The U.S. medical tapes and bandages market size was estimated at USD 5.45 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% from 2025 to 2030. This growth can be attributed to a rising number of surgical procedures and the prevalence of chronic & acute wounds. For instance, according to a Southwestern Medical Center article published in May 2023, senior Americans face a heightened risk of developing difficult-to-heal wounds. In fact, they account for 85% of all chronic wound cases, with projections indicating that approximately 8.2 million individuals aged 65 and older are expected to experience a chronic wound. Furthermore, the increasing incidence of sports injuries and road accidents is expected to boost the medical tapes and bandages market in the U.S.
The U.S. medical tapes and bandages industry is witnessing robust growth, significantly driven by the rising number of surgical procedures performed nationwide. According to data published by the American College of Rheumatology in February 2024, about 544,000 hips and 790,000 total knee replacements are performed annually in the U.S. Medical tapes such as surgical tapes and dressings such as waterproof surgical dressings are used following orthopedic surgeries. Thus, the broad utility of medical tapes and dressings after orthopedic surgeries is anticipated to drive market growth in the coming years.
Source: Elsevier Inc., Primary Interviews, Grand View Research
Factors such as an aging population and advancements in surgical techniques fuel the demand for effective wound care products, including medical tapes and bandages. A notable contributor to this growth is the surge in cosmetic surgical procedures. According to data published by Discovery ABA in February 2024, approximately 26.2 million surgical and minimally invasive reconstructive and cosmetic procedures were performed in the U.S. in 2022-reflecting a significant 19% increase in cosmetic surgeries since 2019. Silicone medical tapes, commonly used in post-plastic surgery for scar management and enhanced healing, are gaining prominence. As aesthetic procedures become increasingly common, the demand for specialized products like silicone tapes will continue driving market expansion in the coming years.
The rising prevalence of wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers, burns, and pressure ulcers, is anticipated to propel the market growth in the coming years. According to a study published by the American Medical Association in November 2023, around 34% of individuals with diabetes develop a foot ulcer during their lifetime. Diabetic foot ulcers impact about 1.6 million individuals in the U.S. each year. Furthermore, according to an article published by Trios Health in October 2023, around 2.0 million Americans develop diabetic foot ulcers each year. Medical dressings that utilize hydrocolloid technology, like DuoDERM Dressing, are effective for treating different types of wounds, including pressure ulcers (Stages II-IV), leg ulcers, and burns. The rising incidence of diabetic foot ulcers, combined with the availability of medical tapes, bandages, and dressings designed to manage these wounds, is expected to drive market growth.
Moreover, as per the data published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality in February 2024, approximately 2.5 million people developed pressure ulcers in the U.S. Furthermore, a research article published in Scientific Reports in November 2021 indicated that the U.S. had the highest number of reported decubitus ulcer cases, with around 744,426 new cases recorded in 2019. As healthcare providers focus on effective wound management and healing, the need for high-quality medical supplies that promote recovery and minimize complications is anticipated to increase in the coming years
The market growth stage is moderate and the pace of the growth is accelerating. The key industry players are adopting product launches, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activities, and partnerships to strengthen their foothold. Technological advancements concentrating on increasing patient compliance and reduction in chances of infection are anticipated to take over during the forecast period. The increasing knowledge of surgeons on applying diverse advanced wound care products during post-operative procedures is expected to generate prospects for significant market players.
The degree of innovation is high in the U.S. medical tapes and bandages industry. To increase their market share, the competitors either incorporate additional features into their current products or introduce new product lines. For instance, in September 2024, Solventum (3M) announced the launch of the V.A.C. Peel and Place Dressing, an innovative dressing and drape designed for quick application in under two minutes. Patients can wear this product for up to 7 days. The V.A.C. Peel and Place Dressing represent the next advancement in V.A.C. Therapy.
