Breast Shells Market Size - By Material (Silicone, Polypropylene), By Application (Breastfeeding, Pain Sensitivity), By Consumer (Young Mothers, Middle-aged Mothers), By Distribution Channel (Medical Retail Stores, Online Stores), & Forecast, 2023 – 2032

Breast Shells Market Size

Breast Shells Market size was valued at around USD 69 million in 2022 and is estimated to reach over USD 138 million by 2032. This market revenue is owing to the increasing demand for breastfeeding products, focus on comfort & convenience, innovative designs & technologies, and growing emphasis on product safety & quality among others.
 

Breastfeeding is widely recognized as beneficial for both the mother and the baby, leading to a growing demand for products that support and enhance the breastfeeding procedure. Breast shell manufacturers are placing greater emphasis on designing products that prioritize comfort & convenience for breastfeeding mothers. This includes using soft, hypoallergenic materials that are gentle on the skin and ergonomic designs that provide a secure fit and optimal comfort during use.
 

Breast shells are evolving to offer additional functionalities along with basic milk collection. Some products in the market now integrate features including hands-free pumping, allowing mothers to express milk while engaging in other activities. This multifunctionality provides added value and convenience to breastfeeding mothers. Companies are investing in R&D to introduce innovative designs and technologies in breast shell products. This includes advancements such as improved suction systems, adjustable settings for customized comfort, and smart features comprising Bluetooth connectivity for tracking milk supply or analysing feeding patterns. As a result, the abovementioned factors are expected to augment the business revenue in the coming years. 
 

Breast shells, also known as nipple shells or milk cups, are breastfeeding accessories that are designed to protect and provide relief to the nipples. They are typically made of a soft, flexible material and consist of two parts outer shell and inner shell. Breast shells are primarily used to address various breastfeeding issues, such as sore or cracked nipples, inverted nipples, or engorgement. They work by creating a barrier between the nipple and clothing, reducing friction and promoting healing.
 

However, the availability of alternative products to breast shells may hamper the breast shells market progress. Nipple shields can help protect sore or cracked nipples and provide a shield between the nipple & baby's mouth. Nipple formers are similar to breast shells but have a different design. Nipple formers have a hollow dome-shaped shell that applies gentle pressure on the nipple to encourage it to protrude.
 

Furthermore, hydrogel pads are soft, gel-filled pads that can provide relief and promote healing for sore nipples. They can be used in between nursing sessions to soothe and moisturize the nipple area. Hydrogel pads are especially helpful for women experiencing nipple pain or damage. Thus, the availability of alternative products to breast shells may limit industry growth over the coming years.
 

COVID-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact on breast shells market. During the pandemic, many people faced financial uncertainties due to job losses, reduced incomes, and economic instability. As a result, discretionary spending on non-essential items comprising  breast shells decreased. Consumers prioritized essential goods and services, leading to a decline in demand for breast accessories. With the pandemic's focus on health and safety, consumers shifted their priorities towards purchasing essential items such as personal protective equipment (PPE), sanitizers, and medical supplies. Non-essential items comprising breast shells were no longer a priority, further impacting the market.
 

Moreover, the global supply chain was severely disrupted during the pandemic due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and temporary closures of manufacturing facilities. This disruption led to delays in production, shipment, and delivery of breast shells, resulting in reduced availability and increased prices. Hence, the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the market revenue.
 

Breast Shells Market Trends

Breast shells have witnessed significant advancements in recent years. Advancements in material science is leading to the development of more comfortable and skin-friendly materials for breast shells. For instance, hypoallergenic and breathable materials are providing improved comfort and reducing the risk of irritation. Novel breast shells can be equipped with additional features such as built-in sensors or pressure-sensitive elements, that can provide feedback to the user or healthcare professionals. These features are assisting in monitoring the breastfeeding patterns, detect latch issues, or track milk flow.
 

Technological advancements are allowing the development of more customized breast shells specific to individual needs. This involves adjustable sizes, shapes, or profiles to fit different breast shapes and sizes more accurately. Moreover, with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable technology, breast shells can be integrated with smart devices or smartphone apps. This connectivity will enable real-time monitoring, data analysis, and remote consultations with lactation consultants or healthcare providers. Overall, technological advancements hold promise in improving breast shells performance efficiently.
 

Breast Shells Market Analysis

Based on material, the breast shells market is segmented as silicone, polypropylene, and others. The silicone segment held the dominant market share in 2022 and was valued at over USD 39 million. Silicone is a popular choice for breast shells due to its flexibility, durability, and hypoallergenic properties. It is a non-toxic material that is resistant to high temperatures and does not react with breast milk. Silicone breast shells are often transparent or semi-transparent, allowing the mother to see the amount of milk collected. Silicone breast shells have a soft and supple texture that closely resembles natural breast tissue. This makes them more comfortable to wear and provides a more realistic appearance under clothing.
 

Silicone is a durable material that can withstand regular use and maintain its shape over time. It is resistant to tearing, cracking, and deformation, ensuring that the breast shells retain their form and longevity. Moreover, advancements in silicone breast shells have led to various improvements in recent years, including customization, enhanced realism, and improved adhesion among others. Silicone breast shells can now be custom-made to match an individual's unique body shape, size, and desired appearance. This allows for a more personalized fit and better symmetry with the natural breast.
 

