Introduction: Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Respiratory Care Devices
The market for respirators is undergoing a transformational change resulting from the rapid development of new technology, changing regulatory frameworks and an increasing demand for a personal approach to the delivery of respiratory care. Several market players, such as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), IT service providers and new artificial intelligence (AI) start-ups, are pursuing a market-dominating position by deploying advanced technology such as AI-based analysis, IoT and automation. The OEMs are focused on improving the performance and user experience of their devices, while the IT service providers are developing solutions that facilitate the exchange of data across platforms. New entrants, especially in the field of biometrics and green technology, are also reshaping product offerings and operational efficiencies. The market is expected to grow in Asia-Pacific and North America, especially in the years 2024–2025. As a result, strategic deployment of advanced technology will be crucial to capturing market share and meeting the demand for an increasingly health-conscious population.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These vendors offer comprehensive solutions across multiple respiratory care segments, integrating devices and services for holistic patient management.
Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
ResMed |
Leader in cloud-connected devices |
Sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) |
Global |
Philips |
Strong focus on patient-centered innovation |
Sleep and respiratory care solutions |
Global |
Dräger |
Expertise in critical care environments |
Anesthesia and ventilation solutions |
Global |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These companies focus on niche technologies and innovative solutions within the respiratory care market, often leading in specific segments.
Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
Masimo |
Advanced non-invasive monitoring technology |
Pulse oximetry and monitoring solutions |
Global |
Breas Medical |
Specialized in home ventilation solutions |
Non-invasive ventilation devices |
Europe and North America |
Vyaire Medical |
Focus on respiratory diagnostics and therapies |
Respiratory care devices and solutions |
Global |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors supply essential equipment and infrastructure for respiratory care, supporting healthcare facilities and home care environments.
Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
Air Liquide |
Global leader in medical gases and services |
Medical oxygen and respiratory therapies |
Global |
Invacare |
Strong presence in home healthcare products |
Home respiratory care equipment |
North America and Europe |
Getinge |
Innovative solutions for critical care |
Ventilation and anesthesia equipment |
Global |
Fisher and Paykel Healthcare |
Expertise in humidification and respiratory care |
CPAP and respiratory humidification devices |
Global |
Smiths Medical |
Diverse product range for critical care |
Infusion and respiratory devices |
Global |
Systagenix |
Focus on advanced wound care and respiratory solutions |
Wound care and respiratory management |
Global |
Apex Medical |
Strong in sleep therapy solutions |
CPAP and sleep apnea devices |
Asia-Pacific and global |
BD |
Comprehensive portfolio in medical devices |
Respiratory and infusion devices |
Global |
Medtronic |
Leader in medical technology innovation |
Advanced respiratory therapies |
Global |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- RESMED, Australia: specializes in the field of cloud-connected devices for the treatment of sleep apnea and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It has just signed a contract with a large American hospital network to provide a solution for the integration of care, which complements the established offerings of the main vendors.
- Cure Medical (USA): Focuses on the development of new catheters for the treatment of breathing disorders. It has just launched a new line of urological devices for home use, thereby challenging the established manufacturers of such devices by putting the patient’s comfort and ease of use first.
- Breathe Technologies (USA): It offers a portable oxygen supply system that gives patients suffering from respiratory disorders a better mobility. It recently teamed up with a telehealth company to provide remote monitoring. Breathe Technologies complements the established suppliers by offering a more patient-centered approach.
- OxyGo (USA): Provides lightweight portable oxygen concentrators, recently expanded distribution through partnerships with home health agencies, challenging larger manufacturers by targeting the growing demand for mobility in oxygen therapy.
- Inspira Health (USA): develops smart inhalers with integrated digital health solutions. Recently launched a pilot project with a large pharmaceutical company, complements established suppliers with a focus on adherence and patient engagement.
Regional Trends: In 2023, the market for respirators will be marked by a strong trend towards the adoption of telemedical and remote monitoring solutions, especially in North America and Europe. The companies will be specializing in technology that increases the mobility and comfort of the patient, and a shift towards home care will be taking place. Also, there will be a growing focus on data analysis and integration with digital health platforms, which will drive innovation and competition among new and established companies.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Philips and ResMed entered into a partnership to develop integrated solutions for sleep apnea management, aiming to enhance patient outcomes and expand their market presence in the respiratory care sector.
- Medtronic acquired Mazor Robotics to strengthen its position in the respiratory care devices market by integrating advanced robotic technologies into its product offerings, thereby increasing its competitive edge.
- Boehringer Ingelheim and AstraZeneca collaborated to co-develop a new inhalation device for asthma and COPD patients, which is expected to improve treatment adherence and capture a larger share of the growing respiratory market.
Competitive Summary Table
Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
Home Care Solutions |
Philips Respironics, ResMed |
Philips Respironics has a strong presence in home care with its DreamStation series, which is integrated with cloud connectivity to facilitate remote monitoring. ResMed’s AirSense 10 is praised for its simplicity of use and effective patient engagement tools. |
Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV) |
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Breas Medical |
Fisher & Paykel Healthcare's Optiflow technology is recognized for enhancing patient comfort and compliance. Breas Medical offers innovative NIV devices that are compact and portable, catering to both hospital and home settings. |
Oxygen Therapy Devices |
AirSep Corporation, Inogen |
AirSep manufactures portable oxygen generators that are lightweight and energy-efficient, and that are designed for active patients. The Inogen One G5 is praised for its long-lasting batteries and its ease of use, and is gaining in popularity among home oxygen users. |
Smart Monitoring and Data Analytics |
Medtronic, Omron Healthcare |
Medtronic's integration of smart monitoring in its respiratory devices allows for real-time data analytics, improving patient outcomes. Omron Healthcare leverages AI to enhance the accuracy of asthma management through its smart inhalers. |
Sustainability Initiatives |
Philips, Breas Medical |
Philips has committed to sustainability by developing eco-friendly respiratory devices and reducing waste in production. Breas Medical focuses on energy-efficient designs and recyclable materials in their product lines. |
Conclusion: Navigating the Respiratory Care Landscape
The market for respiratory devices in 2023 is characterized by a highly competitive and fragmented structure, with a significant number of players, both established and new. Regionally, the trend is towards a growing demand for advanced respiratory devices in North America and Asia-Pacific, primarily due to the rising incidence of respiratory diseases and the shift towards home care. Strategically, suppliers will be able to differentiate themselves from their competitors by enhancing their product offerings and operational efficiencies through a combination of artificial intelligence, automation, sustainable and flexible products. In the changing market, those who can integrate new technologies and adapt to changing patient needs will probably be the leaders, while others will struggle to remain relevant in the rapidly changing environment.