Supraglottic Airway Devices Market By Product Type (First-Generation SADs, Second-Generation SADs); By Application (Surgeries, Emergency Care, Critical Care); By End User (Hospitals, ASCs, EMS, Military); By Geography, Segment Revenue Estimation, Forecast, 2024–2030

Introduction And Strategic Context

The Global Supraglottic Airway Devices Market will witness a robust CAGR of 6.9% , valued at $2.1 billion in 2024 , expected to appreciate and reach $3.1 billion by 2030 , confirms Strategic Market Research.

 

Supraglottic airway devices (SADs) are essential medical tools that maintain airway patency in patients undergoing anesthesia or emergency airway management. These devices are positioned above the vocal cords, providing a critical, non-invasive alternative to traditional endotracheal intubation. Over the forecast period from 2024 to 2030, the global market for SADs is poised for substantial growth, fueled by the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, rapid expansion in outpatient surgeries, and the shift toward minimally invasive ventilation strategies in prehospital and in-hospital settings.

 

Several macro-level factors are shaping the strategic importance of this market:

• Technological advancements in biomaterials and anatomical design are enhancing the safety, reusability, and comfort of SADs.

• Regulatory changes are creating streamlined pathways for product innovation, especially in high-burden regions with limited access to anesthesia professionals.

• Rising surgical volumes —especially in ambulatory care centers and developing economies—are increasing the demand for easy-to-use, cost-effective airway management solutions.

• Global emergency preparedness and disaster response protocols increasingly prioritize SADs due to their ease of insertion and reduced training requirement compared to intubation.

In 2024, North America remains the largest market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure and established guidelines from professional bodies like the American Society of Anesthesiologists . However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing segment, driven by healthcare reforms, rapid urbanization, and increased training of paramedical personnel.

 

Key stakeholders in this market include:

• OEMs and medical device manufacturers (developing single-use and hybrid SADs)

• Hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers

• Military and emergency medical service (EMS) providers

• Public and private healthcare insurers

• Government health departments and regulatory authorities

• Venture capital firms investing in next-generation airway solutions

The increasing pressure to deliver faster, safer, and less invasive anesthesia options is pushing hospitals and EMS systems to adopt SADs as first-line tools, especially in resource-constrained and critical care environments.

 

Market Segmentation And Forecast Scope

The global supraglottic airway devices market is segmented across four primary dimensions: By Product Type , By Application , By End User , and By Region . This segmentation allows for a granular understanding of demand patterns, innovation hotspots, and regional performance across the 2024–2030 forecast period.

By Product Type

This segment includes:

• First-generation SADs : Basic devices such as classic laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) without drainage tubes.

• Second-generation SADs : Advanced devices equipped with gastric access and higher sealing pressure for improved safety during ventilation.

Second-generation SADs accounted for approximately 58.3% of market revenue in 2024, owing to their enhanced protection against aspiration and superior sealing features, making them the preferred choice in both elective and emergency procedures. They are expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period as clinical guidelines shift in their favor .

 

By Application

• Surgeries

• Prehospital and Emergency Care

• Critical Care

Surgical applications dominate due to their alignment with anesthesia workflows in hospitals and surgical centers . However, the use of SADs in prehospital and emergency care is growing rapidly, supported by the adoption of these devices by ambulance services, paramedics, and military medics who require quick airway access without the complexity of intubation.

 

By End User

• Hospitals

• Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

• EMS Providers

• Military & Disaster Response Teams

Hospitals remain the largest end-user segment, but ambulatory surgical centers are emerging as high-growth nodes due to the global shift toward outpatient surgeries and shorter patient recovery windows. These centers favor SADs for their minimal invasiveness and faster airway management.

“SADs are enabling ambulatory centers to increase throughput while maintaining high safety standards, especially for low-risk airway cases,” notes an experienced anesthesiologist from a U.S.-based day surgery center .

 

By Region

• North America

• Europe

• Asia Pacific

• Latin America

• Middle East & Africa

North America held the dominant share in 2024, supported by strong procedural volumes and advanced airway management protocols. However, Asia Pacific is projected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period, driven by growing access to surgical infrastructure, rising trauma cases, and investments in EMS capacity.

This segmentation enables a structured analysis of commercial, clinical, and operational trends across the ecosystem. Each segment will be explored in depth in the upcoming chapters to highlight growth drivers, strategic priorities, and emerging sub-segments.

 

Market Trends And Innovation Landscape

The supraglottic airway devices (SADs) market is experiencing a transformative shift driven by innovations in design, materials, and digital health integration. As the global demand for safe, fast, and efficient airway management grows, especially in non-operating room settings, manufacturers and clinicians alike are embracing new paradigms that enhance patient safety and procedural convenience.

