According to a report by iData Research, the market for pulse oximeters in the US, Asia Pacific and Europe is expected to grow to over $1.3 billion by 2020. This market includes a range of monitors and sensors including bedside, handheld and fingertip monitors; disposable and reusable sensors.

Market growth can be attributed to cost savings of reprocessed disposable sensors and the lower price point of consumer pulse oximeters that are selling well through retail.

Covidien and Masimo are battling for top spot in the global market. Both are stronger competitors in the pulse oximetry sensor market than in the monitor market. Other notable competitors include Nonin Medical, Fukuda Denshi, Smiths Medical and ChoiceMMed.

Consumer sales of pulse oximeters through retailers, such as Amazon, Walgreens, and other distribution channels, provide manufacturers with lucrative cash sales.