Abstract: A sheet including a substrate having on one face a multiplicity of tangible signalers for signaling the wearer on occurrence of urination. The substrate has urine-soluble matter on the face establishing a non-signaling condition of the tangible signalers. The urine-soluble matter is dissolved by the urine on urination enabling signaling by the tangible signalers.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article comprising a nonwoven material comprising at least one time release additive. Time release of additives is addressed by encapsulating the additive in a large cavity or cage molecule such as cyclodextrin or zeolite.

Abstract: A toilet flushable diaper for use by infants and incontinent adults. The diaper has a liquid impervious back sheet comprised of a soluble film center layer covered on both sides with flocking or nonwoven material. An absorbent member is carried on the inner surface of the back sheet comprises a liquid pervious cover which encapsulates an inner body for absorbing urine and other body fluids. The diaper is formed with a weakened tear sheet which enables manual tearing of it into several pieces, allowing the pieces to dissolve when absorbing water as they are flushed down a toilet.

Abstract: The focus of the invention is an absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, adult incontinence guard, sanitary napkin and the like containing a skin conditioning agent in at least a portion of the article so as to be transferable to the skin of the wearer. The skin conditioning agent is contained in a hydrogel foam material (9; 19; 20) intended to be applied in skin contact with the wearer, either directly or indirectly via a liquid permeable material (2).

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back sheet, a water-decomposable absorbent layer, and a surface member covering the absorbent layer. The surface member has a plurality of water-retentive water-decomposable sheets laminated and bonded to each other by integration means for permitting to dissociate the water-decomposable sheets from each other when wetted.

Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to receive feces having a first waist region, a second waist region opposed to the first waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first waist region and the second waist region, the absorbent article comprising: a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet; an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and an effective amount of a feces reducing agent disposed in the article such that the reducing agent is available to contact at least a portion of the feces deposited in the article.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having a water drain in the crotch area. A drain opening of the water drain is covered with a urine insoluble, water soluble material, thereby remaining sealed for initial product use prior to swimming. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, just like ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, such as pool or lake water, the water soluble material becomes soluble and “opens” the drain, allowing swim water, but not bowel movements, to drain out the bottom of the garment.

Abstract: An absorbent article 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 absorbent article 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: An absorbent article contains a hydrophilic fiber processed by a water-soluble deodorant containing a graft polymer having a deodorant functional group. This constitution ensures to have large deodorizing function per unit weight, compared to a particulate deodorant. Consequently, the constitution allows to decrease a weight of the deodorant and to excel in deodorizing function. Moreover, it is unnecessary to fix the deodorant and easy to compound with the absorbent article. Therefore, it allows to obtain an absorbent article having excellent aesthetics and cleanness.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including an absorbent body that has a water-decomposable top sheet, a water-decomposable back sheet, a water-decomposable adsorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet, and an adhesive layer provided on the back sheet to fit the absorbent article to an external support; and a water-decomposable release sheet for protecting the adhesive layer before use with covering the adhesive layer. The release sheet includes a release layer that faces the adhesive layer, a water-decomposable fibrous layer, and a water-soluble polymer layer sandwiched between the release layer and the fibrous layer. A basis weight of the release layer is at least 0.05 g/m2 but smaller than 0.3 g/m2, and an equilibrium contact angle between a surface of the release layer and a water drop thereon is at least 100 degrees.

Abstract: Provided are highly dispersible absorbent products, comprising an absorbent structure and preferably a water soluble barrier layer, wherein the absorbent products have a high rate of dispersibility, can exhibit low residual by-product in urinals upon flushing, resist strikethrough of absorbed fluid onto the hand of the user, and can absorb a sufficient amount of fluid without becoming overloaded or leaking. In one embodiment, provided is a ring rolled cellulosic sheet having a water soluble polymeric film laminated thereto. Also provided is a method of making such dispersible absorbent products comprising mechanically weakening an absorbent structure. Also provided are packaged products comprising a package and a plurality of dispersible absorbent products or articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) includes a backsheet layer (30), a liquid permeable topsheet layer (28), and an absorbent body (32) sandwiched between the backsheet and topsheet layers. The absorbent body (32) includes a first fibrous stratum (52) having a first quantity of absorbent fibers, a second fibrous stratum (54) having a second quantity of absorbent fibers, and at least a third fibrous stratum (56) which is located between and integrally formed with the first and second fibrous strata (52, 54). In particular aspects, the third fibrous stratum (56) includes an operative quantity of a substantially hydrophilic, wet-strength agent. In other aspects, the wet-strength agent is distributed in the third quantity of absorbent fibers to render the third fibrous stratum (56) substantially non-dispersible.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having a fluid draining mechanism included in the layers of the garment. The swimwear garment includes a body side liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent assembly between the body side liner and the outer cover. Between the absorbent assembly and the outer cover is a layer of water-dispersible material, such as a film or a nonwoven web, coated on a surface facing the absorbent assembly with a barrier coating. During initial product use, the absorbent swimwear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, similar to ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, such as pool or lake water, the water-dispersible material becomes soluble and allows swim water, but not bowel movements, to drain out through the outer cover of the garment.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article such as a training pant includes a liquid soluble wetness indicator and one or more, masking techniques for minimizing the likelihood of smudges appearing after activation. The techniques include masking graphics and peripherally disposed adhesive patterns.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent article includes an outer peripheral region being formed in a predetermined width spaced from a peripheral edge of the absorbent article, and an inner region located inside the outer peripheral region. The absorbent layer and the back layer, and/or the absorbent layer and the surface layer are bonded to each other with a water-soluble or water-swellable adhesive therebetween in the inner region, and the interlayer bonding strength of the layers bonded with the adhesive in the inner region is higher than the interlayer bonding strength of the layers in the outer peripheral region, both in wet and in dry.

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: This invention relates to an absorbent composite which utilizes multifunctional superabsorbent materials to enhance distribution of fluids within the absorbent composite. More specifically, this invention relates to superabsorbent materials which swell and absorb fluids and also can deswell and release fluids into the surrounding absorbent composite and towards additional superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent materials of this invention deswell and release fluid by means of a triggering mechanism. Triggering mechanisms can include thermal, chemical, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and radiation energies. Swelling and deswelling of the superabsorbent materials can be repeated for more than one cycle thereby improving fluid distribution. Multiple swelling and deswelling cycles allow multiple insults to be distributed throughout an absorbent composite, fully utilizing the absorbent capabilities of the full absorbent composite and minimizing leakage.

Abstract: A toilet training article in the form of a toilet training pad containing an effervescent agent is disclosed. The toilet training pad, which may be an insertable pad or integrated directly into an undergarment, contains an effervescent agent which releases gas upon being contacted by urine. The effervescent agent may be in the form of a compound containing a substantially inert gas, or may be a combination of compounds that, upon being contacted by urine, produce a gas.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer and having a smaller planar dimension than the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent article includes an inner region in which the absorbent layer is present, and an outer peripheral region having the back layer and the surface layer bonded to each other without interposing the absorbent layer therebetween and being formed in a predetermined width spaced from a peripheral edge of the absorbent article. A thermoplastic water-soluble adhesive is applied in a strip shape between the back layer and the surface layer in a predetermined width along the peripheral edge in the outer peripheral region. The back layer and the surface layer are heat-sealed with the thermoplastic water-soluble adhesive disposed therebetween in the outer peripheral region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article having a stable skin care composition disposed on its skin-contacting surface. The skin care composition is readily transferable to the skin via normal contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. Importantly, the skin care composition contains at least one skin care ingredient imparting visible skin benefits to the skin upon transfer to the skin and at least one rheological agent for stabilizing the composition such that agglomeration, stratification and/or settling of the composition are minimized. The present invention also relates to a process for making the absorbent articles having a stable skin care composition disposed thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures including fibers bound with a polyvalent cation-containing compound and superabsorbent polymer particles. The fibers exhibit an ion extraction factor of at least 5%. Also disclosed are multi-strata absorbent structures, such as disposable absorbent articles, including the treated fibers and SAP particles. Further disclosed are methods for preparing absorbent structures including the treated fibers; structures including fibers combined with a polyvalent cation-containing compound; and methods for treating or coating SAP particles with polyvalent cation-containing compounds.

