Abstract: An absorbent article which includes a topsheet including a primary aperture for receiving fecal waste, a backsheet joined with at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a spacing member disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The spacing member provides a void space into which feces can be directed. The absorbent article preferably also includes a body adhering composition disposed about at least a portion of the primary aperture for adhering the topsheet of the absorbent article to the wearer during use.

Abstract: An absorbent article including 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 a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of a crotch region. The waste management element preferably includes an acceptance element having an effective open area of at least about 30 percent and a storage element having a compressive resistance of at least about 70 percent.

Abstract: Flexible open-celled microcellular foams based on thermoplastic polymers are useful for fluid-absorbent hygiene articles.

Abstract: A disposable diaper that has a panel member which is flexible and substantially non-stretchable and attached to an end flap in a rear waist region and extends in a transverse direction of the diaper. The panel member has a stiffness higher than that of the end flap so that shrinkage and/or distortion of the end flap can be restrained by the panel member.

Abstract: An absorbent porous structure for use in a diaper, a pant diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin or the like, with a liquid acquisition portion and a liquid storage portion which are an integrated unit. The liquid acquisition portion comprises a compressed polymeric open-cell foam which expands upon wetting, and the liquid storage portion comprises a polymeric open-cell foam which may be the same or different from the foam in the liquid acquisition portion. The liquid storage portion also contains a superabsorbent material, with the amount of superabsorbent material being lower in the part of the liquid storage portion that is located closest to the liquid acquisition portion than in the part of the liquid storage portion that is located furthest from the liquid acquisition portion. Other embodiments include a method for producing the absorbent structure and an absorbent article containing such an absorbent structure.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an ultimate fluid storage region and a fluid distribution region, positioned between the ultimate storage region and the garment oriented surface of the article, in fluid communication with the ultimate fluid storage region, the ultimate fluid storage region includes a material which has: (1) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Capacity at 100 cm (CSDC 100) of at least 10 g/g; (2) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Capacity at 0 cm (CSDC 0) higher than the CSDC 100; (3) a Loosely Bound Liquid Capacity (LBLC); and (4) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Release Height when 50% of the LBLC are released (CSDRH 50) less than 60 cm. Further, the liquid distribution layer material has a Capillary Sorption Absorption Height at 30% of its maximum capacity (CSAH 30) of at least 35 cm. Disuibution material can be foam materials, particularly those derived from high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions.

Abstract: The invention refers to an absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, a pant diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin etc., the absorbent structure comprises an open-cell foam structure, the pore walls of said foam structure comprising a liquid-storing material having the capacity to store more than 7% synthetic urine defined according to the CRC method. The absorbent structure is characterized by that the pores of the foam structure contains hydrophilic fibers, at which at least the main part of the hydrophilic fibers are firmly anchored in the pore walls of the foam structure, and that the fiber amount is at least 10% by weight of the total weight of the open-cell foam in dry condition. The invention also refers to an absorbent article containing such an absorbent structure.

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: A personal care absorbent article made of a nonwoven material having a plurality of polymeric fibers having a fiber interior comprising at least one of a liquid fluid and a gaseous fluid. The nonwoven materials are produced by heating at least one polymer to a melting point, forming a molten polymer; extruding the molten polymer through a plurality of capillaries, injecting a liquid fluid and/or a gaseous fluid into the molten polymer prior to, during and/or after the extruding step, forming a plurality of fluid-filled polymeric fibers, wherein the liquid fluid and/or gaseous fluid is dispersed within the interior of the polymeric fibers, and depositing the fluid-filled polymeric fibers onto a web forming surface, forming a nonwoven material.

Abstract: The invention is a method applying a foamable movement obstruction agent to an absorbent article which comprises superabsorbent material. The foamable agent can be applied before, after, or simultaneously to creation of the foam structure, and can be applied to the article directly or to a carrier substrate to then be combined with the article.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable and moisture-permeable leakproof sheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the leakproof sheet. A foamed material is disposed in the absorbent member. The foamed material has a density of 5 to 35 kg/m3, a no-load thickness of 1 to 10 mm, and a compressive recovery of 60% or more in terms of (b/a×100), wherein a is a thickness (mm) measured after 24-hour standing with no load applied, and b is a thickness (mm) measured after 24-hour compression under a load of 180 gf/cm2 followed by 30-minute standing with no load applied. The foamed material is fixed at the prescribed position with an adhesive, which has been applied to have applied parts and unapplied parts.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fibrous absorbent structure that is wet stable and has large void volume with a density below the critical density of the fiber employed. In one embodiment, the fibrous absorbent uses open-celled foam technologies to keep the fibrous structure expanded and bonded. In other embodiments, the resulting fibrous structure resembles an open-celled polymeric foam, with fibers serving as struts stabilized by binder material. In another embodiment, the resulting fibrous structure is filled with hydrophilic open-celled foams with the cell size substantially smaller than the fibrous pores. Such a wet-stable, high void volume fibrous absorbent can be used in a disposable product intended for the absorption of fluid such as body fluid, including extensible absorbent articles.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent core layer and a breathable outer cover is provided with a hydrophobic foam dampness-inhibiting layer between the absorbent core and the outer cover. The hydrophobic foam dampness-inhibiting layer maintains an air space within the foam. The air space acts as a thermal insulator, dampness-perception inhibitor and moisture passageway. The resulting product is an absorbent garment having a breathable outer cover material with reduced perception of dampness on the outer surface of the outer cover.

