Medical Foam Market Size, Share, and Trends 2024 to 2033

Medical Foam Market Size and Growth

The global medical foam market size was valued at USD 28.59 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to reach around USD 59.03 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 7.52% from 2024 to 2033. This growth is attributed to various factors, which include a rising geriatric population, an increase in global health expenditure, and the rapid expansion of the medical devices sector.

Medical Foam Market Key Takeaways

• The North America medical foam market size accounted for USD 10.01 billion in 2023 and is expected to attain around USD 20.66 billion by 2033.
• North America led the market with the largest market share of 35% in 2023.
• Asia Pacific is experiencing rapid growth in the market.
• By foam type, the flexible foam segment has held the major market share of 57% in 2023.
• By foam type, the spray segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period.
• By product, the polyurethane segment accounted for the maximum market share of 52% in 2023.
• By product, the polyolefin segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the projected period.
• By application, the bedding & cushioning segment has held the biggest market share of 40% the market in 2023.
• By application, the medical devices & components segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the studied period.

Medical Foam Market Size in the U.S. 2024 to 2033

The U.S. medical foam market size was estimated at USD 7.50 billion in 2023 and is predicted to be worth around USD 15.60 billion by 2033, at a CAGR of 7.59% from 2024 to 2033.

North America dominated the medical foam market in 2023. The demand for medical equipment is expected to soar in the coming years due to increased healthcare spending per person in the U.S. This is likely to lead to a higher demand for medical foam in the region. One of the main factors influencing the North American market is the rise in healthcare spending per person in the United States, mainly through health insurance. Also, the increasing healthcare spending per person through health insurance in the U.S. has been a significant trend affecting the North American market.

Asia Pacific is experiencing rapid growth in the medical foam market, driven by increased awareness, higher disposable income, and improved access to healthcare services. With large populations, especially in countries like China and India, there's a growing demand for better medical solutions, including medical foam. Additionally, infrastructure development, supportive government policies, and increased investments in healthcare are further driving the growth of the medical foam market in the region.

• In October 2023, 3D printing companies EOS, Arkema, General Lattice, and DyeMansion collectively developed the Digital Foam Architects network. Featuring digital foam applications, this joint effort seeks to hasten the creation and additive manufacturing (AM) of consumer, medical, and industrial products. Digital Foam applications can be designed and produced with tailored features for performance, protection, and lightweight.

Medical Foam Market Size in Asia Pacific 2023 to 2033

The Asia Pacific medical foam market size was calculated at USD 6.86 billion in 2023 and is projected to expand around USD 14.46 billion by 2033, poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.74% from 2024 to 2033.

Medical Foam Market Overview

Medical foam serves various medical purposes, like orthopedics, prosthetics, wound care, surgery, and patient positioning. It's crafted from materials like polyurethane, silicone, or latex and is tailored to have specific traits such as flexibility, resilience, and antimicrobial properties. It is found in wound dressings to shield, absorb fluids, and aid healing, as well as in orthopedic devices like splints and braces for support and immobilization of injured limbs. Medical foam is additionally utilized in crafting prosthetic limbs to establish comfortable and personalized connections between artificial and residual limbs. In surgical settings, it's used for padding during patient positioning, cushioning on operating tables, and managing bleeding. Moreover, there are ongoing developments in foam-based drug delivery systems for administering medications externally or internally.

Medical Foam Market Growth Factors

• The rising demand for advanced wound care solutions can drive the growth of the medical foam market.
• Increasing applications of medical foam in medical devices is likely to fuel the growth of the medical foam market during the forecast period.
• Technological advancements and innovations in materials can soon boost market growth.
• Growing expenditure on healthcare along with infrastructure developments can contribute to the expansion of the medical foam market.
• Sustainability and eco-friendly practices like water-based foaming agents can help in the medical foam market expansion.

Medical Foam Market Scope

Medical Foam Market Dynamics

Driver: Growing demand for medical-grade foams in dressing and cushioning applications

Medical-grade foams are extensively used in the healthcare industry for various applications such as wound dressings, medical supports, and braces. These foams are valued for their softness, durability, flexibility, and lightweight and water resistance properties, which makes them ideal for protective packaging. They're also employed in customized orthotics, prosthetic padding, and ostomy sealing equipment. In medical breathing devices, they serve as heat and moisture exchange materials, while in wound care, they aid in healing and scar prevention. Commonly used types include polyethylene and cross-linked polyethylene for equipment protection and polyurethane and Metallocene foams for other medical applications.

• In September 2023, Infection prevention products manufacturer Tristel sought regulatory approval for its Tristel ULT hand-applied high-level disinfectant foam as a Class II medical device for endo-cavity ultrasound probes and skin surface transducers. The company has submitted the Tristel ULT application to Health Canada and expects a decision early next year.

