Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market

Market Overview

The global positive airway pressure devices market size was valued at USD 2.61 billion in 2023. It is estimated to reach USD 4.18 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.4% during the forecast period (2024–2032). The increasing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea, rising prevalence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, growing demand for noninvasive ventilation, and technological advancements in device development are the primary factors contributing to the growth of the demand for supplemental airway pressure (PAP) devices.

Highlights

• Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices dominate the product segment.
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea dominates the application segment
• Home care dominates the end-user segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Market Overview

A vital therapeutic option for individuals with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and other respiratory disorders is the use of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices. These medical devices prevent apneas and hypopneas by maintaining the airway open during sleep by applying pressured air through a mask. The most favorable treatment for moderate to severe OSA is PAP therapy, which can significantly improve symptoms and general quality of life. The term "PAP therapy" refers to a group of medical procedures that maintain the patient's airway while they sleep by using a constant stream of compressed air.

A variety of devices fall under this category, including Auto-Titrating Positive Airway Pressure (APAP), Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP), and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. By maintaining airway patency, these devices lessen the frequency of hypopneas and apneas and their accompanying symptoms, including snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness, and cognitive impairment. PAP therapy is frequently the primary line of treatment for people with OSA because of how well it works to manage the problem. The health risks—such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and stroke—that come with untreated sleep apnea can be considerably decreased by using PAP devices regularly.

Market Dynamics

Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market Drivers

Increased Prevalence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea

The positive airway pressure (PAP) devices market is predicted to grow due to the rising prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a common and potentially serious sleep disorder marked by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. PAP devices are widely recognized as an effective treatment for OSA, providing a continuous or variable stream of pressurized air to keep the airway open. At the same time, the individual is asleep, thereby preventing or reducing airway obstructions. According to data from the National Library of Medicine, a U.S.-based medical library, approximately 3.9 million people in the United Kingdom were diagnosed with moderate to severe OSA as of January 2022. This high prevalence of OSA underscores the critical need for effective treatments like PAP devices and is a key driver behind the anticipated growth in the PAP device market.

Furthermore, PAP therapy encompasses devices such as Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, and Auto-Titrating Positive Airway Pressure (APAP). These devices are designed to maintain airway patency, thereby reducing the frequency of apneas and hypopneas, which are the hallmarks of OSA. Moreover, the growing awareness of OSA and its associated health risks—such as hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and increased mortality risk—is contributing to the increased demand for PAP devices. As more people seek diagnosis and treatment for OSA, the market for PAP devices is set to expand.

Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market Restraint

Patient Adherence Challenges

Despite the effectiveness of positive airway pressure (PAP) devices in treating sleep-related breathing disorders such as sleep apnea, many patients struggle with consistent use and adherence to their prescribed treatment plans. Discomfort, ill-fitting masks, and feelings of claustrophobia are common issues that contribute to non-adherence, deterring patients from using PAP devices as recommended. Similarly, a lack of understanding of the long-term health benefits of PAP therapy can reduce patient motivation to stick with the treatment. Improving adherence is crucial to maximize the effectiveness of PAP devices and ensure favorable patient outcomes. Non-adherence not only compromises the efficacy of the treatment but can also lead to a higher risk of complications linked with untreated sleep apnea, such as cardiovascular issues and excessive daytime sleepiness.

To address these challenges, healthcare providers must focus on patient education, proper mask fitting, and providing support to help patients overcome discomfort and other barriers to compliance. This includes selecting the appropriate mask type and size, offering comfort-focused accessories, and addressing psychological concerns, such as claustrophobia. Effective communication about the benefits of PAP therapy, including the potential improvement in sleep quality, reduction in health risks, and overall enhancement in quality of life, can help increase patient understanding and motivation. By reinforcing these positive outcomes, healthcare providers can encourage patients to stick to their treatment plans. However, patient adherence remains a significant obstacle to the market's growth and success.

Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market Opportunities

Technological Advancements

Common treatments for individuals with sleep disorders like insomnia include cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and sleep aids, both available over-the-counter and with a prescription. However, these options may not be suitable for all patients. CBT-I, although effective, often suffers from a lack of accessible and trained clinicians, especially in many parts of the world. This limited availability can result in long wait times for appointments. Meanwhile, advancements in sleep apnea technology have made significant strides in improving patient comfort and engagement. Features such as expiratory pressure modulation, inspiratory support, and pressure ramping are designed to make PAP (Positive Airway Pressure) devices more comfortable for users. These devices have become quieter thanks to improved built-in humidification systems.

