Nebulizer Market

Market Overview

The global nebulizer market was valued at USD 1.10 billion in 2022. It is estimated to reach USD 1.79 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.6% during the forecast period (2023–2031). Factors such as overconsumption of tobacco and alcohol, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity are also likely to lead to an increase in the incidence of respiratory disorders, which may, in turn, contribute to market growth.

A nebulizer is a tool used in medicine to deliver medicines as a mist or aerosol. It is commonly used to deliver medication directly into the lungs, effectively treating respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis, lung disease, and asthma. The nebulizer turns liquid medicine into a tiny mist that may be breathed through a mask or a mouthpiece. This mist allows the medication to reach the airways and lungs, providing quick relief and targeted treatment. Nebulizers are particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty using inhalers or require a higher dose of medication.

Nebulizers include several components, including a nebulizer cup, a compressor, and tubing. The nebulizer cup holds the liquid medication connected to the compressor via tubing. The compressor generates compressed air or ultrasonic vibrations, which causes the liquid medication to break into tiny particles. These particles form a mist that can be inhaled into the lungs. Nebulizers come in various types, including jet nebulizers, ultrasonic nebulizers, and mesh nebulizers. Jet nebulizers use compressed air to create aerosol mist, while ultrasonic nebulizers use high-frequency sound waves. Mesh nebulizers, on the other hand, use a vibrating mesh to create the mist. Each type has its advantages and may be preferred based on the specific needs and preferences of the patient.

Market Dynamics

Global Nebulizer Market Drivers:

Rising Incidence of Chronic Respiratory Diseases

The high prevalence of chronic diseases is one of the high-impact-rendering drivers of this market. According to the data that was compiled and made public by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 18.4 million adults in the U.S. have asthma. Moreover, initiatives such as the “Global Alliance Against Chronic Respiratory Diseases” are also expected to increase the rate of respiratory illnesses being diagnosed and treated, which may, in turn, boost the market for nebulizers.

In addition, factors such as overconsumption of tobacco and alcohol, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity are also likely to lead to an increase in the incidence of respiratory disorders, which may, in turn, contribute to market growth over the forecast period.

Increasing Demand for Home Healthcare Devices

The increasing demand for home healthcare devices drives the global nebulizer market. With advancements in medical technology and the rising preference for home-based treatment, there has been a significant shift towards using nebulizers in home healthcare settings. Nebulizers offer convenience and ease of use for patients who require regular respiratory medication. Home nebulizers allow individuals with chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma or COPD to manage their symptoms and receive timely treatment without frequent visits to healthcare facilities. They allow patients to administer their medication at their convenience, reducing their dependence on healthcare professionals and improving their overall quality of life.

The rise in respiratory illness prevalence and the aging population have contributed to the growing demand for nebulizers in home healthcare. As the number of individuals with respiratory conditions continues to rise, there is a need for accessible and effective treatment options. Nebulizers offer a reliable and efficient way to deliver medication directly to the lungs, relieving and improving respiratory function. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of home healthcare devices, including nebulizers. With the risk of infection and the need for social distancing, many individuals have opted for home-based care. Nebulizers have played a crucial role in managing respiratory symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as shortness of breath and coughing.

Global Nebulizer Market Restraints:

Drug Loss During Drug Delivery

Nebulizers convert drug particles into mist, which patients inhale. Conversion and transfer through tubing may result in drug loss, producing an incomplete therapeutic effect. For instance, drug loss is observed in Apparatus loss and Exhaled loss. This results in the need for administering a higher dose of medications, which leads to an increase in the cost of treatment for patients. According to researchers, a significant amount of drug loss is observed in different nebulizers. Furthermore, the duration of a nebulizer's use also impacts the percentage of drug loss. Hence, there is an increasing need to find solutions to prevent this drug loss and enhance the therapeutic effect. As of 2016, using a mouthpiece in nebulizers, which recirculates the exhaled air into the nebulization chamber, has effectively reduced drug loss. This product was put forth to be patented in May 2016 by its inventors Christopher Varga, Brian Pierro, and Khalid Mansour. Technological innovations across the industry help curb drug loss associated with nebulizers and boost the nebulizers market.

Global Nebulizer Market Opportunities:

Increasing Focus on the Development of Home Healthcare Devices

The global nebulizer market presents several opportunities due to the increasing focus on developing home healthcare devices. As healthcare systems strive to provide efficient and cost-effective care, there is a growing emphasis on shifting healthcare services from hospitals and clinics to home settings. This trend is driven by several factors, including the desire to reduce healthcare costs, improve patient convenience, and enhance the overall quality of care. The development of home healthcare devices, including nebulizers, aligns with this shift toward patient-centric care. Home nebulizers allow individuals with respiratory conditions to get care in the convenience of their own homes, eliminating the need for frequent hospital visits. This provides convenience for patients, reduces the burden on healthcare facilities, and helps optimize healthcare resources.

