Medical Mask Market

Medical Mask Market Outlook (2023 to 2033)

The global medical mask market size stands at US$ 3.7 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 15.4% to reach US$ 15 billion by the end of 2033.

Medical masks are personal protective equipment used to prevent the transmission of infections. These masks shield the wearer's lips and nose and can aid in the prevention of respiratory viruses and bacteria. To avoid respiratory infections, two types of anti-pollution masks are worn: surgical or face masks and N95 respirators. These masks can sift various types and sizes of infectious particles. Face masks should be used by people experiencing symptoms of illness such as fever, coughing, and sneezing.

Surge in respiratory illnesses, including the COVID-19 pandemic, has emerged as a key driver for the growth of the medical mask market. The escalating need for N95 respirators, in particular, has fueled this demand, with China emerging as the largest purchaser of these masks.

Biometrics are used by facial recognition systems to screen facial traits from photographs or videos. The geometric aspects of the face are examined, with the interpapillary distance being a major element.

Technological advancements have enabled the identification of individuals even when they are wearing masks, presenting new commercial possibilities. Deep learning algorithms, known for their ability to handle partial occlusion and crowded scenarios, offer high rates of identification accuracy, particularly in verification tasks.

Partnerships and collaborations between manufacturers, healthcare organizations, and government agencies address supply chain challenges and ensure a steady supply of medical masks.

• In May 2020, a collaboration between a subsidiary of Mubadala and Honeywell was established to produce N95 respirators at Strata's Al Ain facility.
• In March 2020, 3M and Ford Motor Company announced a collaboration to increase the manufacture of 3M's PAPRs (powered air-purifying respirators) in response to the coronavirus outbreak's increased demand.
• Aspen Surgical Goods, Inc. ("Aspen"), a leader in disposable surgical products, announced the purchase of Precept Medical Products ("Precept") in May 2020. The acquisition of Precept expands Aspen's market-leading portfolio of medical disposables and patient and staff safety solutions.

Report Attributes	Details
Medical Mask Market Size (2022)	US$ 3.2 Billion
Estimated Market Value (2023)	US$ 3.7 Billion
Projected Market Value (2029)	US$ 8.81 Billion
Forecasted Market Value (2033)	US$ 15 Billion
Global Market Growth Rate (2023 to 2033)	15.4% CAGR
Key Companies Profiled	Medline Industries Inc. ANSELL Ltd. Owens & Minor Besco Medical Ltd. Cardinal Health B. Braun SE KCWW 3M Ambu Smiths Group PLC

What are the Primary Drivers Behind the Increasing Demand for Medical Masks?

“Rising Prevalence of Contagious Respiratory Diseases”

Medical masks are increasingly used in surgeries to avoid the spread of infection. Usage of medical masks by healthcare providers to prevent infection is increasing as the prevalence of respiratory disorders rises, thus boosting medical mask market growth. The growing popularity of minimally invasive surgical procedures is driving the demand for surgical and anesthetic masks across various end-user segments, such as ambulatory surgery centers, hospitals, and specialized clinics, thereby contributing to the expansion of the market.

With the increasing occurrence of highly contagious respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, whooping cough, infectious disorders, and coronavirus, the worldwide burden of respiratory diseases has increased. This situation necessitates increased production of medical masks.

“Surge in Demand Due to COVID-19 Pandemic and High Prevention Awareness”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for medical masks skyrocketed as they became essential for controlling the spread of the virus. Governments, healthcare organizations, and individuals worldwide sought to secure an adequate supply of medical masks, resulting in shortages and supply chain bottlenecks.

As a response to the increased demand, many manufacturers ramped up their production capacities, and new players entered the market. Various types of medical masks became prevalent, including surgical masks, N95 respirators, and other types of respiratory protective equipment.

Governments and health authorities implemented regulations and guidelines to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medical masks. These measures aimed to prevent the circulation of substandard or counterfeit products in the market.

Rising prevalence of viral illnesses and infections has significantly influenced market expansion. However, the recent coronavirus outbreak has produced a massive demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) all across the world. The coronavirus spread to 80% of the world's countries and affected 2.7 million people. This pandemic has raised a great deal of awareness about prevention measures.

What Challenges Do Manufacturers of Medical Masks Face?

“Proliferation of Counterfeit Medical Masks and Shortage of Raw Materials”

Estimating demand and planning production for medical masks can be challenging for manufacturers due to the fluctuating demand based on the incidence of the virus in different locations.

The market is swamped with counterfeit medical masks, which might endanger public health and safety. These products may not provide effective protection and may contribute to the virus's transmission.

Production of medical masks necessitates the use of certain raw materials, such as non-woven textiles, which are in short supply. This has resulted in a scarcity of medical masks and a rise in price. Medical masks are subject to tight restrictions and standards, which can make it difficult for manufacturers who must comply with these regulations to sell their products.

