Abstract: Absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence protectors, sanitary napkins, wound dressings and similar articles which are applied in contact with skin, and methods which make it possible to use an article for an extended period of time without the appearance of unwanted side-effects such as, for instance, growth of undesirable microorganisms. The absorbent body in the absorbent article comprises a pH-controlling substance in the form of a partially neutralized super-absorbent material in such a manner that the pH in the absorbent article after wetting is in the interval 3.5-4.9. Growth of undesirable strains of microorganisms is prevented and unwanted side-effects resulting from use of the article are reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for maintaining and/or improving skin health in the area of a wearer covered by an absorbent article. The absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid pervious topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet, an absorbent core located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent article also includes skin care compositions thereon for maintaining and/or improving skin health.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided which includes a pH control agent in an amount sufficient to maintain prolonged natural skin pH. The pH control agent can be applied in conjunction with a surfactant. Generally, the pH control agent and optional surfactant can be added to the topsheet, absorbent core, and/or any tissue layer included in the absorbent article. Particularly preferred pH control agents include citric acid and sodium citrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles including non-aqueous compositions for protecting the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include emollients, viscosity enhancers and anionic polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and absorbent articles including compositions for protecting the skin barrier. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include hydrophilic solvents, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, fatty alcohols, fatty acids and decoupling polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and absorbent articles including compositions for protecting the skin barrier. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include hydrophilic solvents, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, fatty alcohols, fatty acids and extracted botanical actives.

Abstract: An absorbing article for skin care and antisepsis comprises a substrate having absorbing ability for liquid and powder, and an augmentation layer made of chitosan and added to the substrate. The augmentation layer is made of powder, particle, liquid or solution of chitosan, and added to surface or inner part of the substrate, thus forming a protective layer on the substrate. The protective layer has natural biological care to skin, and has deodorization, antibiotic and sterilization effect, thus preventing bedsore.

Abstract: A novel article and method are disclosed for reducing malodor in disposable products for the absorption of body fluids. An effective amount of pentitol is applied to a disposable absorbent material, prior to its use. In one aspect, the invention provides a water-swellable, water-insoluble, hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material. In one aspect, the pentitol is compositionally part of the absorbent structure or is coated on the absorbent material present in the absorbent structure. The pentitol preferably is located in the area of insult, i.e., that area of the absorbent product to be exposed to the body fluid intended to be absorbed. The pentitol in the novel article and method of the present invention is effective in preventing malodor.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, feminine hygiene product, adult incontinent product, etc., arranged to be worn by a wearer to trap and collect fluid waste products, e.g., menses, feces and/or urine, of the wearer. The article has a flexible chassis and plural tabs for holding the diaper in place on the wearer. The chassis is made up of a top-sheet, a fluid absorbent core and a skin-treatment agent, e.g., zinc oxide, vitamins A, D and E, allentoin, aluminum hydroxide, Calamine, dimethicone, glycerin, kaolin, shark liver oil, cod liver oil, zinc acetate, lanolin, mineral oil, zinc carbonate, talc, titanium oxides, silver oxides, and combinations thereof. The top sheet is formed of a fluid pervious material, e.g., a fibrous material or a polymeric apertured three dimensional film.

Abstract: Disposable articles for treating objects such as surfaces, devices, persons, contaminants, and the like or for treating substances disposed on, in, or in proximity to such objects having a responsive system. The responsive system may respond continuously or discontinuously. A continuous responsive system of the present invention further includes a feedback control loop. A discontinuous responsive system of the present invention may include either a feedback control loop or an open loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles, such as a personal care product, having (i) a topsheet having a body-facing surface, said topsheet having a medicinal composition pattern applied to a region of the body-facing surface of the topsheet in an effective amount and wherein said pattern comprises individual segments having at least one dimension less than about 4 millimeters (extending in the MD and CD plane); and (ii) an absorbent material positioned adjacent the topsheet. In a further aspect, the article may further include a backsheet, which is desirably liquid-impervious, and which is positioned adjacent the absorbent material and opposite the topsheet. The present invention is also directed to a process for making said absorbent articles.