Technological innovations have also empowered patients to take an active role in managing their own care. Modern PAP devices now include various monitoring technologies that track patient adherence, providing immediate feedback on device usage and offering real-time guidance. For example, a PAP device can display the usage data from the previous night, allowing patients to monitor their compliance and make adjustments as needed. These technological advancements in PAP devices create significant growth opportunities in the market. By improving comfort, reducing noise, and offering real-time monitoring, PAP devices are becoming more user-friendly, encouraging higher compliance rates. This, in turn, is likely to lead to better outcomes for patients with sleep disorders.

Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global positive airway pressure devices 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 positive airway pressure devices market shareholder and is expected to expand substantially during the forecast period. Several key factors propel this dominance. First, the region, particularly the United States, has a high prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders, notably obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), contributing to a substantial patient population in need of PAP therapy. The well-developed healthcare infrastructure in North America facilitates awareness and diagnosis, leading to increased identification of patients who require PAP devices. Second, the healthcare system in North America is well-established, with many insurance plans providing coverage for sleep disorder treatments, including PAP therapy. This insurance support reduces financial barriers, making it easier for patients to access positive airway pressure devices.

Moreover, North America is home to major manufacturers of PAP devices, fostering ongoing technological advancements and a steady pipeline of new products. Companies like ResMed, Philips Respironics, and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare are based in the region, driving innovation and enhancing product quality. These advancements include user-friendly designs, improved comfort features, and connectivity options that allow for remote monitoring and patient engagement.

Segmental Analysis

The global positive airway pressure devices market is bifurcated into products, applications, and end-users.

Based on product, the global positive airway pressure devices market is segmented into Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Devices, Automatic Positive Airway Pressure (APAP) Devices, and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) Devices.

The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices segment dominates the global market. This is driven by several factors, including the availability of advanced noiseless CPAP machines featuring compact designs and user-friendly interfaces, ongoing technological advancements in positive airway pressure (PAP) devices, and the increased availability and accessibility of new CPAP models. These innovations have made CPAP devices more appealing to large users, contributing to the segment's growth.

Moreover, rising healthcare expenditures and higher disposable income levels in developing countries contribute to the growing adoption of PAP devices. As healthcare systems invest more in sleep-related treatments and individuals have more financial resources to spend on health and wellness, the market for CPAP devices continues to expand.

Based on applications, the global positive airway pressure devices market is segmented into obstructive sleep apnea, respiratory failures, and COPD.

The obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) segment owns the highest market share. The availability of medication specifically tailored for obstructive sleep apnea has significantly contributed to the segment's prominence. For instance, ResMed Inc. (United States) unveiled the AirSense 11 PAP Series of devices in August 2021, offering advanced management and treatment solutions for obstructive sleep apnea. Moreover, ongoing research and development continue to drive innovation in this segment. In September 2021, Sommetrics, Inc., a United States-based company, conducted clinical trials for the aerSleep II device. This device was specifically developed to address the treatment needs of obstructive sleep apnea patients, highlighting the industry's commitment to advancing therapeutic options in this area.

Based on end-users, the global positive airway pressure devices market is bifurcated into hospitals, sleep laboratories, and home care.

Home care/individuals have emerged as the most dominant segment. This trend is driven by the rising preference for home-based treatment options and the growing appreciation for the convenience and comfort that PAP devices offer in familiar environments. By allowing individuals to undergo PAP therapy in their own homes, the need for prolonged hospital stays or frequent visits to sleep laboratories is reduced. This shift aligns with broader healthcare trends that emphasize personalized and patient-centered care.

Furthermore, technological advancements in PAP devices have played a crucial role in supporting this trend. Modern PAP devices are designed to be user-friendly, portable, and quieter, enabling individuals to manage their therapy more independently and with greater comfort. This portability allows patients to integrate their treatment regimens into their daily lives with minimal disruption, facilitating adherence to prescribed therapy.

Recent Developments

• February 2024- ResMed launched its AirCurve 11 series devices, the company’s newest bilevel devices that use two levels of support, inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) and expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP), combined with digital technology to make it easier for healthcare providers to treat sleep apnea and to help patients start and stay on therapy. AirCurve 11 devices are built on ResMed’s market-leading AirSense 11 platform and enhance the offerings available for healthcare providers and clinicians when determining the best care for sleep apnea patients.
• March 2024 - Positive predicted outcomes from the OSPREY clinical research of the aura6000 hypoglossal nerve stimulator system for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) have been announced by the medical technology company LivaNova. Based on the most recent data, the corporation declared the early end of the trial's subject enrolment. The OSPREY research aimed to use targeted hypoglossal nerve stimulation to treat obstructive sleep apnea. In patients with moderate to severe OSA, the prospective, multicenter, randomized, controlled, open-label trial assessed the safety and efficacy of the aura6000 system compared to a no-stimulation control.