Surgical Masks Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Basic, Fluid/Splash Resistant), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2028

Report Overview

The global surgical masks market size was estimated at USD 3.9 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.5% from 2019 to 2028. The growth of the market is expected to be driven by improved healthcare expenditure as well as the increasing significance of respiratory protection in the healthcare industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has skyrocketed the demand for personal protective equipment, including surgical masks for healthcare professionals across the globe. Furthermore, some government agencies have implemented preventive steps, such as mandating the use of gloves, masks, and other personal protective equipment, to slow the spread of COVID-19, which is expected to boost the market growth.

The U.S. is one of the most severely affected countries in the world by COVID-19. The rapid spread of COVID-19 in the country has increased the demand for surgical masks to reduce further transmission. In addition, the country has the highest healthcare spending in the world. Thus, the aforementioned factors are likely to have a positive impact on the demand for surgical masks in the healthcare industry.

A surgical mask is a disposable device that forms a barrier between the wearer's nose and mouth and possible pollutants in the immediate surrounding environment. They are built of varying thicknesses and have different abilities to protect the user from liquid contact. They also aid in the blockage of droplets, keeping them from reaching the nose and mouth.

The rising prevalence of chronic and long-term diseases, increased investments in MedTech and advanced infrastructure, increasing labor costs and staff shortages, and growing demand for broader healthcare services are factors expected to boost healthcare expenditure across the globe and thereby create upswings for market growth.

Surgical mask manufacturers are adopting online distribution platforms either through a third-party website or own website to supply products. Companies, in close collaboration with the governments, are spending heavily on the development of their logistics and supply chain setup to keep pace with deliveries of medical essentials such as masks, gloves, medicines to customers during the pandemic.

Product Insights

The basic surgical mask segment dominated the market for surgical masks and accounted for the largest revenue share of 43.3% in 2020 owing to its widespread demand from the healthcare sector and easy availability across hospitals and other pharmacies, retail outlets, and online distribution platforms.

Basic surgical masks are available through a variety of distribution channels. They are conveniently available across hospitals and other pharmacies, retail outlets, and online distribution platforms. Furthermore, they are less expensive as compared to other surgical masks, which aids in market growth.

The fluid/splash-resistant surgical masks segment is expected to witness a CAGR of 11.0% over the forecast period. These masks reduce exposure to blood and other bodily fluids as a result of spray, splatter, or splashes during medical procedures. They are used in areas requiring a high level of fluid protection, such as operating rooms and cardiac laboratories.

Anti-fog surgical masks create a seal between the user’s face and the mask to avoid fogging. The technology in these masks in the form of foam, adhesive, or film keeps the condensation from escaping out from the top part of the mask, which further prevents the eyeglasses from fogging and ensures optical clarity.

Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment dominated the market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 74.5% in 2020. This segment comprises hospital pharmacies, drug stores, retail stores, and over-the-counter pharmacies. Offline distribution channels are expected to play an important role in market growth on account of their convenience and goodwill among consumers.

Several players in the market, such as Ansell Ltd., O&M Halyard., Cardinal Health, and Crosstex International, Inc. are working in close collaboration with hospitals, large drug store franchises, and retail stores to maintain the supply of masks and other medical essentials in the market.

Surgical masks are also sold through numerous major e-commerce platforms as well as independent retailers and company/manufacturer-operated websites. Online distribution channels offer convenience in terms of bulk orders, door-step deliveries, and substantial discounts. Increasing internet and e-commerce penetration, especially in emerging markets, is expected to have a positive impact on segment growth.

In addition, due to the outbreak of the COVID-19, the governments of various countries across the globe are promoting the purchase of essential products, including PPE through online portals to prevent transmission of the virus by maintaining norms of lockdown and social distancing, as well as facilitating the availability of PPE.

Regional Insights

Europe dominated the surgical masks market and accounted for the largest revenue share of 34.8% in 2020. The presence of a developed healthcare industry, together with fast improvements in surgical techniques, coupled with the region's aging population, along with a growth in the frequency of infectious illnesses, is projected to drive the market.

In Russia, the market is expected to witness a CAGR of 10.0% over the forecast period. The upgrade of the public healthcare system and infrastructure, coupled with investments in new facilities, is a part of the country’s reform plan. These developments are expected to drive the demand for medical equipment and devices, including surgical masks over the forecast period.

Factors such as rapid urbanization and an aging population are expected to increase demand for healthcare services in the Asia Pacific. Furthermore, improving cleanliness and safety requirements in various developing nations are also predicted to have a favorable influence on market growth.

The large influx of tourists in South Africa along with technological advancements in the healthcare business is likely to increase demand for medical supplies such as masks, gowns, and disposable medical gloves in the country. The number of COVID-19 cases in South Africa is growing exponentially; resulting in the government of South Africa stepping up its procurement drive for PPE, thereby driving the market growth.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The market is highly competitive due to the presence of both multinational and regional or local manufacturers. Manufacturers focus on new product development, integration across various stages of the value chain, and mergers and acquisitions to gain a competitive edge in the market.

Strategies adopted by the companies usually include product portfolio expansion, partnerships, and distribution network expansion. For instance, in January 2020, Medline Canada, a subsidiary of Medline Industries, Inc., completed the acquisition of Médi-Sélect, a Canada-based distributor of dental and medical supplies. Some of the prominent players in the surgical masks market include:

• 3M

• DuPont de Nemours, Inc.

• Ansell Ltd.

• O&M Halyard, Inc.

• Medline Industries, Inc.

• Cardinal Health

• Crosstex International, Inc.

• Kimberly-Clark Corporation

• AlphaProTech

• Dynarex Corporation

Surgical Masks Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2028. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global surgical masks market report based on product, distribution channel, and region:

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Basic Surgical Mask

  • Anti-fog Surgical Mask

  • Fluid/Splash Resistant Surgical Mask

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Online

  • Offline

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • U.K.

    • Russia

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Indonesia

    • Australia

    • Thailand

    • Malaysia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East

    • UAE

    • Saudi Arabia

  • Africa

    • South Africa