It’s important to choose the right type of disposable glove for the job at hand, as not every material or style will match the needs of your industry. Learn more about popular types of disposable gloves and which ones are the best fit for each industry below.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Disposable Gloves

When choosing disposable gloves, it’s crucial to consider not just the quality and cost, but how well they will suit the application. Here are a few disposable glove factors to consider:

• Powder: Powdered gloves are popular because they’re moisture-resistant and easy to slip on or take off. However, removing disposable powdered gloves can leave a residue, so they shouldn’t be used for jobs requiring strict sanitation like medical exams or food preparation. Powder free alternatives are available in a variety of materials.
• Skin sensitivity: While latex is a popular material, it is known for its high allergy rates, causing skin irritation for a significant amount of wearers. Nitrile gloves are a popular hypoallergenic alternative to latex.
• Chemical resistance: Always consider what kinds of products your employees will be interacting with while wearing their gloves. Nitrile, for example, is more chemically resistant than traditional latex, making it a better fit for workers dealing with hazardous materials.
• Mil thickness: Thicker disposable gloves have more durability, ideal for work that is tough on the gloves like mechanics. Thinner gloves are better suited for applications where tactility is more important than durability, like in the medical field.

A Guide to the Right Disposable Gloves for Each Job

The industries that most commonly require disposable gloves are the food service, industrial, mechanical and medical fields. We’ll explain which materials are recommended for each industry. Explore our in-depth guide to the pros and cons of each glove material for more information.

Food Service

Sanitation is key when it comes to the food service industry. Avoid powdered gloves if wearers are replacing them regularly, as this will keep powder residue away from food. Vinyl gloves are a safe bet, as they hold up well against heat, offer flexible dexterity and are one of the more durable options. Polyethylene gloves are also commonly used because their loose fit lends itself to easy, quick changes. Use these for cleaning or general protection rather than slicing and dicing, as they’re not puncture-resistant.

Industrial

Latex is a popular choice for industrial applications. This material offers trustworthy barrier protection and a reliable fit as well as flexibility. One of our industrial bestsellers is the Ultragard Gloveman latex powder free glove. If you go for latex gloves, you’ll want to have other options on hand in case employees have latex allergies. Nitrile is another lightweight, flexible and chemically-resistant material option.

Mechanics

Mechanics’ disposable gloves need to be durable and able to withstand some rough handling. They also need to protect employees from chemicals or abrasions. Nitrile is a good fit for these purposes since these gloves are puncture resistant and keep their grip even in oily conditions. Thicker designs, like our Gryphon 8 mil nitrile gloves, provide better protection, while the thinner versions offer the ultimate in dexterity. Browse our mechanics selection for the industry’s bestsellers in nitrile and latex.

Medical

In medical situations that carry a high risk of infection, many choose to wear latex thanks to its close fit, elasticity and strength. The Ultragard UGPF 5.5 Mil Latex Exam Powder Free Gloves are one of our bestselling options for the medical field. For a more affordable option when dealing with low-risk scenarios, some medical personnel choose vinyl — it’s latex-free and comfortable, but also less durable.

In high-risk scenarios or if your employees will be wearing disposable gloves for a longer period of time, the chemically resistant nitrile is another strong alternative. Our bestsellers include a variety of Ultragard nitrile gloves in different thickness levels.

Order Disposable Gloves in Bulk Online

Whichever style you conclude is the right fit for your industry, PalmFlex has you covered. We can provide you with the highest quality nitrile,disposable gloves to keep your employees safe and sanitized. We offer unbeatable volume discounts and free shipping across the continental U.S. on all orders over $80. Explore our disposable gloves selection and place your online order today.