Report Overview

Saudi Arabia surgical mask market is set to witness heathy growth rate. Increasing healthcare expenditure and the increasing significance of respiratory protection in the healthcare industry are projected to fuel the growth of the Saudi Arabia surgical mask market.

Saudi Arabia Surgical Mask Market - Industry Trends & Forecast Report 2028

The Saudi Arabia Surgical Mask market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period 2022-2028. Rising healthcare expenditures and the growing need for respirators in the healthcare industry, primarily during the COVID-19 pandemic, are expected to continue to fuel market growth in the coming years. Additionally, the rising prevalence of chronic and long-term diseases, along with increased investments in MedTech and advanced infrastructure are driving the market.  Moreover, the growing demand for advanced healthcare services is expected to drive up healthcare spending in Saudi Arabia, thereby propelling the market forward.

Surgical Masks: A Brief Overview

A surgical mask is an FDA-approved medical apparatus that healthcare workers widely use in hospitals, clinics, outpatient departments, and diagnostic centers, among other places. The primary purpose of these masks is to prevent cross-contamination between the patient and the doctors. It serves as a barrier to keep doctors from inhaling hazardous microorganisms released by patients in the form of aerosols, liquids, and splashes. They also aid in the preservation of sterility in operating rooms. As required by the ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) certification, surgical masks are divided into four categories based on the level of protection they give. The level 3 surgical masks offer heavy protection against exposure to aerosol, spray, or liquid, while the minimum protection surgical masks are designed for short surgical operations that do not involve liquids, aerosols, or spray.

Saudi Arabia Surgical Mask Market Trends

Growth Drivers

Increasing Number of Surgeries in Saudi Arabia

With minimally invasive surgical practices on the rise in Saudi Arabia, surgical and anesthesia mask demand has increased across a wide range of end-users, including ambulatory surgery centers, hospitals, specialized clinics, etc. Health-related issues that lead to surgery have increased dramatically across the kingdom due to an increasing geriatric population and the growing frequency of various diseases and health concerns. According to the Saudi government, 25% of Saudi Arabia's 40 million people will be 60 or older by 2040 and more than 10 million people will be aged 65 or older by 2050.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has experienced an increase in the number of surgeries and burns cases, chronic diseases, and hospitals and healthcare workers, all of which contribute to the increasing use of surgical masks. Additionally, the growing number of hospitals and medical facilities in the country is aiding in the use of surgical masks.

Increasing Need for Improved Safety Standards Contributes to Market Growth

Saudi Arabia’s surgical mask market has grown in response to the growing demand for higher safety standards since the success rate of surgeries is primarily dependent on the level of safety and precautions taken during procedures. Surgical masks are used during surgical procedures as a barrier to prevent cross-contamination by microorganisms. To reduce cross-contamination of pathogens, surgeons and other medical professionals use surgical masks during surgical procedures and also while interacting with patients. As per the government regulation, the patient undergoing treatment must also be protected against infectious pathogens that others may release in the operating rooms. The factors mentioned above contribute to the growth of Saudi Arabia surgical mask market.

Restraints

Enhanced Safety Regulations, Scarcity of Surgical Masks, and Increasing Price of Surgical Masks Impeding Market Growth

The scarcity of surgical masks and equipment in the medical field has increased dramatically because of the growing demand for surgical masks. The shortage has also led to an increase in surgical mask prices, which has hindered the market's growth. Other factors that may limit the surgical mask market's growth include the rise in popularity of less invasive operations and concerns about the disposal of non-woven disposable surgical masks.

Impact of COVID-19

The rapid spread of the coronavirus has sparked a surge in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), such as surgical masks, for use by healthcare and medical workers in Saudi Arabia. This is one of the most prominent current drivers for the surgical masks market in Saudi Arabia.  As of June 7, 2021, Saudi Arabia had 458,707 coronavirus cases, with 7,471 deaths and 441,860 recoveries. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a surge in demand for medications, medical disposables, hospital equipment, as well as surgical masks. Additionally, the Saudi government agencies have taken preventative measures against COVID-19, which include mandating the use of gloves, masks, and other personal protective equipment, resulting in the growth of Saudi Arabia surgical mask market.

Saudi Arabia Surgical Mask Market- By Type

Based on product types, Saudi Arabia surgical mask market is segmented into the anti-fog surgical mask, basic surgical mask, fluid/splash resistant surgical mask, N95 mask, and others. Due to widespread demand from the healthcare sector and easy accessibility across hospitals, pharmacies, retail outlets, and online distribution platforms, the basic surgical mask segment led the Saudi Arabia surgical mask market. However, anti-fog surgical masks are predicted to grow significantly during the forecast period, followed by fluid/splash-resistant surgical masks. To prevent fogging, anti-fog surgical masks provide a seal between the user's face and the mask. The technology in these masks, either in the form of foam, adhesive, or film, prevents condensation from escaping from the top half of the mask, ensuring optical clarity and preventing fogging of the spectacles. The aspect mentioned above is expected to drive Saudi Arabia surgical mask market in the coming years.

Saudi Arabia Surgical Mask Market- By Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channels, Saudi Arabia surgical mask market is grouped into online and offline segments. The offline segment dominated the market in 2021 and accounted for an impressive revenue share. Hospital pharmacies, stores, retail pharmacies, and over-the-counter pharmacies fall within the offline segment. Due to their convenience and popularity among consumers, offline distribution channels are projected to play a key role in market expansion. In addition, surgical mask manufacturers are using online distribution channels to supply their products through a third-party website or their own exclusive website. Thus, the online segment is projected to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period.

Saudi Arabia Surgical Mask Market - Competitive Landscape

Due to the existence of both multinational and domestic manufacturers, Saudi Arabia surgical mask market is extremely competitive. In order to maintain a competitive edge in this industry, manufacturers must focus on product development, value chain integration, and mergers and acquisitions. The key player in the industry are 3M Company, Cardinal Health, Inc., Honeywell International Inc., Kimberly-Clark Corporation, Moldex-Metric, Inc., Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc, Sterimed Medical Devices Pvt. Ltd., AlphaProTech, Crosstex International, Inc, Dynarex Corporation, and other prominent players.

Recent Developments

• In March 2021, Careon Healthcare Solutions completed joint ventures for surgical and medical disposable products in Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka. This could potentially increase the firm's consumer base.

• In December 2020, Jofo Nonwovens Co. and Takween Advanced Industries agreed to sell 70% of shares of Advance Fabrics Company (SAAF), a non-wovens company based in Saudi Arabia. The deal allowed Jofo to access the Saudi Arabian medical market.

Scope of the Report:

By Type

• Anti-Fog Surgical Mask
• Basic Surgical Mask
• Fluid/Splash Resistant Surgical Mask
• N95 Mask
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline