LATAM and Caribbean Respiratory Disposables Market Trends and Analysis by 2030

The LATAM and Caribbean respiratory disposables market size was valued at US$ 2,745.08 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 3,741.78 million by 2030; it is anticipated to record a CAGR of 3.95% from 2022 to 2030.

Analyst’s ViewPoint

The LATAM and Caribbean respiratory disposables market analysis sheds light on the key factors enabling its growth; these include the surging levels of air pollution and toxins in Latin American and Caribbean countries and rising investments in medical consumables and devices. Further, the growing incidences of respiratory diseases are expected to emerge as a new trend in the market during the forecast period. Respiratory disposables, including disposable masks and respirators, nasal cannula, laryngoscopes, and nasal tubes, provide a cost-effective and efficient way to deliver oxygen or medication to individuals in need. Disposable respiratory devices are essential in the healthcare industry, as they offer a convenient and hygienic solution for patients suffering from respiratory conditions. Due to the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, the demand for disposable respiratory devices is expected to rise significantly in the upcoming years. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the significance of respiratory hygiene, leading to the adoption of disposable devices as a preventive measure. Consequently, the respiratory disposable devices market is anticipated to witness substantial growth, providing better respiratory care and infection control for patients worldwide.

Market Insights

Surge in Levels of Air Pollution and Toxins and Rising Investments in Medical Consumables and Devices in Latin American and Caribbean Countries Drive LATAM and Caribbean Respiratory Disposables Market Growth

In 2021, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) published an article that stated air pollution is a major issue for children and youth in LATAM and the Caribbean, causing 138,000 deaths annually. Over 130 million children residing in Latin America and the Caribbean are exposed to outdoor air pollution levels that surpass the air quality guidelines outlined by the World Health Organization. In addition, more than 30 million children in this region live in households that rely on firewood or coal for cooking and heating purposes.

Similarly, an article published by the United Nations Environment Programme (unep.org) in 2020 stated that the Structural dump was the largest open landfill in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2018, and over 2,700 metric ton of municipal trash was dumped and frequently burnt. The dump lacked both leachate management and landfill gas collecting systems, which resulted in hazardous gasses poisoning the air, soil, and water near the dump site. In 2020, ~145,000 metric ton of garbage were thrown in dumpsites across Latin America and the Caribbean, where the decomposition and burning of waste produce harmful gasses that pollute the atmosphere, make people sick, and contribute to climate change. Furthermore, high levels of air pollution in many Latin American countries and cities led to a rise in cases of chronic diseases, which results in severe spread of COVID-19 infection, ultimately leading to mortality. Thus, the rising levels of air pollution and toxins in Latin American and Caribbean countries drive the market.

Many studies have shown a significant rise in healthcare expenditure in Latin America. According to a study published by Global Health Intelligence (GHI) in March 2022, ~75% of hospitals in Latin America increased their budgets to import medical supplies and consumables. In Latin America, Brazil has reported that more than a quarter of hospitals have increased the use of consumables. According to the data collected by the International Trade Administration, in March 2023, Brazil accounted for the largest healthcare market in Latin America, with healthcare spending of 9.1% of GDP. In 2021, 532,645 hospital beds; 88,000 healthcare auxiliary services; and 502,000 physicians were reported in the country.

Similarly, there is an increase in investments in medical equipment by the key countries in the regions. For instance, per the statistics released by the US Census Bureau in 2021, Brazil was the 14th largest market for medical equipment in the US and the second largest in Latin America, after Mexico. Medical devices exported from the US to Brazil were worth US$ 947 million. During 2020–2021, Colombia, Chile, and Argentina increased their investments in the medical sector, and they started purchasing and improving healthcare infrastructure in 2022. The Argentine government increased its investments by 8.7% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic and reached 11% in 2022. Also, the countries in the region are the largest importers of medical consumables. Thus, the investments to increase medical infrastructure have led to increased import of medical consumables, including respiratory disposables such as masks, disposable respirators and breathing circuits, breathing bags and tubes, and nasal cannulas.

