Market Overview
Underpads Market size was valued at USD 118.43 Million in 2024 and is anticipated to reach USD 174.44 Million by 2032, at a CAGR of 4.96% during the forecast period.
| REPORT ATTRIBUTE |
DETAILS |
| Historical Period |
2020-2023 |
| Base Year |
2024 |
| Forecast Period |
2025-2032 |
| Underpads Market Size 2024 |
USD 118.43 Million |
| Underpads Market, CAGR |
4.96% |
| Underpads Market Size 2032 |
USD 174.44 Million |
The Underpads Market is shaped by major companies such as Dynarex Corporation, Care Line Inc., Cardinal Health, First Quality, EHOB, Attends Healthcare Products, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Avkare Inc., Medline Industries, Inc., and Briggs Healthcare. These players compete through improved absorbency, better barrier layers, and strong supply capabilities for hospitals and home-care buyers. North America leads the global market with about 34% share in 2024 due to advanced healthcare systems and high usage across medical facilities. Europe follows with nearly 28% share, driven by strict hygiene standards and strong elderly-care infrastructure. Asia Pacific grows rapidly with about 24% share supported by expanding healthcare access and rising incontinence awareness
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Market Insights
- The Underpads Market was valued at USD 118.43 Million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 174.44 Million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 4.96%.
• Demand grows due to rising incontinence cases and strong usage in hospitals, where disposable pads hold about 71% share because of hygiene and convenience.
• Key trends include the shift toward high-performance absorbent materials, eco-safer reusable pads, and rapid growth of home-care adoption through online channels.
• Competition remains strong as brands improve absorbency, leak resistance, and comfort while managing price pressure from institutional buyers.
• North America leads with around 34% share, followed by Europe at 28% and Asia Pacific at 24%, while hospitals dominate applications with nearly 58% share in 2024.
Market Segmentation Analysis:
By Type
Disposable underpads lead this segment with around 71% share in 2024, driven by strong use in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care units. Healthcare teams prefer disposable options because they reduce cross-contamination risk and support quick turnover in high-traffic patient areas. Rising demand for infection-control supplies and improved absorbent polymers also supports wider adoption. Reusable pads show steady traction in home-care settings due to lower long-term cost, but growth remains slower as institutions continue to prioritize hygiene and convenience.
- For instance, Medline’s 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance Report confirms that the company operates over 50 distribution centers across North America and 23 manufacturing sites in North America alone, part of a global network doing business in over 100 countries.
By Application
Hospitals dominate this segment with nearly 58% share in 2024 due to high patient volume and increased need for rapid-absorption pads during surgeries, emergency care, and long-stay treatments. Hospital teams rely on underpads to maintain clean surfaces, reduce linen loads, and support infection-control standards. Nursing homes follow as aging populations expand demand for incontinence management products. Day care centers record moderate adoption, mainly for infant hygiene support, but their share remains smaller because usage frequency is lower than in medical environments
- For instance, AMiNA reusable underpads are designed to withstand up to 500 machine wash cycles while maintaining leak protection for long-term care users.
Key Growth Drivers
Rising Incontinence Cases
Growing incontinence cases across aging populations drive strong demand for underpads. Hospitals and long-term care centers rely on these products to manage patient hygiene and prevent bedsores. Increased awareness of incontinence care and better access to home-care supplies also support wider adoption. Manufacturers focus on improved absorbency and leak-proof designs, which boosts product preference. The surge in chronic diseases that limit mobility further expands usage in medical and household environments, making this a major driver for market growth.
- For instance, Bostik, an adhesive solutions division of Arkema, cites industry research on its website indicating that urinary incontinence affects more than 400 million adults globally, illustrating the large user base needing pads and related absorbent products.
Expansion of Healthcare Infrastructure
Healthcare infrastructure expansion strengthens the need for reliable underpads across hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. New facilities require high-volume hygiene and bedding protection supplies to support patient turnover and maintain cleanliness standards. Emerging economies invest heavily in healthcare upgrades, which increases procurement of disposable pads. Growing surgical procedures and long-stay admissions further raise consumption levels. This expansion, combined with improved procurement systems, makes healthcare infrastructure growth a central driver of market demand.