Based on application, the breast shells market is segmented as breastfeeding and pain sensitivity. The pain sensitivity segment accounted for a notable market share in 2022 and was valued at over USD 12 million. This segment revenue is owing to the surging use of breast shells by breastfeeding women to address various concerns related to nipple pain and sensitivity. Breast shells create a barrier between the nipple & clothing and reducing friction & rubbing against sensitive nipples. They can be particularly beneficial for women experiencing sore or cracked nipples, providing a cushioning effect and preventing further irritation.
 

Some breast shells are designed with ventilation holes, allowing air to circulate around the nipple area. Improved airflow can aid in the healing process by keeping the nipples dry and promoting faster recovery from soreness or sensitivity. Breast shells can shield the nipples from direct contact with fabrics or materials that might aggravate pain sensitivity. They create a gentle buffer zone that minimizes the possibility of friction or pressure on sensitive nipple tissue. Hence, several benefits delivered by the breast shells in managing nipple pain and sensitivity will upsurge the segment revenue.
 

Based on consumer, the breast shells market is segmented as young mothers, middle-aged mothers, and elderly women. The middle-aged mothers segment held a dominant market share in 2022 and was valued at around USD 36 million. This segment revenue is attributable to the use of breast shells by the middle-aged mothers for breastfeeding challenges, milk leakage, milk supply regulation, nipple correction, and nipple soreness prevention among others. Middle-aged mothers may face various breastfeeding challenges such as sore or cracked nipples, engorgement, or excessive leaking of breast milk. Breast shells can help alleviate some of these issues by providing a protective barrier between the nipple and clothing, reducing friction and allowing the nipples to heal.  
 

Middle-aged mothers may experience leakage of breast milk, when they are away from their baby during feedings. Breast shells can help catch and collect the leaked milk, preventing it from staining clothing and reducing wastage. Some middle-aged mothers may struggle with an oversupply of breast milk, leading to discomfort and leakage. Breast shells can be used to collect the excess milk and relieve the pressure, making the breastfeeding procedures more comfortable.
 

Based on distribution channel, the breast shells market is segmented as hospital pharmacies, medical retail stores, online stores, and others. The medical retail stores segment is projected to reach more than USD 67 million by 2032. This high market share is owing to several advantages offered by the medical retail stores in breast shells distribution including the availability of a wide array of breast shells and substantial discounts. Additionally, various market players are focusing on marketing products through medical retail stores that increase the salability of a wide variety of product, thus propelling segment trends.
 

Some medical retail stores also offer educational programs for precise product awareness and focus on combating health issues including breastfeeding challenges, etc. Moreover, well-defined safety, effective services, and security policies are boosting the segment revenue.
 

The U.S. dominated the North America breast shells market with a significant market share in 2022 and is anticipated to expand at a considerable pace to reach around USD 57 million by 2032. This high market share is due to various factors such as increasing use of E-pharmacy, supportive initiatives, product innovation, and rising birth rates among others. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data 2022, 3,661,220 births were recorded in the U.S. This  growing population of potential customers, coupled with the desire for natural & healthy infant feeding options can contribute to the expansion of the U.S. market.
 

The governmental and non-governmental initiatives have been launched in the U.S. to support breastfeeding. These initiatives often include recommendations for breastfeeding accessories, that can boost the demand for breast shells. Additionally, the promotion of breastfeeding benefits and the availability of educational resources have contributed to raising awareness among new mothers about the advantages of breastfeeding. This has significantly increased the demand for breastfeeding accessories including breast shells.
 

Breast Shells Market Share

Some of the major market players operating in the breast shells market are:

• Ameda
• Ardo Medical Ltd
• Artsana
• Chiaro Technology Ltd
• Chicco
• Haakaa
• Koninklijke Philips N.V

Major market players are adopting strategic formulations such as forward integration, new product development, geographical expansion, and research collaborations to garner maximum industry share and promote company growth.
 

Breast Shells Industry News:

• In October 2022, Ameda announced its launch of the Ameda Pearl. This Ameda’s hospital grade breast shell combines powerful hospital grade performance with durable and user centric design that supports moms in the hospital and at home. Pearl provides powerful hospital grade pumping through two modes of pumping and a wide range of adjustable settings. Thus, this product launch assisted the company in surging its breast shells product portfolio.
   
• In March 2021, Philips Avent announced the launch of new electric breast shell inspired by baby's natural feeding motion. Advanced with innovative natural motion technology and a compact, portable design, the new breast shell was created to meet the demands of the modern mother that is balancing a busy lifestyle while breastfeeding. This technology initiates a quicker milk flow than prior models, providing mothers with a more efficient expression. At the same time, the soft silicone cushion gently adapts to fit mom's breast shape and size. Hence, this product launch assisted the company in augmenting its market presence.
   

Breast shells market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD (million) and volume (Units) from 2018 to 2032 for the following segments:

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By Material, 2018 - 2032 (USD Million & Units)

• Silicone
• Polypropylene
• Others

By Application, 2018 - 2032 (USD Million)

• Breastfeeding
• Pain Sensitivity

By Consumer, 2018 - 2032 (USD Million)

• Young Mothers
• Middle-aged Mothers
• Elderly Women

By Distribution Channel, 2018 - 2032 (USD Million)

• Hospital Pharmacies
• Medical Retail Stores
• Online Stores
• Others

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Poland
  • Switzerland
  • The Netherlands
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Indonesia
  • Philippines
  • Vietnam
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Peru
• Middle East & Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Israel
  • Iran
  • Turkey