The global disposable medical masks market size was valued at USD 2.21 Bn in 2022 and is likely to reach USD 3.60 Bn by 2031, expanding at a CAGR of 5.1% during 2023–2031. The market is driven by the increasing prevalence of infectious diseases and growing healthcare infrastructure.
Increasing public health campaigns by various governments across the world, aiming to raise awareness about the usage of authentic masks for preventing the spread of infectious diseases, is driving the demand for disposable medical masks. Additionally, high prevalence of chronic diseases leads to the rising concerns about respiratory infection risks at hospitals. Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) can further deteriorate the patient’s health. This, in turn, is driving the demand for disposable medical masks to efficiently lessening infection risks.
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As per the recent data published on January 2023 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 10.2 million patients visited the physician’s office due to infectious diseases. Some of the patients also visited emergency departments with infectious and parasitic diseases for primary diagnostics, which accounted for 3.2 million in 2020.
Disposable medical masks are typically made from non-woven polypropylene material and consist of multiple layers that filter out particles, droplets, and other airborne infectious substances. They are lightweight, breathable, and have elastic ear loops or ties that help provide secure fitting. These masks are available in medical for affordable prices; thus, they can be easily purchased by the public. This, as a result, is fueling the demand for disposable medical masks from medical stores on a consistent basis.
Disposable medical masks have higher applications in hospital settings, industrial places, and outdoors where risks of infections are significant. In the recent years, their production and sales have grown exponentially owing to COVID-19-fueled demand.
The fear of infection is still a major concern worldwide, which has kept demand for medical masks consistent from consumers. Disposable medical masks are regularly worn by individuals in the past couple of years to protect themselves against bacteria, viruses, and harmful airborne particles.
The market report finds that the COVID-19 pandemic propelled the global disposable medical masks market. The high prevalence of infection and mandatory mask regulations increased the demand for disposable medical masks to prevent the spread of the virus.
In the initial days of the pandemic, there was a shortage of masks worldwide, as the pandemic was sudden. However, government authorities all over the world took various measures to streamline the production and supply of essential medical products, including disposable medical masks during the pandemic.
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In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) requested industries and governments to increase the production of medical supplies by 40% to meet the rising global demand for the masks. WHO estimated 89 million surgical masks were required every month to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. During this period, the demand for inspection gloves increased to 76 million, while the demand for medical goggles reached 1.6 million every month.
Global Disposable Medical Masks Market Dynamics
Major Drivers
Increasing government initiatives to boost the production and supply chain of various medical products is one of the major factors boosting the global disposable medical masks market. Rising prevalence of infectious diseases and allergies and the fear of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the emphasis on infection prevention and control measures.
Disposable medical masks play a crucial role in reducing the transmission of respiratory infections. Regulatory bodies and health authorities worldwide have set guidelines for the manufacturing and quality control of disposable medical masks.
Growing healthcare infrastructure is propelling the market. Significant rise in the number of hospital and clinical facilities globally are surging the demand for disposable medical masks. These masks are essential for healthcare professionals and patients to maintain a safe and hygienic environment in hospital and clinical settings.
Existing Restraints
Rising environmental concerns owing to the excessive plastic waste generation from disposed masks are expected to hamper the market. One-time-use masks primarily use plastic microfibers as the filter medium, and plastic components such as nose wire strips, elastic ear loops, and adjustable ear loops, which are not biodegradable.
The large-scale production and single use of these masks contribute to plastic waste spread in public places. Improper disposal and lack of recycling infrastructure are leading to pollution and harm to ecosystems.
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As per data published by the United Nations in July 2020, around 75% of discarded masks and extra medical waste from the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to end up in landfill or float in the seas. In addition to harming the environment, it increases costs of the tourism and fishery industries. As evaluated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) this pollution expected to cost over USD 40 billion.
Emerging Opportunities
Advancements in materials and manufacturing process of disposable medical masks are expected to create opportunities for the market. Major advancements include materials manufacturing processes and mask design lead to the adoption of innovations in disposable medical masks aimed at making their use and disposal simple for end-user. Manufacturers in the healthcare industry are focusing to enhance the comfort, breathability, and filtration efficiency of masks, to offer high-performance products to individuals around the globe.
Scope of the Disposable Medical Masks Market Report
The market report includes an assessment of the market trends, segments, and regional markets. Overview and dynamics have also been included in the report.
