Disposable Underpads Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Small Size, Large Size), By Application (Adult, Baby) and Regional Forecast to 2033

DISPOSABLE UNDERPADS MARKET REPORT OVERVIEW

The global Disposable Underpads Market size was USD 521 million in 2024 and is projected to touch USD 789.15 million in 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period.

There has been increasing growth in the disposable underpads market due to high demand for use in health and home care environments. Disposable underpads are in the form of incontinence pads, mainly designed to help prevent leakage while ensuring hygiene is maintained. Incontinence patients are commonly cared for in hospitals, nursing homes, and houses. Drivers for the market are factors such as an aging population, increasing awareness of hygiene products, and convenience offered by disposables. The introduction of innovative materials that enhance absorbency and skin-friendliness is another driver for the adoption of the product.

The advancement in the manufacturing techniques facilitating low-cost solutions with sustainability has further supported market growth. The product is available in easy accessibility, both in online and offline modes of retail, further contributing to the growth of the market. Emphasis on comfort, quality, and the environment helps the disposable underpads market grow in the long term.

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KEY FINDINGS

• Market Size and Growth: The Disposable Underpads Market size was USD 521 Million in 2024, is projected to grow to USD 544.92 Million by 2025 and exceed USD 789.15 Million by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.2%.

• Key Market Driver: The aging population is a huge driver—over 703 million people worldwide were aged 65 and older in 2019, and this group heavily relies on incontinence products for daily care.

• Major Market Restraint: Waste management is a big headache. With more than 2.7 billion adult diapers and underpads discarded annually, environmental concerns are slowing down adoption in eco-conscious regions.

• Emerging Trends: Hospitals are shifting toward single-use absorbent pads, with about 58% of long-term care facilities reporting increased consumption since the pandemic to reduce infection risks.

• Regional Leadership: North America leads the pack—nearly 45% of the demand comes from the U.S. alone, supported by a high elderly population and widespread insurance coverage for such products.

• Competitive Landscape: Around 20 to 25 major manufacturers are active, with the top 5 accounting for roughly 50% of market share, creating a fairly consolidated competitive scene.

• Market Segmentation: The healthcare sector dominates usage, making up nearly 60% of global demand, followed by home care where families seek affordable solutions for patient comfort.

• Recent Development: In 2024, several companies launched biodegradable underpads—pilot projects in Europe showed a 30% reduction in plastic usage, giving sustainability a much-needed push.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Disposable Underpads Market Had a Positive Effect Due to by Increasing Demands from Healthcare Facilities And Home Care Locations During COVID-19 Pandemic

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with the market experiencing higher than anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. The sudden market growth reflected by the rise in CAGR is attributable to the market’s growth and demand returning to pre-pandemic levels.

Majorly driven by increasing demands from healthcare facilities and home care locations. The awareness of hygiene and infection control during the COVID-19 pandemic had increased immensely, and disposable medical products such as underpads were used highly in managing patient care along with preventing cross-contamination. This unanticipated growth was due to the increased hospitalization cases, elder care, and home isolation for Covid-19 patients. Although it experienced supply chain disruption and raw material shortages, the market grew more rapidly than what was expected of it before the pandemic, since healthcare providers moved to disposable solutions.

LATEST TREND

"Rising Adoption of Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Disposable Underpads to Drive Market Growth"

A major trend shaping the growth trajectory of the market for disposable underpads involves the increasing use of sustainable products. Consumers as well as the healthcare sector now have a preference for biodegradable and recyclable alternatives against the traditional products of disposable underpads, thus driving further innovation in creating underpads from renewable raw materials such as bamboo fibers or plant-based polymers that eliminate environmental impact yet do not hinder performance. Advances in production technology are also making it possible to produce highly absorbent yet thinner and lighter underpads that appeal to the eco-conscious consumer as well as to medical institutions looking to minimize waste. This is in line with broader global sustainability goals, thereby enhancing product appeal and market reach.

DISPOSABLE UNDERPADS MARKET SEGMENTATION

By Type

Based on Type, the global market can be categorized into Small Size, Large Size:

• Small Size: Small-sized disposable underpads are designed for targeted use toward the care of patients and individuals requiring minimal coverage for specific areas. Frequently used in pediatric care, for infants, or for localized needs such as post-surgical wound care, the small size underpads become highly portable and are very convenient to use for home care settings, travel, and emergency use. Another reason for their extensive use is the affordability of small-sized underpads, especially in developing markets where cost sensitivity is the key. Healthcare facilities also prefer these underpads for applications where they are likely to be replaced frequently and hence maintain a balance between functionality and cost efficiency.

