How Do I Know Which Halyard Gloves Are Right for Me?
This is an updated rendition of one of our original blogs covering Halyard’s offerings, with updated info on each glove from the manufacturers at Halyard. You can find the original article here on our site.
There are so many options in the market when it comes to personal protection equipment. Lots of data to mull over just to make a choice that seems like it should be simple. Especially when it comes to immediate protection, like gloves.
Choosing the right medical glove can feel overwhelming, given the vast array of options available. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, a tattoo artist, or simply someone prioritizing safety in your daily tasks, selecting the ideal glove material, thickness, and specialized features is crucial for both protection and performance.
So in this article, we’ll break down some of the best offerings from one of the best names in PPE, Halyard.. And create a sort of guide that will boil each entry down to the essential information, and hopefully help you make a more informed decision.
What Are Glove Ratings?
Companies like Halyard labels their gloves with ratings. You may see a glove listing show all of their specifications, and then you’ll see “glove rating: good.” And that word is usually different depending on the glove. These are ratings that don’t show that a glove is better or worse than the last one… This rating is a simplification that gives you a simple note as to what the glove is meant for.
Because you’ll notice that these gloves range in various aspects like thickness, durability and the like. And that glove rating shows you, simply, how well suited each one is for a certain risk level. But it is a bit of an odd look at a glance, so let’s cover some of the ratings you’ll see and look at what they mean for you.
GOOD Rating
These are the lower-tier gloves in terms of protection. These gloves usually are suited for general use. Basic day to day tasks that have a lower to moderate risk factor. These gloves may prioritize maximum comfort while balancing protection as they sport a thinner mil thickness.
BETTER Rating
This category usually holds standard performance gloves. While they continue to balance comfort and protection, they will more than likely sport a higher mil thickness than gloves in the “good” category. Which makes them more suitable for a wider variety of tasks than the lower-tier gloves.
BEST Rating
These are usually, as the name implies, the best gloves for moderate to high-risk tasks. These gloves sport the highest level of protection and are usually rated against highly potent chemicals and chemotherapy drugs. Gloves in this category will have a the highest mil thickness, greater tensile strength, and usually a lower AQL… Which means that they have a much lower chance of critical defects to the standard.
SPECIALTY Rating
This category is usually meant for a special kind of glove. Gloves in this category are some of the best in terms of protection, but have unique features or differences that make them much more situational than the standard offerings. Take the Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile gloves for example…
They offer protection on par with the “Best” category, but they’re not rated for use against potent chemo drugs. However, the balance comes in their unique layers, with a reversible black and orange barrier that can help with specific situations. And they even offer the added bonus of providing better visual protection for rips and tears.
Now that you know the differences in what you get, let’s get into some of the best gloves available on the market.
Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile Gloves
Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile Gloves are in the lowest tier of glove. A lightweight glove meant for any general purpose task that provides the protection of nitrile and maximum comfort.
Rating
Halyard’s Aquasoft Nitrile gloves are rated in the “Good” Category.
Thickness
Aquasoft Nitrile gloves have a fingertip thickness of 3.1 mil, and a palm thickness of 2.8 mil.
Grade
Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile gloves are rated as Exam gloves meant for Low-Risk environments.
Texture
Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile gloves offer tactile sensitivity, allowing you to perceive and interpret sensations through touch while maintaining dexterity and protection.
Size-Range
These gloves come in sizes ranging from Extra-Small to Extra-Large.
Length
For all sizes, Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile gloves measure 9.5 inches in length.
Color
Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile gloves come in the color of Aqua Blue.
Quantity in Box
Halyard’s Aquasoft Nitrile Gloves come in box quantities of:
- 300 pairs per box
- 250 pairs per box in Extra-Large sizes
Quantity in Case
Halyard’s Aquasoft Nitrile Gloves also come in bulk cases with quantities of:
- 3000 pairs per case
- 2500 pairs per case in Extra-Large sizes
Material
Aquasoft Nitrile gloves are comprised of Nitrile, and are considered as follows:
- Powder-Free: Yes
- Latex-Free; Yes
- Sterile: No
- Chemo-Rated: Yes
- Protection Against Fentanyl: No
Specialty Use
Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile gloves are suited for use in General Purpose Examinations.
Weight
Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile gloves are light-weight gloves.
You can find more info on the Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile Gloves on our website here.
