Surgical Masks Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis

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.