Powdered vs Powder-Free Gloves
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Gloves play an essential role in every healthcare setting and are an intrinsic aspect of dental supplies in Australia. From nitrile gloves to latex, neoprene, or vinyl, sterile or non-sterile gloves, there are several options and you must select what works best for your unique needs.
Various other industries use gloves – from food service to cleaning; automotive to painters to policing – disposable gloves are essential for the health and safety of workers and the public.
If you use disposable gloves in your workplace, one further decision you need to make is whether to use powdered or powder-free gloves. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks – and powder-free gloves may be the best option for you.
Powdered Gloves
Powdered gloves have a light powder coating on the inside surface. This facilitates putting them on and removing them quickly and prevents the glove from sticking to the skin. It also helps keep the hands drier by reducing sweating – this makes them more comfortable. Furthermore, powdered latex gloves are more tear-resistant than powder-free latex gloves.
Modern gloves are powdered with corn starch, which is non-irritating. Over long periods of wear, however, they can cause sensitivity or allergies (this does not tend to occur if the gloves are made of nitrile or vinyl).
Benefits of powdered gloves include:
- Easy to don and slip off quickly
- Form-fitting
- Very affordable – significantly cheaper than powder-free gloves
- Minimises sweating inside the gloves
Powder-Free Gloves
Powder-free gloves don’t use this powdered coating – and new technology has provided great options for powder-free gloves that are comfortable and easy to use. This includes polymer coatings (for nitrile gloves) and chlorination (for latex gloves). Of the two types, nitrile gloves are the superior product.
Benefits of powder-free nitrile gloves include:
- Strong and durable
- Exceptional level of protection
- Reduces risks of contamination
- Skin-friendly (nitrile)
- High grip level for nitrile gloves
- Water-resistant and versatile
Powder-free gloves are becoming more popular for use across many industries:
- It is mandated that gloves used in food service are powder-free.
- They leave no residue on hands, sterile surfaces, equipment, or instruments.
- There is less risk of contamination when using powder-free gloves.
- Powder-free gloves are safer for regular use by people who experience asthma, allergies, and respiratory issues.
Purchase Gloves at Adam Dental
Adam Dental is your superior Australian online distributor of gloves for dentists, doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, and for use across many other industries. Shop with us today for these and other infection control supplies – our selection is outstanding, and we offer unparalleled customer service and competitive pricing.