Halyard Lavender Nitrile Gloves
Halyard Lavender Nitrile Gloves are another entry in the lowest tier of glove. A lightweight glove meant for any general purpose task that provides the protection of nitrile and maximum comfort.
Rating
Halyard’s Lavender Nitrile gloves are rated in the “Good” Category.
Thickness
Lavender Nitrile gloves have a fingertip thickness of 2.8 mil, and a palm thickness of 2.0 mil.
Grade
Halyard Lavender Nitrile gloves are rated as Exam gloves meant for Low to Moderate-Risk environments.
Texture
Halyard Lavender Nitrile gloves offer tactile sensitivity, allowing you to perceive and interpret sensations through touch while maintaining dexterity and protection.
Size-Range
These gloves come in sizes ranging from Extra-Small to Extra-Large.
Length
For all sizes, Halyard Lavender Nitrile gloves measure 9.5 inches in length.
Color
Halyard Lavender Nitrile gloves come in the color of Lavender.
Quantity in Box
Halyard’s Lavender Nitrile Gloves come in box quantities of:
- 250 pairs per box
- 230 pairs per box in Extra-Large sizes
Quantity in Case
Halyard’s Lavender Nitrile Gloves also come in bulk cases with quantities of:
- 2500 pairs per case
- 2300 pairs per case in Extra-Large sizes
Material
Lavender Nitrile gloves are comprised of Nitrile, and are considered as follows:
- Powder-Free: Yes
- Latex-Free; Yes
- Sterile: No
- Chemo-Rated: Yes
- Protection Against Fentanyl: No
Specialty Use
Halyard Lavender Nitrile gloves are suited for use in General Purpose Examinations.
Weight
Halyard Aquasoft Nitrile gloves are light-weight gloves.
You can find more info on the Halyard Lavender Nitrile Gloves on our website here.
Halyard Sterling Nitrile Gloves
Halyard’s Sterling Nitrile Gloves are one of their better offerings. Offering balanced protection and dexterity in a sterling silver barrier.
Rating
Halyard’s Sterling Nitrile gloves are rated in the “Better” Category.
Thickness
Sterling Nitrile gloves have a fingertip thickness of 4.7 mil, and a palm thickness of 3.1 mil.
Grade
Halyard Sterling Nitrile gloves are rated as Exam gloves meant for Low to Moderate-Risk environments.
Texture
Halyard Sterling Nitrile gloves offer tactile sensitivity, allowing you to perceive and interpret sensations through touch while maintaining dexterity and protection.
Size-Range
These gloves come in sizes ranging from Extra-Small to Extra-Large.
Quantity in Box
Halyard’s Sterling Nitrile Gloves come in box quantities of:
- 200 pairs per box
- 170 pairs per box in Extra-Large sizes
Quantity in Case
Halyard’s Sterling Nitrile Gloves also come in bulk cases with quantities of:
- 2000 pairs per case
- 1700 pairs per case in Extra-Large sizes
Length
For all sizes, Halyard Sterling Nitrile gloves measure 9.5 inches in length.
Color
Halyard Sterling Nitrile gloves come in the color of Silver.
Material
Sterling Nitrile gloves are comprised of Nitrile, and are considered as follows:
- Powder-Free: Yes
- Latex-Free; Yes
- Sterile: No
- Chemo-Rated: Yes
- Protection Against Fentanyl: No
Specialty Use
Halyard Sterling Nitrile gloves are suited for use in all medical situations.
Weight
Halyard Sterling Nitrile gloves are medium-weight gloves.
You can find more info on the Halyard Steriling Nitrile Gloves on our website here.
Halyard Purple Nitrile Gloves
Halyard’s Purple Nitrile Glove are their most common offering. You’ll see these everywhere, as they have a variety of uses for even a standard glove. Their Purple Nitrile gloves offer a balance of comfort and maximum protection.
Rating
Halyard’s Purple Nitrile gloves are rated in the “Best” Category, as they have the current thickest mil of any Halyard glove.
Thickness
Purple Nitrile gloves have a fingertip thickness of 5.9 mil, and a palm thickness of 4.7 mil.
Grade
Halyard Purple Nitrile gloves are rated as Exam gloves meant for High-Risk environments.
Texture
Halyard Purple Nitrile gloves offer tactile sensitivity, allowing you to perceive and interpret sensations through touch while maintaining dexterity and protection.
Size-Range
These gloves come in sizes ranging from Extra-Small to Extra-Large.