Abstract: There is provided a pantiliner which has a periphery and at least one fold line. The fold line allows the pantiliner to be adjusted in size by folding the pantiliner along the fold line(s). The product is thus convertible and may be used with conventional “hourglass” shaped panties or folded along the fold lines to fit thong panties.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article, such as a sanitary pad or napkin, wound dressing, and the like having an absorbent material treated with a fluid treatment agent, which fluid treatment agent causes red blood cells in a blood-containing fluid to agglomerate or lyse as the fluid passes into and/or through the absorbent article. In accordance with one preferred embodiment, the absorbent material is a porous nonwoven web material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article such as a disposal diaper, sanitary napkin, or the like which can reduce odor and dermatitis (rash) generated when such an absorbent article is worn. The absorbent article comprises a compound assimilated only by microorganisms in the normal flora of the skin useful and/or harmless to the human body and preferably such a compound assimilated only by microorganisms in normal flora of the skin useful and/or harmless to the human body is glucooligosaccharide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, or the like which can prevent a rash in the wearer, as well as a barrier agent to be applied to the surface of an absorbent article when such an absorbent article is produced. The barrier agent for an absorbent article is characterized by comprising an oil soluble antioxidant.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons and the like having a responsive system including an electrical actuator. The responsive system may respond continuously or discontinuously. A continuous responsive system of the present invention further includes a feedback control loop. A discontinuous responsive system of the present invention may include either a feedback control loop or an open loop.

Abstract: One or more particulate active agents are fused to the surface of a substrate web by mixing the particulate agents with a particulate binder having a particle size not exceeding an average diameter of approximately 40 microns and coating the composite mixture onto the surface of the substrate. Thereafter; the coated substrate is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the binder and compressed within the nip of a pair of pressure rolls to achieve fusion. If desired, a top layer may be placed upon the coated composite prior to the compression step. Also disclosed are various products manufactured by the process.

Abstract: There is provided a fibrous absorbent article for absorbing body fluids. The article includes a fibrous material suitable for absorbing the body fluids, and a molecular sieve disposed within the fibrous material to reduce odors from the body fluids. The molecular sieve is a natural zeolite of the clinoptilolite or chabasite species having an exchangeable cation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for maintaining and/or improving skin health in the area of a wearer covered by an absorbent article, the method comprising:

Abstract: Compositions which greatly diminish, or eliminate, unpleasant smells associated with the use of underwear and diapers are described. These compositions are composed of superabsorbent polymers of the p6lyacrylic type and of certain boron derivatives, in particular sodium tetraborate pentahydrate. The sanitary articles which incorporate these compositions do not develop unpleasant smells, ammoniacal or otherwise.

Abstract: There is provided a fibrous absorbent article for absorbing body fluids. The article includes a fibrous material suitable for absorbing the body fluids, and one or more all-natural, liquid malodor counteractant materials disposed within the fibrous material to absorb, neutralize, suppress, and/or eliminate odors associated with the body fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a topsheet, backsheet, an absorbent core and an odour control system. The odour control system comprises a zeolite and silica, wherein said zeolite and silica are in close physical proximity within said absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article which includes a thermal cell actuator capable of adding or removing heat to or from at least a portion of the absorbent article to perform a useful function on the article. The thermal cell actuator may be activated by an action of the wearer or caregiver or by environmental conditions between the article and wearer.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article including a main body having a liquid-pervious top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet an the back sheet; a layer containing a skin-protective ingredient; and a support layer for covering the ingredient-containing layer. The ingredient-containing layer and the support layer are provided on the surface of the main body to be in contact with the skin of a wearer. The solubility in water of the support layer is promoted at 25° C. or higher, and/or the moisture absorbability or the solubility in water of the support layer is promoted at a relative humidity of at least 30%.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article maintains the temperature and exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms. The absorbent article may further include lotion formulations and/or treatment compositions thereon for maintaining or improving skin health.