Abstract: An absorbent fibrous foam composite comprising a fluid intake capacity of at least 15 g/g, a vertical wicking distance of at least 10 cm, and an absorbency under zero load of at least 15 g/g. The absorbent fibrous foam composite comprising a water insoluble fibrous material and a superabsorbent material. The absorbent fibrous foam composite made by forming a slurry of water, a water-insoluble fiber, and a binding agent. A water-swellable, water-insoluble superabsorbent material is added to the slurry and the temperature is lowered until the water freezes. The frozen water is then removed by sublimation process and an absorbent fibrous foam recovered. The Gelation Time, which represents a fluid absorption rate of superabsorbent during the preparation, is critical to preparing uniform absorbent freeze-dried foams and can be adjusted by various mixing conditions and physical and chemical superabsorbent treatments.

Abstract: Described are absorbent members useful in the containment of body liquids such as urine. These absorbent members comprise at least one osmotic absorbent (preferably a hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer) and a high surface area material, and have a high capillary suction capacity. For purposes of the present disclosure, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of the member's ability to uptake liquid at high capillary heights, which are generally encountered when the member is positioned in an absorbent article. In particular, capillary suction capacity is measured in terms of a member's capillary sorption absorbent capacity, which is measured in accordance with the Capillary Sorption method described in the Test Methods section.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical articles, such as wound dressings. In one embodiment, the medical article includes a backing, an absorbent foam, and a fibrous adhesive disposed between the backing and the absorbent foam, wherein the backing includes a liquid-impervious, moisture-vapor permeable polymeric film. In another embodiment, the medical article includes a backing, an absorbent, substantially nonswellable foam, and an adhesive disposed therebetween. In yet another embodiment, the medical article includes a backing, a foam, and a fibrous adhesive disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An absorbent composite (10) having a fibrous matrix that includes absorbent material is disclosed. The fibrous matrix defines voids (14) and passages between the voids, which are distributed throughout the composite. Absorbent material (18) is located within some of the voids (14). Absorbent material located in these voids is expandable into the void. In a preferred embodiment, the composite's fibrous matrix includes resilient and matrix fibers (16). The composite optionally includes a wet strength agent.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an improvement of performance for disposable absorbent articles to prevent a leakage of body discharges. A disposable absorbent article comprising: an absorbent body having an average width of from about 5 mm to about 30 mm. The first resilient material is disposed between the body facing surface and the garment facing surface of the absorbent article; and a first resilient material disposed between the body facing surface and the absorbent body in a circumferential manner such that at least a part of the body facing surface of the absorbent article forms a raised circumferential bank in the central region and a concave portion surrounded by the raised circumferential bank. The first resilient material is selected from the group consisting of a polymeric foam material, a fibrous material, an elastic material, a formed film material, an absorbent gelling material, and a mixture thereof.

Abstract: Highly efficient absorbent articles for wearing by a human female such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads. In use, the absorbent articles preferably maintain contact with and cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia, the exterior surfaces of the wearer's labia, and the supporting garment. The absorbent articles are highly flexible, having flexure resistance of less than or equal to about 100 grams. The absorbent articles may be flat or cup-shaped.