1. Technological Advancements in Design and Safety

One of the most significant trends is the evolution from first-generation to second-generation SADs , which incorporate advanced features such as:

• Gastric access ports for aspiration protection

• Higher oropharyngeal seal pressure for improved ventilation efficiency

• Integrated bite blocks and fixation mechanisms for enhanced stability during use

These innovations have made SADs safer for use in high-risk patients and in longer or more complex procedures, widening their applicability in both surgical and emergency care.

 

2. Smart and Digital Interfaces

Though still in the nascent stage, there is growing interest in digitally-enabled SADs with sensors to monitor airflow, pressure, and placement accuracy. These developments aim to:

• Reduce human error during placement

• Enable real-time monitoring in critical care units

• Interface with anesthesia workstations for enhanced ventilation control

“As digital integration in anesthesia deepens, expect SADs to evolve into smart airway tools that communicate with machines and caregivers for real-time decision-making,” observes a clinical innovation lead at a European med-tech firm.

 

3. Material Science Innovations

The transition from reusable to single-use and semi-reusable devices is being accelerated by infection control imperatives. Manufacturers are adopting biocompatible and eco-friendly polymers , such as silicone blends and thermoplastic elastomers, to reduce cross-contamination risks while maintaining patient comfort.

Additionally, the use of transparent materials allows caregivers to visually confirm placement and detect regurgitation—a crucial safety feature.

 

4. Regulatory and Standardization Shifts

Global health agencies, including WHO and national anesthesia societies, are publishing updated clinical guidelines that prefer second-generation SADs for both elective and emergency scenarios. As a result, procurement agencies and hospital formularies are shifting their buying behavior accordingly.

In parallel, harmonization of training modules across countries has enabled faster onboarding of SAD use among paramedics and junior clinicians.

 

5. Mergers, Collaborations, and R&D Pipelines

The market has seen a wave of strategic acquisitions and technology collaborations aimed at portfolio expansion and geographic penetration. Key examples include:

• Co-development projects between airway device firms and digital health startups

• Licensing deals with research institutes for next-gen SAD prototypes

• Investments in automated manufacturing to meet global scale demands

Furthermore, AI-assisted insertion devices are under development, combining machine vision with robotic assistance for high-accuracy placement in critical situations.

The cumulative effect of these innovation trends is a fundamental redefinition of SADs—not just as passive conduits but as active, intelligent airway management tools . The next few years are likely to bring a fusion of ergonomics, safety engineering, and digital health into SAD design.

 

Competitive Intelligence And Benchmarking

The supraglottic airway devices (SADs) market is moderately consolidated, with a combination of multinational med-tech giants and specialized airway solution providers. Competitive dynamics in this space revolve around product innovation , regional penetration , portfolio breadth , and regulatory compliance capabilities . Below is a strategic benchmarking of key companies operating in this market:

Ambu A/S

Ambu remains a dominant force in the global SAD landscape, particularly known for its single-use devices. The company leads through a high-volume, low-contamination strategy , offering products that meet strict hospital infection control protocols. Ambu’s innovation pipeline includes SADs designed for integration with bronchoscopic and visualization systems , enhancing accuracy during insertion.

Its strategic shift toward disposable, vision-enabled airway devices positions it well in high-turnover surgical and prehospital environments.

 

Teleflex Incorporated

Teleflex is a significant player in the advanced airway management segment, focusing on second-generation SADs with dual-seal mechanisms and gastric access ports. The company emphasizes clinical evidence and training support , offering a comprehensive airway algorithm platform for healthcare providers.

Its global distribution network and hospital partnerships give it a competitive edge in North America and Europe.

 

Intersurgical Ltd.

Known for its robust European footprint, Intersurgical provides a wide range of both adult and pediatric SADs. It differentiates itself through customizable and eco-conscious device solutions , aligning with the growing demand for green medical practices. The company also invests in modular airway kits used in anesthesia trolleys and field settings.

 

Medtronic plc

While more diversified in scope, Medtronic maintains a presence in the SAD market through its legacy airway portfolio. Its key strengths lie in global regulatory reach , hospital procurement contracts , and integrated surgical systems . However, it has recently been pivoting toward digital anesthesia platforms , which may indirectly strengthen its SAD integration capabilities.

 

VBM Medizintechnik GmbH

VBM , a German firm, has carved a niche in specialized, high-performance SADs for anesthesiology and resuscitation scenarios . Its devices are often favored in European military and emergency response systems due to their durability and precision-engineering .

