Medical foam

Wound healing

Main Article: Wound Healing

History

2024: Global Medical Foam Market Size Reaches $7.97 Billion

In 2024, sales of medical foam in the global market in monetary terms amounted to $7.97 billion. More than a third of this amount fell on the North American region. Such data are presented in a study by Fortune Business Insights, the results of which were released in mid-November 2025.

Medical foam refers to foaming agents and materials intended for the sphere. health care Foam is used in products ranging from wound dressings and skin care products to mattresses for patients and orthopedic products. In particular, special cleansing foam is used for washing bedridden patients and people with limited mobility, as well as in conditions where there is no access to water. Special foam-based products help clean the skin of natural contaminants, prevent pressure sores, relieve irritation and eliminate unpleasant odors. In the case of wound care, the swelling foam bandage forms a protective layer to promote healing. Medical foam serves to create orthopedic products (for example, collars, bandages, steles) and prostheses: such a material has a porous but strong structure. Foam is used to make mattresses, pillows, bed upholstery, wheelchairs and other products designed to provide patient comfort. In addition, foam is used for packaging fragile and sensitive medical and laboratory equipment, ensuring its safety during transportation.

One of the drivers of the market, the authors of the study name the increase in the number of patients with chronic wounds associated with diabetes and aging population. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that from 1990 to 2022, the number of people living with diabetes increased from 200 to 830 million. In 2022, 14% of adults over the age of 18 suffered from diabetes, double the number in 1990. At the same time, in 2020, the population of 60 years and older exceeded the number of children under the age of 5 years. In 2030, according to forecasts, the elderly will make up one sixth of the planet's inhabitants: by this time their number will increase to 1.4 billion people against 1 billion people in 2020. Such citizens are more susceptible to various ailments and injuries, and therefore the demand for medical devices, including foam for patient care, is growing.

The emergence of materials with improved properties has a stimulating effect on the industry. Such foams provide more effective wound healing, help create improved orthopedic structures and prostheses, and help reduce costs.

In terms of medical foam applications, the market is segmented into wound care, equipment packaging, patient support and comfort provision, etc. In 2024, the first of these areas provided the largest share of revenue. More than half of the total expenses are for polyurethane foam products. Geographically, North America leads with a share of 35.3%, or $2.81 billion. Major industry players on a global scale are:

• Smith & Nephew;
• Mölnlycke Health Care AB;
• 3M Company;
• ConvaTec Group;
• Coloplast A/S;
• Avery Dennison Medical;
• Zotefoams;
• Rogers Corporation;
• Sekisui Chemical;
• Recticel NV/SA.

In 2025, the medical foam market size is expected to reach $8.44 billion. Fortune Business Insights analysts believe that in the future, the CAGR will be 6.2%. Thus, by 2032, costs may increase to $12.88 billion.^[1]

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