Moreover, technological advancements have led to the development of more user-friendly and portable nebulizer devices. These devices are compact, lightweight, and easy to use, making them suitable for home use. The focus on improving the design and functionality of nebulizers has further enhanced their suitability for home healthcare settings. The growing aging population is another factor driving the demand for home healthcare devices, including nebulizers. As the elderly population increases, there is a greater need for accessible and convenient healthcare options. Home nebulizers provide a viable solution for older adults who may have difficulty traveling to healthcare facilities for regular respiratory treatments.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global nebulizer market is bifurcated into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.

North America Dominates the Global Market

North America is the most significant global nebulizer market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.59% over the forecast period. North America accounted for the largest market for nebulizers in 2019 and is estimated to have the largest market share of over 35.72%. As per WHO data, COPD, asthma, and other chronic respiratory diseases account for ~6% of the total number of deaths in North America. The increased incidence of respiratory disorders in North America is mostly due to the rising intake of alcohol, cigar, and ultra-processed goods, particularly sugar-sweetened drinks.

Additionally, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that tobacco smoking accounts for roughly 14% of fatalities among adults in North America between the ages of 30 and 70. Apart from these factors, rapid advancements in technologies, a rise in demand for home healthcare devices, and an increase in the senior population are driving the growth of the nebulizer market in North America.

Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 5.4% over the forecast period. A significant increase in the number of application areas, such as postoperative rooms, delivery rooms, and care units, of respiratory devices, is expected to increase the demand for technologically advanced devices in the region. According to WHO data, about 2.9 million people in Europe are suffering from COPD, whereas, as per NCBI, approximately 43,000 people died due to asthma in Europe in 2017. In Europe, sales of nebulizers are largely dependent on their regular replacement.

Moreover, due to the Euro crisis, healthcare expenditure has drastically declined in Europe, reducing hospitals' purchasing power. However, growth in the home care market is anticipated to accelerate the demand for nebulizers in this region during the forecast period. Increasing life expectancy and rising geriatric population are propelling the growth of the home care segment in Europe.

Asia-Pacific comprises Japan, India, and China. China holds the biggest market share in this area. A noticeable increase in older adults is boosting Japan's nebulizer market's growth. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, COPD is the seventh most common cause of death. In addition, According to WHO, as of 2017, approximately 90.0% of deaths due to COPD occurred in middle- and low-income countries; it also stated that countries such as China and India single-handedly accounted for about 66.0% of the total number of deaths due to COPD. The increase in respiratory illness cases is expected to drive the growth of the market for nebulizers in emerging countries of the Asia Pacific region. Low-cost manufacturing sites and favorable taxation policies attract global players to enter the lucrative market in these countries.

In Latin America, a large population base in Brazil is affected by pulmonary disorders, such as asthma and COPD, which require nebulizers for management. Moreover, a recent study by NCBI shows that in most Latin American countries, the prevalence of asthma varied from 2.6% in Guatemala to 33.1% in Peru. Moreover, the increasing number of people suffering from respiratory diseases has accelerated the growth of the respiratory devices market in Latin America. In addition, government initiatives focused on providing quality healthcare services will likely bolster market growth in this region during the forecast period.

Segmental Analysis

The global nebulizer market is bifurcated into type and end user.

Based on type, the global nebulizer market is bifurcated into jet, mesh, and ultrasonic. 

The jet segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.3% over the forecast period. Ease of handling nebulizers, low device cost, and efficient drug delivery design have made jet nebulizers the prime segment over the years. Jet nebulizers effectively deliver formulations that cannot be delivered with dry powder inhalers and pressurized metered-dose inhalers. In addition, nebulizers are available in various designs, including jet nebulizers, corrugated tubes, collection bags, breath-enhanced and breath-actuated jet nebulizers, and others.

Moreover, the difficulty in using jet nebulizers is their need for additional tubing and compressed gas. Apart from the difficulties with this type of nebulizer, it is mostly preferred by many patients and continually contributes to the growth of the worldwide nebulizer market.

Based on end-users, the global nebulizer market is bifurcated into hospitals and clinics, emergency centers, and home healthcare. 

The hospitals and clinics segment dominates the global market and is projected to exhibit a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period. The increase in the incidence of COPD, asthma, cystic fibrosis, and other chronic respiratory diseases worldwide is driving the nebulizer market. As per a report by the CDC, there are more than 235 million asthma sufferers worldwide, and COPD is expected to be the third largest cause of death by the year 2030.

In addition, various hospitals globally are prescribing these nebulizers to patients owing to their ease of use and other advanced features. Hospitals and clinics are often the primary point of contact for patients requiring emergency respiratory care. Nebulizers are essential in emergency settings to deliver immediate relief to patients experiencing acute respiratory distress. Whether an asthma attack or a severe respiratory infection, nebulizers are crucial in stabilizing patients' breathing and providing necessary medications.

Recent Developments

• June 2023- Omron Healthcare announced the launch of its new MicroAir NE-C28 nebulizer.The MicroAir NE-C28 is a small, lightweight nebulizer that is easy to use and portable.
• May 2023- Pari Pharma announced the launch of its new Pari eFlow nebulizer.The Pari eFlow nebulizer is a new generation designed to be more efficient and effective than traditional nebulizers.