Quantity in Box
Halyard’s Purple Nitrile Gloves come in box quantities of:
- 100 pairs per box
- 90 pairs per box in Extra-Large sizes
Quantity in Case
Halyard’s Purple Nitrile Gloves also come in bulk cases with quantities of:
- 1000 pairs per case
- 900 pairs per case in Extra-Large sizes
Length
For all sizes, Halyard Purple Nitrile gloves measure 9.5 inches in length.
Material
Purple Nitrile gloves are comprised of Nitrile, and are considered as follows:
- Powder-Free: Yes
- Latex-Free; Yes
- Sterile: No
- Chemo-Rated: Yes
- Protection Against Fentanyl: Yes
Specialty Use
Halyard Purple Nitrile gloves are suited for use in all medical situations.
Weight
Halyard Purple Nitrile gloves are heavy-weight gloves.
You can find more info on the Halyard Purple Nitrile Gloves on our website here.
Halyard Sterling Sterile Nitrile Gloves
Halyard’s Sterling Sterile Nitrile Gloves are one of their specialty offerings. The Sterling Sterile gloves offer the same benefits as their namesake, but with updated sterility.
Rating
Halyard’s Sterling Nitrile gloves are rated in the “Specialty” Category.
Thickness
Sterling Nitrile gloves have a fingertip thickness of 4.7 mil, and a palm thickness of 3.1 mil.
Grade
Halyard Sterling Nitrile gloves are rated for Maximum-Risk environments.
Texture
Halyard Sterling Sterile Nitrile gloves offer tactile sensitivity, allowing you to perceive and interpret sensations through touch while maintaining dexterity and protection.
Size-Range
These gloves come in sizes ranging from Extra-Small to Extra-Large.
Quantity in Box
Halyard’s Sterling Sterile Nitrile Gloves come in box quantities of:
- 50 pairs per box (each pair is sterile and wrapped as a pair)
Quantity in Case
Halyard’s Sterling Sterile Nitrile Gloves also come in bulk cases with quantities of:
- 200 pairs per case
Length
For all sizes, Halyard Sterling Sterile Nitrile gloves measure 9.5 inches in length.
Color
Halyard Sterling Nitrile gloves come in the color of Silver.
Material
Sterling Nitrile gloves are comprised of Nitrile, and are considered as follows:
- Powder-Free: Yes
- Latex-Free; Yes
- Sterile: Yes
- Chemo-Rated: Yes
- Protection Against Fentanyl: No
Specialty Use
Halyard Sterling Sterile Nitrile gloves are suited for use in Sterile Medical and Laboratory environments.
Weight
Halyard Sterling Nitrile gloves are medium-weight gloves.
You can find more info on the Halyard Sterling Sterile Nitrile Gloves on our website here.
Halyard Purple Sterile Nitrile Gloves
Halyard’s Purple Sterile Nitrile Gloves are another of Halyard’s specialty sterile offerings. With the same protection as their standard purple, but with added sterility to make them suitable for tougher tasks.
Rating
Halyard’s Purple Sterile Nitrile gloves are rated in the “Specialty” Category.
Thickness
Purple Sterile Nitrile gloves have a fingertip thickness of 5.9 mil, and a palm thickness of 4.7 mil.
Grade
Halyard Purple Nitrile gloves are rated as Exam gloves meant for High-Risk environments.
Texture
Halyard Purple Nitrile gloves offer tactile sensitivity, allowing you to perceive and interpret sensations through touch while maintaining dexterity and protection.
Size-Range
These gloves come in sizes ranging from Extra-Small to Extra-Large.
Quantity in Box
Halyard’s Purple Sterile Nitrile Gloves come in box quantities of:
- 100 pairs per box, (each glove is sterile and individually wrapped)
Quantity in Case
Halyard’s Purple Sterile Nitrile Gloves also come in bulk cases with quantities of:
- 400 pairs per case
Length
For all sizes, Halyard Purple Sterile Nitrile gloves measure 9.5 inches in length.
Material
Purple Sterile Nitrile gloves are comprised of Nitrile, and are considered as follows:
- Powder-Free: Yes
- Latex-Free; Yes
- Sterile:Yes
- Chemo-Rated: Yes
- Protection Against Fentanyl: Yes
Specialty Use
Halyard Purple Sterile Nitrile gloves are suited for use in Sterile Medical and Laboratory environments.
Weight
Halyard Purple Sterile Nitrile gloves are heavy-weight gloves.