 

KOO Medical Equipment

An emerging player from Asia, KOO Medical is rapidly expanding into global markets with competitively priced SADs. Its focus on bulk production , OEM contracts , and local market certifications makes it a preferred supplier in price-sensitive regions , including parts of Latin America, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe.

 

Shenzhen Moph Medical Technology Co., Ltd.

This China-based manufacturer is making waves with cost-effective disposable SADs , targeting emerging markets and short-procedure use cases. The company is also investing in quality certifications to break into Western markets.

Across the board, price pressure, infection control mandates, and smart integration potential are pushing companies to innovate faster and compete beyond just product specifications. Long-term differentiation will likely come from support ecosystems —such as training platforms, integrated visualization, and AI-compatibility—rather than SADs in isolation.

“Future competitiveness in SADs will hinge less on plastic design and more on how the device plugs into a hospital’s digital and clinical workflow,” explains a global strategy head at a leading OEM.

 

Regional Landscape And Adoption Outlook

The global supraglottic airway devices (SADs) market demonstrates notable regional variation in adoption rates, regulatory acceptance, and market maturity. Each region’s trajectory is shaped by healthcare infrastructure, procedural volumes, clinical training standards, and emergency response preparedness.

North America

North America , led by the United States , held the largest share of the global SADs market in 2024. High surgical volumes, well-established clinical guidelines, and the widespread use of second-generation SADs underpin its dominance.

• The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Prehospital Airway Management (PAM) protocols endorse SAD use for both operating rooms and EMS scenarios.

• Major investments in EMS upgrades and paramedic training have increased SAD utilization in prehospital cardiac arrests and trauma.

• The region also benefits from high SAD replacement rates , as many hospitals and surgical centers have adopted disposable models to reduce infection risks.

“With bundled care models becoming more prominent, hospitals are turning to SADs for fast induction and reduced complication rates in ambulatory procedures,” notes a U.S. healthcare procurement officer.

 

Europe

Europe represents a mature but innovation-driven market. Countries like Germany, the UK, and France exhibit widespread adoption across hospital and EMS settings.

• Strong emphasis on training and clinical audits has made SAD usage standardized across most surgical centers .

• The UK’s NHS guidelines formally recommend SADs for elective surgeries and as first-line tools in failed intubation scenarios.

• Emerging growth is visible in Eastern Europe , where SADs are being introduced into military and rural health systems as part of modern resuscitation programs.

Europe is also home to several top manufacturers, fostering faster access to customized and hybrid device models .

 

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing region from 2024 to 2030. Key markets include China, India, Japan, and South Korea .

• Rapid increases in surgical capacity and trauma care are driving demand, particularly in India and Southeast Asia .

• Government investments in emergency health systems (e.g., 108 Ambulance Service in India) are incorporating SADs as part of first-response airway kits.

• In China , private hospital growth and procedure outsourcing to ASCs are pushing higher SAD procurement.

Local manufacturing in the region, especially in China and Malaysia , is bringing down prices and improving availability. However, training gaps and variable quality standards remain challenges.

 

Latin America

The SAD market in Latin America is in a transitional growth phase . Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are seeing moderate uptake, mostly in urban surgical centers and select EMS networks.

• Lack of universal anesthesia protocols and budget constraints hinder broader adoption in public hospitals.

• SAD training programs are now being piloted in medical universities and trauma centers in Brazil to enhance emergency preparedness.

 

Middle East & Africa (MEA)

The MEA region is currently the least penetrated , yet holds white space opportunities in trauma care and emergency medicine:

• Gulf countries , including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, are investing in high-tech EMS fleets and training academies , bringing SADs into urban use.

• In Sub-Saharan Africa , SADs are seen as cost-effective airway solutions in field hospitals and humanitarian relief settings.

NGOs and global health programs are driving some of the initial adoption, especially through donor-funded training and equipment distribution .

Across all regions, the trend is moving toward universalization of SAD usage —not only for anesthesia but as a critical component of emergency airway algorithms , especially where intubation may be delayed or risky.

 

End-User Dynamics And Use Case

The supraglottic airway devices (SADs) market serves a diverse range of clinical environments, each with unique needs, patient profiles, and operational demands. Understanding how various end users interact with SADs is essential to mapping future product development and sales strategies.

Hospitals

Hospitals , particularly tertiary and quaternary care institutions, represent the largest end-user segment . These facilities rely heavily on SADs for:

• Short-duration surgeries

• Backup airway management in case of difficult intubation

• Emergency resuscitation protocols

Surgical departments, anesthesiology teams, and intensive care units (ICUs) are primary users. As operating rooms push for faster turnaround times, SADs are favored for their ease of insertion , minimal patient trauma , and cost-effective disposability .

