Medical Nitrous Oxide Market - By Type (Liquid Nitrous Oxide, Gaseous Nitrous Oxide), Application (Anesthesia and Pain Relief, Cryosurgery, Surgical Insufflation), End-use (Hospitals, Home Care Settings) - Global Forecast (2024 – 2032)

Medical Nitrous Oxide Market Size

Medical Nitrous Oxide Market size was valued at around USD 1.7 billion in 2023 and is estimated to grow at 7.4% CAGR from 2024 to 2032.  Medical nitrous oxide also known as laughing gas is a colorless and odorless gas with the chemical formula N₂O. It is commonly used in medical settings for its analgesic (pain-relieving) and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. Nitrous oxide is administered via inhalation, typically mixed with oxygen to induce a state of sedation and relieve pain during medical procedures.
 

The increasing prevalence of chronic disease includes cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer serves as a substantial impetus for market growth. For instance, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths worldwide. Thus, this underscores the need for effective pain management solutions such as medical nitrous oxide, driving its market expansion to cater to the rising demand for analgesic options in various medical procedures and settings.
 

Furthermore, increasing surgical procedures and dental procedures, growing adoption of nitrous oxide across various medical specialties, and rising geriatric population, are the promoting factors fostering the growth of the market.
 

Medical Nitrous Oxide Market Trends

The landscape of medical procedures including surgeries and dental treatments has been witnessing a significant surge worldwide. This uptick is attributed to various factors including advancements in medical technology, an aging population, and increasing awareness about healthcare. Alongside this rise in procedural volumes comes a growing demand for effective pain management solutions that ensure patient comfort and satisfaction.
 

• Nitrous oxide is commonly used as an analgesic during surgical procedures and dental treatments to relieve pain and discomfort for patients. Its rapid onset of action and reversible effects make it an attractive option for managing procedural pain.
   
• In addition to its analgesic effects, nitrous oxide also has anxiolytic properties helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation in patients undergoing surgical and dental procedures. This can lead to a more comfortable and positive patient experience.
   
• Similarly, the increasing number of surgical procedures and dental treatments provides a growing market opportunity for medical nitrous oxide, as healthcare providers continue to recognize its effectiveness, safety, and versatility in managing pain. Thereby escalating the growth of the market.
   

Medical Nitrous Oxide Market Analysis

Based on type, the market is divided into liquid nitrous oxide and gaseous nitrous oxide. The gaseous nitrous oxide segment is estimated to account for USD 2 billion by 2032.
 

• Gaseous nitrous oxide offers rapid pain relief and sedation upon inhalation with effects quickly wearing off after discontinuation. This allows for swift recovery and minimal residual effects compared to another sedative agent.
   
• Nitrous oxide exhibits both anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) and sedative properties helping to alleviate fear, tension, and discomfort in patients undergoing medical procedures. Its calming effects promote relaxation and cooperation, making it particularly useful in dental offices, emergency departments, and outpatient settings.
   
• Further, healthcare providers can easily adjust the concentration of nitrous oxide delivered to the patient by altering the gas flow rate or the ratio of nitrous oxide to oxygen using an anesthesia machine, which estimated to reach USD 16.3 billion by 2032. This titration control allows for precise dosing and customization of anesthesia or sedation levels according to individual patient needs.

Based on application, the medical nitrous oxide market is bifurcated into anesthesia and pain relief, cryosurgery, and surgical insufflation. The anesthesia and pain relief segment accounted for USD 778.8 million in 2023.
 

• Nitrous oxide delivers rapid pain relief and sedation upon inhalation providing swift onset within minutes. This rapid effect is particularly beneficial in emergency situations or during procedures requiring immediate pain management.
   
• It can be administered via various delivery systems such as face masks, nasal hoods, or specialized equipment providing flexibility in inhalation anesthesia. This versatility allows for its use in a wide range of clinical settings and procedures, from minor outpatient surgeries to more complex interventions.
   
• Thus, such aforementioned factors are expected to augment the segmental growth.
   

Based on end-use, the medical nitrous oxide market is classified into hospitals, home care settings, and academic and research institutes. The hospitals segment held a market size of USD 1.1 billion in 2023.
 

• Medical nitrous oxide provides hospitals with a versatile and effective option for pain management across a wide range of procedures and patient populations. Whether for emergency department visits, labor and delivery, minor surgeries, or dental treatments, nitrous oxide offers rapid pain relief and sedation, enhancing patient comfort and satisfaction.
   
• The anxiolytic and sedative properties of nitrous oxide help alleviate anxiety and fear in patients undergoing medical procedures. By promoting relaxation and comfort, nitrous oxide contributes to a more positive patient experience, reducing stress and apprehension associated with hospital visits and treatments.
   
• Therefore, hospitals can utilize medical nitrous oxide across various medical specialties including emergency medicine, obstetrics, surgery, dentistry, and pediatrics. Its versatility allows hospitals to address the diverse pain management needs of patients across different departments and clinical scenarios.

The U.S. medical nitrous oxide market is anticipated to grow at CAGR of 7.2% during the analysis timeframe.
 

• The country is a hub for technological innovation in healthcare including advancements in anesthesia monitoring devices and patient monitoring devices. This innovation extends to the delivery of medical nitrous oxide with the development of sophisticated equipment and techniques for administering nitrous oxide safely and efficiently.
   
• It has a significant prevalence of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. For instance, according to the National Library of Medicine, 1,958,310 new cancer cases and 609,820 cancer deaths occurred in the U.S. in 2023.
   

The UK is anticipated to witness robust growth in the global medical nitrous oxide market.
 

• The UK boasts a well-developed healthcare system including hospitals, clinics, and dental practices ensures widespread access to medical nitrous oxide across various healthcare settings.
   
• The UK maintains stringent regulations and guidelines for the production, distribution, and administration of medical gases, including nitrous oxide.
   

China medical nitrous oxide market is anticipated to witness lucrative growth between 2024 – 2032.
 

• China is a major producer of medical gases, including nitrous oxide. The country's robust manufacturing capacity ensures a steady supply of medical nitrous oxide to meet domestic demand and support export markets.
   
• The country’s healthcare infrastructure is rapidly expanding with increased investment in hospitals, clinics, and medical equipment. This growth creates opportunities for the integration of medical nitrous oxide into anesthesia and pain management protocols across a wide range of healthcare settings, thereby boosting market growth.
   

Medical Nitrous Oxide Market Share

The medical nitrous oxide industry is competitive in nature, with several large multinationals and small and mid-sized companies competing in the industry. The development and launch of novel advanced products and services based on different technologies is among a key market strategy. Some of the leading industry players have a notable presence in the market.
 

Medical Nitrous Oxide Market Companies

Some of the eminent market participants operating in the medical nitrous oxide industry include:

• Air Liquide
• Calix, Inc.
• Chengdu Taiyo Industrial Gases Co., Ltd.
• Ellenbarrie Industrial Gases Ltd.
• Linde Plc
• Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
• Norco Inc.
• NEXAIR
• Oxygen & Argon Works Ltd.
• Steelman Gases Pvt. Ltd.
• SOL S.p.A.
• The Southern Gas Limited
   

Medical Nitrous Oxide Industry News:

• In August 2022, Linde plc expanded its ultra-high-purity nitrous oxide (UHP N2O) production capacity in Bangpoo, Thailand. Linde had multiple N₂O production facilities in Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Europe, and the USA. This expansion aimed to meet the growing demand for medical nitrous oxide and other industrial applications, leveraging Linde's global production capabilities to ensure a steady supply of high-quality N₂O to markets worldwide.
   

The medical nitrous oxide market research report includes an in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2021 – 2032 for the following segments:

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Market, By Type

• Liquid nitrous oxide           
• Gaseous nitrous oxide        

Market, By Application

• Anesthesia and pain relief            
• Cryosurgery            
• Surgical insufflation

Market, By End-use

• Hospitals                           
• Home care settings                      
• Academic and research institutes  

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

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Spain
  • Italy
  • Netherlands
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East and Africa
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • UAE
  • Rest of Middle East and Africa