Abstract: A paper diaper using an water-absorbing polymer is superior in absorbency/water-retaining performance to a cloth diaper, but it has the drawback that it generates garbage and is expensive. An water-absorbing pad is formed by allowing an water-absorbing polymer which is dispersed, dissolved or melted or the crosslinks of which are broken in an electrolytic aqueous solution to be retained by a water soluble material. An water-absorbing product is produced by interposing the water-absorbing pad thus formed between sheets of cloth or other materials. The water-absorbing pad secured within the product is dissolved when washed with an electrolytic aqueous solution, and the product itself is reusable.

Abstract: An absorbent sanitary protection device, designed so as to be worn intralabially, includes an absorption body with a first surface which is intended to face a wearer during use and a second surface which is intended to face away from the wearer during use. The absorption body of the sanitary protection device is made from a preformed, dehydrated hydrogel and is in the shape of a spoon with a cup-shaped portion arranged on the first surface and an elongate handle-shaped portion which, by way of the preforming, includes a portion which, on wetting, swells and forms a raised portion on the first surface of the protection device.

Abstract: A process treats the surface of a polymeric tampon applicator so as to improve its whitening. The process applies electron beam energy to the applicator in sufficient magnitude and time duration to achieve the desired whitening.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a flushable release liner/wiper combination. The flushable release liner/wiper combination is formed by applying a release coating onto a first surface of a water-sensitive film and an absorbent fibrous material onto an opposite surface of the water-sensitive film. The flushable release liner/wiper combination maintains its integrity and strength when in use, but loses its integrity and strength when placed in contact with water. The flushable release liner/wiper combination quickly breaks up and disperses in a flushing toilet or sink due to the force of the flowing water on the liner/wiper combination. Moreover, the present invention is directed to methods of making the flushable release liner/wiper combination and water-dispersible products, including flushable products, which contain the flushable release liner/wiper combination.

Abstract: Provided is a water-decomposable absorbent article including a water-decomposable back layer, a water-decomposable and liquid-pervious surface layer, and a water-decomposable absorbent layer sandwiched between the back layer and the surface layer and having a smaller planar dimension than the back layer and the surface layer. The absorbent article includes an inner region in which the absorbent layer is present, and an outer peripheral region having the back layer and the surface layer bonded to each other without interposing the absorbent layer therebetween and being formed in a predetermined width spaced from a peripheral edge of the absorbent article. A thermoplastic water-soluble adhesive is applied in a strip shape between the back layer and the surface layer in a predetermined width along the peripheral edge in the outer peripheral region. The back layer and the surface layer are heat-sealed with the thermoplastic water-soluble adhesive disposed therebetween in the outer peripheral region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wound dressings comprising fibrinogen and at least one procoagulant such as propyl gallate in a therapeutic amount. Also disclosed are methods of treating wounds, increasing an amount of or rate of coagulation of blood from a wound, increasing an amount of or rate of clot formation over a wound, increasing blood platelet counts, activating a coagulation system, increasing the plasma concentration of fibrinogen, and decreasing the activated partial thromboplastin time. Also disclosed are an arterial bleeding model and methods of studying arterial bleeding.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a bodyside liner includes a hydrophilic lotion formulation on the outer bodyfacing surface thereof. The hydrophilic lotion formulation comprises from about 10 to about 90 weight percent of a hydrophilic solvent, from about 5 to about 90 weight percent of a high molecular weight polyethylene glycol, and from about 0 to about 60 weight percent of a fatty alcohol. The hydrophilic lotion formulation has a reduced adverse effect on the absorbent and liquid uptake properties of the liner and the absorbent body when compared to conventional lipophilic or hydrophobic lotion formulations. The hydrophilic lotion formulation acts as a lubricant to reduce the abrasion of the skin caused by the liner and also transfers to the skin to provide improved skin health.

