Nitrile vs Vinyl Gloves: Which Is Better?

Nitrile gloves were introduced in the 1990s as an alternative to latex gloves, which were the dominant type of disposable glove at the time. Nitrile gloves aren’t quite as elastic or flexible compared , which you may have noticed if you’ve ever attempted to put on a pair. However, nitrile gloves provide superior protection, since they’re much more durable and capable of resisting chemical reactions.

Nitrile gloves are latex-free, effectively eliminating the risk of latex allergy reactions. They’re also puncture resistant, tough, and capable of providing protection in even some extreme environments. Accordingly, they are frequently used in medical-grade applications and industrial applications that require handling corrosive chemicals. One of the only downsides of nitrile gloves is that they tend to be more expensive to manufacture, making them less cost effective.

Some people also prefer nitrile gloves because they provide a high level of tactile sensitivity. In other words, while wearing these gloves, you’ll be better capable of sensing your environment and feeling what you touch. For this reason, nitrile gloves are especially important in applications that require precise dexterity.