Surgical Masks Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Basic, Fluid/Splash Resistant), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2022 - 2030

Report Overview

The global surgical masks market size was valued at USD 3.60 billion in 2021 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2022 to 2030. The growth of the market can be attributed to improved healthcare expenditure as well as the increasing significance of respiratory protection in the healthcare industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the governments of the affected countries had resorted to social distancing and lockdowns, which have impacted the global supply chains. Stringent measures have been taken by the governments to minimize the loss of life and cut down on the transmission of the virus. In addition, the pandemic has resulted in a major economic crisis across the globe.

The U.S. is one of the most severely affected countries in the world by COVID-19. The country's rapid COVID-19 infection spread has increased demand for surgical masks, which will help stop further transmission. Additionally, healthcare spending in the U.S. is the highest in the world. Therefore, it is anticipated that the aforementioned factors will favorably affect the demand for surgical masks in the healthcare sector.

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 is likely to act as a major factor augmenting the demand for surgical masks in the country. 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.

The government authorities have taken several steps to maintain an adequate supply of the product owing to the high demand for masks. For instance, the U.S. has enacted special laws such as the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase the production of PPE and restricted the export of scarce medical resources to reserve them for domestic use. In addition, several PPE manufacturing companies in the country are working closely with the government to reduce the demand-supply gap of masks.

Moreover, they have ramped up their production capacities and are expanding their manufacturing facilities to tackle mask shortages. Several fashions and workwear companies are also focusing on the manufacturing of surgical masks to meet the spiraling demand. The aforementioned factors are likely to drive the market in the country.

Product Insights

Basic surgical masks dominated the market and accounted for over 40.0% share in 2021. Basic surgical masks are sold through several distribution channels and are conveniently available across hospitals and other pharmacies, retail outlets, and online distribution platforms. These masks provide basic protection to the wearer from the surrounding environment and are less expensive as compared to other surgical masks.

Fluid/splash-resistant surgical masks reduce potential exposure to blood and other body fluids caused by spattering, spray, or splashes during surgeries and medical procedures. They are intended for use in procedure rooms and cardiac labs, where a high level of protection from fluids is required. These masks provide barrier protection against respiratory droplets/splashes.

The anti-fog foam surgical mask segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period. It creates a seal between the user’s face and the mask to avoid fogging. Foam, adhesive, or film technology used in these masks prevents moisture from seeping out of the top of the mask, maintaining optical clarity and preventing fogging of the spectacles.

Other products include hi-filtration surgical masks, surgical masks with the expanded chamber, and cone-style surgical masks. Hi-filtration products offer submicron filtration and are often used in healthcare facilities for protection against air-borne diseases. Airborne diseases account for a significant share of all healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs). HAIs can increase direct medical costs as well as costs related to low productivity among staff members and patients.

Distribution Channel Insights

The offline distribution channel segment dominated the market and accounted for over 70.0% in 2021. This segment comprises hospital pharmacies, drug stores, retail stores, and over-the-counter pharmacies. Due to its ease and popularity with consumers, offline distribution channels are anticipated to play a significant role in market expansion.

The governments of nations that have been severely affected by the pandemic, including India, Russia, Italy, Germany, the U.S., and Brazil, are also giving these retailers subsidies so that they may carry goods to hospitals. A number of market participants, including Ansell Ltd., O&M Halyard, Cardinal Health, and Crosstex International, Inc., collaborate closely with hospitals, major drugstore chains, and retail outlets to sustain the market's supply of masks and other vital medical supplies.

The online distribution channel is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period. Increasing internet and e-commerce penetration is expected to have a positive impact on segment growth. In addition, owing to COVID-19, governments 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.

Manufacturers of surgical masks are utilizing online platforms for product delivery and order taking, either through affiliated websites or their own. Many industry participants have listed their products on various internet platforms, including 3M and O&M Halyard, Inc. Companies are investing extensively in the development of their logistics and supply chain setup in order to keep up with deliveries of medical necessities, working closely with governments.

Regional Insights

Europe dominated the market and accounted for over 30.0% share in 2021. The rising number of qualified nurses and midwives, associate nurses, and other care professionals is responsible for the increased demand for these products in Europe during the forecast period.

North America is one of the most severely affected regions in the world by COVID-19. The rapid spread of COVID-19 in the region is anticipated to boost the demand during the forecast period. Factors such as rising healthcare expenditure, increasing elderly population, and growing awareness pertaining to healthcare-acquired infections among healthcare workers are anticipated to drive the regional market.

The demand for healthcare services in Central and South America 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. Thus, improving healthcare infrastructure, coupled with the expanding healthcare industry, is expected to benefit the growth of the market in the region during the forecast period.

The Asia Pacific region is projected to expand at a CAGR of 6.1% during 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. 

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 April 2020, DuPont partnered with Cummins Inc. to provide critical material used for manufacturing N95 respirator masks for healthcare professionals, which aid in filtering various airborne particles and help in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Some prominent players in the global surgical masks market include: 

• 3M

• DuPont

• 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 the global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2022 to 2030. 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 - 2030)

  • Basic Surgical Mask

  • Anti-fog Foam Surgical Mask

  • Fluid/Splash Resistant Surgical Mask

  • Others

• Distribution Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • Online

  • Offline

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • Spain

    • U.K.

    • Italy

    • Russia

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Indonesia

    • Thailand

    • Malaysia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

    • Argentina

  • Middle East

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

  • Africa

    • South Africa