The global ultrasonic nebulizer market size is expected to reach US$ 325.6 million by 2030, from US$ 218.3 million in 2023, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period.

Ultrasonic nebulizers are medical devices used to administer medication in the aerosol form directly to the lungs. The medication is converted into a mist by using high frequency ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic nebulizers are portable, compact, quieter, and faster than jet nebulizers. They are used to treat various respiratory diseases such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, COPD, etc. The key drivers of the market include the rising prevalence of respiratory diseases, increasing geriatric population, technological advancements, and favorable reimbursement policies.

The global ultrasonic nebulizer market is segmented based on product type, application, end user, and region. By product type, the market is segmented into large-volume ultrasonic nebulizers and small-volume ultrasonic nebulizers.

Global Ultrasonic Nebulizer Market Drivers:

• Rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases: The rising prevalence of chronic respiratory diseases, such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a major factor driving the growth of the global ultrasonic nebulizer market over the forecast period. The number of people suffering from asthma and COPD has increased significantly in recent years due to factors like urbanization, changing lifestyles, and increased pollution. For instance, according to data published in May 2020, by the World Health Organization (WHO), every year around 339 million people suffer from asthma worldwide.
• Technological advancements in nebulizer designs: Technological advancements in nebulizer designs are significantly driving the growth of the global ultrasonic nebulizer market. Traditional nebulizers use compressed air and gravity to convert liquid medications into a mist for inhalation. However, newer ultrasonic nebulizer designs use piezoelectric transducers to generate ultrasonic vibrations that break up liquid medication into a fine mist efficiently and effectively. This mist is then directly inhaled into the lungs for localized drug delivery. Ongoing technological developments aim to enhance the aerosolization performance of ultrasonic nebulizers. For example, adding mesh screens or vibrating aperture plates helps produce fine-particle aerosols required for deep lung deposition compared to larger residual droplets from traditional jet nebulizers.
• Growing adoption of home healthcare: The increasing preference for home healthcare is anticipated to propel the ultrasonic nebulizer market growth during the forecast period. Chronic respiratory patients are increasingly using nebulizers at home to self-administer medication. Ultrasonic nebulizers allow patients to avoid visits to healthcare facilities for nebulization therapy. This improves convenience and enables continuity of care at home. Moreover, ultrasonic nebulizers are portable, silent, and easy to use, making them the preferred choice for home care use. The growing availability of compact, handheld models is expected to further their home healthcare adoption.
• Increasing research and development activities: Increasing research and development activities by the key players in the market is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, on July 13, 2023, United Therapeutics, a pharmaceutical company, initiated a clinical trial titled, “A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Multinational, Phase 3 Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Inhaled Treprostinil in Subjects With Progressive Pulmonary Fibrosis (TETON-PPF).” Study RIN-PF-305 is designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of inhaled treprostinil in subjects with progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF) over a 52-week period. In this study, matching placebo is inhaled using an ultrasonic nebulizer QID. The study is currently in phase 3. It is estimated to get completed in November 2027.

Global Ultrasonic Nebulizer Market Opportunities

• Untapped opportunities in emerging markets: Untapped opportunities in emerging markets could indeed present a great opportunity for growth in the global ultrasonic nebulizer market. Many developing nations in regions like Southeast Asia, Latin America, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa are experiencing rapid economic expansion and industrialization in recent years. With rising income levels, improved access to healthcare facilities, and growing health awareness, the demand for advanced medical devices like ultrasonic nebulizers is surging in these emerging economies.
• Increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies such as partnerships: Increasing adoption of inorganic growth strategies, such as partnerships, are expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, in July 2022, ZICCUM AB, a pharmaceutical company, announced a partnership with Tekceleo, an innovative mechatronic manufacturer with advanced knowledge of nebulizers, for the development of its new nebulizer. The component is central to the advanced drying capabilities and scaleup of Ziccum AB’s LaminarPace system, which formulates vaccines as thermostable powders that require no cold chain transport.
• High output of medication in short time: The high output capabilities of ultrasonic nebulizers in delivering medications in a short period of time can provide significant opportunities for growth in the global ultrasonic nebulizer market. Ultrasonic nebulizers use ultrasonic waves to break up liquid medications into a fine mist that can be easily inhaled by patients. Their ability to efficiently vaporize drugs and deliver precisely metered doses of medication to the lungs in a short span makes them highly suitable for treating various acute and chronic conditions. This feature addresses a major need in healthcare, particularly in emergency situations where patients require quick relief. Ultrasonic nebulizers allow for the rapid administration of bronchodilators to asthma patients experiencing respiratory distress.
• Increasing use of ultrasonic nebulizers in LMICs: Low and middle income countries (LMICs) offer opportunities for ultrasonic nebulizer sales owing to the high burden of respiratory diseases in these countries caused by factors like infections, pollution, malnutrition etc. Moreover, growing programs by various non-profits and healthcare agencies to improve access to essential medical devices like nebulizers in LMICs is also fostering growth. For instance, initiatives by Global Impact, a non-profit organization that works with international charities based in the U.S. and administers four of the largest Combined Federal Campaigns, and Medwish, a non-profit organization, provide nebulizers and other respiratory care equipment to clinics in underserved communities across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This is expected to drive the adoption of ultrasonic nebulizers in LMICs.

