The great gloves debate has been running since the COVID-19 pandemic however, for many years, vinyl gloves were the glove of choice for everyday use in care homes, because they offered the following benefits:

Comfort – they’re very comfortable to wear and provide excellent dexterity, making them an ideal choice for tasks that require fine motor skills.

Latex-free – they make an excellent alternative for those who have latex allergies or sensitivities.

Cost-effective – they’re relatively inexpensive, making them a cost-effective choice for healthcare facilities that need to purchase gloves in large quantities.

Easy to put on and take off – making them a convenient option for healthcare workers who need to change gloves frequently.

Vinyl is comfortable and affordable

During the pandemic and up until March of 2023, care homes had been enjoying the luxury of being provided with nitrile gloves, free of charge, through the Government PPE portal. Many have become used to the quality of the nitrile gloves which offer the following benefits:

Strength and durability – nitrile gloves are stronger and more durable than vinyl gloves, making them an excellent choice for high-risk tasks.

Chemical resistance – they’re resistant to chemicals, making them an excellent choice for tasks that involve exposure to chemicals.

Latex-free – also making them an excellent alternative for those who have latex allergies or sensitivities.

Puncture resistance: nitrile gloves are highly resistant to punctures, making them an ideal choice for tasks that involve sharp objects.

Nitrile is of better quality but more expensive

So, Are Vinyl Gloves As Effective As Nitrile?

Vinyl gloves are an excellent choice for low-risk tasks that don’t require high levels of protection, while the nitrile option is better suited for high-risk tasks that do need a higher protection level, such as contact with blood and bodily fluids.

The choice of glove will depend on the specific needs of your care home and the tasks your staff need to perform.

Due to the excellent benefits and higher protection levels offered by nitrile gloves, they are higher in cost per item than vinyl, and with many other rising costs in care homes, are they a nice to have product, or a need to have?

Which side are you on in the great gloves debate?

Here at Able, we’re passionate about providing fit-for-purpose product solutions and helping to guide care homes to make informed decisions about appropriate and correct product choices. We’re not interested in providing the most expensive solution but rather, the correct one.

The NHS has a wealth of resources that can be used to select the appropriate gloves for your caring needs. Perhaps the best place to start is to note how you intend to use your gloves and purchase accordingly. This guide clearly maps out which glove type to use in common healthcare situations. If you’re interested in a more personal touch, discussing your specific needs and budget, I’m here to help.