STEAM INHALER DEVICES MARKET SIZE AND SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS AND FORECASTS (2023 - 2030)

The steam inhaler devices market size is expected to reach US$ 4.2 Bn by 2030, from US$ 2.5 Bn in 2023, exhibiting at a CAGR of 7.7% during the forecast period. Steam inhaler devices are used to deliver warm and moist air to the airways thus helping relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. The devices work by converting water into steam vapor that the user inhales. The key advantages of steam inhaler include drug-free symptom relief, ease of use, and portability. The major drivers include rising respiratory diseases, growing geriatric population, increasing healthcare expenditure, and rising awareness and adoption.

The steam inhaler devices market is segmented by product type, type, application, distribution channel, end user, and region. By product type, the market is segmented into warm steam inhalers, cool mist inhalers, and nebulizing inhalers. The warm steam inhalers segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period owing to their cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature.

Steam Inhaler Devices Market Regional Insights:

• North America is expected to be the largest market for steam inhaler devices market during the forecast period, accounting for around 41.5% of the market share in 2023. The market growth in North America is due to high awareness regarding respiratory diseases, developed healthcare infrastructure, and presence of major device manufacturers in the region.
• Europe is expected to be the second-largest market for steam inhaler devices market, accounting for over 28.7% of the market share in 2023. The market growth in Europe is due to high healthcare expenditure, rising geriatric population, and favorable reimbursement policies in the region.
• Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing market for steam inhaler devices market, with a CAGR of over 9.6% during the forecast period. The market growth in Asia Pacific is due to growing healthcare expenditure, huge patient pool, and increasing awareness about steam inhalation therapy in the region.

Figure 1: Steam Inhaler Devices Market Share (%), By Region, 2023

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Steam Inhaler Devices Market Drivers:

• Rising prevalence of respiratory diseases: Increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, respiratory tract infections, and others, is expected to drive the market growth of steam inhaler devices market. For instance, according to publication by Center for Disease Control and Prevention ‘CDC/National Center for Health Statistics’ published on September 2023, around 4.6% Americans diagnosed with COPD, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis. The mortality rate by chronic lower respiratory diseases (including asthma) deaths per 100,000 populations is 42.9.
• Growing adoption among geriatric population: The geriatric population is at a higher risk of developing respiratory conditions like COPD, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema. Reduced immunity and lung capacity make breathing difficulties common among the elderly. Doctors are increasingly recommending steam inhalation therapy to help relieve nasal congestion and chest congestion in aged patients. The devices provide quick drug-free relief and helps in avoiding side-effects of medications in the elderly. Their ease of use at home further drives the adoption of these devices. With the global geriatric population expanding rapidly, the demand for steam inhalers and nebulizers is expected to witness robust growth. For instance, according to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in November 2021, older adults accounted for 81% of all deaths from COVID-19 in the U.S.
• Favorable reimbursement policies: Steam inhalation therapy is gaining increased reimbursement coverage globally. Many private insurance companies and public healthcare systems like Medicaid and Medicare have started covering expenses of devices like steam inhalers. This is improving device affordability and driving adoption across all income groups. With respiratory diseases on the rise, healthcare authorities are promoting accessible, safe, and cost-effective treatments like steam inhalation. Expanding reimbursement coverage, particularly in developed countries, presents significant growth opportunities for manufacturers.
• Increasing healthcare expenditure: Rising healthcare expenditure levels worldwide are contributing to market growth. Both public health spending and private out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare services and products continue to increase rapidly. This is driven by rising incomes, aging populations, growing health awareness, and a high disease burden. Rising expenditure is improving patient access to new steam inhalation products like portable nebulizers. It also enables faster integration of technological advancements. Market players are also able to invest more in research and developments (R&D) and launch innovative products to meet evolving consumer requirements.

Steam Inhaler Devices Market Opportunities:

• Integration of steam inhaler devices with mobile applications: Increasing integration of steam inhaler devices with mobile application by key market players can propel the market growth. For instance, in April 2023, Mypurmist, the leading company in providing the best steam inhalers, announced new steam inhaler, which is available in plug-in and cordless versions. Mypurmist steam inhaler is the world's most advanced steam inhaler that offers 100% natural, drug-free, and ultrapure therapy for colds, sinus congestion, and allergies. The launch of this new steam inhaler is likely to offer effective and comfortable respiratory relief. Besides the plug-in steam inhaler, the company also offers Mypurmist free cordless steam inhaler to offer wire-free instant natural therapy. This handheld humidifier uses patented ultrasonic technology for releasing warm mist for instant respiratory relief.
• Innovation in device designs: Companies can gain an edge over competitors by focusing their R&D efforts on product design innovations. Compact and portable steam inhaler device designs will witness increased demand from consumers. Features like improved battery life, soft masks, and intuitive controls can improve patient comfort and convenience. Devices with built-in air quality monitoring sensors also allow personalized therapy. Launching smartphone app connectivity can help track patient progress. User-centric and sustainable designs that are simple to maintain and transport can boost adoption across all age groups. For instance, in June 2021, Aptar Pharma, an India-based pharmaceutical company, announced the collaboration with Nordic semiconductor, a Norway-based fabless technology company. The collaboration will provide the wireless connectivity for its ‘Connected Device for Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs).