• Large Size: Huge underpads are offered with full protection, making it the best underpads for use in large surfaces such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, etc. They are highly used in elder care, bariatric care, and also long-term patient care due to better absorbency of solutions and protection of mattresses and furniture. Demand for large-sized underpads has been mainly fueled by the ability of large underpads in controlling incontinence and managing medical conditions involving large amounts of fluid retention. Advanced material innovation has included the addition of superabsorbent polymers that improve capacity and comfort, hence appealing more to health-care providers and caregivers.

By Application

Based on application, the global market can be categorized into Adult, Baby:

• Adult: The segment of adult applications is relatively significant in the disposable underpads market because of the increasing incontinence levels of elderly people and patients with chronic health conditions. These are widely used underpads in hospitals, nursing homes, and home care settings to deal with incontinence and hygiene conditions. Moreover, these underpads are required by those people who have undergone surgery and suffer from mobility issues where fluid leakage cannot be left unchecked. With the increase in the aging population around the world and the rising awareness about solutions for incontinence care, the demand for adult disposable underpads has increased. The manufacturers are adding more advanced features, such as odor control, high absorbency, and skin-friendly materials, to cater to the needs of this segment.

• Baby: The baBy Application segment accounts for a rising share of the disposable underpads market, largely driven by increasing focus on infant hygiene and convenience in childcare. Underpads are used during diaper changes to provide a clean and protective surface to prevent messes. Underpads are also popular among parents and caregivers for use in travel and outdoor settings because they offer portability and ease of use. In addition, the role of preventing infection in newborn care has led to increased adoption in hospitals and maternity clinics. The innovation of design in terms of ultra-soft materials and hypoallergenic features ensures that they are safe and comfortable for infants, and therefore an indispensable product for infant care.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market dynamics include driving and Restraining Factors, opportunities and Challenges stating the market conditions.                         

Driving Factors

"Risen geriatric population with increased incidence of incontinence to Boost the Market"

A major driver of the disposable underpads market growth is the increasing global geriatric population as elderly people are more prone to ailments such as urinary incontinence. The World Health Organization estimates a sharp rise in the elderly population, so demand for incontinence care products has risen sharply. Disposable underpads offer the most effective, hygienic, and economic management of fluid leakage, hence playing a critical role in elder care settings such as nursing homes, hospitals, and home care. Moreover, an increase in campaigns relating to the control of incontinence management as well as increasing access to health care products by developing countries boosts the market.

"Advancements in the Healthcare Infrastructure as well as Admission in Hospitals to Expand the Market"

Expansion of the healthcare facilities and hospital admissions over the past years is among the substantial factors adding value to the growth of the disposable underpads market. Hospitals and clinics use these products widely with the objective of maintaining cleanliness and avoiding cross-contamination while taking care of patients, especially those bedridden or who have just recently undergone surgery. Furthermore, advancements in the healthcare infrastructure of developing countries have made them more accessible and adopted disposable underpads. The market is also reaping benefits from the expanding home healthcare services, where underpads are the fundamental requirement in ensuring the comfort and hygiene of the patient.

Restraining Factor

"Disposable underpads have a very high environmental impact to Potentially Impede Market Growth"

One of the major reasons that the growth of disposable underpads is restricted is their massive environmental impact. Most disposable underpads are made from non-biodegradable materials such as plastics and superabsorbent polymers, which lead to a long-term accumulation of waste in landfills. As consumers and regulatory bodies grow awareness of environmental sustainability, so do concerns regarding the ecological footprint of these products. Additionally, such manufacturing processes include high energy and chemical consumption and therefore raise environmental concerns, which are an added issue that has resulted in this shift in consumers' preference, where reusable and eco-friendly are preferred, therefore challenging the more widespread adoption of traditional disposable underpads.

Opportunity

"Increasing Demand for Eco-Friendly Biodegradable and Sustainable Underpads to Create Opportunity for The Product in The Market"

The growing concern of being more ecologically friendly increases the potentiality of the underpads market, making it disposable-friendly. Consumers are looking for ecofriendly alternatives and trying to increase their demand in healthcare-related services through compostable or biodegradable underpads. Manufacturers that invest in research and development to create sustainable products while maintaining performance standards can tap into this emerging market segment. Additional opportunities to improve brand reputation and appeal to environmentally aware consumers include partnering with environmental groups and achieving green certifications. The global push toward sustainability will be beneficial for companies looking to innovate and grow responsibly.

