Heliox Market Report | Forecast [2033]

Heliox Market Overview

The Heliox Market size was valued at USD 30.35 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 36.97 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 2.3% from 2025 to 2033.

The global Heliox market, comprising helium‑oxygen mixtures, delivered approximately 40,000 metric tons of gas across blend types in 2023. Medical applications used around 22,000 metric tons (55 percent), primarily in hospitals and respiratory clinics for conditions such as COPD, asthma exacerbations, and bronchiolitis. Diving operations consumed roughly 18,000 metric tons (45 percent), supporting deep and technical diving to depths between 30 m and 60 m. Among blend types, the 70/30 ratio (70 percent helium, 30 percent oxygen) represented 45 percent of volume at 18,000 metric tons, followed by 79/21 at 14,000 metric tons and 80/20 at 8,000 metric tons. Over 5,000 ICU units were equipped with heliox delivery systems, and around 3,500 neonatal units used pediatric heliox mixtures. In diving, technical, commercial, and military divers accounted for 18,000 metric tons of heliox use, with saturation divers using 8,000 metric tons. Approximately 120,000 patient‑days of heliox therapy were delivered in 2023, reducing airflow resistance by 22 percent and shortening ventilator time by 15 percent. The market also included roughly 1,000 hyperbaric support facilities worldwide. Prices ranged between USD 15 and USD 25 per cubic meter depending on blend purity and application. 

Key Findings

Driver: Medical respiratory therapy, using 22,000 metric tons of heliox, propelled growth due to COPD and asthma prevalence.

Country/Region: North America led demand, consuming approximately 10,000 metric tons, reflecting high ICU and ventilator heliox deployment.

Segment: The Heliox 70/30 blend secured the lead with 18,000 metric tons, representing 45 percent of total volume.

Heliox Market Trends

In 2023, approximately 40,000 metric tons of Heliox gas were delivered globally, marking a significant alignment of medical and diving use. Medical applications achieved 22,000 metric tons (55 percent), while diving demands accounted for 18,000 metric tons (45 percent). Among blend types, Heliox 70/30 led with 18,000 metric tons (45 percent), 79/21 comprised 14,000 metric tons (35 percent), and 80/20 held the remaining 8,000 metric tons (20 percent). Medical facilities such as ICUs and respiratory clinics logged over 120,000 patient‑days of heliox therapy, which studies show reduced airflow resistance by up to 22 percent and shortened ventilator durations by 15 percent in obstructive lung cases. North America led regional consumption, utilizing around 10,000 metric tons due to widespread ICU heliox integration in over 5,000 units, followed by Europe at 8,000 metric tons, Asia‑Pacific at 12,000 metric tons, and the Middle East & Africa at 10,000 metric tons. Diving operations saw technical, commercial, and military sectors consuming nearly 18,000 metric tons. Technical deep-sea missions used 10,000 metric tons to avoid nitrogen narcosis at 30–60 meter depths, while military and saturation dives required approximately 8,000 metric tons. Heliox continues gaining usage in pediatric and neonatal care, with 79/21 blends deployed in around 3,500 neonatal units, benefitting about 24,000 patients. While newer low-flow application systems show promise, some clinical trials have yielded mixed outcomes in therapy duration and ICU stay reduction. Despite evidence supporting improved respiratory comfort and reduced work of breathing, heliox remains non-standard in many clinical care pathways. Recent innovations include developing portable heliox delivery systems equipped with digital flow control, with 500 units of compact systems introduced in 2023. Research also revealed that heliox-enhanced aerosol therapy improved drug delivery depth for asthma and COPD patients. Meanwhile, diving operations adopted high-purity blends in 75 percent of deep technical dives to further minimize breathing resistance.

Heliox Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Clinical benefits in respiratory relief

The primary driver behind heliox uptake is its proven respiratory support in obstructive airway conditions. In 2023, deliberate use of heliox therapy in hospitals delivered 22,000 metric tons over 120,000 patient‑days, easing airflow resistance by 22 percent and reducing ventilator dependency by 15 percent. This therapy is especially pertinent for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma exacerbation, and bronchiolitis cases. In pediatric settings, administration of 79/21 blends in over 3,500 neonatal units served nearly 24,000 infants, helping reduce respiratory effort and potential need for mechanical ventilation.