Future Trend

Growing Incidences of Respiratory Diseases to Emerge as a Future Trend in LATAM and Caribbean Respiratory Disposables Market During Forecast Period

Governments of several countries in Latin America have increased the per capita consumption of disposable masks owing to the growing prevalence of communicable respiratory diseases in the region. Over the past few years, the number of patients suffering from respiratory disorders such as chronic pulmonary respiratory disease, asthma, and tuberculosis has increased. According to an article published by BMC Pulmonary Medicine in July 2022, a study was carried out to analyze the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Latin America and the Caribbean countries. The inclusion criteria were met by twenty studies (nineteen cross-sectional and one cohort), which concluded that COPD was found in 8.9% of the general population over the age of 35. Men had a prevalence of 13.7%, while women had a prevalence of 6.7%. The frequency was 24.3% among smokers and ex-smokers.

Similarly, asthma is a common respiratory disease in Latin America, which has a population of 603 million people. Per an article published by Taylor & Francis Online in 2021, the estimated average prevalence of asthma is 17%, varying widely across cities, with Costa Rica recording a prevalence of 30%. Furthermore, the risk of severe exacerbations seems to be higher in Latin America than in other regions. Disposable face masks are critical in reducing the spread of respiratory infections due to their ability to filter airborne pathogens. The article published by ScienceDirect in August 2023 stated that ~255 million masks per month were used in Latin American countries, including Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia.

Moreover, the medical industry's growth escalated due to increasing medical tourism and the growing number of healthcare facility centers, leading to high demand for respiratory disposables. As a result, companies are witnessing regional growth opportunities and expanding their distribution network in Latin America. Thus, the growing prevalence of respiratory diseases is anticipated to create several opportunities for the LATAM and Caribbean respiratory disposables market during the forecast period.

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LATAM and Caribbean Respiratory Disposables Market: Strategic Insights

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Report Segmentation and Scope

Product-based Insights

Based on product, the LATAM and Caribbean respiratory disposables market is segmented into masks and respirators, resuscitators, nasal cannulas, nebulizers, laryngoscopes, and others. The masks and respirators segment held the largest market share in 2022. Masks are used to protect the wearer from droplets, airborne particles, and body fluids that might potentially be harmful to the skin. They are loose-fitting and disposable, which makes breathing easy and comfortable. In the masks, the filter material combines various high-performance filter media to achieve excellent filter performance. The various filter layers retain the coarse and fine particles effectively. The increase in the geriatric population and the rise in the prevalence of respiratory diseases are expected to boost the demand for masks and respirators. A few of the commonly available respirators are N95, N99, N100, P95, P99, P100, R95, R99, and R100.

Clinical Indication-based Insights

Based on clinical indication, the LATAM and Caribbean respiratory disposables market is segmented into asthma, COPD, and others. The COPD segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 4.56% from 2022 to 2030.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is considered to be a progressive lung disease that makes breathing highly difficult. Patients suffering from COPD might use inhalers to deliver medication directly into their airways. Types of COPD inhalers include long-term and control medications, as well as quick relief and rescue medications. These also include corticosteroids, beta-agonists, anticholinergics, and combination inhalers. Ventilators can help deliver oxygen to the lungs, which can help with symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. COPD patients are increasingly relying on respiratory disposables for effective management. Thus, the rise in COPD incidence fuels the growth of the segment.

Usage-based Insights

In terms of usage, the LATAM and Caribbean respiratory disposables market is categorized into neonatal and pediatrics, adults, and geriatrics. The geriatrics segment held the largest market share in 2022; however, the adults segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR of 4.56% from 2022 to 2030. Patients from the stage of the human lifespan in which full physical and mental maturity has been achieved form the group of adult patients. The age for adult patients ranges from 18 to 60 years. The adult population is vulnerable to several respiratory diseases, including parenchymal lung diseases, chronic diseases, asthma, occupational lung diseases, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and acute illnesses such as pneumonia and flu.

