Abstract: In absorbent products, such as sanitary napkins, discreet areas of dry fibrous materials such as fluid-repellent materials are precisely placed in various planes within the product so as to provide barriers to bodily fluid leakage from the product. In a preferred embodiment, hydrophobic fibers are placed around the periphery of a central absorbent area of an absorbent product to discourage and/or prevent side or end leakage from the product.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming improved airlaid fibrous articles are disclosed. Airlaying apparatus is provided which permits at least two types of fibrous materials to be defiberized and transported to a single airlaying apparatus. In a most preferred embodiment, a drum-type airlaying drum having a plurality of deposition cavities is provided. By controlling the airflow and pressure differential, selective placement of each type of fibrous material within a cavity is achieved. Also disclosed are improved deposition cavities which permit multiple materials to be airlaid and retained in position by providing a foraminous surface on at least a portion of the cavity sidewall. Most preferably, a hydrophobic fiber layer is formed and a layer of absorbent fiber is deposited within the first layer; the present invention permits a clear demarcation between the fiber types. Also disclosed is improved apparatus for removing airlaid articles from deposition cavities, using a precisely controlled airstream.