N95 vs KN95 vs KF94 vs Surgical Masks: What's the Difference?
A clear comparison of N95, KN95, KF94 and surgical masks: filtration standards, fit, which to choose for kids, and how to spot counterfeits.
Quick answer
For most clinical and home-care tasks, choose powder-free nitrile exam gloves about 3–4 mil thick that meet ASTM D6319. They're latex-free, puncture-resistant and comfortable. Use 6–8 mil textured nitrile for cleaning or heavy-duty work, and keep vinyl for brief, low-risk tasks like food prep.
Disposable gloves look alike, but the material, thickness and certification make a big difference to protection, comfort and cost. Here's how to choose the right box the first time.
Nitrile, latex or vinyl?
| Material | Best for | Pros | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrile | Exams, home care, labs, cleaning | Latex-free, strong puncture and chemical resistance, good fit | Slightly pricier than vinyl |
| Latex | Tasks needing high dexterity | Very elastic, excellent touch sensitivity | Latex allergies affect both wearers and patients |
| Vinyl | Food handling, quick low-risk tasks | Cheapest, latex-free | Looser fit, tears more easily, weaker barrier |
Because of latex allergy risk, many clinics have switched to nitrile as their default glove.
What does "mil" thickness mean?
A mil is one-thousandth of an inch, measured at the fingertip or palm. As a rule of thumb:
- 2.5–3.5 mil: everyday exam and care gloves; best touch sensitivity.
- 4–5 mil: a tougher all-rounder for longer tasks, tattoo, salon and lab use.
- 6–8+ mil: heavy-duty cleaning, automotive, janitorial and industrial work. Textured "diamond" grips help with wet or oily surfaces.
Certifications that matter
- ASTM D6319: the U.S. standard for nitrile examination gloves (ASTM D3578 is for latex, D5250 for vinyl).
- "Medical" or "exam grade" with FDA 510(k) clearance: required for gloves sold for patient examination in the U.S.
- AQL (Acceptable Quality Level): a lower number means fewer pinholes per batch. Exam gloves are typically AQL 2.5 or better; 1.5 is stricter.
- ASTM D6978: tested for handling chemotherapy drugs. You only need this for hazardous-drug work.
Buying for a clinic? Ask the seller for the 510(k) number and AQL on the spec sheet. Reputable suppliers list both.
Getting the size right
Measure around your palm at its widest point (excluding the thumb). Roughly: under 7" = S, 7–8" = M, 8–9" = L, 9"+ = XL. Gloves that are too tight tear; too loose and you lose grip and dexterity.
How many do you need?
Change gloves between patients and tasks, and whenever they're torn or contaminated. A small clinic can easily use several hundred gloves a week, which is why cases of 600–1,000 usually work out cheapest per glove.
Our picks
- Everyday exam and care: Finitex blue nitrile 3.2 mil.
- Cleaning and heavy-duty: Finitex black 8 mil diamond-grip nitrile.
- Salons and colour-coding: Finitex rose red nitrile 3 mil.
Pair gloves with the right mask for full protection. See our N95 vs KN95 vs KF94 guide.
FAQs
Are nitrile gloves better than latex?
For most people, yes. Nitrile is latex-free, more puncture-resistant and resists many chemicals. Latex offers slightly better stretch and feel but can trigger allergies.
What thickness of nitrile glove should I buy?
Around 3–4 mil for exams and home care, 4–5 mil for longer or messier tasks, and 6–8 mil for heavy-duty cleaning or industrial work.
Can I reuse disposable gloves?
No. Disposable gloves are single-use. Change them between patients or tasks and whenever they tear, and wash your hands after removing them.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Ask a qualified clinician about your situation. Some links are affiliate links; see our disclosure.