You can find more info on the Halyard Purple Sterile Nitrile Gloves on our website here.
Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves 
Halyard’s Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves are one of Halyard’s specialty offerings that we mentioned a bit above. They offer protection like the best, but carry their own unique modifications and features. Like the reversible option for breach visibility and a wider use-case in very specific situations.
Rating
Halyard’s Black-Fire Nitrile gloves are rated in the “Specialty” Category, with high thickness and unique features.
Thickness
Black-Fire Nitrile gloves have a fingertip thickness of 5.5 mil, and a palm thickness of 3.9 mil.
Grade
Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile gloves are rated as Exam gloves meant for High-Risk environments.
Texture
Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile gloves offer tactile sensitivity, allowing you to perceive and interpret sensations through touch while maintaining dexterity and protection.
Size Range
These gloves come in sizes ranging from Extra-Small to Extra-Large.
Quantity in Box
Halyard’s Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves come in box quantities of:
- 150 pairs per box
- 140 pairs per box in Extra-Large sizes
Quantity in Case
Halyard’s Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves also come in bulk cases with quantities of:
- 1500 pairs per case
- 1400 pairs per case in Extra-Large sizes
Length
For all sizes, Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile gloves measure 9.5 inches in length.
Material
Black-Fire Nitrile gloves are comprised of Nitrile, and are considered as follows:
- Powder-Free: Yes
- Latex-Free: Yes
- Sterile: No
- Chemo-Rated: No
- Protection Against Fentanyl: Yes
Specialty Use
Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile gloves are suited for use with Emergency Medical Services, such as EMTs and first responders.
Weight
Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile gloves are medium-weight gloves.
You can find more info on the Halyard Black-Fire Nitrile Gloves on our website here.
Halyard Flexaprene Green Gloves
Halyard’s Flexaprene Green Gloves are another of Halyard’s specialty offerings. These gloves are not comprised of nitrile like before, instead offering a different approach with chloroprene.
Rating
Halyard’s Flexaprene gloves are rated in the “Specialty” Category.
Thickness
Flexaprene gloves have a fingertip thickness of 2.8 mil, and a palm thickness of 2.8 mil.
Grade
Halyard Flexaprene gloves are rated as Exam gloves meant for Low to Moderate-Risk environments.
Texture
Halyard Flexaprene gloves offer tactile sensitivity, allowing you to perceive and interpret sensations through touch while maintaining dexterity and protection.
Size-Range
These gloves come in sizes ranging from Extra-Small to Extra-Large.
Quantity in Box
Halyard’s Flexaprene Gloves come in box quantities of:
- 200 pairs per box
- 180 pairs per Extra-Large box
Quantity in Case
Halyard’s Flexaprene Gloves also come in bulk cases with quantities of:
- 2000 pairs per case
- 1800 pairs per Extra-Large case
Length
For all sizes, Halyard Flexaprene gloves measure 9.5 inches in length.
Material
Halyard’s Flexaprene gloves are comprised of chloroprene, and are considered as follows:
- Powder-Free: Yes
- Latex-Free; Yes
- Sterile:No
- Chemo-Rated: No
- Protection Against Fentanyl: No
Specialty Use
Halyard Flexaprene gloves are suited for use for Dental work.
Weight
Halyard Flexaprene gloves are light-weight gloves.
You can find more info on the Halyard Flexaprene Green Gloves on our website here.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the extensive world of personal protective equipment, especially medical gloves, doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding Halyard’s intuitive glove rating system, along with their detailed insights into each glove’s various aspects, you’re now equipped to make a truly informed decision.
And always remember, the best glove isn’t always the “best” rated overall. But rather it’s the one that perfectly aligns with the specific demands of your work, ensuring optimal protection, comfort, and performance.
If you have any questions about Halyard, personal protection equipment or anything else, give us a call at 704-966-1650. You can also check out our various programs available to anyone for FREE using the links below.
As always if you have any questions about this process or anything else please feel free to contact us and take advantage of our “FREE TECH SUPPORT.”
We also offer FREE VIRTUAL TECH SUPPORT to “See and Talk” with a “Real Time Live Technician” for any problems you may be in need of help with.
You can also use our “FREE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM”. Take the guesswork and worrying about what unit is due for maintenance and which maintenance cycle it is time for. We will keep track of all your autoclaves and let you know when it’s time for anything.
You can view our selection of Halyard gloves for more info on our site here.