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.

Surgical Masks Market Trends

Surgical masks are disposable, loose-fitting products responsible for creating a physical barrier between potential contaminants in the environment and the nose and mouth of the wearer. These masks are labeled as medical procedure masks, dental masks, isolation masks, and surgical masks and are manufactured with different thicknesses and ability to protect the wearer from contact with harmful contaminants. These masks are primarily used to provide protection to healthcare professionals and patients from respiratory infections.

The expansion of public healthcare systems, improved economic power, and population growth are predicted to raise healthcare expenditures internationally, which is a significant factor driving the surgical mask market. In addition, the ageing population, growing instances of chronic diseases, increased investments in MedTech and advanced infrastructure, rising labor costs & staff shortages, and rising demand for broader healthcare services are anticipated to increase healthcare expenditure globally, thereby contributing to market growth.

Increasing awareness of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is anticipated to increase the need for surgical masks during the next years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of millions of individuals are impacted by healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) annually, resulting in death and financial losses for healthcare systems. Surgical masks are a form of respiratory protection meant to fit loosely and capture sneeze and cough droplets and sprays. There is a danger of contamination if these masks are used for more than about four hours.

The centers for disease control and prevention have established guidelines for the use of sterile barrier measures such as gloves, surgical masks, gowns, and drapes. In turn, it is projected that the aforementioned factors will have a favorable influence on the growth of the surgical masks market throughout the forecast period.

Surgical masks are being substituted with N95 respirators, which provide a better fit and efficient filtration of small droplets/airborne particles. Prolonged usage of surgical masks for more than 12 hours by healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic have been associated with light-headedness, headaches, growth in perceived exertion, and shortness of breath caused due to the changes in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood-stream. The aforementioned factors are estimated to limit the adoption of surgical masks over the forecast period.

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 accounted for the highest market share of 34.8% in terms of revenue in 2020. Among the EU member states, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Sweden, and Luxemburg each reported that over 1% of their total numbers of inhabitants were nursing professionals as of 2018, as per Eurostat figures, in 2018, Ireland had the largest number of midwives per 100,000 residents, while Belgium had the highest number of midwifery graduates per 100,000 residents among EU member states. In recent years, the increasing number of certified nurses and midwives, associate nurses, and other care workers has contributed to the increased need for surgical masks in Europe.

Asia Pacific is expected to witness highest CAGR of 12.1% over the forecast period. Major factors contributing to the growth of surgical masks include growing healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals and clinics, an increasing number of people opting for home care facilities, and rising medical tourism in the region. Moreover, growing population and increasing elderly population are other factors that are likely to boost the demand for healthcare services, which, in turn, is anticipated to drive the demand for surgical masks over the forecast period

India is among the most important developing nations in the Asia-Pacific area. The healthcare business in India is anticipated to expand greatly due to a number of factors, including a growing population, increased disposable incomes, improved access to insurance, heightened health awareness, and rising spending by public and private industry participants. In addition, the growing incidence of obesity has led to an increase in chronic ailments, such as heart disease and diabetes, among others, necessitating a variety of healthcare treatments and services. This is expected to contribute to the expansion of the market for surgical masks in the nation.

In Central and South America the demand for healthcare services in the region is increasing owing to several factors such as the rising elderly population, lower birth rates, growing instances of non-communicable and chronic diseases, and expanding healthcare coverage. In addition, public-private partnerships are increasing in healthcare sector. Thus, improving healthcare infrastructure coupled with the expanding healthcare industry is expected to benefit the growth of surgical masks market in the region over the forecast period.

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

Global Surgical Masks Market Segmentation

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