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Attributes
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Details
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Report Title
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Disposable Medical Masks Market - Global Industry Analysis, Growth, Share, Size, Trends, and Forecast
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Base Year
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2022
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Historic Data
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2016–2021
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Forecast Period
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2023–2031
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Segmentation
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Product Type (Surgical Masks, Respirators, and General Medical Masks), Application (Hospitals & Clinics, Industrial, and Home Care Settings), and Distribution Channel (Online and Offline)
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Regional Scope
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Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa
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Report Coverage
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Company Share, Market Analysis and Size, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, Market Trends, and Revenue Forecast
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Key Players Covered in the Report
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DuPont; 3M; Ansell Ltd.; O&M Halyard; Cardinal Health; Medline Industries, Inc.; Crosstex International, Inc.; Dynarex Corporation; KCWW.; Honeywell International Inc.; and AlphaProTech.
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Market Segment Insights
Based on product type, the global disposable medical masks market is divided into surgical masks, respirators, and general medical masks. The surgical masks segment is expected to expand at a rapid pace during the projection period, due to the increasing use of healthcare services by individuals and the implementation of infection prevention measures worldwide.
Basic surgical masks are readily offered in healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and surgical centers. They are an important part of personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals during various procedures, surgeries, and patient care activities. Surgical masks act as a physical barrier that prevent the transmission of respiratory droplets and airborne particles between healthcare workers and patients.
The general medical masks segment is expected to expand at a significant pace in the coming years, due to increasing public awareness and mandated regulations. There is a significant increase in public awareness regarding the importance of wearing masks in preventing the spread of infectious diseases. As a result, more individuals are preferring to use general medical masks as a preventive measure, especially in crowded public places.
Various regions around the world have implemented mandates and regulations that require the compulsory use of masks in certain settings, such as public transportation, schools, and workplaces. They are useful in preventing the spread of contagious diseases such as corona, flu, and tuberculosis.
On the basis of application, the global market is segregated into hospitals & clinics, industry, and home care settings. The hospital & clinics segment is projected to register a considerable CAGR during the forecast period, due to increasing surgical procedures and patient care activities. Hospitals perform various surgical procedures daily, which require the use of disposable medical masks to maintain a germ-free atmosphere.
Surgical masks are worn by surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare personnel in operating rooms and establishments to reduce the risk of infections and protect themselves and the patient. Disposable medical masks are used by healthcare personnel when providing direct patient care, including managing medications, performing examinations, and during treatments.
On the basis of distribution channel, the global disposable medical masks market is bifurcated into online and offline. The offline segment is expected to expand at a robust pace during the forecast period, due to the availability of a wide range of disposable medical masks in various price bands. Several medical product brands are opting to sell their products in drug stores and pharmacies, as these stores showcase a variety of products. Consumers can visit the nearby medical stores and general stores personally and compare the products in terms of quality and materials used.
The online segment is anticipated to gain significant market revenue shares due to providing ease and convenience of buying to consumers. The emergence of e-commerce platforms is a major selling medium for general medical items. The platforms are providing value-added services such as Cash on Delivery (COD), free home delivery, and various coupon discounts. They help consumers with price comparisons and provide detailed information about products.
Regional Outlook
In terms of region, the global disposable medical masks market is classified as Asia Pacific, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to dominate the market during the projection period, due to the rising geriatric population and increased hospital admissions for outpatient visits.
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As per data published in 2023, by the American Hospital Association (AHA), in 2021, there was 34,011,386 total admissions to the US hospitals and around 31,967,073 admitted to community hospitals.
The market in Asia Pacific is projected to grow rapidly during the forecast period, owing to the presence of a large population base and growing healthcare infrastructure. Emerging economies such as India and China, which are leading populated countries of the world, are expanding the healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics.
Disposable medical masks are an essential component of infection prevention and control in healthcare settings. The demand for these masks is significant across the healthcare facilities of the region, for maintaining a sterile environment in hospitals and protecting healthcare professionals, patients, and visitors from infectious diseases.
Segments
The global disposable medical masks market has been segmented on the basis of
Product Type
- Surgical Masks
- Respirators
- General Medical Masks
Application
- Hospitals & Clinics
- Industrial
- Home Care Settings
Distribution Channel
Region
- Asia Pacific
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- Middle East & Africa
Key Players
- DuPont
- 3M
- Ansell Ltd.
- O&M Halyard
- Cardinal Health
- Medline Industries, Inc.
- Crosstex International, Inc.
- Dynarex Corporation
- KCWW.
- Honeywell International Inc.
- AlphaProTech.
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