Abstract: The invention relates to absorbent articles, such as diapers and like articles and is concerned with methods for preventing undesirable odors and/or preventing the growth of undesirable microorganisms when the articles are in use, and also provides an absorbent article which can be worn for long periods of time without generating undesirable odors, incurring the risk of infection or having a negative effect on skin. Another object is to amplify the presence in the wearer's urogenital zone of microbiological flora that will assist in preventing the occurrence of urinal tract infections. These objects have been achieved by adding to the absorbent articles microorganisms which exhibit antagonistic properties against present undesirable strains of microorganisms, so as to restrain the growth of these or establishing of new undesirable species.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons and the like having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input and a mechanical actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon bodily waste, a wearer, the article or a component or components thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a pantiliner, has incorporated therein an unactivated bentonite clay as an odor control material for decreasing odors associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, containing cuffs with a skin care composition disposed thereon. The skin care composition disposed on the cuffs is transferable to the wearer's skin by normal contact and/or wearer motion and/or body heat. The skin care compositions disclosed in the present invention are selected to maintain and/or improve the skin health of the wearer upon transfer during use, for example, to provide a skin protective barrier or a therapeutic benefit; to minimize the abrasion between the cuffs and skin in the area where the cuffs contact the wearer's skin, resulting in less skin irritation; to improve BM clean up on the skin, or to improve the barrier properties of the cuffs.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons, and the like, having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input, an actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon the input, and a feedback control loop in which the actuator is adapted to perform the responsive function upon the input in a discontinuous manner. The responsive system may include an open loop or a closed loop system.

Abstract: A disposable article having a sensor that predicts an impending event such as an elimination of bodily waste. The article may also include an actuator that performs a responsive function when the sensor predicts the impending event.

Abstract: A diaper containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid emollient such as mineral oil or petrolatum, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the diaper topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: Disposable articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders and/or inserts, training pants, feminine hygiene garments, tampons, and the like, having a responsive system. The article includes a sensor that detects an input, an actuator that is adapted to perform a responsive function upon the input, and a feedback control loop in which the actuator is adapted to perform the responsive function upon the input when the sensor detects the input.

Abstract: An absorbent article for absorbing bodily fluid, incorporating a buffer having a pH of from 7 to 10 acting as an efficient odor control material for preventing or combating malodorous compounds present in such articles in use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing the malodor associated with disposable absorbent products intended for the absorption of body fluids. The method involves applying to the absorbent product, prior to its use, an effective amount of a surface-active agent having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 12. The surface-active agent is effective to reduce the odor of urine. Also disclosed is a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of body fluids, which disposable absorbent product includes an absorbent structure including a water-swellable, generally water-insoluble, hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material, a covering material, and an effective amount of a surface-active agent having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 12. The surface-active agent is effective to reduce the odor of urine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a haloperoxidase in combination with a hydrogen peroxide source for reducing the malodor emanating from soiled hygiene products. The invention also relates to hygiene products with reduced malodor in soiled state.

Abstract: An absorbent article containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid emollient such as mineral oil or petrolatum, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing the malodor associated with disposable absorbent products intended for the absorption of body fluids. The method involves applying to the absorbent product, prior to its use, an effective amount of a surface-active agent having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 12. The surface-active agent is effective to reduce the odor of urine. Also disclosed is a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of body fluids, which disposable absorbent product includes an absorbent structure including a water-swellable, generally water-insoluble, hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material, a covering material, and an effective amount of a surface-active agent having a hydrophilic/lipophilic balance of less than about 12. The surface-active agent is effective to reduce the odor of urine.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, disposable training pants, feminine hygiene products or an incontinent adult article, containing aloe vera on at least the surface of the article contacting the wearer's skin to reduce rash and methods of making same.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, disposable training pants, feminine hygiene products or an incontinent adult article, containing aloe vera on at least the surface of the article contacting the wearer's skin to reduce rash and methods of making same.

