Disposable Garments - Coveralls, Exam Gloves & Shoe Covers

Despite being marketed as disposable, Tyvek coveralls can typically be used more than once as long as they are not torn and have not been exposed to hazardous materials. Tyvek's tear-resistant construction makes it tough enough for repeated light-duty use — the practical limiting factor is usually a tear or contamination, not general wear. Tyvek coveralls should not be washed, as machine washing can damage the fabric. For tasks involving hazardous chemical exposure, treat the suit as single-use regardless of its apparent condition.

TY120-style coveralls have open wrists and ankles, maximizing range of motion and allowing you to select and add your own gloves and boots separately — useful when you need flexibility to match specific hand or foot protection to a particular hazard. TY122-style coveralls include an attached hood and boot covers, with the cuff designed so any nitrile glove can tuck underneath for a more complete seal. The attached hood and boots reduce the number of separate components you need to purchase and don, while still allowing glove flexibility.

Mil thickness (one mil = 0.001 inch) is the primary indicator of glove durability and puncture resistance:

• 3-4 mil — high dexterity for light-duty tasks, food handling, and basic exams where fine tactile feedback matters most
• 5-6 mil — the best all-around balance of protection and comfort, suitable for most general exam, laboratory, and industrial tasks
• 7-8+ mil — heavy-duty puncture resistance for demanding industrial, mechanical, or chemical-handling tasks where extra durability outweighs dexterity concerns

Choose the thinnest glove that adequately protects against your specific task's puncture and durability demands — thicker isn't always better if it sacrifices the dexterity your task requires.

Nitrile is the most versatile choice — latex-free, excellent chemical and puncture resistance, heat-tolerant, and suitable for most medical, laboratory, and industrial applications. It's the recommended default when latex allergy is a concern or unknown. Latex offers a snug fit and superior tactile sensitivity, a long-standing favorite in healthcare, but must be avoided for anyone with a latex sensitivity or allergy. Vinyl is the most economical option, suited to short-term, low-risk tasks like food handling and general cleaning, but offers less stretch, durability, and chemical resistance than nitrile or latex.

Powdered gloves use a fine powder coating to eliminate tackiness and make the glove easier and faster to don, which can matter in high-volume, frequent glove-change environments. Powder-free gloves are produced through a chemical washing process and are generally preferred in clean room, laboratory, and food-handling environments where powder residue could contaminate surfaces, products, or sensitive equipment. For most general industrial and exam use, powder-free has become the more common standard due to these contamination concerns, but powdered gloves remain a valid choice for tasks where donning speed matters more than residue concerns.