
Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Base Year For Estimation | 2024 |
Forecast Data Period | 2025 - 2030 |
Historical Data Period | 2019 - 2023 |
CAGR | 6.80 % |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players![]() *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
South Africa Respiratory Devices Market Analysis
The South Africa Respiratory Devices Market is expected to register a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period.
The South African respiratory devices landscape is experiencing significant transformation driven by demographic shifts and healthcare infrastructure developments. As of 2022, South Africa's population included more than five million people aged 60 or older, representing 9.2% of the overall population, creating an expanding elderly consumer base for respiratory care devices. This demographic transition is accompanied by substantial healthcare infrastructure investments, exemplified by the February 2023 announcement of the Burgersfort Private Hospital development, a partnership between Riobex Pty Ltd, healthcare professional partners, and RH Managers, with funding from the Development Bank of South Africa.
The market is witnessing a concerning rise in lifestyle-related respiratory conditions, particularly in urban areas. South Africa faces a significant obesity challenge, with projections indicating an increase of 47.7% in females and 23.3% in males by 2025, directly impacting respiratory health needs. The increasing adoption of urban lifestyles, coupled with exposure to industrial pollution and tobacco smoke, has contributed to the rising prevalence of respiratory conditions, particularly among the younger population, with Cape Town reporting an alarming 21.7% asthma prevalence among adolescents aged 13-14 years.
The industry landscape is evolving with significant corporate restructuring and technological advancement. A notable development was the January 2023 completion of GE Healthcare's separation from its parent company, launching as an independent entity focused on healthcare innovation. This restructuring has implications for market competition and innovation in respiratory equipment technology, particularly in areas such as ventilation systems and monitoring devices. The market is also seeing increased participation from local manufacturers and distributors, with companies like Akacia Medical & Healthcare Group expanding their product portfolios in respiratory therapeutic devices.
The respiratory devices sector in South Africa shows a distinct pattern in disease burden and healthcare needs. The country faces a significant challenge with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), with prevalence rates reaching approximately 20% in South Africa, substantially higher than the African average of 13.4%. This high disease burden has led to increased demand for advanced respiratory equipment, particularly in urban centers and private healthcare facilities, driving manufacturers to develop more sophisticated and efficient respiratory care solutions tailored to local healthcare needs. The role of pulmonary function testing is becoming increasingly critical in diagnosing and managing these conditions effectively.
South Africa Respiratory Devices Market Trends
Rising Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases
The increasing burden of respiratory diseases in South Africa has become a significant driver for the respiratory devices market. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer projections, the number of people affected by trachea, bronchus, and lung cancer is expected to increase dramatically from 8.95 thousand in 2020 to 15.5 thousand by 2040, representing a concerning upward trend in respiratory conditions. Additionally, tuberculosis continues to be a major health concern in South Africa, with an estimated 328,000 South Africans becoming ill with TB in 2020, highlighting the critical need for respiratory monitoring devices and treatment devices.
The correlation between obesity and respiratory conditions has further amplified the demand for respiratory devices. A significant study published in February 2022 demonstrated that obesity was strongly associated with airway obstruction in South African adolescents of African ancestry, necessitating increased use of spirometry for lung function assessment. Furthermore, the prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has reached alarming levels, with estimates showing around 20% prevalence in South Africa, significantly higher than the African continental average of 13.4%, driving the need for advanced respiratory therapeutic devices and monitoring solutions.
Healthcare Infrastructure Development
The ongoing expansion and modernization of healthcare infrastructure in South Africa has emerged as a crucial driver for the respiratory devices market. A notable example is the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, which stands as the largest hospital in Africa and the third largest globally, occupying a vast 70-hectare area. This massive healthcare facility, completed in February 2021, represents the country's commitment to expanding its healthcare capabilities and incorporating advanced medical technologies, including oxygen therapy and ventilator equipment.
The development of new healthcare facilities continues to accelerate, as evidenced by the February 2023 announcement of the Burgersfort Private Hospital project, a partnership between Riobex Pty Ltd, local healthcare professional partners, RH Managers, and the Development Bank of South Africa. This focus on healthcare infrastructure development extends beyond urban centers, with a growing emphasis on improving healthcare access in rural and underserved areas. These infrastructure developments are creating new opportunities for the deployment of respiratory apparatus and contributing to the overall improvement of respiratory care services across the country.
Technological Advancements in Respiratory Devices
The continuous evolution of respiratory device technology has become a significant market driver, with manufacturers introducing increasingly sophisticated and user-friendly solutions. Modern respiratory devices now incorporate advanced features such as intelligent ventilation technologies, including Adaptive Support Ventilation (ASV) for round-the-clock adaptation and IntelliSync for improved patient-ventilator synchrony. These technological improvements have enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of respiratory care, making devices more accessible to both healthcare providers and patients.
The integration of digital health features has further revolutionized respiratory device capabilities. Contemporary devices now offer features such as integrated Bluetooth connectivity, optional Wi-Fi and cellular modems, and comprehensive connectivity options for remote monitoring and management. For instance, newer CPAP devices include features like waterless humidification, smartphone app integration for convenient control, and advanced event detection capabilities for conditions such as central sleep apnea (CSA), respiratory effort-related arousal (RERA), and Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR). These technological advancements have significantly improved patient monitoring capabilities and treatment outcomes, driving increased adoption of oxygen concentrators and breathing apparatus across healthcare settings.