Restraint: Stringent regulations associated with foam manufacturing processes

A significant challenge for the medical foam market is the strict regulations governing the manufacturing of foam. Making and using medical foam requires meeting rigorous quality standards and regulatory rules to ensure patient safety and product reliability. This can be tough for manufacturers, who must invest in advanced technology, quality control, and extensive testing, which leads to higher production costs and makes it harder for smaller companies to enter the market.

Opportunities: Rising use of medical foam in spinal implants

The use of medical foam in medical devices and components is on the rise due to increasing demand. Medical foam offers better biocompatibility and is cost-effective compared to other options. Furthermore, the growing emphasis on health and hygiene among consumers is boosting market growth. Global population growth is also driving up demand for medical foam. Moreover, medical foam is increasingly being used in spinal implants due to its strength, biocompatibility, and performance. These implants are designed to mimic cancellous bone by providing interconnected porosity throughout the implant. This increased usage of spinal implants will shortly propel the medical foam market growth.

• In December 2023, Surgical implant maker Xenco launched the injection-molded titanium foam implant that comes pre-attached to a disposable delivery device. It is Optimized for energy absorption and bone in-growth. The interconnected network of pores that permeate each CancelleX porous titanium implant serves to achieve bone-like mechanical properties.

Foam Type Insights

The flexible foam segment dominated the medical foam market in 2023. The growth of the flexible foam segment is driven by its increasing use in cushioning, wound dressing, bedding, and medical packaging. Flexible medical foam possesses qualities suitable for various applications. Particularly, the demand for spray foam type is expected to surge due to its usage in prosthetics and wound care, like instant bandages. Spray foams are also widely employed in medical devices and packaging applications for coatings, filling, insulation, and sealing, which can further fuel segment growth.

In the medical foam market, the spray segment is anticipated to grow at the fastest rate over the forecast period. The flexible foam segment is growing because of its expanding role in prosthetics, wound care like instant bandages, and as coatings, fillers, insulators, and air seals in medical devices and packaging. This usage trend is expected to continue driving segment growth in the future.

• In January 2024, Holcim Building Envelope announces the launch of Enverge®, an innovative, sustainability-focused spray foam insulation brand with a mission of changing the way the world insulates, creating more energy-efficient buildings and healthier living environments.

Product Insights

The polyurethane segment dominated the medical foam market in 2023. The segment is set to grow because of its broad range of uses in bedding, cushioning packaging, prosthetics, and wound care. Additionally, the application of rigid medical foams in podiatric, orthotics, wheelchair pads, hip protector pads, and hygienic seating for support and protection is expected to drive further growth in this segment during the forecast period

• In June 2022, Mitsui Chemicals and Microwave Chemical launched a new initiative aimed at commercializing chemical recycling of flexible polyurethane (PU) foam via microwave technology. The project involves the direct synthesis of PU raw materials by decomposing offcuts of the foam used to manufacture mattresses and similar items.

The polyolefin segment is projected to be the fastest-growing segment in the medical foam market during the projected period. The market is primarily growing because more people prefer flexible packaging over rigid packaging. Flexible foam is also easy to make and can support heavy loads, which helps companies save money on packaging by using less material.

Application Insights

The bedding & cushioning segment dominated the medical foam market in 2023. Medical foam used for bedding and cushioning is commonly found in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare setups. It provides great support, helps distribute pressure, and ensures comfort, which is crucial for improving patient care and recovery. These foam solutions are used in mattresses, pillows, wheelchair cushions, and similar products to give maximum comfort and reduce the chances of pressure ulcers.

In the medical foam market, the medical devices & components segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate over the studied period. Medical foam is becoming more popular in medical device production due to growing demand. It's favored for its good biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness. Manufacturers often blend various plastics like polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene to create medical foam with the desired properties for use in these devices.

Medical Foam Market Recent Developments

• In December 2023, Roflumilast topical foam 0.3% received approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis in those aged nine years or older.
• In June 2023, according to research at the University of Bath, Graphene-like foam sensors from stirlingshire-based integrated graphene can detect lactate concentrations for medical and fitness applications.
• In May 2023, diagnostic imaging equipment provider Probo Medical concluded the acquisition of the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) coil repair operation from U.S.-based Creative Foam.

Medical Foam Market Companies

• 3M
• General Plastics Manufacturing Company, Inc.
• Huntsman International LLC.
• Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
• UFP Technologies, Inc.
• Zotefoams plc
• Avery Dennison Corp.
• Rogers Corp.
• Foamtec Medical

Segments Covered in the Report

By Foam Type

• Flexible Foam
• Rigid Foam
• Spray Foam

By Product

• Polyurethane (PU)
• Polystyrene (PS)
• Polyolefin
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
• Others

By Application

• Bedding & Cushioning
• Medical Packaging
• Medical Devices & Components
• Prosthetics & Wound Care
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa