Breast Shells Market Analysis

Breast Shells Market Analysis

To get key market trends

  Download Free Sample

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.