Segment Analysis: By Type
Therapeutic Devices Segment in South Africa Respiratory Devices Market
The respiratory therapeutic devices segment continues to dominate the South African respiratory devices market, holding approximately 42% market share in 2024. This significant market position is driven by the extensive adoption of various respiratory therapeutic devices, including ventilators, CPAP devices, BiPAP devices, nebulizers, oxygen concentrators, humidifiers, and inhalers across healthcare facilities. The segment's dominance is particularly reinforced by the high demand for ventilators, which account for about 26% of the therapeutic devices segment, followed by oxygen concentrators and inhalers, each contributing around 18% to the segment's revenue. The widespread prevalence of respiratory disorders in South Africa and the increasing applications of these devices in homecare settings have further solidified the segment's leading position in the market.

Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices Segment in South Africa Respiratory Devices Market
The diagnostic and monitoring devices segment is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the South African respiratory devices market, projected to grow at approximately 6% from 2024 to 2029. This robust growth is primarily driven by the increasing burden of respiratory disorders and the growing emphasis on early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of respiratory conditions. The segment's growth is particularly supported by the rising adoption of pulse oximeters, which hold the largest share within this segment, along with increasing utilization of spirometers, sleep test devices, and capnographs. The technological advancements in these devices, coupled with the growing preference for home healthcare monitoring solutions, are further accelerating the segment's growth trajectory in the South African market.
Remaining Segments in South Africa Respiratory Devices Market
The respiratory disposables segment represents a crucial component of the South African respiratory devices market, encompassing essential products such as respiratory masks, breathing circuits, and other disposable respiratory accessories. This segment plays a vital role in supporting both therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, ensuring proper delivery of respiratory care and maintaining hygiene standards in healthcare settings. The segment's significance is particularly evident in the respiratory masks category, which dominates the respiratory disposables segment, reflecting the growing awareness about respiratory protection and the increasing adoption of CPAP and BiPAP therapy. The continuous need for replacement of these disposable components in healthcare facilities and home care settings maintains the segment's steady presence in the market.
South Africa Respiratory Devices Industry Overview
Top Companies in South Africa Respiratory Devices Market
The respiratory devices market in South Africa features a mix of global leaders and regional specialists, with companies like Dräger, GE Healthcare, ResMed, Philips, and Medline Industries holding significant positions. These companies demonstrate strong product innovation capabilities, particularly in developing advanced ventilators, CPAP devices, and respiratory monitoring devices tailored to local healthcare needs. Operational agility is evident through their robust distribution networks and after-sales service infrastructure across major South African cities. Strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers and medical institutions have strengthened their market presence, while continuous investment in R&D facilities and manufacturing capabilities showcases their commitment to the region. Companies are increasingly focusing on expanding their product portfolios through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, while also emphasizing localization of production and service capabilities to better serve the South African market.
Market Structure Shows Mixed Competition Dynamics
The South African respiratory devices market exhibits a moderately consolidated structure, characterized by the presence of both multinational corporations and local manufacturers. Global conglomerates like Philips and GE Healthcare leverage their extensive research capabilities and worldwide manufacturing networks to maintain competitive advantages, while regional players like Akacia Medical & Healthcare Group capitalize on their deep understanding of local healthcare needs and established distribution relationships. The market demonstrates a balanced mix of specialized respiratory care devices manufacturers and diversified healthcare technology companies, creating a dynamic competitive environment that drives innovation and service quality improvements.
Recent years have witnessed increased merger and acquisition activities, as larger companies seek to expand their product portfolios and geographical reach within South Africa. Companies are actively pursuing strategic partnerships with local distributors and healthcare providers to strengthen their market position and enhance their service capabilities. The market also sees growing collaboration between international and local players, combining global expertise with local market knowledge to better serve the unique requirements of South African healthcare facilities and patients.
Innovation and Localization Drive Future Success
Success in the South African respiratory devices market increasingly depends on companies' ability to balance technological innovation with local market adaptability. Market leaders are focusing on developing cost-effective solutions that meet local healthcare requirements while maintaining international quality standards. Companies are investing in local training and support infrastructure to build stronger relationships with healthcare providers and ensure optimal device utilization. The growing emphasis on preventive healthcare and home care solutions is reshaping product development strategies, while increasing awareness of respiratory diseases is creating new opportunities for market expansion.
Future market success will require companies to navigate complex regulatory requirements while maintaining competitive pricing strategies. Players must develop robust after-sales service networks and maintain strong relationships with key healthcare institutions to secure their market position. The ability to offer comprehensive solutions that include both devices and related services will become increasingly important, as will the capacity to adapt to changing healthcare delivery models. Companies must also consider potential market disruptions from new technologies and changing patient preferences, while maintaining flexibility to respond to evolving healthcare policies and regulations in South Africa.
