Global Orophryngeal Airway Market Size By Type (Semi-rigid plastic, Rigid plastic), By Application (Infant, Adult), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2023 to 2032

The Global Oropharyngeal Airway Market was valued at USD 985 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1.62 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period of 2023–2031. This market is driven by the growing incidence of respiratory emergencies, expanding surgical volumes globally, and increasing adoption of airway management devices in both hospital and pre-hospital settings. The surge in demand for effective airway adjuncts in critical care and emergency medicine is propelling the use of oropharyngeal airways, particularly in ambulatory settings and among first responders.

Drivers:

1. Increasing Emergency Medical Cases:

The rising number of road traffic accidents, cardiac arrests, and acute respiratory disorders globally has necessitated rapid deployment of airway management devices. Oropharyngeal airways, due to their ease of insertion and effectiveness, have become crucial tools in emergency care.

2. Growth in Surgical Procedures:

The global increase in elective and emergency surgeries requires reliable airway management during anesthesia. Oropharyngeal airways are often used in conjunction with bag-valve-mask ventilation, ensuring patient safety during short procedures.

3. Expanding Use in Pre-Hospital Settings:

Emergency medical services (EMS) are increasingly adopting oropharyngeal airways due to their low cost, reusability in some models, and effectiveness in maintaining airway patency in unconscious patients.

Restraints:

1. Limited Use in Conscious Patients:

Oropharyngeal airways can only be used in unconscious individuals due to the risk of inducing gag reflex and aspiration, limiting their applicability compared to other airway management tools like nasopharyngeal airways.

2. Risk of Trauma and Misplacement:

Improper sizing or incorrect insertion of oropharyngeal airways can lead to oral trauma, bleeding, or airway obstruction, which may restrict their usage without trained personnel.

Opportunity:

1. Technological Advancements and Disposable Variants:

Ongoing innovation in materials and design—such as the use of thermoplastics and anatomically contoured shapes—enhances patient safety and comfort. The introduction of single-use, sterile, disposable oropharyngeal airways further supports infection control and opens growth avenues in developed healthcare systems.

2. Market Penetration in Emerging Economies:

Emerging markets in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East are witnessing rapid improvements in emergency healthcare services, boosting demand for cost-effective airway management tools like oropharyngeal airways.

Market by System Type Insights:

Among system types, the Guedel Airway segment held the largest market share in 2023. Its robust design, color-coded sizing, and broad clinical use make it the preferred choice among healthcare providers. However, the Berman Airway segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR due to its dual-channel design, which offers better suction capabilities and visualization during airway clearance.

Market by End-use Insights:

By end-use, the Hospitals segment dominated the global market in 2023, driven by the high volume of surgical procedures and trauma cases requiring immediate airway management. The Pre-Hospital Emergency Services segment is projected to exhibit the fastest growth, owing to increased training of EMS personnel and the growing recognition of oropharyngeal airway use in field interventions.

Market by Regional Insights:

North America led the global oropharyngeal airway market in 2023, supported by well-established emergency healthcare infrastructure, high awareness levels, and regulatory support for pre-hospital care. Asia-Pacific is poised to witness the highest growth during the forecast period, attributed to increasing healthcare investments, urbanization, and the expansion of EMS networks in countries such as India and China.

Competitive Scenario:

Prominent players in the Global Oropharyngeal Airway Market include Medtronic plc, Teleflex Incorporated, Smiths Medical, Intersurgical Ltd., Ambu A/S, Vyaire Medical, Inc., SunMed, and Flexicare Medical Ltd. Key strategies include product line expansion, regional partnerships, and innovations focusing on patient safety and cost-efficiency.

Key Market Developments:

In 2023, Teleflex launched a new series of disposable Guedel airways with reinforced bite blocks for enhanced safety in emergency use.

Ambu A/S expanded its distribution network across Southeast Asia in 2024 to strengthen its pre-hospital and EMS product offerings.

In 2025, Smiths Medical introduced a pediatric-focused line of color-coded oropharyngeal airways designed for greater insertion accuracy and safety.

Scope of Work – Global Oropharyngeal Airway Market

Report Metric Details

Market Size (2023) USD 985 million

Projected Market Size (2031) USD 1.62 billion