- For instance, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise plans to add 4,300 beds over three to four years, on top of about 9,458 existing beds, expanding demand for protective bedding supplies.
Shift Toward High-Performance Materials
Advances in absorbent polymers and multi-layer barrier films boost the appeal of high-performance underpads. Healthcare teams prefer pads that offer faster absorption, odor control, and better surface dryness to support patient comfort. Manufacturers also introduce eco-safer materials that meet rising sustainability expectations. Improved production technology enables lighter but more efficient pads, which appeal to both institutional and home-care users. This shift toward advanced materials significantly accelerates product replacement cycles and strengthens long-term adoption.
Key Trends & Opportunities
Growth of Home-Care and Telehealth Support
Home-care demand rises as more families manage patient hygiene outside hospitals. Underpads become essential for elderly care, mobility-restricted users, and postoperative recovery at home. Telehealth teams also recommend absorbent aids for remote care plans, creating new distribution opportunities. Online channels expand product access and allow users to choose between reusable and disposable pads. This trend opens strong opportunities for personalized packaging, subscription models, and value-focused bulk offerings.
- For instance, Because Market, founded in 2017 in Redwood City, reports on its LinkedIn page and other company materials that it has helped over 450,000 customers get the products they need to live their best life.
Sustainability and Reusable Product Innovation
Sustainability pushes manufacturers to develop reusable underpads with durable fabrics and higher wash cycles. Hospitals and households increasingly explore eco-safer options to reduce waste linked to disposable pads. Brands introduce lightweight designs with improved wicking layers, making reusable formats more appealing. This shift creates opportunities for hybrid product lines that balance hygiene, cost control, and environmental expectations. Growing regulatory pressure to minimize medical waste further supports this opportunity.
- For instance, Conkote reusable underpads are advertised to endure up to 300 wash cycles and carry OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, supporting lower waste in institutional and home-care settings.
Smart Absorbent Technologies
Rising interest in smart absorbent layers creates opportunities for enhanced moisture detection and fast-dry surface designs. Brands integrate indicators that help caregivers identify saturation levels quickly, reducing skin-related issues. Advances in thin-core structures also improve comfort while maintaining strong absorption. These technologies appeal to hospitals and home-care users seeking better patient outcomes. The trend encourages higher product differentiation and supports premium-segment growth.
Key Challenges
Environmental Impact of Disposable Pads
High reliance on disposable underpads creates significant waste-management concerns for healthcare providers. Many pads use plastic-based barrier layers that increase landfill pressure. Regulations on medical waste disposal grow stricter, forcing institutions to reevaluate procurement practices. Transitioning to eco-safer materials raises production costs, slowing adoption for cost-sensitive buyers. Balancing hygiene needs and sustainability remains a major operational challenge for the market.
Price Sensitivity in Institutional Procurement
Hospitals and nursing homes often face strict budget limits, making price sensitivity a major challenge. Bulk procurement teams prioritize low-cost options, which limits adoption of advanced or eco-safer pads. Fluctuating raw-material prices further strain margins for manufacturers. Competing with generic suppliers becomes difficult for brands offering high-performance features. This challenge restricts product innovation and slows premium-segment growth in the institutional market.
Regional Analysis
North America
North America holds about 34% share in 2024, driven by strong adoption across hospitals, nursing homes, and home-care settings. High awareness of incontinence management and strong insurance coverage support steady demand. The United States leads due to advanced healthcare infrastructure and high spending on hygiene supplies. Manufacturers benefit from mature distribution networks and strong demand for premium disposable pads. Growth continues as aging populations expand the need for long-term care solutions. Canada contributes steady volume through government-supported elderly care programs and increased use of reusable pads in cost-conscious facilities.
Europe
Europe accounts for nearly 28% share in 2024, supported by strong healthcare standards and rising elderly populations across Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Hospitals and long-term care institutions drive consistent demand for high-absorbency pads. Regulatory emphasis on hygiene and patient safety encourages regular product replacement. Countries in Western Europe show strong preference for eco-safer reusable pads, while Eastern Europe grows through hospital modernization projects. Expansion of home nursing services and better incontinence awareness programs also support wider market penetration across the region.
Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific captures about 24% share in 2024, fueled by rapid healthcare expansion and rising aging populations in China, Japan, South Korea, and India. Hospitals adopt underpads widely for patient hygiene, while home-care usage grows quickly due to higher affordability and access through e-commerce. Japan drives premium-segment growth with demand for ultra-thin, high-performance pads, while India and Southeast Asia show fast adoption of cost-effective disposable formats. Increasing investment in medical infrastructure and improved awareness of incontinence care continue to strengthen regional demand.
Latin America
Latin America holds around 8% share in 2024, with Brazil and Mexico leading market consumption. Growing hospital admissions, improved elderly care programs, and rising adoption of hygiene supplies support demand for disposable underpads. Public hospitals often rely on budget-friendly products, while private facilities adopt higher-quality pads. Home-care usage increases as families manage long-term conditions at home. Economic fluctuations affect procurement cycles, but rising investment in healthcare expansion supports gradual market growth across the region.
Middle East and Africa
Middle East and Africa account for nearly 6% share in 2024, driven by expanding healthcare infrastructure in Gulf countries and improving access to medical supplies across Africa. Hospitals in the UAE and Saudi Arabia adopt premium underpads due to strict hygiene standards, while African nations focus on basic disposable varieties. Growth in long-term care centers and rising chronic disease cases support gradual increase in demand. Limited awareness and budget constraints slow adoption in several African regions, but improving distribution networks continue to expand market reach.
Market Segmentations:
By Type
By Application
- Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Day Care Centers
By Geography
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East
- Africa
Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape includes Dynarex Corporation, Care Line Inc., Cardinal Health, First Quality, EHOB, Attends Healthcare Products, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Avkare Inc., Medline Industries, Inc., and Briggs Healthcare. Leading companies focus on strong product performance and steady supply reliability. Many brands improve absorbency, surface dryness, and leak resistance to meet hospital needs. Firms invest in better polymers and soft-touch materials to increase comfort for long-term patients. Several players expand online sales to reach home-care users and small clinics. Production upgrades help maintain quality while controlling cost pressure in bulk orders. Sustainability efforts grow as buyers look for safer and lower-waste options. Manufacturers strengthen partnerships with distributors to secure stable demand in institutional channels. Product differentiation increases as companies compete on thickness, durability, and odor control features.
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Key Player Analysis
Recent Developments
- In October 2025, Medline Industries, Inc. announced the release of a new, limited edition model of disposable underpads.
- In 2024, Cardinal Health introduced the Kendall SCD SmartFlow Compression System.
- In 2024, First Quality announced a strategic expansion of its manufacturing capacity, specifically increasing bladder control pad, protective underwear, and underpad production by over 25%.
Report Coverage
The research report offers an in-depth analysis based on Type, Application and Geography. It details leading market players, providing an overview of their business, product offerings, investments, revenue streams, and key applications. Additionally, the report includes insights into the competitive environment, SWOT analysis, current market trends, as well as the primary drivers and constraints. Furthermore, it discusses various factors that have driven market expansion in recent years. The report also explores market dynamics, regulatory scenarios, and technological advancements that are shaping the industry. It assesses the impact of external factors and global economic changes on market growth. Lastly, it provides strategic recommendations for new entrants and established companies to navigate the complexities of the market.
Future Outlook
- Market demand will grow as aging populations increase incontinence cases worldwide.
- Hospitals will adopt more advanced absorbent technologies to improve patient comfort.
- Reusable pads will gain traction as healthcare systems push for waste reduction.
- Home-care use will rise due to expanding telehealth guidance and remote recovery needs.
- Manufacturers will focus on thinner, high-performance layers to enhance absorption speed.
- Eco-safer materials will become a priority as sustainability expectations strengthen.
- Online distribution channels will expand product access and increase brand competition.
- Premium pads with odor control and moisture indicators will gain higher adoption.
- Emerging markets will drive volume growth as healthcare infrastructure expands.
- Cost-efficient production methods will shape competitive strategies across global suppliers.
