Abstract: The present invention provides an air permeable, substantially liquid impermeable barrier structure and products made therefrom, such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, incontinence products and diapers. The barrier structure has a porous layer having opposing sides, the porous layer having: a porous substrate having pores, which extend between the opposing sides that correspond to the opposing sides of the porous layer, whereby a liquid may transverse the substrate; and particles that are fused to at least one side of the porous substrate so as to restrict entry of the liquid into the pores; wherein the porous layer resists penetration by the liquid when it is contained in an absorbent structure that overlays the side of the porous layer to which the particles are fused, and is under a loading of one pound per square inch; and wherein the porous layer has a Frazier air permeability value in the range of greater than zero to about 80 mm3/ft2/min (861 mm3/m2/min).

Abstract: A multilayered absorbent feminine hygiene product which is configured for releasable attachment to a user's garment has a plurality of absorbent pads. Each of the absorbent pads has an absorbent layer to contain absorbed fluid and a barrier layer to prevent absorbed fluid from leaking completely through the individual pad. The first, lowermost pad in the product is configured for releasable attachment to a user's garment. Additional pads in the product are releasably attached above the first pad to form a stacked or layered product. The pads may be adhesively, thermally, compressively, or mechnically bonded. Preferably, the multilayered product includes three absorbent pads.