The medical tapes and bandages market is well-established in the U.S. with regulatory requirements that must be fulfilled. The market penetration of these products is anticipated to witness significant growth due to the rise in per capita income and increased healthcare spending by the government. Reforms in the insurance policies to include the coverage of ambulatory surgery centers are anticipated to boost market growth. Funding from federal agencies for treating and managing chronic wounds facilitates increased use of wound dressings in hospitals and nursing facilities in developed countries
The prominent market players focus on several M&A strategies and partnerships to expand that market value and share. For instance, in March 2023, CURAD signed a multi-year partnership with the Chicago Fire FC to provide first-aid products for the Club’s first team and Academy. The partnership was aimed at providing superior medical care to the athletes.
The U.S. market for medical tapes and bandages is moderately fragmented, with several key players competing on innovation, product variety, and distribution networks. The presence of both established companies and emerging local manufacturers intensifies competition and drives continuous product advancements. Notable players in this market include Smith+Nephew, Mölnlycke Health Care AB, 3M, and McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc.
The dressings segment accounted for the largest revenue share in 2024 and is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 7.84% during the forecast period. Medical dressings are materials applied to a wound to protect it, absorb exudate, promote healing, and prevent infection. This segment is diverse, with various dressings catering to different injuries, wounds, and medical conditions. The growing prevalence of conditions like diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases has resulted in a rise in chronic wounds, such as diabetic ulcers and pressure sores. For instance, as per a report by NIH, in February 2024, each year, an estimated 1 to 3 million people in the U.S. are affected by pressure injuries to the skin and soft tissues. These conditions demand specialized dressings for proper management, fueling the market's growth. Thus, the growing demand for effective wound care solutions, combined with advancements in dressing materials, is driving the expansion of this segment.
The surgical wound segment held the largest market share of 40.62% in 2024. As per the CDC, it is estimated that around 30 million surgical procedures are performed in the U.S. every year. The increasing number of both elective and emergency surgeries contributes significantly to the growth of the surgical wound segment. As surgical procedures become more common, the need for effective wound management solutions, such as medical tapes and bandages, becomes more critical, for instance, as per a Journal Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. in June 2024, in the U.S., 1 in 9 individuals living in households reported having at least one surgical procedure in the past year. The highest prevalence was observed among individuals aged 65 and older and Medicare beneficiaries, with roughly 1 in 5 people in both groups undergoing surgical procedures.
The ulcer segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The rising prevalence and complexity of ulcer-related wounds drive this growth. According to data published by Healogics, LLC in June 2024, approximately 7 million Americans are affected by chronic wounds, including 2 million living with diabetic foot ulcers. Similarly, the Egyptian Journal of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine (June 2024) reported that chronic venous ulcers affect about 1% of the U.S. population and incur an annual treatment cost of nearly USD 3 billion. Furthermore, a July 2024 article in Scientific Reports highlighted that 2.5 million individuals are at risk of developing pressure ulcers each year in the U.S., with 60,000 deaths among surgical patients attributed to complications from these ulcers. These alarming figures underscore the growing need for advanced wound care solutions, positioning the ulcer segment as a major driver of market expansion.
The hospitals segment accounted for the largest market share of 32.87% in 2024. The increase in emergency room visits, driven by accidents, injuries, and other urgent health issues, boosts the demand for medical tapes and bandages. For instance, The National Safety Council (NSC) projects that motor vehicle fatalities in 2024 will reach 44,680. Hospitals need these supplies readily available to treat trauma cases effectively. Moreover, hospitals are prioritizing infection control, especially in wound care. Using specialized bandages and tapes that provide a sterile environment and reduce infection risk is critical in a hospital setting, driving the demand for these products. In addition, as health systems expand, more hospitals are being built or upgraded, increasing the demand for medical supplies, including tapes and bandages. New and developing healthcare facilities require consistent procurement of these products to meet growing patient needs. For instance, according to The American Hospital Association, in 2025, there are a total of 6,093 hospitals in the U.S.