Global Ultrasonic Nebulizer Market Restraints

• Side effects associated with nebulized drugs: The various side effects associated with nebulizer drugs like bronchospasm, dry mouth, throat irritation, and cough can limit adoption among some patients, thereby restraining the market growth to some extent. There are also risks involved in the long-term use of inhaled corticosteroids including oral thrush, hoarseness, and worsening of respiratory infections. Moreover, improper or excessive use of nebulizers can impact drug efficacy and safety. This may restrict uptake among certain patient groups. For instance, according to data published on April 19, 2023, by SelfDecode, the most common side effects of nebulizer treatment are rapid heartbeat, jitteriness, and anxiety. Less frequent side effects may include headache, nausea, vomiting, or throat irritation.
• High cost of nebulization therapy: The high cost associated with nebulization therapy, especially in developing countries, can negatively impact the adoption of nebulizers including ultrasonic nebulizers. The high prices of nebulizer devices and the continuous cost of proprietary drug formulations make long-term therapy expensive for patients. This can limit adoption among patients in low and middle-income countries with poor reimbursement policies. The availability of low-cost alternative devices like pMDIs further restricts uptake.
• Lack of awareness in developing regions: Lower awareness regarding nebulizer therapy and the availability of advanced nebulizers in developing regions hampers adoption and impedes the market growth potential. Many patients in these countries have limited knowledge about the management of chronic respiratory conditions using nebulizers. Moreover, lack of access to diagnosis also contributes to under diagnosis and reduced adoption of nebulizers. Raising awareness through education programs can help address this restraint.

• Portable and homecare oriented designs: Key manufacturers are launching innovative portable and compact designs of ultrasonic nebulizers aligned with the growing trend of home healthcare and self-administration. These new portable models are lightweight, noiseless, and fast while ensuring optimized drug delivery. For example, Omron’s pocket-sized Mesh Nebulizer NE-SM1 enables easy self-administration of asthma medication at home. The trend of portable, handheld nebulizers suitable for home use is expected to shape technological innovation and product development in the ultrasonic nebulizer market.
• Growing adoption of mesh nebulizer technology: Mesh nebulizers that use vibrating mesh/aperture plate technology are gaining increasing popularity owing to their higher efficiency and faster nebulization. Mesh nebulizers produce fine mist with a consistent particle size for improved lung deposition and can nebulize drug solutions rapidly within minutes. This improves patient convenience and outcomes. Companies like Omron, PARI Pharma, and Aerogen have introduced innovative ultrasonic mesh nebulizers. The growing adoption of this technology will be a key trend shaping product launches and advancements in the market.
• Wireless and portable ultrasonic nebulizers: The trend of wireless and portable ultrasonic nebulizers is having a significant impact on the global ultrasonic nebulizer market. As lifestyles become increasingly mobile and fast-paced, consumers are demanding medical devices that can easily accommodate active lifestyles without compromising on treatment. Wireless and portable nebulizers address this need perfectly by allowing users freedom of movement during use. As these devices do not require passengers or adapters for power, they provide maximum mobility and are easy to carry around. This flexibility is proving extremely appealing to users.
• Increasing adoption of organic growth strategies such as product approvals: Increasing adoption of organic growth strategies, such as product approvals by regulatory bodies, is expected to drive the growth of the market over the forecast period. For instance, in March 2021, PARI Pharma GmbH, a company focused on advanced aerosol delivery systems based on eFlow Technology, announced the authorization of the LAMIRA Nebulizer System for delivery of Insmed, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company’s drug product ARIKAYCE (amikacin liposome inhalation suspension) in Japan. The LAMIRA Nebulizer System is specifically optimized for ARIKAYCE and therefore the only device intended to administer it.

Ultrasonic Nebulizer Market Regional Insights

• North America is expected to be the largest market for global ultrasonic nebulizer market during the forecast period, accounting for over 41.3% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in North America is attributed to the high prevalence of respiratory diseases, presence of key players, and favorable reimbursement policies in the region.
• The Europe market is expected to be the second-largest market for global ultrasonic nebulizer market, accounting for over 26.1% of the market share in 2023. The growth of the market in is attributed to the rising geriatric population and investments in research and development activities in the region.
• The Asia Pacific market is expected to be the fastest-growing market for global ultrasonic nebulizer market, with a CAGR of over 20.3% during the forecast period. The growth of the market in Asia Pacific is attributed to the growing healthcare expenditure and increasing adoption of home healthcare products in the region.

Figure 1. Global Ultrasonic Nebulizer Market Share (%), by Region, 2023

Philips Healthcare, Omron, PARI Medical, BD, Agilent Technologies, Airssential, Allied Healthcare Products, Briggs Healthcare, CareFusion, GF Health Products, Medline Industries, Medquip, DeVilbiss Healthcare, Medisana, Precision Medical, Rossmax, Salvatore Robuschi, Shenzhen Shenkang, VENTA-tec, and WalkMed

New product launches

• In October 2022, Omron Healthcare, a company which develops health equipment, software, and services for home and medical use, announced the launch of its new NE U22 nebulizer for delivering aerosol medications to treat respiratory diseases. It features a compact, lightweight, and portable design.

Acquisition and partnerships

• In June 2020, AireHealth, a manufacturer of portable nebulizer that pairs with a smartphone app for remote monitoring, announced the acquisition of BreathResearch, a respiratory health company

• By Product Type
  • Large-volume ultrasonic nebulizers
  • Small-volume ultrasonic nebulizers
• By Application
  • COPD
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Asthma
  • Others
• By End User
  • Hospitals and Clinics
  • Emergency Centers
  • Home Healthcare
  • Others
• By Region
  • North America
  • Latin America
  • Europe
  • Asia Pacific
  • Middle East
  • Africa