Abstract: This invention affords catamenial devices such as tampons and panty liners in which a microbistatic fibrous material is layered or covered with a non-microbistatic fibrous material.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles having an ion-exchanging topsheet are disclosed. By using topsheets which release protons upon exposure to body fluids, absorbent articles such as diapers can be realized which are effective for absorbing discharged body waste and which also are effective for lowering skin pH within the acid range. Lowering of skin pH to values within the range of from about 3.0 to 5.5, can serve to prevent or reduce diaper rash.

Abstract: An activated carbon product such as a charcoal cloth or felt has, in addition to any activating material, a metal uniformly dispersed therein. The metal may be catalytic or bactericidal, and a particularly preferred product of the invention contains silver and is suitable for use as a surgical dressing. Such products can be produced by a conventional activation procedure using a mixture of halides, even if the further metal halide is substantially insoluble in the impregnation solution used for activation, by incorporating in the solution ammonia and a sequestering agent such as citric acid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a non-woven material having a superficial coating of a linear polymeric biguanide in which the recurring unit is of the formula ##STR1## wherein X and Y, which may be the same or different, represent bridging groups in which the total number of carbon atoms in X and Y taken together, directly interposed between the pairs of nitrogen atoms linked thereby, is from 10 to 16, or the salt thereof with an acid. Preferably the polymeric biguanide is polyhexamethylene biguanide dihydrochloride. The material is useful in the form of an article designed for the collection of human body emissions, more particularly disposable nappies to avoid bacterial activity.

Abstract: An oil absorbing cosmetic tissue consisting of an oil absorbant sheet impregnated with a bactericide, the tissue thus able to remove excess skin oil and at the same time suppress the proliferation of bacteria so as to reduce the adverse effects of bacteria on the skin.

Abstract: An improved disposable diaper is provided and consists of a pouch on inner surface of the interior liner at crotch portion of the diaper. The pouch contains lotion/ointment therein and has a plurality of minute perforations. When an adhesive strip is removed from the perforations the lotion/ointment will come out onto skin of a baby when the diaper is placed onto the baby.

Abstract: An antimicrobially active, non-woven web, a wet wiper containing the web, and a method of making the web. The method includes the steps of forming an unbonded fibrous web; applying throughout the unbonded fibrous web an uncured binder and an antimicrobial agent, the antimicrobial active agent being substantive to the fibers of the web and to the binder; and curing the binder material to bind the fibers together to form an antimicrobially active, non-woven web. A preferred antimicrobial agent is an organo-silicon quaternary ammonium salt, especially a 3-(trimethoxylsilyl) propyldidecylmethyl ammonium chloride or a 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyloctadecyldimethyl ammonium chloride.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment and prevention of diaper rash and diaper dermatitis caused by the prolonged contact of human skin with body waste are disclosed. The methods of the present invention employ the topical application of a minimum inhibitory concentration of a pharmaceutically-acceptable lipase-inhibiting agent to the area in need of such treatment, or the area where prevention is desired. The lipase-inhibiting agent is preferably a water-soluble metallic salt, such as ZnCl.sub.2, and is preferably applied in combination with a barrier-like vehicle. The effectiveness of these methods is surprising in light of the present confusion and controversy surrounding the actual causes of diaper rash, and the heretofore unrecognized role of lipase as a factor in the cause of diaper rash and diaper dermatitis.

Abstract: Specific zeolite particles retaining therein a metal ion having a bactericidal activity are packed and retained in a mixed fiber assembly composed of low-melting thermoplastic synthetic fibers and ordinary fibers. The zeolite particles are retained by welding of the low-temperature thermoplastic synthetic fibers but in a state of allowing the contact thereof with an external fluid. The particle-packed fiber article has an excellent and durable antibacterial activity and can be used in various fields.

Abstract: An absorbent body for collecting blood, faeces and urine contains a water-soluble copper salt which impedes bacterial growth, prevents the breaking-down of urea into ammonia and complex-binds ammonia so as to prevent the occurrence of unpleasant odor. Preferably copper acetate is used, in which even the acetate ion has germicidal effect.