South Africa Respiratory Devices Market Leaders
-
Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
-
Koninklijke Philips NV
-
Akacia Medical & Healthcare Group
-
Hamilton Bonaduz AG (Hamilton Medical AG)
-
Teleflex Incorporated
- *Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

South Africa Respiratory Devices Market News
- In November 2021, Ata Capital completed a management buyout (MBO) of Respiratory Care Africa (RCA), a medical devices supplier, from South African healthcare group Ascendis Health.
- In January 2021, Telehealth company Tyto Care has launched its United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared fingertip Pulse Oximeter (SpO2) medical device for checking blood oxygen saturation levels and heart rate remotely. The company plans to make the device available in Europe, South Africa, and Asia in the future.
South Africa Respiratory Devices Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
- 1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET DYNAMICS
- 4.1 Market Overview
-
4.2 Market Drivers
- 4.2.1 Increasing Prevalence of Respiratory Disorders, such as COPD, TB, Asthma, and Sleep Apnea
- 4.2.2 Technological Advancements and Increasing Applications in Homecare Setting
-
4.3 Market Restraints
- 4.3.1 High Cost of Devices
-
4.4 Porter's Five Force Analysis
- 4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants
- 4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
- 4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
- 4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products
- 4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
5. MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD Million)
-
5.1 By Type
- 5.1.1 Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices
- 5.1.1.1 Spirometers
- 5.1.1.2 Sleep Test Devices
- 5.1.1.3 Peak Flow Meters
- 5.1.1.4 Pulse Oximeters
- 5.1.1.5 Capnographs
- 5.1.1.6 Other Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices
- 5.1.2 Therapeutic Devices
- 5.1.2.1 CPAP Devices
- 5.1.2.2 BiPAP Devices
- 5.1.2.3 Humidifiers
- 5.1.2.4 Nebulizers
- 5.1.2.5 Oxygen Concentrators
- 5.1.2.6 Ventilators
- 5.1.2.7 Inhalers
- 5.1.2.8 Other Therapeutic Devices
- 5.1.3 Disposables
- 5.1.3.1 Masks
- 5.1.3.2 Breathing Circuits
- 5.1.3.3 Other Disposables
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
-
6.1 Company Profiles
- 6.1.1 Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA
- 6.1.2 General Electric Company (GE Healthcare)
- 6.1.3 Akacia Medical & Healthcare Group
- 6.1.4 Hamilton Bonaduz AG (Hamilton Medical AG)
- 6.1.5 Koninklijke Philips NV
- 6.1.6 Teleflex Incorporated
- 6.1.7 Medel
- *List Not Exhaustive
7. MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS
South Africa Respiratory Devices Industry Segmentation
As per the scope of the report, respiratory devices include respiratory diagnostic devices, therapeutic devices, and breathing devices for administering long-term artificial respiration. It also contains resuscitation equipment, such as a breathing machine that pumps oxygen into the lungs. The South Africa Respiratory Devices Market is segmented by Type (Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices, Therapeutic Devices, and By Disposables). The report offers the value (in USD million) for the above segments.
By Type | Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices | Spirometers | |
Sleep Test Devices | |||
Peak Flow Meters | |||
Pulse Oximeters | |||
Capnographs | |||
Other Diagnostic and Monitoring Devices | |||
Therapeutic Devices | CPAP Devices | ||
BiPAP Devices | |||
Humidifiers | |||
Nebulizers | |||
Oxygen Concentrators | |||
Ventilators | |||
Inhalers | |||
Other Therapeutic Devices | |||
Disposables | Masks | ||
Breathing Circuits | |||
Other Disposables |
South Africa Respiratory Devices Market Research FAQs
What is the current South Africa Respiratory Devices Market size?
The South Africa Respiratory Devices Market is projected to register a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2025-2030)
Who are the key players in South Africa Respiratory Devices Market?
Drägerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Koninklijke Philips NV, Akacia Medical & Healthcare Group, Hamilton Bonaduz AG (Hamilton Medical AG) and Teleflex Incorporated are the major companies operating in the South Africa Respiratory Devices Market.
What years does this South Africa Respiratory Devices Market cover?
The report covers the South Africa Respiratory Devices Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the South Africa Respiratory Devices Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Our Best Selling Reports
South Africa Respiratory Devices Market Research
Mordor Intelligence provides a comprehensive analysis of the respiratory apparatus and breathing devices market. We leverage extensive expertise in medical equipment research. Our detailed report covers the complete spectrum of respiratory care. This includes ventilator systems and nebulizer technologies, as well as CPAP and BiPAP devices. The analysis encompasses medical ventilation equipment, oxygen concentrator systems, and respiratory therapeutic devices. It provides crucial insights into pulmonary function testing methodologies and oxygen therapy applications.
Stakeholders gain valuable understanding of emerging trends in respiratory equipment. This includes respiratory monitoring devices and respiratory measurement devices. The report, available as an easy-to-read downloadable PDF, examines airway management devices, tracheostomy devices, and bronchoscopy devices. It also covers respiratory masks, respiratory humidifier systems, and respiratory disposables. Our analysis particularly benefits healthcare providers utilizing sleep apnea devices and spirometer technology. It offers strategic insights for informed decision-making in the South African healthcare sector.