Abstract: An absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity, the absorbent device having an absorbent body and an indicator structure arranged and configured within the absorbent body, the indicator structure having a resilient member maintained in a strained configuration by a restraint; wherein the resilient member is capable of reverting to a relaxed configuration upon the weakening of the restraint and the restraint weakens upon exposure to moisture.

Abstract: An absorbent device for insertion into a vaginal cavity, the absorbent device having an absorbent body; and an indicator structure arranged and configured within the absorbent body, the indicator structure having a resilient member having a first arm having a rough surface and a second arm, the first and second arms being maintained in a strained configuration by a restraint; wherein the restraint weakens upon exposure to moisture and the resilient member is capable of articulating to a relaxed configuration upon the weakening of the restraint in a movement in which the rough surface of the first arm traverses the second arm to generate vibration discernible to the user.

Abstract: An absorbent product includes a liquid-permeable surface layer (2), a liquid-impermeable backing material (3) and an absorption body (4) enclosed between the surface layer (2) and the backing material (3). An attachment system has at least one tab (18) for detachable interaction with a landing zone (20) arranged on the front or rear portion of the product, the landing zone being designed as a strip with two long sides (26) and two short sides (25) which join the two long sides (26) together, and the landing zone (20) has a central inactive area (28) arranged centrally in the transverse direction on the landing zone, and two active areas (27) arranged one on each side of the central inactive area (28) so that the active areas extend in the transverse direction from the central inactive area (28) to the short sides (25) of the landing zone.

Abstract: Absorbent wetlaid paper containing at least 1% by weight, calculated on the dry weight of the paper, of an absorbent polymeric material having a thermo-reversible liquid uptake capacity, which has a cloud point, Cp, in water within the temperature interval 30-60° C., preferably 35-55° C., at which the polymer has a substantially higher liquid uptake capacity at temperatures below said cloud point as compared to at temperatures above the cloud point. The thermo-reversible polymer will then be inactive during the papermaking process and be activated to its swelling and absorbent form when it is brought into contact with a liquid, the temperature of which is below the cloud point, Cp, of the polymer.

Abstract: A water-decomposable absorbent article including an absorbent body that has a water-decomposable top sheet, a water-decomposable back sheet, a water-decomposable adsorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet, and an adhesive layer provided on the back sheet to fit the absorbent article to an external support; and a water-decomposable release sheet for protecting the adhesive layer before use with covering the adhesive layer. The release sheet includes a release layer that faces the adhesive layer, a water-decomposable fibrous layer, and a water-soluble polymer layer sandwiched between the release layer and the fibrous layer. A basis weight of the release layer is at least 0.05 g/m2 but smaller than 0.3 g/m2, and an equilibrium contact angle between a surface of the release layer and a water drop thereon is at least 100 degrees.

Abstract: A dispersible absorbent product having a mechanically weakened multi-layered structure, which comprises at least two mechanically weakened layers joined by a water responsive binder. The mechanically weakened regions enhance the dispersibility of the product in a standard toilet. Additionally, the dispersible absorbent products may be pre-moistened with a composition. The pre-moistened products are stable in storage, easily dispersible down a toilet, and deliver cleaning, conditioning, and like benefits. Methods of making such dispersible absorbent products are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising a low-molecular weight, amorphous polyalphaolefin layer and a water-sensitive substrate layer. Preferably, the polyalphaolefin comprises either a propylene-ethylene copolymer or an ethylene-butene copolymer. Polyalphaolefin coated water-dispersible films of the present invention may be advantageously employed in the preparation of a wide variety of products designed to be contacted with aqueous fluids. Although the coated water-dispersible film of the present invention is particularly suited for personal care products, the coated water-dispersible film of the present invention may be advantageously employed in the preparation of a wide variety of consumer products other than personal care products. When the entire product is disposed of in water, the water-sensitive layer is wetted and weakens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article having a stable skin care composition disposed on its skin-contacting surface. The skin care composition is readily transferable to the skin via normal contact, wearer motion, and/or body heat. Importantly, the skin care composition contains at least one skin care ingredient imparting visible skin benefits to the skin upon transfer to the skin and at least one rheological agent for stabilizing the composition such that agglomeration, stratification and/or settling of the composition are minimized. The present invention also relates to a process for making the absorbent articles having a stable skin care composition disposed thereon.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, containing cuffs and a topsheet with one or more skin care compositions disposed thereon. The skin care compositions are 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: An absorbent article that helps maintain a wearer's skin pH in an acidic condition is described. The absorbent article has a body contacting surface with a skin care composition that is transferred from the body contacting surface to the wearer's skin by contact, normal wearer motion and/or body heat. The skin care composition contains at least one proton donating active. Preferred proton donating actives include: monomeric organic acids, polymeric acids, and inorganic acid salts. The absorbent article also includes a liquid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the body contacting surface and the backsheet.