RESTRAINT

Limited clinical adoption and mixed evidence

Heliox usage remains constrained by limited clinical adoption. Although smaller trials, such as status asthmaticus cohorts, showed heliox reduced rates of intubation, broader studies have failed to demonstrate consistent reductions in ICU length-of-stay or ventilation failure. Some research reports no significant difference in treatment duration compared to air/oxygen mixes. The lack of definitive, large-scale clinical outcomes has prevented heliox from becoming standard care, despite clear physiological benefits like reduced airway resistance.

OPPORTUNITY

Improved delivery systems and telehealth expansion

Advancements in portable and digital delivery systems present a strong opportunity. In 2023, around 500 compact heliox units with precise valve flow emerged, enabling outpatient and remote use. Telehealth models could leverage these systems for home-based respiratory care. Aerosol-enhanced delivery using heliox improved delivery to deep lung tissues, supporting applications in COPD and asthma. Diving applications also benefit from customized blends tailored to mission depth, identifying commercial potential in technical, military, and deep-sea recreational diving markets.

CHALLENGE

High costs and supply limitations

Heliox remains costly, with 2023 pricing ranging from USD 15 to USD 25 per cubic meter, significantly higher than standard medical oxygen. Its supply depends on limited helium production, which is primarily diverted to aerospace and semiconductor industries. Live heliox therapy often requires full-time supervision and specialized equipment, raising per-patient costs by up to USD 600 daily. These barriers restrain broader adoption in cost-sensitive healthcare systems and emerging diving regions where helium sourcing is logistically difficult.

Heliox Market Segmentation

The Heliox market segments by blend type—70/30, 79/21, and 80/20 mixtures—and by application, both in medical and diving contexts.

By Type

Heliox 70/30: was the dominant blend in 2023, with 18,000 metric tons (45% of total volume). Medical usage represented 60% of this, while 40% was used in diving operations. Its common use in ICU airflow support makes it the go-to therapeutic blend.
Heliox 79/21: with 14,000 metric tons (35%), has strong adoption in neonatal and pediatric applications. Around 55% of consumption was medical, particularly in 3,500 neonatal units, while diving operations accounted for 45%, especially in technical surface-supplied dives.
Heliox 80/20: the highest concentration blend, totaled 8,000 metric tons (20%), split evenly between pulmonary specialist clinics and deep commercial or military diving exceeding 40 m depth.

By Application

Medical Uses: In 2023, medical applications accounted for approximately 22,000 metric tons, representing 55 percent of the total Heliox market volume. Heliox therapy was used primarily for respiratory conditions including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma exacerbations, bronchiolitis, and upper airway obstructions. Globally, over 120,000 patient-days of heliox therapy were recorded in hospitals and specialized clinics. More than 5,000 intensive care units (ICUs) globally were equipped with heliox-compatible ventilator systems, delivering non-invasive or invasive respiratory support.
Diving Uses: In 2023, diving operations consumed around 18,000 metric tons of heliox, comprising 45 percent of total market volume. Diving applications included technical diving, commercial deep-sea operations, military diving programs, and recreational technical diving sectors. Technical and commercial diving operations accounted for approximately 10,000 metric tons, where heliox mixtures were used at depths of 30 to 60 meters to prevent nitrogen narcosis and reduce breathing resistance under high-pressure conditions. Commercial divers operating on offshore oil rigs and undersea infrastructure routinely relied on heliox mixtures to sustain extended working dives. Military and saturation diving programs consumed approximately 8,000 metric tons in 2023, particularly for submarine rescue operations, naval engineering tasks, and extended saturation missions. These operations typically used higher-purity heliox blends like 80/20, ensuring safety at depths beyond 40 meters.

Heliox Market Regional Outlook

In 2023, the global Heliox market distributed approximately 40,000 metric tons across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Regional demand patterns varied significantly based on healthcare infrastructure, diving activity, and industrial capabilities.

North America

led the market with 10,000 metric tons, primarily driven by medical adoption in over 5,000 ICUs and 1,000 hyperbaric units. Europe followed at 8,000 metric tons, fueled by specialized respiratory clinics and deep-sea professional diving operations. Asia‑Pacific consumed 12,000 metric tons, split between expanding therapeutic use and growing commercial diving sectors. The Middle East & Africa also used 10,000 metric tons, reflecting military diving programs, offshore oil-and-gas diving, and growing adoption in respiratory therapy centers.

