Buying Guide

Choosing the right glove for the right use is important and BFI Products, Inc. can make your selection process easy. Consider your preference of material, texture, thickness, color, and length as you choose a glove.

Material: Latex or Nitrile

Traditionally,latex gloves have been very popular as a medical exam grade glove. In the early 1990’s the demand for gloves increased dramatically primarily due to healthcare professionals needing protection from the HIV virus. To keep up with demand, some manufacturers neglected quality control and as a result many gloves began showing pinholes and started tearing. In 1976,the FDA began regulating the production of latex gloves for quality reasons. Gloves that do not meet FDA medical quality standards are described as non-medical general purpose or industrial quality gloves.

In recent years, nitrile gloves and other latex-free gloves are becoming more popular. Many glove wearers and those who come in contact with gloves have an allergy to natural rubber. As a result, many healthcare facilities are moving to a totally latex-free environment. New polymer technology has made nitrile gloves more comfortable to wear and new manufacturing methods have made them more affordable.

Latex Gloves

Advantages:

• Comfort and dexterity
• Easy to put on, greater flexibility
• Polymer coating replaces corn starch powders

Nitrile Gloves

Advantages:

• No allergic reaction to natural rubber
• Improved polymer technology creating a more comfortable fit
• Increased demand and manufacturing methods making it more affordable

Disadvantages:

• Risk of allergic reaction to natural rubber
• Thinner gloves cause more pinholes and tearing
• Dissolves when in contact with oils, grease and other hydrocarbons

Disadvantages:

• Dissolves when in contact with acetone

Textured versus Non-Textured

Smooth gloves are more standard in the industry. When your work requires a good grip, consider a glove with texture.