N95 Medical Protective Masks Market

N95 Medical Protective Masks Market Outlook

The N95 Medical Protective Masks Market is valued at USD 4.1 Bn in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 8 Bn, growing at a CAGR of 10% by 2033.

Global N95 Medical Protective Masks Market Soars as Variants Remain Unstoppable

N95 grade protective masks are being effectively used to prevent the transmission of contamination to and from healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients. The N95 masks remain the main stay of protection against airborne pathogens. Increasing cases of covid-19 is driving the N95 grade protective masks market exponentially. Fairfield Market Research indicates that the global N95 medical protective masks market revenue is anticipated to rise at a healthy pace of 10% CAGR during the period as the market reaches US$ 8 Bn by 2033 from US$ 4.1 Bn in 2026.

Almost every country across the globe is affected with this novel corona. Rapid industrialization and numerous government regulations on workplace health are increasing demand for N95 grade protective masks. N95 face masks that can filter out at least 95% of all airborne particles, regardless of their size are regulated by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). N95 respirator provides much better protection than a face covering that doesn’t meet N95 standards.

Considerable R&D is underway to create new fabrics that can be used to make protective clothing for multi-purpose use as well as biodegradable masks. In addition, manufacturers are focusing on nanotechnology and smart materials to produce lightweight and more efficient clothing fabrics. Thus, opening new pathways for smart N95 masks manufacturers, fostering sustainable market growth over the expected time span.

Short-Term Market Growth on Cards as Manufacturers Ramp Up Production

Manufacturers are facing the challenge to ramp up the production process due to import and export restrictions owing to the pandemic, the ongoing lockdown, and the centralized procurement procedure through a single government agency. The WHO has shipped almost half a million sets of personal protective equipment including N95 grade protective masks to 47 countries so far, but quantities are running out rapidly.

Governments have been implementing unprecedented measures such as subsidies for capital investment to mask factories and other manufacturing facilities, and support for the procurement of raw materials. To help alleviate supply pressures, the FDA provides expedition of review of manufacturing site changes or premarket submissions. Manufacturers of PPE contact FDA regarding plans to increase availability of these products to the U.S. market. Thus, the need to overcome the shortage and manufacture the masks with standard approaches is driving the global N95 grade masks market.

Cup Type Masks Dominate N95 Medical Protective Masks Market

The cup type mask segment is expected to hold the largest share in terms of revenue in the global N95 medical protective masks market as it is poised to capture 69.5% market share by 2026. The cup shape allows for more breathing room inside the mask and remains stiff, allowing the wearer to breathe easily. An aluminium noseband makes the mask easy to adjust, plus the metal is encased in thick, ultrasoft foam so it does not dig into the bridge of the nose. On the other hand, flat-fold type is the fastest growing segment during the forecast period of 202-2026 with 10.1% CAGR. Flat-fold respirators reduce the wearer's exposure to airborne particles such as dusts and mists, but only if worn correctly. The demand for these masks will also see a jump as they cannot be used multiple times. Thus, the need for constant repurchase will work in favour of global N95 medical protective masks market.

Hospitals and Clinic Segment to Capture Major Share as Healthcare Workers Seek Best Protection

The report estimates that the hospital and clinic segment will contribute 59% to the global N95 medical protective masks market. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that N95 respirators are critical supplies that should be prioritized for healthcare workers and other medical first responders to prevent supply shortages. Protection of clinicians and other health care workers from severe acute respiratory syndrome such as coronavirus infection by respiratory aerosol and contact transmission remains a major concern in this coronavirus outbreak. All health caregivers are trained adequately and are required to receive transmission-based precautions while interacting with patients isolated for suspected or confirmed infections. Thus, hospital and clinic segment capture a major market revenue share in 2019 and expected to maintain its position in the forecast period.

Developed Countries Hold Dominance; Europe to Register Solid Demand Growth

Currently, North America dominates the global N95 medical protective masks market, in terms of revenue, surging ahead with a CAGR of 8.9% between the forecast years of 2020 and 2026. Europe follows closely with a CAGR of 10.2% in the forecast period. European countries have reported shortages of N95 grade protective masks, ventilators, and testing kits, particularly in the Netherlands, France, Italy, and Spain where there are very high coronavirus patient loads, requiring intensive care. U.K., Italy, Germany and France are likely to be the three biggest countries in Europe region demanding N95 grade protective masks. According to the European council on N95 grade protective masks Italy, Germany, France and the UK are responsible for more than the half of PPE production in Europe and Italy was the leading manufacturer of PPE in the EU, followed by Germany and France. 

Asia Pacific, on the other hand, is also anticipated to witness lucrative growth over the forecast period. China addressed the issue of the supply of non-woven fabric early on by also establishing a plan to increase the production of melt-blown polypropylene. About 103 companies were involved in stepping up production so that mask manufacturers would not face a shortage for their key input.

Difficulty in tolerating the mask for long durations, requirement of individualized fitting, and variations in the mask fit due to facial shape and hair are some of the factors restricting the use of these masks. Inadequate supply of N95 masks has been the biggest problem along with competition and price gouging for the masks., thus hindering the access. Disruptions in transport and logistics have made the delivery of masks to final customers more complicated.

Players Prioritise Increase in Production of Masks in Order to Meet Overwhelming Demand

Meeting demand for face masks has become one of the main issues for governments fighting the pandemic. Owing to the continuously increasing demand for the N95 Mask, companies like 3M and Honeywell have doubled their production capacity in 2020 to fight coronavirus. 3M accounts for approximately 28% of the market share in the global market followed by Honeywell and Kimberly-Clark. 3M's total production of N95 masks in 2020 amounted to approximately two billion units worldwide. The production rate in 2021 will be 2.5 billion units.

Who are the Leaders in the Global 95 Medical Protective Masks Space?

• 3M
• Honeywell
• Kimberly-Clark
• CardinalHealth
• Ansel
• Gerson
• Shanghai Dasheng
• Moldex-Metric
• CM Industrial

The Global N95 Medical Protective Masks Market is Segmented as Below:

By N95 Grade Mask Type

• Flat-Fold Type
• Cup Type

By Distribution Channel

• Hospitals and Clinics
• Drug Stores
• Online

By Geographic Coverage

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Central and South America
• Middle East and Africa