Many clients may ask the difference between the latex gloves and nitrile gloves, let’s discuss about it from below points.

1.Material difference

Latex gloves are also called rubber gloves. Latex is a natural material and is derived from rubber tree sap. Natural latex is a biosynthetic product. Due to different tree species, geology, climate and other related conditions, its composition and structure will often vary greatly. In fresh latex without any added substances, rubber hydrocarbons only account for 20% -40% of the total, and the remaining small amounts are non-rubber components and water. Non-rubber components include proteins, lipids, sugars, and inorganic components. Some of them form a composite structure with rubber particles, and some of them are dissolved in whey or form non-rubber particles.
Nitrile is a kind of synthetic rubber, which is mainly synthesized from acrylonitrile and butadiene. It is a key material for organic synthesis and pharmaceutical intermediates.

2.Classification difference

The latex gloves are divided into powdered and powder-free type, smooth.
Nitrile gloves are normally powder free and finger textured.

3.Hypoallergenic

Latex gloves contain protein, which is prone to allergic reactions for people with allergies.
Nitrile gloves are free of proteins, amino compounds, and other harmful substances, and rarely cause allergies.

4.Degradability

Both latex gloves and nitrile gloves can be degraded, easy to handle, and environmentally friendly.

5. Puncture resistance

The toughness and abrasion resistance of latex gloves are slightly inferior compared to nitrile gloves.
Nitrile gloves are three to five times more resistant to puncture than latex.For dentists who need to use sharp tools, the use of durable nitrile gloves can create a safer barrier to contact with patients.

6.Flexibility

Latex gloves are soft and wear-resistant, and have better elasticity than nitrile gloves.

7.Fit hand

Because nitrile gloves contain butadiene monomer, it can become a flexible rubber, which allows the wearer to experience the best tactile sensitivity. In addition, the fit of the hand is due to its good thermal conductivity, a property that provides excellent flexibility, which is especially important for medical professionals or those working with small parts or tools.

8.Price

Because nitrile material has much better chemical and acid and alkali resistance than latex, the price of nitrile gloves is higher than latex products.

9.Color

Nitrile materials can be added with pigments and have a brighter color. Can ease the tension of patients.

In addition,nitrile gloves have certain antistatic properties due to their non-silicone components, low surface chemical residues, low ion content, and small particle content, making them suitable for strict clean room environments.
In summary, gloves are not absolutely good or bad. People can choose the gloves that suit them according to their needs.