Abstract: An absorbent article having an outercover, liner and absorbent core that are each stretchable or extensible. The article has a thickness of about 4 mm or less, and a bending stiffness of less than about 6 N-mm. The tension in the waist elastic, flap elastics and/or leg elastics may be modified to accommodate the addition of a more flexible absorbent core. The bending stiffness of the fasteners may be reduced to further accommodate the improved flexibility of the overall article.

Abstract: An in-line formed web or other material (such as foams) having major surfaces in the X-Y plane and a depth in the Z direction is suitable for use as an integral fluid distribution and fluid retention material in a disposable absorbent article. The web or material contains multiple zones of material which may have both thermoplastic fibers/materials and absorbent material components. The multiple zones can have different compositions of thermoplastic fibers/materials and absorbent material as applied in-line by various arrangements of thermoplastic melt dies and absorbent fiber/material dispensers. By arranging at least two of the multiple zones in an opposing relation overlaid in the Z-axis direction of the web/material, a gradient can be formed in the Z-direction of the web/material.