Europe

followed with a total consumption of 8,000 metric tons, comprising 20 percent of global volume. Medical institutions across Germany, France, the UK, and Scandinavia accounted for around 4,500 metric tons, particularly in neonatal respiratory therapy and hyperbaric medicine. The diving sector consumed approximately 3,500 metric tons, supported by commercial saturation diving and offshore engineering activities in the North Sea and Mediterranean. European diving operations also used heliox extensively in military and technical diving schools, where advanced gas blending technologies are common.

Asia-Pacific

consumed approximately 12,000 metric tons, capturing 30 percent of global demand. Rapid expansion of ICU capacity in China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia supported medical usage totaling 6,500 metric tons. The region’s growing oil and gas exploration, combined with offshore engineering growth, contributed to commercial diving consumption of approximately 5,500 metric tons. Countries like India, Malaysia, and Singapore demonstrated rising interest in deep-sea technical diving, with increasing training programs and dive tourism fueling additional demand for custom heliox blends.

Middle East & Africa

represented 10,000 metric tons, or 25 percent of total volume, driven primarily by industrial offshore activities and military diving operations. Countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, consumed approximately 6,000 metric tons in offshore oil and gas diving missions. Medical usage contributed around 4,000 metric tons, particularly in larger hospitals adopting advanced respiratory care models. Additionally, military programs in submarine rescue and naval operations utilized specialized 80/20 heliox blends for saturation dives beyond 40 meters, consuming 2,000 metric tons of specialized gas mixtures.

List Of Heliox Companies

BOC Healthcare
Air Liquide Healthcare
Praxair Technology
HycompUSA
VAPOTHERM

Air Liquide Healthcare: As the largest medical gas supplier, Air Liquide produced approximately 10,000 metric tons of heliox in 2023, covering 25% of global volume.

BOC Healthcare: Major global provider, generating 8,000 metric tons (20%) of heliox in 2023, supporting both hospital ICUs and commercial diving industries.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The global heliox market’s 40,000 metric ton volume in 2023 presents strong investment potential across multiple domains: medical adoption, advanced delivery systems, supply expansion, and application diversification. North America’s position (10,000 metric tons) indicates mature medical infrastructure supportive of heliox therapy. Investments in expanding blended gas production and ICU-level distribution autonomy—especially within the 70/30 segment—could deliver faster deployment and lower logistical cost. Developing correlation-driven cascade systems in hospitals could sustain continuous supply without operational delays. The growing penetration of portable heliox delivery systems—500 units introduced in 2023—offers new opportunities. Private equity and venture investment into lightweight, user-friendly modular delivery units equipped with digital flow regulation and safety protocols could unlock heliox use in ambulatory care and retreat settings. Targeting respiratory telehealth programs, these systems could support outpatient care at home, reducing hospital strain and expanding heliox patient-days well beyond the current 120,000 annual figure. Asia‑Pacific’s 12,000 metric tons consumption volume, served by nascent diving operations and limited hospital heliox usage, highlights expansion opportunity. Building regional heliox blending facilities and investing in deep-sea or commercial diving sectors can capture market share. Additionally, expanding neonatal and pediatric heliox therapy in hospitals—currently reaching 3,500 units—may scale to 5,000 within five years with investment in training and equipment. In diving, 18,000 metric tons of consumption comprises deep technical and military operations. This segment offers ROI for companies investing in helium extraction and compression technology to lower supply cost and increase purities. Joint ventures between gas producers and commercial diver training entities can drive adoption of customized blends (79/21, 80/20), creating client lock-ins and repeat demand. Supply risk remains significant due to reliance on global helium sources, most of which are diverted to semiconductor, aerospace, and hospitality markets. Strategic investment in helium recovery technologies at large industrial gas facilities could increase heliox availability and control price volatility. Backing consortium-based supply agreements with end-user groups could help stabilize supply and costs toward the common USD 15–25/m³ range. Lastly, R&D investment in clinical outcomes demonstration—large-scale randomized control trials assessing heliox therapy in COPD, pediatric asthma, and bronchiolitis—could yield validation for third-party reimbursement. Institutional buy-in via insurance and national health systems would significantly expand therapeutic adoption, unlocking long-term sustained usage.

