Surgical Masks Market

Market Overview

The global surgical masks market size was valued at USD 5.15 billion in 2021. It is expected to reach USD 12.77 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 10.62% during the forecast period (2022–2030).

Surgical masks are made of natural fibers such as cotton, disposable linen, and synthetic materials like polypropylene. They are composed of different layers that integrate a hydrophobic outer layer, a middle filtering layer, and an inner hydrophilic layer to absorb fluid and moisture. Several efforts are taken by the manufacturers to improve the quality of surgical masks against harmful bacterial infections in the last few years.

The shortage of surgical masks has compelled the manufactures to devise novel solutions. For instance, the University of Nebraska Medical Center developed a UV light tower that disinfects the masks and can be used again. The surgical masks market’s most prominent driver is the need for maintaining quality standards in the healthcare sector.

Segmental Analysis

COVID-19 Outbreak to Increase the Demand for Basic Surgical Masks

By product, the surgical masks market is segmented into basic surgical masks, anti-fog surgical masks, fluid/splash surgical masks, and N95 masks. The basic surgical masks segment is projected to dominate the surgical masks market. They are easily available in the pharmacies at lower costs. Shifting preference towards surgical mask among physicians and surgeons, drive the segment growth. The basic surgical masks are witnessing huge demand from the geriatrics as they are highly susceptible to viral diseases, such as the coronavirus.  The manufacturers are largely producing the basic surgical masks to address the shortage of masks due to the coronavirus.  

• On March 31, 2020, Automobili Lamborghini announced the establishment of its new production department in Sant’ Agata Bolognese, Italy, to manufacture basic surgical masks. The company also aims to expand its product portfolio across the globe. The new production unit will help the company to balance the demand and supply ratio for basic surgical masks amidst COVID-19.
• Prestige Ameritech aims to manufacture about a million surgical masks every day amidst COVID-19, which was 2,50,000 before the outbreak.

Ease-of-Buying Service to Drive the Online Stores’ Segment Growth

By distribution channel, the market is segregated into hospitals and clinics, drug stores, and online stores. The online stores segment is projected to witness the fastest growth during the forecast period. Online stores are gaining popularity among companies that are actively working to increase their profit margins. The stores are also gaining traction in terms of consumer preference as they provide doorstep delivery at competitive product prices.

• On March 10, 2020, The Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced an online ordering mechanism to ensure better distribution and convenient purchase of surgical masks among customers.
• The U.S. government is consistently working with the private sector to develop and test a new mechanism to the existing distribution channel such as pharmacies contracted by the National Health Insurance Administration coupled with local public health centers.

Impact of covid-19

The COVID-19 outbreak has accelerated the demand for surgical masks across the globe. However, the sudden surge in demand has created a shortage of surgical masks, and the prices have skyrocketed due to the disruption in the supply chain. China produces about half of the world’s masks. Currently, the county has kept most of its inventory to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living estimated that surgical masks supply will decelerate by 20% in the coming weeks. Since there is a shortage of surgical masks, the demand for spoof masks has been witnessing a significant surge due to their cost-effectiveness and easy availability.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recommended continuing the use of surgical masks beyond the shelf-life in a setting with low chances of transmission. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has suggested homemade masks like ‘scarves.’ Additionally, the governments and manufacturers across the globe are actively participating in addressing the shortage of surgical masks. For instance, in the U.S., the government has urged the automobile manufacturers to manufacture surgical masks and other personal protective equipment.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned the population regarding counterfeit versions of the masks. As per the FDA, counterfeit products do not go through required safety assessment and contain ingredients harmful to humans. Currently, the supply of spoof masks is stringently monitored by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Regional Analysis

Rising Demand of Surgical Masks in North America

The COVID-19 has created a surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) in Canada, such as surgical masks. The government of Canada is actively working with the manufacturers to develop surgical and N95 masks and bridge the demand and supply gap across the country. The government is also procuring surgical masks from reputable suppliers located abroad. The National Research Council of Canada is seeking alternative solutions with a key focus on the industrial production of efficient filtration material to manufacture surgical masks in Canada. 

The coronavirus outbreak has majorly hit North America, disrupting the supply chain. Rising demand for N95 respirators across the U.S. and shortage of supply provide impetus to the market growth. Thus, the government of the U.S. is encouraging the manufacturers to increase their manufacturing capabilities to address the shortage of masks.  

• Recently, in Washington, about 870,000 surgical and N95 masks were delivered.
• On April 01, 2020, the CDC stated that in the U.S., around 186,1001 cases were diagnosed, with a death toll of about 3,603.
• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Service states that about 95% of the surgical masks and 70% of the tighter fitting respirators such as N95 masks are manufactured overseas. The material for the masks is produced in China.

China: Home to the Largest Surgical Masks Producing Companies

China manufactures about half of the world’s mask. The Chinese government is giving high emphasis on production capacity. As per China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the daily production of masks increased from 10 million to 116 million. Even with the high daily output, the country is still facing a shortage. To address the situation, over 2,500 companies in China have started manufacturing masks, including Foxconn. Additionally, several companies have altered their business and started manufacturing masks. The companies are also collaborating to address the issues of shortage of mask manufacturing equipment and manufacture mask on the domestic level.

• In March 2020, the FDA issued the Enforcement Policy for Face Masks and Respirators about the production of masks at domestic levels.
• On February 20, 2020, General Motors announced the partnership with the BYD to build dozens of mask manufacturing machines with the potential to manufacture surgical masks in bulk.

Recent Developments

3M is actively working on expanding its current product portfolio. The company’s product portfolio includes 3MAura Health Care Particulate Respirator and Surgical Mask 1870+, N95, 120 EA/Case. The company is committed to supporting public health organizations to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cardinal Health developed ASTM Level 1 and Level 3 masks to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. The masks are designed for the standard procedural surgical tasks, and are cost-effective.

Surgical Masks Market Segmentation

By Product

• Basic surgical masks
• Anti-fog surgical masks
• Fluid/splash surgical masks
• N95 masks

By Distribution Channel

• Hospital and clinics
• Drug stores
• Online stores

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• The Middle East and Africa