Steam Inhaler Devices Market Trends:

• Integration with air purification technologies: Steam inhaler devices integrated with air purification technologies are an emerging trend. They allow delivery of cleaner steam, thus ensuring effective therapy. Companies are incorporating filters that help remove allergens, pollutants, and irritants from the steam vapor. Some devices combine steam inhalation with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filtration of room air. This dual benefit helps provide relief across multiple respiratory conditions. The technology ensures the patients to breathe easy at home. With air pollution and allergies on the rise, such innovative products will gain increasing consumer interest.
• Growing adoption of single inhaler triple therapy for COPD treatment: The growing adoption of single inhaler therapy further resulted in creating growth opportunities for the steam inhaler device market in the upcoming forecast period. For instance, in September 2020, GlaxoSmithKline plc., h healthcare company and Innoviva, Inc., a diversified holding company with a portfolio of royalties that include respiratory assets partnered with Glaxo Group Limited; announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new indication for Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate / umeclidinium / vilanterol ‘FF/UMEC/VI’) for the treatment of asthma in patients aged 18 years and older adding to its license for use in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Growing use of mesh nebulizers: Mesh nebulizers are gaining increasing popularity over traditional jet nebulizers. They use advanced vibrating mesh technology to turn liquid medicine into fine mist. This delivers medications faster and more efficiently into airways. Mesh nebulizers are smaller, more portable, silent, and faster. Patients require lower drug doses, improving outcomes and minimizing side effects. Top companies in the market are launching innovative mesh nebulizer products to capitalize on this trend. Lighter and more compact designs are being introduced. Mesh nebulizers improve user comfort and compliance.

Steam Inhaler Devices Market Restraints:

• Side effects: Some patients may experience side effects like nasal or throat irritation and dryness from prolonged steam inhaler use. Very hot steam can damage the airways. This may hamper device adoption among sensitive patients. Companies are innovating to minimize adverse effects. The use of natural moisturizing ingredients in vapor and optimizing steam temperature helps reduce irritation. Educating consumers about proper usage guidelines and precautions also aids in easing concerns over side-effects. More clinical studies proving long-term safety can boost market growth.
• Lack of reimbursement policies: Many developing countries still lack reimbursement coverage for steam inhalation therapy. Out-of-pocket expenditure on devices like nebulizers can be high for majority consumers. This impacts adoption across all income groups. It is a key growth challenge in highly price-sensitive markets. Companies need to gradually lobby healthcare authorities to recognize steam therapy benefits and provide fair reimbursements. Tie-ups with medical insurance providers can also improve affordability. Local manufacturing helps make products cheaper. Offering value-based pricing can further boost uptake.
• Product Recalls: The product recall for steam inhaler devices by regulatory authorities due to concerns raised for the overheating issues by consumers is hampering the growth of steam inhaler device market. For instance, in March 2021, Class 2 Device applied for recall for Vicks brand Warm Mist Humidifier, Model V610, ''Pure Warm Moisturizer for Soothing Relief of Cold and Flu Symptoms'' sold over the counter and distributed by Kaz Inc., a Marlborough, Massachusetts-based manufacturer and distributor of health care products; under license from the Procter & Gamble Company. It was noted that product may overheat which can cause burn injuries.

Recent Developments:

New product launches:

• In August 2022, Respiri, a mobile app runs a wheeze detection algorithm to identify wheeze and display a wheeze rate launched its Wheezo asthma monitoring device in the U.S. market. The device helps patients to monitor symptoms and medication usage.
• In June 2021, Cipla, a healthcare company; received U.S. FDA approval for its Arformoterol Tartrate Inhalation solution, used for treating COPD. The drug helped to improve access to treatment.
• In December 2021, NuvoAir, a virtual-first specialty care provider that empowers and engages people living with complex heart and lung conditions; released an add-on sensor for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) inhalers as a part of its chronic care ecosystem. The NuvoAir Aos sensor provides additional data to the service platform by enabling NuvoAir Care Coordinators and healthcare providers to assess inhaler technique, monitor inhaler use and evaluate treatment effectiveness.

Acquisition and partnerships:

• In September 2022, Respiri signed a distribution agreement with pharmacy chain Medisummary for launching Wheezo in over 125 pharmacies across Australia.
• In June 2022, PARI partnered with NuvoAir to integrate connected inhaler devices for remote patient monitoring and improved compliance.

Figure 2. Global Steam Inhaler Devices Market Share (%), By Application, 2023

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Top companies in Steam Inhaler Devices Market:

• Vicks
• MyPurMist
• Gurin
• Uniclife
• HealthSmart
• Veridian Healthcare
• Vanker
• Leica Biosystems
• Guardian Technologies
• Kaz
• Honeywell
• Bionix
• Invacare
• Breathe-ezy
• Austin Air Systems
• Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare
• CareFusion
• Cipla
• GlaxoSmithKline
• PARI Respiratory Equipment

Definition: The steam inhaler devices market includes products like warm steam inhalers, cool mist inhalers, and nebulizers that deliver warm, moist air to the airways through inhalation. The devices help relieve symptoms of respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic bronchitis, sinusitis, allergies, and COPD. Steam inhalation therapy helps thin mucus, reduce inflammation, and improve breathing. The market comprises both portable and tabletop devices for home and clinical use. The key drivers include rising respiratory disorders, growing adoption of drug-free therapies, technological advancements, and increasing healthcare spending globally.

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