Abstract: A device for managing urinary incontinence comprises a resilient body that engages the external genitalia and sealingly occludes the urethral meatus. In female embodiments, the body fits between the labia minora and the floor of the vulval vestibule, occluding the meatus. An adhesive on the body provides a sealing engagement with the meatus. In a first female embodiment, the body has a base with an adhesive layer that seats against the vestibule floor. A pair of flexible, lateral flaps engage the labia minora. A layer of super-absorbent material may be situated between the base and the adhesive layer, and/or a layer of scrim material may be so situated. The body may have a longitudinal ridge with a posterior edge having a finger hole to facilitate installation and removal of the device. In a second female embodiment, the body is substantially tubular, with the adhesive on the exterior surface of the body.

Abstract: An absorbent insert for use with an absorbent garment has a body-facing outer surface and a garment-facing outer surface. The garment-facing outer surface is at least partially permeable to fluids. The insert also includes one or more absorbent layers and one or more delay layer(s) adapted to substantially affect the flow of fluid through the insert.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes transversely opposite side edge regions thereof and the side edge regions are folded to form pleats each presenting a Z-shaped cross section and an body waste disposal sheet is bonded along its transversely opposite side edge regions to upper surfaces of the pleats so that the disposal sheet may be separated from the diaper as the transversely opposite side edge regions of the diaper are held and bilaterally pulled by a person having charge of body waste disposal with his or her hands.

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 absorbent articles including skin care compositions. The skin care compositions of the invention are stable on the bodyside liners of absorbent articles despite not containing an immobilizing agent. Surprisingly, the skin care compositions of the invention even demonstrate less migration away from the bodyside liner than do other compositions that contain so-called “immobilizing agents”. The compositions of the invention possess physical properties, such as melting points, viscosities and hardnesses, comparable to compositions containing immobilizing agents, making them suitable for use on absorbent articles.

Abstract: A liquid reception device as a component, for example, of a personal care product such as a disposable diaper, an incontinent garment, or for other applications such as, for example, an industrial soaker pad or the like. The device includes liquid activated means to move a liquid insult from a target zone to a peripheral zone. The liquid activated transport means operated mechanically by suction created by compression or vacuum or by physical movement of a liquid container from the target zone to the peripheral zone. The disclosed device provides increased use of available liquid handling capacity.

Abstract: This invention relates to water responsive thermoplastic compositions and articles constructed thereof. This invention particularly relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions useful for the manufacture of disposable-articles such as disposable diapers and feminine napkins. More particularly, this invention relates to thermoplastic copolyester compositions that are useful as a raw material in the manufacture of nonwovens, barrier films or coatings and as well as for various improved hot melt adhesives compositions useful for incorporating hydrophilic features into disposable articles.

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: 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 a flushable fibrous structure that is particularly useful as a disposable tissue product and as a component (e.g., topsheets) for absorbent articles such as catamenial pads, diapers, incontinent articles and the like. The invention specifically relates to a flushable fibrous structure that has an in-use wet tensile strength of at least about 100 g/in. and a disposal wet tensile strength of not more than about 30 g/in. The invention also relates to absorbent articles comprising the fibrous structures, and methods for making the structures.

Abstract: An article containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition provides a skin benefit and/or reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition applied to the article in a nonuniform manner, preferably such there are regions on the article's topsheet that are not coated with lotion.

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.