Steam Inhaler Devices Market Size and Trends

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 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.

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