“Discomfort and Impaired Cognition Associated with Prolonged Use of Medical Masks"

Usage of surgical face masks for an extended period causes headaches, nose dryness, eye dryness, and acne. In addition to having a negative impact on health, continuous use of masks can reduce work productivity and increase stress levels among healthcare professionals.

According to research, the most difficult aspect is impaired cognition. After wearing a mask for more than an hour, a few healthcare workers reported poor cognition. These elements are projected to stifle market revenue growth.

Country-wise Insights

What Makes India a Profitable Market for Medical Mask Manufacturers?

“Increasing Prevalence of Hospital-acquired Infections”

The rapid growth of the medical mask market can be attributed to the stringent government regulations mandating the use of masks, which are aimed at controlling the rapid spread of SARS-CoV-2 in India. The rising number of hospitals has led to an increased demand for surgical masks to prevent hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

• India had approximately 69,000 hospitals, both public and private, in 2019, with the number rapidly increasing.

Because surgical masks minimize virus transmission for symptomatic, asymptomatic, and pre-symptomatic patients, the COVID-19 virus outbreak in India has had a substantial influence on the demand for surgical masks.

• According to the WHO, the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in India from 3 January 2020 to 25 May 2022 stood at 43,142,192.

Increased frequency of air-borne infections in countries such as India is driving demand for surgical masks, which will drive revenue growth in the medical mask market during the forecast period.

Why are Sales of Medical Masks Increasing Steadily in Australia?

“Rising Infection Rates and Respiratory Ailments”

Increasing prevalence of lung ailments in Australia necessitates the usage of surgical masks, which is expected to drive the surgical and respiratory mask market in the country over the forecast period.

Rising prevalence of surgeries leads to hospitalization, which necessitates the usage of surgical masks and breathing masks by general practitioners or patients.

• According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, medical emergencies, including surgery, accounted for 387,000 hospitalizations from 2020 to 2021, with 86% (332,000) occurring in public hospitals and 14% (54,900) occurring in private ones.

Category-wise Insights

Which Type of Medical Mask is Most Widely Utilized?

“Increased Demand for Surgical Masks in Preventing Disease Transmission in Healthcare Environments”

Surgical masks are disposable masks that are commonly used in healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers. They are designed to protect both the wearer and others from the spread of infectious diseases, respiratory droplets, and bodily fluids.

Surgical masks are typically made of multiple layers of non-woven fabric, such as polypropylene. These materials provide filtration and fluid resistance. Surgical masks have a rectangular shape with pleats or folds, allowing them to expand and cover the nose, mouth, and chin. They often have ear loops or ties to secure the mask in place.

Surgical masks are primarily designed to provide a barrier to large respiratory droplets and splashes. They have varying levels of filtration efficiency, typically ranging from 95% to 98% for bacteria and particles more than 3 microns.

Surgical masks are different from N95 respirators, which provide a higher level of filtration and are designed for close facial fit to filter out smaller particles, including airborne pathogens.

Surgical masks primarily serve as a protective measure to reduce the risk of transmission in healthcare settings, while N95 respirators are used in situations where respiratory protection is critical, such as during procedures that generate aerosols or when caring for patients with respiratory infections.

What is the Primary Application of Medical Masks?

“Extensive Utilization of Medical Masks for Respiratory Safety for Protection Against Airborne Health Hazards”

Medical masks play a crucial role in respiratory safety, providing effective protection against airborne hazards in healthcare and occupational settings. These masks are specifically designed to filter out harmful particles, prevent inhalation of contaminants, and minimize the risk of respiratory infections. By understanding their importance and proper usage, individuals can enhance respiratory safety and mitigate the potential risks associated with airborne hazards.

Need for enhanced respiratory protection and its impact on individuals' health and well-being have led to increased production of medical masks. Medical masks play a crucial role in filtering out airborne particles and droplets, providing an effective barrier for respiratory safety.

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the medical mask market is dynamic and consists of a mix of established manufacturers, emerging players, and companies that pivoted their production lines to meet the increased demand for masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Continuous research and development efforts are being undertaken to improve the filtration efficiency, comfort, and usability of medical masks. Companies are focusing on the development of eco-friendly and sustainable mask materials to align with growing environmental concerns.

• Honeywell unveiled a new line of ergonomic and lightweight headpieces that integrate face and lung protection for challenging job areas such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and manufacturing sites in October 2021.
• In April 2020, Sandler Group announced its investment in the development of a non-woven range of respirator masks, with plans to produce over 800 million masks in response to the increasing demand.

Key Segments of Medical Mask Industry Research

• By Product :

  • Surgical Masks
  • N95 Respirators
  • Face Masks
  • Full-Face Masks
  • Laryngeal Masks
    • Disposable
    • Reusable
  • Anesthesia Masks
    • Disposable
    • Reusable

• By Application :

  • Respiratory Safety
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Allergies
  • Surgeries

• By End User :

  • Hospitals
  • Diagnostics Laboratories
  • Research and Academic Institutes
  • Individuals

• By Region :

  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East & Africa