The other end use segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. The segment involves diverse applications where medical tapes and bandages are used for wound care, injury management, and post-procedural recovery. Key categories within this segment include home healthcare, sports and fitness centers, long-term care facilities and nursing homes, burn care centers, Physician’s offices, and the military and defense sector. The growing focus on soldier health and readiness drives the adoption of advanced wound care solutions, including medical tapes and bandage products. According to a report by ConsumerShield LLC in January 2025, as of 2024, the U.S. military comprises approximately 1.32 million active-duty personnel across all branches (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard). When including reserve and National Guard members, along with civilian employees, the total force reaches about 2.8 million, increasing the need for wound care solutions and thereby contributing to market growth.
The distributors accounted for the largest market share of 41.62% in 2024. The distributors segment refers to the network of companies and entities responsible for purchasing medical tapes and bandages from manufacturers and supplying them to healthcare providers, pharmacies, and end consumers. These distributors act as intermediaries, ensuring the smooth flow of products from production to various end-users, including hospitals, clinics, outpatient care centers, retail pharmacies, and home healthcare providers. Their role is essential in maintaining product availability, managing inventory, handling logistics, and ensuring products comply with regulatory standards. Distributors are categorized into wholesale distributors, specialized medical distributors, and regional distributors, each serving different market needs. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, distributors adapt to new trends such as digitalization, sustainability, and direct-to-consumer sales models to remain competitive.
Integrated delivery networks, or health systems, are organizations that manage and operate a network of healthcare facilities within a specific geographic region and are anticipated to grow with the fastest CAGR. These vertically integrated networks offer a range of healthcare services, including physicians, hospitals, post-acute care, and other services. Some well-known Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs) in the U.S. include Kaiser Permanente, HCA Healthcare, Ascension Health, Trinity Health, and CommonSpirit Health.
Total Number of All U.S. Hospitals |
6,093 |
Number of U.S. Community1 Hospitals |
5,112 |
Number of Nongovernment Not-for-Profit Community Hospitals |
2,978 |
Number of Investor-Owned (For-Profit) Community Hospitals |
1,214 |
Number of State and Local Government Community Hospitals |
920 |
Number of Federal Government Hospitals |
207 |
Number of Nonfederal Psychiatric Hospitals |
654 |
Other Hospitals |
120 |
Source: American Hospital Association, Grand View Research
The extensive network of hospitals in the country plays a crucial role in driving the growth of the U.S. medical tapes and bandages industry. With a strong presence of community, federal, psychiatric, and specialized hospitals, the consistent demand for wound care products remains high. These healthcare facilities perform various medical and surgical procedures, all requiring reliable wound management solutions. The large and diverse hospital infrastructure ensures broad usage of medical tapes and bandages across acute care, post-operative recovery, and chronic wound treatment, contributing significantly to market expansion.
Smith+Nephew, Mölnlycke Health Care AB, 3M, and McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc. are some of the major players in the U.S. medical tapes and bandages market. These companies are expanding their portfolios in this sector and acquiring smaller firms to strengthen their competitive edge in the rapidly growing industry. Moreover, industry players are launching advanced products to meet the increasing demand.
In October 2024, Mölnlycke Health Care AB announced a research collaboration with Transdiagen (TDG), a precision medicine company focused on developing drugs and diagnostics for chronic wound healing and tissue regeneration. This partnership aims to leverage TDG's innovative wound gene signatures to gain deeper insights into Mölnlycke's products.
In September 2024, Solventum (3M) announced the launch of the V.A.C. Peel and Place Dressing, an innovative dressing and drape designed for quick application in under two minutes. Patients can wear this product for up to seven days. The V.A.C. Peel and Place Dressing represent the next advancement in V.A.C. Therapy. Featuring an all-in-one design that combines both dressing and drape, it streamlines the application process and minimizes the time and training needed for dressing application and changes. Additionally, it includes a built-in perforated, non-adherent layer that helps prevent tissue ingrowth, resulting in a less painful dressing removal experience.
