U.S. N95 Mask Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (With Exhalation Valve, Without Exhalation Valve), By End-use (Healthcare, Construction, Manufacturing), By Distribution Channel, And Segment Forecasts, 2020 - 2028

Report Overview

The U.S. N95 mask market size was estimated at USD 5.16 billion in 2020 and is expected to expand at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2020 to 2028. Increased demand for respirators and masks during the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with stringent respiratory safety norms in the construction and manufacturing sector is expected to boost the N95 masks market growth in the U.S. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is projected to act as a major driver, boosting the demand for N95 masks in the country. The U.S. is one of the most severely affected countries by COVID-19. The rapid spread of the COVID-19 in the country has increased the demand for N95 masks, especially in the healthcare sector, to reduce further transmission.

With the increased vaccine rollout coupled with the introduction of USD 1.9 trillion economic relief packages by the U.S. government to reduce inflation and jumpstart various economic sectors such as manufacturing, construction is expected to augment the demand for N95 masks as industries are expected to provide mandatory respiratory protection to workers.

Pharmacies and drug stores were at the centerstage of the N95 masks distribution and are expected to continue their performance in the coming years. The healthcare system in the U.S. coupled with the growing e-commerce industry has been compelling retail pharmacies to develop new strategies. Pharmacy chains such as Walgreens and Rite Aid have been aggressively expanding their operations throughout the country with 24/7 availability and pickups at alternate locations.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the major end-use sectors for N95 masks included construction, manufacturing, painting, and mining. However, since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, these masks have mostly been used by healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the demand for N95 masks by individuals increased significantly during the pandemic to prevent the spread of the virus.

During the pandemic, the government authorities took several steps to maintain an adequate supply of the product. For instance, the U.S. has enacted special laws such as the Defense Production Act (DPA) to increase the production of PPE and to restrict the export of scarce medical resources for domestic use. In addition, several PPE manufacturing companies are working closely with the government to reduce the demand-supply gap of N95 masks.

Product Insights

The without exhalation valve segment led the U.S. N95 market and accounted for 73.8% of the total revenue share in 2020, on account of the N95 mask design, which can limit at least 95% of very small test particles. There is no valve attached to the masks and these masks give a high level of protection during inhaling and exhalation.

N95 mask without exhalation valve is a type of respiratory protective equipment that offers a closer facial fit. Various medical organizations, including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and health ministries across the U.S are promoting the use of such masks, despite the valve masks providing additional inhaling protection and preventing the spread of the virus from an infected individual to the community.

With exhalation valve segment is estimated to witness a CAGR of 5.0% over the forecast period. The demand for these masks is expected to witness growth as they help the wearer filter out impurities while inhaling and prevent the uncomfortable accumulation of heat and carbon dioxide in the masks, increasing the wearer's comfort level.

N95 masks with an exhalation valve are non-oil masks used in non-oil environments, capable of filtering about 95 percent of particles with a minimum size of 0.3 microns, including fumes, mist, and dust. These masks contain a connected exhalation valve that aids in reducing exhalation resistance, making breathing easier for personnel wearing the mask.

Distribution Channel Insights

B2B distribution channel led the market and accounted for more than 46.8% of the U.S. revenue share in 2020. The pandemic boosted the e-commerce industry growth, on account of remote working and stay-at-home orders initiated by the U.S. government. Many retail stores developed their online e-commerce sites or listed their products on third-party sellers such as Amazon, Brooklyn Equipment, and PPE USA Supply.

Specialty stores provided N95 masks during the pandemic to fulfill the increased demand for personal protective equipment, however, these stores are likely to witness declining sales as the economy is restoring with restrictions lifted. The post-COVID-19 era is likely to witness a uniform distribution channel involving both B2B and B2C businesses.

B2B distribution channel is likely to expand at a CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period. The B2B channel allows the companies to make long-term deals with purchase commitments. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift toward e-commerce, resulting in increased sales through the B2C channels.

N95 manufacturers adopting the direct B2B distribution channel require their logistics and transportation network allowing manufacturers to communicate with the client. Moreover, this also opens up avenues for manufacturers to provide customized offerings to the consumers such as mask printing.

End-user Insights

The healthcare end-user segment accounted for 10.7% of the overall revenue share in 2020. N95 masks played a crucial role for first responders, healthcare workers, and other essential workers actively combating the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, surgical N95 respirators or medical respirators have been recommended to be used by healthcare professionals directly exposed to the COVID-19 virus.

The chemical industry is expected to witness the adverse impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak on numerous fronts: operational and supply chain disruptions, low demand and productivity, and potentially tightening credit markets. Consumer products, transportation, and automotive are the hardest hit end-markets, as a result, the demand for chemicals is expected to decline, however, rising demand for pharmaceuticals, disinfectants, and food additives is expected to create opportunities for the chemical companies exposed to these industries.

The demand for N95 masks in construction is likely to register a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period. The manufacturing companies are adopting total quality management (TQM) to improve products and services and streamline processes, resulting in increased measures taken by the manufacturing companies to comply with the safety standards concerning worker safety.

N95 masks are highly recommended for use in the construction and manufacturing industry, to assure worker safety, especially in the U.S. owing to various regulations such as the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), among others.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

The U.S. market for N95 masks is highly competitive owing to the presence of both multinational and local manufacturers. N95 masks manufacturers adopt several strategies including acquisition, collaboration, new product development, and geographical expansion to enhance their market penetration in various end-use industries such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, mining, and others.

For instance, In July 2021, 3M introduced a new disposable KN95 respirator, known as the 3M Particulate Respirator 9513, designed for breathability and comfort and filters at least 95% of airborne particles while protecting the user. In June 2021, Aegle launched NIOSH certified N95 mask with Acteev anti-microbial fabric as well as authentication and NFC chip embedded traceability technology to prevent counterfeiting of masks. Some of the prominent players operating in the U.S. N95 mask market are:

• 3M

• Honeywell International Inc.

• Alpha Pro Tech

• Ansell Ltd.

• O&M Halyard, Inc.

• The Gerson Company

• Cardinal Health

• Medline Industries, Inc.

• Moldex-Metric

• Prestige Ameritech

U.S. N95 Mask Market Report Scope

Segments Covered in the Report

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2017 to 2028. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S N95 mask market report based on product, distribution channel, and end-use:

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

  • With Exhalation Valve

  • Without Exhalation Valve

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

  • B2B

    • Direct

    • Indirect

  • B2C

    • Hypermarket/Supermarket

    • Pharmacies

    • Convenient stores

    • Online

    • Others

• End-user Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2017 - 2028)

  • Healthcare

    • Hospitals

    • Outpatient/Primary Care Facilities

    • Others

  • Construction

  • Manufacturing

  • Mining, Oil & Gas

  • Others