Additionally, academic medical centers contribute to clinical trials and training in SAD deployment, making them early adopters of second-generation models.

 

Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)

ASCs are becoming high-growth environments for SADs, especially in developed markets like the U.S., U.K., and Japan. Their priorities include:

• Reducing patient recovery time

• Avoiding complications linked to deeper anesthesia

• Maximizing throughput while maintaining safety

SADs align perfectly with these needs by offering non-invasive, reversible airway management , especially in outpatient procedures such as ophthalmology, ENT, or urology.

 

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Providers

EMS systems, including paramedics and ambulance services, are embracing SADs as first-line tools for airway stabilization. Unlike endotracheal intubation, which requires significant training and visualization tools, SADs:

• Can be inserted blind and quickly

• Are suited for unpredictable environments

• Require minimal skill and training

In regions with high trauma incidence or limited physician availability, SADs offer a critical bridge to definitive care .

 

Military and Disaster Response Teams

Military medics and disaster relief units frequently use SADs due to their:

• Compact size and portability

• High speed of deployment

• Minimal training requirements

In conflict zones or natural disaster scenarios, where intubation might be impractical, SADs provide a lifesaving airway solution that can be deployed in under 15 seconds.

 

Real-World Use Case: South Korea

A tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea, recently incorporated second-generation SADs as the default airway management tool for all elective urology and ophthalmology surgeries under 90 minutes. Following this shift, the hospital reported a 22% reduction in anesthesia induction time and a 12% improvement in operating room efficiency .

The switch was supported by an in-house training program and procurement partnership with a domestic device manufacturer. Patients experienced fewer throat complications, and anesthesiologists reported higher confidence during use—especially among residents and new staff.

In summary, the rising procedural efficiency demands across hospital settings, combined with the logistical needs of field responders and ASCs, have created a broad, high-value use case landscape for SADs. This diversity in user needs is driving design innovation, pricing models, and training systems globally.

 

Recent Developments + Opportunities & Restraints

Recent Developments (Past 2 Years)

Over the last 24 months, the supraglottic airway devices market has seen accelerated activity in innovation, regulation, and strategic partnerships:

• Ambu A/S received CE approval for its next-gen disposable second-generation SAD equipped with integrated visualization channels in early 2024, boosting adoption across European surgical centers .

• Teleflex launched a modular SAD training system in collaboration with the International Airway Education Alliance (IAEA), enabling global skill standardization.

• KOO Medical signed OEM agreements with multiple Latin American distributors in 2023, expanding its reach into emerging surgical markets with a new portfolio of cost-effective SADs.

• Intersurgical announced its new eco-line of SADs made from recyclable materials, targeting sustainability initiatives in UK and Nordic hospitals.

• Multiple U.S. EMS networks, including in California and Texas, upgraded their airway protocols to include SADs as default airway devices during cardiac arrests and field trauma scenarios.

 

Opportunities

• Emerging Market Penetration : Rapid urbanization and healthcare reforms in India, Brazil, and sub-Saharan Africa offer untapped markets for both low-cost and advanced SAD models.

• Smart Integration : The growing push for AI-driven anesthesia and connected ORs opens new doors for SADs integrated with sensors and data-sharing capabilities.

• Procedure Shift to Outpatient Settings : As more minor and intermediate surgeries move to ambulatory surgical centers , the demand for fast, reversible airway tools like SADs is expected to spike.

 

Restraints

• Regulatory Bottlenecks in Emerging Markets : Fragmented and slow-moving regulatory environments in parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America delay product approvals and increase entry costs.

• Skill Variability Across Providers : Inconsistent training among EMS personnel and junior surgical staff, especially in rural and resource-limited settings, limits widespread adoption of second-generation devices.

The convergence of these trends presents a dynamic opportunity landscape, particularly for firms that can combine product innovation with training support and geographic scalability .

 

7.1. Report Coverage Table

Report Attribute	Details
Forecast Period	2024 – 2030
Market Size Value in 2024	USD 2.1 Billion
Revenue Forecast in 2030	USD 3.1 Billion
Overall Growth Rate	CAGR of 6.9% (2024 – 2030)
Base Year for Estimation	2024
Historical Data	2019 – 2023
Unit	USD Million, CAGR (2024 – 2030)
Segmentation	By Product Type, By Application, By End User, By Geography
By Product Type	First-Generation SADs, Second-Generation SADs
By Application	Surgeries, Emergency Care, Critical Care
By End User	Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, EMS, Military
By Region	North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa
Country Scope	U.S., UK, Germany, China, India, Japan, Brazil, UAE
Market Drivers	Technological advancement, Outpatient surgery growth, EMS demand
Customization Option	Available upon request