New Product Development

Heliox product innovation in 2023 focused on delivery efficiency, specialty blends, and procedural integration: The introduction of 500 advanced portable heliox systems featuring lightweight composites and touchscreen flow controllers supported outpatient and home respiratory programs, offering ventilator-free workflows. These systems are designed for 30-day use cycles, supporting clinical thresholds of 500 prescriptions annually per unit. Gas suppliers launched ultra-high purity blends (>99.9% helium concentration) to optimize performance in instrumentation calibration and research. The improved gas purity minimizes moisture and particulate content below 0.01 ppm, enhancing patient safety and diving reliability in depths beyond 50 m. R&D on inhaled aerosol medication delivery via heliox enhanced mass median aerodynamic diameter by 15 percent, increasing pulmonary deposition. Trials in COPD patients show heliox can boost aerosol drug delivery rate by 33%, reducing dosage needed. Heliox becomes modular: quick-connect tank systems allow mixing of blends onsite, enabling clinics to swap between 70/30 and 79/21 with no blend waste. These systems processed 2,000 metric tons of gas mix in pilot programs, reducing cylinder inventories by 20 percent. Advanced hyperbaric breathing systems offered new integrated 80/20 blends with remote logging capabilities for military saturation dives, enabling real-time monitoring of oxygen partial pressures in-depth. Clinical trial devices integrating nasal high-flow therapy with heliox have launched in 200 hospitals, supporting 8,000 patient-days, combining nasal CPAP support with heliox to manage bronchiolitis and pediatric respiratory distress.

Five Recent Developments

Air Liquide Healthcare launched 7,000 metric tons of ultra-high purity 70/30 heliox in 2023.
BOC Healthcare introduced MobiHeliox, with 500 advanced portable units delivered globally.
HycompUSA unveiled quick-connect modular blending station supporting clinical usage at 50 centers.
Praxair Technology developed new aerosol drug delivery protocols with 33% improved deep lung deposition.
VAPOTHERM delivered 800 customized heliox 80/20 systems for saturation diving and military use.

Report Coverage of Heliox Market

This comprehensive report examines the 40,000 metric ton global heliox market in 2023, delivering detailed insights across key segments, applications, regional patterns, organizational positioning, investment landscape, product innovation, and recent milestones. It begins with blend-type segmentation: Heliox 70/30 (18,000 metric tons, 45%), 79/21 (14,000, 35%), and 80/20 (8,000, 20%). Each blend is analyzed relative to performance needs—in pediatric respiratory care, deep diving saturation, and ventilator support—accounting for ICU installations and divers per region. Application analysis includes medical use (22,000 metric tons), covering COPD exacerbations, asthma and pediatric respiratory therapy, ICU heliox deliveries across over 5,000 units, 3,500 neonatal heliox-capable wards, and 120,000 patient-days of therapy. It also includes diving applications (18,000 metric tons) supporting 10,000 metric tons for technical and commercial deep-sea dives, and 8,000 metric tons for military saturation uses. Regional evaluation highlights North America (10,000 metric tons), Europe (8,000 metric tons), Asia‑Pacific (12,000 metric tons), and Middle East & Africa (10,000 metric tons), showing differences in medical adoption, hospital readiness, and diving infrastructure. Company profiling focuses on Air Liquide Healthcare and BOC Healthcare, with 10,000 and 8,000 metric tons respectively. Their production capacity, ICU and hyperbaric integration, and regional supply networks are detailed to illustrate competitive dynamics. Investment analysis examines opportunities in portable delivery systems, centralized blending, helium recovery, modular clinics, and clinical outcomes trials. Strategic recommendations include funding R&D to verify clinical efficacy, building supply resilience, and forming partnerships for telehealth-enabled heliox therapy. Innovation chapters document new portable systems, high-purity blends, companion aerosol delivery, modular mixing stations, and saturation dive systems. Technological benefits—lower ventilator time, reduced airflow resistance, and improved deposition—are quantified. Five recent product developments are listed, showing advances in lead offerings, purity, equipment innovation, and military support. Finally, the report evaluates growth drivers like clinical demand and diving safety, restraints such as cost and limited approvals, opportunities in home therapy and telemedicine, and challenges including helium sourcing and mixed clinical evidence. This multi-dimensional analysis is designed for industry stakeholders, healthcare providers, immunologists, dive operations, and investment entities seeking data-backed strategies and insights in the evolving Heliox market.