesn’t matter much.

Then again, usually, there aren’t any hazardous objects or chemicals around when packing food and beverages, so the chances of these gloves being damaged are minimum.

Susceptibility to Allergic Reactions

One key trait of these gloves is that they don’t trigger any sort of allergic reaction, which makes them universal. This, coupled with the fact that these are one of the cheapest options out there, makes them one of the most used hand gloves out there.

 

What Are Nitrile Gloves?

Nitrile gloves are also referred to as medical-grade gloves, as these are the most used type of gloves when it comes to medical purposes.

One of the greatest pros of these gloves is that they offer everything latex has to offer but don’t pose any risk of allergic infection. The reports of allergic reactions from these gloves make up less than 1% of the users.

Durability

Nitrile gloves are composed of synthetic materials that are free of latex, and these constituents make these gloves far superior to latex in terms of durability. Medical environments are mostly surrounded by objects that can puncture gloves, which makes the nitrile gloves even more suitable.

The nitrile gloves also have a long shelf life, meaning that they can be stored for a long time without usage. They also come in various forms of powdered or power-free versions.

Plus, nitrile gloves have more superior resistance to chemicals compared to latex gloves. This is why these are always preferred over latex gloves while working with any sort of chemicals.

Comfort

These offer a better fit than most gloves, which makes them very comfortable. So, they can also be worn for a longer time than any other type of gloves.

Tear Feature

Another unique feature of these gloves is that they tear when they’re punctured, unlike latex gloves. This feature will help you understand whether the gloves are suitable for use or not and can save you from an accident.

Price

There are mainly two drawbacks to nitrile gloves. Firstly, these can be a bit expensive. However, their durability, long shelf life, and close to zero allergic reaction rate justify their slightly higher price.

Bio-degradation

Then again, these aren’t biodegradable in most cases. While biodegradable nitrile gloves are being produced recently, most of the ones available on the market are still non-biodegradable.

Usage

Other than these, nitrile gloves are one of the best and most balanced gloves that you can get for yourself. Especially if you’re someone who works in the medical sector or has to work with hazardous objects, nitrile gloves are the best pick for you.

Read the article about the differences between Veneers and Lumineers.

 

Main Differences Between Vinyl and Nitrile Gloves

Here are the main differences between these two types of gloves:

• While both are made of synthetic materials, nitrile gloves usually aren’t biodegradable, whereas vinyl gloves are.
• Vinyl gloves are the cheapest option, and nitrile gloves can get a bit expensive.
• Vinyl gloves can be punctured easily, but nitrile gloves can’t be.
• Nitrile gloves are far more durable than vinyl gloves.
• Vinyl gloves are loosely fit, while nitrile gloves can fit perfectly.
• Both of these gloves offer protection against viruses and bacteria, but only nitrile gloves protect against chemicals.
• Vinyl gloves offer lower tactical resistance than nitrile gloves.
• Vinyl gloves are biodegradable, but nitrile gloves aren’t.
• Nitrile gloves are suitable for the medical sector, and vinyl gloves are better for food and beverage packing.
• Nitrile gloves have a longer shelf life than vinyl gloves.

 

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Vinyl vs. Nitrile Gloves: A Table

Both vinyl and nitrile are polymers that are used as the main constituents of the gloves. The mechanical differences between these gloves are in their resistance and elasticity.

These mechanical differences have led to differences in their attributes as well. We’ll simplify them with the help of a table here.

Parameter of Comparison	Vinyl Gloves	Nitrile Gloves
Protects Against	Virus and bacteria	Chemicals and virus
Affordability	Cheapest amongst disposable gloves	The most expensive disposable gloves
Tactile Sensitivity	Lowest tactile sensitivity	Average tactile sensitivity
Stretchiness	Is likely to break if stretched	Can be stretched to a great length
Durability	Not durable at all	Made of the most durable material

 

Conclusion

From the discussion, it’s clear that nitrile and vinyl gloves are completely different from one another. The difference between vinyl and nitrile gloves that you need to know is that they are suitable for different purposes.

Nitrile gloves are more suitable for the medical sector, and vinyl gloves are better for food and beverage packaging or any other light work. Using these gloves for any other purpose will be completely pointless.

Hopefully, this discussion will help you choose what you need.