In June 2024, Keck School of Medicine at USC announced that a group of researchers from the Keck School of Medicine at USC and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) are creating a range of innovative technologies to transform wound care. Among these advancements are smart bandages capable of automatically sensing and responding to changes within a wound. These advanced dressings would offer continuous monitoring of the healing process and identify potential complications, such as infections or unusual inflammation, while also delivering medications or other treatments in real time.
In April 2024, Vomaris Innovations, Inc. announced the launch of its FDA-cleared PowerHeal bioelectric bandage for over the counter (OTC) use, signifying a breakthrough in consumer wound care. Unlike conventional wound care products, the PowerHeal bandage offers a unique bioelectric solution that dramatically enhances healing and reduces the risk of infection with unmatched effectiveness.
In January 2024, Medline Industries, LP announced the launch of the OptiView Transparent Dressing featuring HydroCore Technology, the newest addition to its advanced wound care portfolio. This groundbreaking dressing boasts a unique, clear design that enables caregivers to effortlessly inspect, monitor, and assess skin integrity without removing the dressing.
In January 2024, Coloplast Corp. announced the launch of Biatain Silicone Fit in the U.S. for pressure injury prevention and wound management, which will aid in the expansion of its foam dressings segment.
In January 2023, Convatec announced the launch of ConvaFoam in the U.S., a range of advanced foam dressings tailored to meet the needs of healthcare providers and their patients. ConvaFoam is suitable for a variety of wound types and can be utilized at any stage of the healing process, making it an ideal choice for effective wound management and skin protection.
Report Attribute |
Details |
Market size value in 2025 |
USD 5.78 billion |
Revenue forecast in 2030 |
USD 7.81 billion |
Growth rate |
CAGR of 6.20% from 2025 to 2030 |
Base year for estimation |
2024 |
Historical data |
2018 - 2023 |
Forecast period |
2025 - 2030 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million/billion and CAGR from 2025 to 2030 |
Report coverage |
Revenue forecast, company ranking, competitive landscape, growth factors, and trends |
Segments covered |
Product, application, end-use, sales channels |
Country scope |
U.S. |
Key companies profiled |
Smith+Nephew; Mölnlycke Health Care AB; 3M; McKesson Medical-Surgical Inc.; HARTMANN USA, Inc.; Cardinal Health; Medline Industries, LP.; Johnson & Johnson; Coloplast Corp; Convatec; Integra LifeSciences Corporation; Urgo Medical North America; Baxter; DuPont; Fabco; MedWay Group; AERO Healthcare |
Customization scope |
Free report customization (equivalent up to 8 analysts working days) with purchase. Addition or alteration to country, regional & segment scope |
Pricing and purchase options |
Avail customized purchase options to meet your exact research needs. Explore purchase options |
This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. medical tapes and bandages market report based on product, application, end use, and sales channel:
Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Medical Tapes
Fabric Tapes
Acetate
Viscose
Cotton
Silk
Polyester
Other Fabric Tape
Paper Tapes
Plastic Tapes
Propylene
Other Plastic Tapes
Other Tapes
Surgical Tape
Medical Bandages
Muslin Bandage Rolls
Elastic Bandage Rolls
Triangular Bandage Rolls
Orthopedic Bandage Rolls
Elastic Plaster Bandages
Other Bandages
Dressings
Foam Dressings
Hydrocolloid Dressings
Film Dressings
Alginate Dressings
Hydrogel Dressings
Collagen Dressings
Other Advanced dressings
Postoperative Care
Orthopedic Bandage Rolls
Elastic Bandage Rolls
Post-surgery Compression Wraps
Others
Puncture Site Protection
First Aid Bandages
Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Surgical Wound
Traumatic Wound
Ulcer
Sports Injury
Burn Injury
Other Injury
End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Hospitals
Ambulatory Surgery Centers
Clinics
Others
Sales Channel Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Distributors
Group Purchasing Organizations (GPOs)
Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs)
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