Challenge

High cost of advanced materials and unaffordable Could Be a Potential Challenge for Consumers

A primary Challenge in the disposable underpads market is the high cost of advanced material and feature variations, making it difficult to make such products affordable for some consumer groups. Innovations like super absorbent polymers and skin-friendly layers improve the performance of the product but increase manufacturing expenses. These additional expenses are commonly transferred to customers, thereby making good-quality underpads inaccessible to low-income families and budget-conscience shoppers. Further, in the areas where the health infrastructure is not well-developed, availability of cheaper substitutes can further hamper market penetration. Balancing innovation and affordability remain a significant Challenge for manufacturers who want to expand their market reach across various economic demographics.

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DISPOSABLE UNDERPADS MARKET INSIGHTS

North America

North America dominates the market for disposable underpads, supported by the region's advanced healthcare infrastructure and an elderly population. The United States Disposable Underpads Market is becoming more incontinent with growing age, making the demand for home health care services higher. In that light, hospitals and nursing homes deploy disposable underpads and advocate for these with the aim of maintaining hygiene levels, which reflects higher growth rates. Furthermore, there is increased consciousness about personal hygiene and the product offerings that come with superior absorption and comfort have helped the market in the region perform well.

Europe

The disposable underpads market in Europe is huge, primarily due to the aging population and increased usage of incontinence care products. Countries like Germany and France and even the U.K. have a strong demand, driven by a rising focus on patient care in both hospitals and home care settings. Moreover, stringent regulations favoring the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials are encouraging innovation in product offerings. The region's developed healthcare systems and public awareness campaigns on incontinence management further fuel the market growth.

Asia

The disposable underpads market in Europe is huge, primarily due to the aging population and increased usage of incontinence care products. Countries like Germany and France and even the U.K. have a strong demand, driven by a rising focus on patient care in both hospitals and home care settings. Moreover, stringent regulations favoring the use of eco-friendly and biodegradable materials are encouraging innovation in product offerings. The region's developed healthcare systems and public awareness campaigns on incontinence management further fuel the market growth.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

"Key Industry Players Shaping the Market Through Innovation and Market Expansion"

The key drivers in the market for disposable underpads have been innovation and strategic market expansion. Companies like these are engineering advanced products offering high absorbency, odor control, and materials that are good for the skin to cater to diverse customer requirements. Many have invested in developing biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives to cope with environmental pressure, which heightens their appeal among sustainability-conscious consumers. Market leaders are also using technology to make manufacturing and supply chain operations more efficient, thereby ensuring cost-effectiveness and wide availability. Through partnerships, acquisitions, and the introduction of tailored products for specific regional demands, these companies are shaping the future of the disposable underpads industry.

Disposable Underpads Market Companies          

• Medline (United States)
• Attends Healthcare (United States)
• Cardinal Health (United States)
• Dynarex Corporation (United States)
• First Quality Products (United States)
• Fisher Scientific (United States)
• AMG Medical (Canada)
• Principle Business Enterprises, Inc. (United States)
• Essity (Sweden)
• MED PRIDE (United States)
• Aidacare (Australia)
• Boots (United Kingdom)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

October 2023: The Essity has introduced a variant of eco-disposable underpads to fulfill the increased need for sustainable medical products. Bio-based materials are the design intention of these disposable underpads ensuring safe fluid management, hence minimizing environmental upsets. Underpads are the product that represents and communicates Essity's sustainability and innovations, reacting towards the consumer-growing concerns over increased waste generation from health care use and ecological implications. The product includes advanced absorbent technology that contributes to comfort and hygiene for the users, thus applying it in the medical and home care environments. This development supports the company in increasing its presence in the market and has become a benchmark for sustainability in the industry of disposable underpads.

REPORT COVERAGE       

The study encompasses a comprehensive SWOT analysis and provides insights into future developments within the market. It examines various factors that contribute to the growth of the market, exploring a wide range of market categories and potential applications that may impact its trajectory in the coming years. The analysis takes into account both current trends and historical turning points, providing a holistic understanding of the market's components and identifying potential areas for growth.

The research report delves into market segmentation, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods to provide a thorough analysis. It also evaluates the impact of financial and strategic perspectives on the market. Furthermore, the report presents national and regional assessments, considering the dominant forces of supply and demand that influence market growth. The competitive landscape is meticulously detailed, including market shares of significant competitors. The report incorporates novel research methodologies and player strategies tailored for the anticipated timeframe. Overall, it offers valuable and comprehensive insights into the market dynamics in a formal and easily understandable manner.