There is a growing concern related to sleep disorders among the worldwide population. Public health systems suffer in the process. According to recent studies, it is suggested that the positive airway pressure devices market now holds a significant opportunity for medical facilities. The market is expected to experience significant growth in the upcoming years, particularly due to a rise in diagnosis for sleep apnea. This is crucial for medical device developers and manufacturers.
 
Forecasted Growth
According to a recent report published by Transparency Market Research, the positive airway pressure devices market is likely to rise significantly in the upcoming years. 
 
In 2018, the global market value of the positive airway pressure device industry was reported as $2.3 billion by Sleep Standards. This was already a significant rise from previous years when the same market was analyzed. 
 
Then, researchers looked at the current rise in the trend for these devices, while also considering the prevalence and increased diagnosis for conditions like sleep apnea. They found that the expected growth holds promising results. 
 
By the year 2027, the market is expected to reach a global value of $4.7 billion. Between the years 2019 and 2027, the researchers expect a CAGR that will reach an estimated 7.8%. 
 
The growth is stimulated by technological advancements that have been made in various countries. In North America alone, the positive airway pressure devices market reached a value of $777.54 million by 2018 – and will also continue to grow as along with the global market value. 
 
Contributing Factors to the Growth of the Market
There are a couple of factors that seem to be contributing to a rise in the demand for positive airway pressure devices. 
 
Recent statistics show that at least 28% of adults in the United States are at risk of sleep disorders. An estimated 37% also experience existing sleeping problems. Insomnia is cited as the main problem among the general population. We should also note that less than 50% of people actually feel that they are well-rested after they slept for an entire night.
 
According to recent studies, up to 7% of the general population may experience obstructive sleep apnea. The prevalence of sleep disorder seems to be higher among men than women. 
 
There are several reasons why the diagnosis of sleep apnea may be increasing. One potential contributing factor may be the higher epidemiology of risk factors associated with sleep apnea. The prevalence of heart disease, obesity, and diabetes are all rising. These are factors that cause a higher chance of sleep apnea in the general population. 
 
In the United States alone, more than 93 million adults are estimated to be obese. At least 33% of the population have excess weight. Obesity and being overweight are major contributing factors to sleep apnea. The prevalence of obesity is also continuing to rise year-after-year. The continued increase in the trend of obesity is another factor that is significantly contributing to a growth in sleep apnea diagnosis. 
 
With an increasing rate of people being diagnosed with sleep apnea, there is also a higher demand for devices and treatment mechanisms to assist with the symptoms and effects of sleep disorder. Worldwide, over 100 million individuals are already affected by sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep disorder. It affects about one in every 12 adults in the United States.
 
Positive airway pressure devices are considered a standard and highly effective treatment option for people with sleep apnea. 
 
Technology advancements are also contributing to a higher demand for positive airway pressure devices among sleep labs, hospitals, medical facilities, and patients who require these machines for in-home use. 
 
There are several improvements to the technology used in these devices made throughout the last few years. Positive airway pressure devices have become less inconvenient to use, and now provide an effective way of reducing the risk for some serious complications that are associated with sleep apnea. 
 
Segments to Focus On
There are several segments that manufacturers are advised to focus on when expanding to offer positive airway pressure devices.
 
Currently, there remains a market opportunity among home users. These are patients prescribed with positive airway pressure devices to use at home. It helps the patient undergo PAP while they are asleep at night. 
 
At the moment, there is also a continuous increase in sleep laboratories. There are already over 4,700 sleep labs in the United States alone. Each one of these labs has up to eight beds. The sleep labs often rely on the latest PAP therapy devices to assist patients who are experiencing sleep apnea. 
 
Additionally, hospitals form a segment that manufacturers of medical devices should avoid overlooking. There is a high share in the market provided by hospital settings. Patients diagnosed with sleep apnea, especially in more serious cases, may be provided with access to positive airway pressure devices while admitted at the facility. 
 
The Role of PAP Devices in Patients with Sleep Apnea
Manufacturers of medical devices should not only understand the reasoning behind the rising trend and demand for these devices but also see where positive airway pressure devices fit in. 
 
Positive Airway Pressure therapy is currently considered a recognized and preferred treatment for people with sleep apnea. These are portable devices that can be used in various settings. Manufacturers can choose to target home users, which allows people to obtain sleep apnea treatment without the need to be admitted to a medical facility. Other manufacturers may rather target medical facilities. 
 
The goal of a positive airway pressure device is to assist in keeping the airways of the patient open when they sleep. The devices will usually provide patients with a mask. Optimal results are provided when the patient uses the device not only during sleep but also when they take a nap. 
 
One important reason why the market for positive airway pressure devices sees such growth is due to the safety and efficacy of these devices. There are multiple studies that have been conducted to assist the medical industry and patients in understanding what PAP devices can do. 
 
Studies have reported that these devices are safe to use in the majority of patients. Additionally, research also shows that positive airway pressure devices are highly effective at treating the symptoms and effects that are associated with sleep apnea. The latest technology in PAP devices is also in high demand among these medical facilities. 
 
Conclusion
The global market for positive airway pressure devices has already seen a significant increase in demand. Continuing with the trend, there is an expected 7.8% annual growth over the next few years, with a projected global market value of $4.7 billion by the year 2027. The increased demand is directly related to a higher incidence of sleep apnea. Technology is also consistently advancing, allowing medical companies to produce positive airway pressure devices that are able to provide a more significant level of assistance to patients with sleep apnea.
 

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Chris Norris was a psychiatrist and neurologist with board certification in sleep medicine clinical associate professor at University of California. For over 10 years, he served and helped patients at Stanford Health Care-Stanford Hospital with their sleeping disorders. His passion to further his reach pushed him to start SleepStandards.com, and to ensure quality output, he handpicked sleep experts to help him reach thousands more who are suffering from sleeping disorders.