Abstract: Compositions which greatly diminish, or eliminate, unpleasant smells associated with the use of underwear and diapers are described. These compositions are composed of superabsorbent polymers of the polyacrylic type and of certain boron derivatives, in particular sodium tetraborate. The sanitary articles which incorporate these compositions do not develop unpleasant smells, ammoniacal or otherwise.

Abstract: Cellulose fibers and products comprising such fibers treated to absorb body secretions and to substantially decrease microbial growth, said fibers being chemically treated with a water soluble salt of a transition metal and an alkali and after this with a solution of a bisbiguanide compound, forming a bond between the fibers, the transition metal and the bisbiguanide. Preferred are water-soluble cupric salts as a suitable hydroxide. A preferred bisbiguanide is chlorhexidine. The products can be yarns, knitted, woven, non-woven fabrics, paper gauze and especially bandages, wound dressings, pads, diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, bed sheets, pants, garments, towels, socks, shoe linings and underwear. Preferably between 0.1 to 3.0 weight per cent copper calculated on the cellulose is bonded to the cellulose.

Abstract: Zirconium compounds reduce odors. Zirconium hydroxide and sulfated zirconium are especially efficient at reducing the odors of primary, secondary and tertiary amines or ammonia. Zirconium hydroxide and/or sulfated zirconium may be incorporated in pads which are the recipients of odoriferous waste materials, dispersed in holding tanks or lagoons or dispersed over human and animal wastes.

Abstract: A saponin for use in the reduction and/or elimination of undesirable odors by placement in diapers, women's sanitary items for their menstrual cycle, bed pans, and related incontinent problems and for situations where there is a desire to control undesirable odors associated by the emission of body fluids and solids.

Abstract: Reagents and methods are disclosed for modifying a fabric substrate in order to inactivate viruses, and particularly lipid-enveloped viruses, upon contact. Such substrates can be modified by photochemically immobilizing hydrophilic polymers containing both quaternary ammonium groups and hydrocarbon chains, resulting in a localized surfactancy capable of disrupting lipid-enveloped viruses upon contact with the substrate. Substrates of the invention can be fabricated into the form of articles for medical and related use.

Abstract: Absorbent products, especially catemenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids, such as menstrual fluid, blood and wound exudates, comprise an amount of a compound effective to inhibit the production of Enterotoxin A, Enterotoxin B and/or Enterotoxin C by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when the products are brought into contact with the bacteria. The compositions of this invention are also useful to inhibit production of Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxins A, B and C, as well as hemolysins produced by Groups A, B, F and G streptococci in solution as well as being expected to be effective to inhibit such toxin and hemolysin production when used in conjunction with absorbent products. The compound is selected from the group consisting of monoesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; diesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and articles such as catamenials, diapers, pantiliners, adult incontinence garments, and underarm shields which minimize odor caused by body fluids and which provide a pleasant scent signal to indicate that the odor is being removed. This scent signal, provided by cyclodextrin/perfume inclusion complexes and/or matrix perfume microcapsules, assures the wearer that the product is working.

Abstract: Absorbent products, especially catamenial tampons, for absorbing body fluids, such as menstrual fluid, blood and wound exudates, comprise an amount of a compound effective to inhibit the production of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when the products are brought into contact with the bacteria. The compound is selected from the group consisting of monoesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; diesters of a polyhydric aliphatic alcohol and a C.sub.8 -C.sub.18 fatty acid; and mixtures thereof. The monoesters and diesters have at least one hydroxyl group associated with their aliphatic alcohol residue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article of manufacture which minimizes odor caused by bodily fluids, i.e. perspiration, comprising: a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; and optionally, a means for supporting the article in an appropriate position to perform its absorbency and odor control function; wherein the topsheet comprises an apertured plastic film containing an effective amount of zeolite impregnated with a heavy metal ion; The articles of the present invention provide an increase in the topsheet surface area available for contact with external body fluids such as perspiration, places the antibacterial active in the closest proximity to the skin of the wearer, the active reducing the perspiration malodor by minimizing its formation.