Top 5 Latex-Free Gloves 2024

For medical professionals with latex allergies, finding the best latex-free gloves can be frustrating, with hours lost looking for something which is good value or which actually mimics the properties of latex. To save you some time and a headache, we've put together a list of our favourite Top 5 Latex-Free Gloves.

What Are the Benefits of Latex Gloves?

Before looking at alternatives it is worth remembering what is so effective about latex gloves. Their skin-tight fit and flexibility allow for excellent dexterity and sensitivity without being likely to tear or puncture. They remain a favourite for a reason and while alternatives such as nitrile come close, the latex option is usually higher quality at the same price point.

Why Wouldn't I Use Latex Gloves?

If latex is so effective why avoid it? There are lots of reasons people avoid latex – sometimes they don't like the feel or are looking for superior mechanical strength – but chief among them are allergies. Latex allergies are very common and generally develop as a consequence of extended contact with this natural rubber material; frustratingly those who interact with latex the most are also the most likely to be allergic to it.

What Are the Alternatives?

For disposable medical gloves there are a few main alternative materials:

• Vinyl – also known as PVC, these gloves are often the cheapest latex-free alternative
• Nitrile – are increasingly popular for their strong puncture resistance, skintight fit and similar properties to natural latex rubber
• Other synthetic materials designed to mimic latex – such as polyimide, which are developed to be as close to latex as possible without triggering allergic reactions

Our Top 5 Latex Free Gloves

Readigloves Vinoguard Essentials Vinyl Gloves

Brilliant value and easy to use, the Readigloves Vinoguard Essentials Vinyl Gloves are ideal for a variety of low risk medical and care applications. They feature a close fitting anatomical shape and exceptional value without sacrificing good performance. The vinyl in these gloves is of a thin gauge with good sensitivity, suiting them towards examination, routine care, hair and skin washing and general hospital and care tasks.

Key Specifications: vinyl; cream colour; thin gauge; durable; smooth finish; box of 100 gloves

Aurelia Unique Medical Grade Vinyl Gloves

Another PVC glove, but very soft and close fitting, the Aurelia Unique Medical Grade Vinyl Gloves are perfect for low risk applications. Their beaded cuff ensures a firm fit while their close fit stretch design and smooth finish allow for unusual sensitivity, perfect for reliable examination. Completely powder free and soft in feel, they are more comfortable than most vinyl gloves, and glue free to maximise hygiene in application.

Key Specifications: cream yellow colour; non-sterile; smooth grip; soft vinyl; beaded cuff; ambidextrous design; box of 100 gloves

Polyco Finesse Powder-Free Clear Vinyl Disposable Gloves MPF25

Built from PVC, the Polyco Finesse Powder-Free Clear Vinyl Disposable Gloves are ideal for low risk medical applications such as care work and examinations. They are designed to resist penetration from micro-organisms, while the dexterous and sensitive design means that you are totally in control during a medical procedure. Textured fingertips offer a higher level of grip, meaning that you can be safe in the knowledge that your patient is in best possible hands.

Key Specifications: EN 455 - AQL 1.5; vinyl; clear colour; box of 100 gloves

Cardinal Health Protexis PI Micro Latex-Free Sterile Powder Free Surgical Gloves

Using a polymer called polyimide, the Cardinal Health Protexis PI Micro Latex-Free Sterile Powder Free Surgical Gloves are high quality surgical gloves which mimic the fit and feel of latex with remarkable precision. They are completely powder free to prevent irritation during long procedures. These super thin gloves (at just 0.2mm thickness!) are the perfect choice for precise operations where dexterity and sensitivity can be vital, such as eye surgery or vascular surgery.

Key Specifications: EN 455 - AQL 1.5; polyimide; smooth grip; 0.2mm thick; cream colour; box of 50 pairs

Aurelia Perform Gloves - Medical-Grade Nitrile Gloves

A high performing non-sterile medical glove, the Aurelia Perform Gloves - Medical-Grade Nitrile Gloves are professional teal colour ambidextrous gloves. Unlike many other gloves featured in this top 5 list they feature a textured grip, for firm and reliable hold in a variety of medical situations, while maintaining a thin design for sensitivity. Their nitrile construction achieves greater strength than either equivalent vinyl or latex gloves.

Key Specifications: EN 455 - AQL 1.5; nitrile; flexible and comfortable; beaded cuff; textured grip; non-sterile; teal green colour box of 200 gloves

Our high quality latex-free gloves range does not end here! Browse our Latex Free Gloves and Latex-Free Surgical Gloves categories to see more.

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