LATAM and Caribbean Respiratory Disposables Market, by End User – 2022 and 2030

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Regional Analysis

The LATAM and Caribbean respiratory disposables market is segmented into Brazil, Argentina, Caribbean countries, and the Rest of LATAM and Caribbean. The growth of the respiratory disposables market in these regions is attributed to the increasing import of medical consumables, increasing healthcare infrastructure, and growing cases of respiratory diseases. In Latin America, Brazil holds the largest market share owing to the rising prevalence of respiratory chronic diseases such as COPD, asthma, and pulmonary lung disease, which has increased the cases of hospitalizations in the country. To treat and prevent such diseases, physicians and the government are emphasizing the use of disposable masks in hospitals and homecare settings. According to an article published by Scielo Brazil in 2020, the Brazilian Thoracic Association (2020) recommended that for the management of asthma in children below four years, the medication should be administered via a pressurized, metered-dose inhaler with a spacer and a face mask.

Additionally, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of respiratory disposables such as masks and respirators increased owing to their effectiveness in reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2. In August 2020, Brazil was the second most impacted country, with over 1 million confirmed infections and over 50,000 deaths due to COVID-19. According to the article published by Europe PMC in 2020, a study was carried out using a cross-sectional survey to examine the use of face masks among Brazil's population. The study, which involved 14,756 volunteers, concluded that 71% of the volunteers frequently or always used face masks.

COVID-19 Impact: 

The COVID-19 pandemic affected economies and industries in various countries across the globe. In late February 2020, over 124,000 COVID-19 cases were reported in Latin America and the Caribbean, and South America registered more than 97,000 cases. Brazil reported over 45,000 cases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for respiratory disposables grew significantly, and the available masks and respirators were used as protective gear to protect healthcare workers and the public against the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. To combat the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Latin American and Caribbean countries, 2,420 medical consumables were imported into the region, which amounted to ~US$ 30.3 billion. The pandemic also increased the local production of respiratory disposable in the region, and a few global manufacturers began setting up production units in the region.

The COVID-19 pandemic offered various growth opportunities to the medical industry. Also, there was an increase in the distribution network in the region, which enhanced the market for respiratory disposables. Post-COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in awareness about the importance of disposable masks and respirators increased their demand for the prevention of chronic respiratory diseases. These factors are expected to boost the LATAM and Caribbean respiratory disposables market during the forecast period.

The report profiles a few of the leading players operating in the LATAM and Caribbean respiratory disposables market. These include Intersurgical Ltd, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corp Ltd, Dragerwerk Ag & Co, Koninklijke Philips Nv, Resmed Inc, Ambu As, 3m Co, Medtronic Plc, Ge Healthcare Technologies Inc, and Masimo Corp. These companies focus on new product launches and geographical expansions to meet the growing consumer demand worldwide and increase their product range in specialty portfolios. They have a widespread global presence, allowing them to serve a large set of customers and subsequently increase their market share.

Industry Developments and Future Opportunities:

• In October 2023, Fisher & Paykel Healthcare launched a revolutionary F&P Solo mask for obstructive sleep apnea in New Zealand and Australia for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). F&P Solo is an AutoFit mask that simplifies mask setup by allowing users to stretch and adjust the mask with one touch.
• In June 2021, Teleflex Incorporated completed the sale of a significant portion of its respiratory business to Medline Industries, Inc. Medline acquired the assets for $274 million in cash. The divested respiratory product lines include the Hudson RCI range, which provides oxygen and aerosol therapy, active humidification, noninvasive ventilation, and incentive spirometers. In 2021, the divested respiratory product lines were expected to contribute net revenue equivalent to the US$ 139 million generated in 2020.

LATAM and Caribbean Respiratory Disposables Report Scope