Heliox Market: Current Analysis and Forecast (2022-2028)

Heliox is a mixture of helium and oxygen that is used medically to treat patients with respiratory distress. It is used as a breathing gas because helium has a low density and is non-reactive, making it less likely to cause irritation to the airways. Heliox can help reduce the work of breathing, reduce the resistance to airflow, and improve oxygen delivery to the lungs. It is used in a variety of medical conditions, including asthma bronchiolitis, and croup. Also, it has a lower density than air and higher oxygen concentration, which can help relieve symptoms of conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The Heliox Market is expected to grow at a steady rate of around 3% owing to the increasing utilization of heliox in the healthcare industries along with increasing demand in the sea and sub-sea applications. Major companies in the market are focusing to provide heliox with technologically advanced features along with new product launches, collaboration, and mergers & acquisitions. For instance, in October 2022, Jinhong Gas imported several liquid helium storage tanks to facilitate the transport of the helium for ultra-high-pure helium, compressed helium, and medical helium in the region.

Based on the type, the market is segmented into 70/30 (Helium/Oxygen Mixture), 60/40 (Helium/Oxygen Mixture), 79/21 (Helium/Oxygen Mixture), and 90/10 (Helium/Oxygen Mixture). The 60/40 (Helium/Oxygen Mixture) segment is expected to witness significant market growth during the forecast period. A 60/40 Helium/Oxygen mixture refers to a blend of 60% helium and 40% oxygen, which is commonly used for diving. This mixture reduces the effects of nitrogen narcosis, which can impair a diver's judgment and cognitive abilities at depth, compared to air. The use of helium in the mixture also helps to improve communication compared to air but may still require the use of specialized communication equipment at extreme depths. The addition of oxygen to the mixture also increases the partial pressure of oxygen, reducing the risk of hypoxia. However, the use of a 60/40 mix still requires careful monitoring and management of the diver's oxygen exposure to ensure their safety.

Based on the application, the market is bifurcated into medical uses and diving uses. The medical uses segment is expected to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Heliox is used to treat respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and bronchiolitis in children. The main advantage of heliox is that it is less dense than air and provides a more efficient flow of gas through the airways. This can help to relieve airway resistance, reduce the work of breathing, and improve oxygen delivery to the lungs. Heliox is also used as a carrier gas for nebulized medications in respiratory therapy. Heliox is typically delivered through a mask or a non-invasive positive pressure ventilation device, such as a nasal cannula or a face mask. Its use is closely monitored by healthcare professionals, and the mixture is adjusted based on the patient's condition and response.

For a better understanding of the market adoption of the heliox industry, the market is analyzed based on its worldwide presence in the countries such as North America (U.S., Canada, and the Rest of North America), Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Rest of World. North America led the market in 2021 with the highest market share. This is mainly due to the increasing use in used as a medical gas in healthcare facilities, particularly for the treatment of respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchiolitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is used in emergency departments, intensive care units, and operating rooms to help manage airway obstruction and improve breathing. Heliox is also used in the diving industry, where it is used as a breathing gas mix to reduce the risk of nitrogen narcosis in deep diving. The use of heliox is regulated by various government agencies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure safe and effective use.

Some of the major players operating in the market include: Air Liquide, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Messer Group, SOL-SpA, TAIYO NIPPON SANSO, AXCEL, JINHONG GAS, APTOH, FTG Atmosfera LLC, and BOC Healthcare.