Abstract: A wrapped absorbent structure that includes two or more absorbent materials to maximize the absorbent functionality of the structure without sacrificing integrity. The structure includes an absorbent core surrounded by an absorbent wrap. The absorbent core is primarily intended to provide absorbent capacity while the absorbent wrap is used to maintain wetness integrity, although the absorbent wrap also provides a considerable amount of absorbent capacity. The absorbent structure is particularly suitable for use in absorbent swimwear.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises an open-cell foam, which provides the absorbent structure thereof. The absorbent structure has a means for enhancing transport of the fluids from the upper surface into the core region, the means being selected from: a) localized expanded regions of the foam, b) apertures in the foam; c) integration to a topsheet and d) combinations of (a), (b), and (c). Also disclosed are processes of treating thin-after-drying foam absorbent materials to provide selective expansion, aperturing, and topsheet integration.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressings, in particular wound dressings of low- or non-exuding wounds a bleeding wounds. The wound dressings are of the island type, having as adhesive-coated backing sheet (6) and an absorbent island (9) supported on the backing sheet. The island (9) comprises a layer (2) of liquid absorbent material enclosed in an envelope of textured perforated thermoplastic film. The film (3) at one side of the island (9) presents a ribbed or embossed perforated surface having low adherency to the wound. The film island an the rear surface of the envelope is perforated and smoothed to provide good attachment to the backing sheet (6) and controlled water vapor transmission rate. The invention also provides a method of manufacture of the wound dressings according to the invention, according to which the absorbent layer (2) is wrapped in a textured perforated thermoplastic film, and the film on the rear face of the envelope is then preferably smoothed by blowing hot air onto it.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence products, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like, providing superior strikethrough and rewet characteristics, and methods of preparing the absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise at least a topsheet, backsheet, absorbent core, and fluid handling layer, and the article has a third insult Strikethrough of less than about 45 seconds, and a third insult Rewet of less than about 35 grams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a single-use absorbent sanitary article, especially diapers, sanitary napkins, and incontinence articles. The inventive sanitary article comprises an absorbent body (30) that consists of at least two layers, one layer (32) for absorbing, distributing and temporarily storing liquid and facing the body when used, and one storage layer (34) on the side facing away from the body which has a content of at least 50% of superabsorbent polymer material. The inventive layer (32) for absorbing, distributing and temporarily storing liquid is extruded from a thermoplastic polymer to which a blowing agent is added.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having front and rear regions corresponding to the front and rear of a wearer, respectively, and a crotch region between the front and rear regions. The article generally comprises a backsheet, a topsheet overlaying the backsheet, and a foam layer disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. An absorbent core also is located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The foam layer preferably extends from the front region, through the crotch, and into the back region. The foam layer is attached to the article, while in a laterally extended position, in at least one of the front and rear regions thereby elasticizing at least one region.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence products, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like, providing unexpectedly superior absorbency and methods of preparing the absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a substantially non-wicking layer disposed between a substantially impermeable backsheet and a permeable topsheet, said substantially non-wicking layer comprising foam having a density of no greater than about 0.01 g/cc and a compressional rigidity at about 10% strain of at least about 4 kPa.

Abstract: The present invention relates to shape deformable materials, which are capable of (1) being deformed, (2) storing an amount of shape deformation, and (3) recovering at least a portion of the shape deformation when exposed to a humid environment. The shape deformable materials can advantageously be in the form of films, fibers, filaments, strands, nonwovens, and pre-molded elements. The shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to form products, which are both disposable and reusable. More specifically, the shape deformable materials of the present invention may be used to produce products such as disposable diapers, training pants, incontinence products, and feminine care products.

Abstract: A method of securing an elastic band between two material layers which are at least partially defined by meltable material includes forming perforations in the elastic band, placing the elastic band between two material layers, and bonding the material layers to one another through the perforations by heat fusion, wherein the perforations in the elastic band are formed at the same time as the material layers are fused together (i.e., the formation of the perforations in the elastic band is directly followed by bonding together, through the perforations, portions of the material layers). An elastic band secured between two material layers for inclusion in articles of one-time use includes the use of material layers that are at least partially defined by meltable material and an elastic band having perforations formed therein. The material layers are positioned on opposite sides of the elastic band and are joined together by heat fusion.

Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to fit about the waist of a wearer and having front and rear waist sections, an intermediate section and a gasketing assembly operatively joined with a first portion of the rear waist section. A first portion of the rear waist section is formed of a stretchable material to which the gasketing assembly is operatively joined. Upon tensioning of the stretchable material, the gasketing assembly deploys a gasket element configured to inhibit a longitudinal flow of human discharge along a bodyfacing surface of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as diapers, incontinence products, training pants, sanitary napkins, and the like, providing unexpectedly superior absorbency and methods of preparing the absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a substantially non-wicking layer disposed between a substantially impermeable backsheet and a permeable topsheet, said substantially non-wicking layer comprising foam having a density of no greater than about 0.01 g/cc and a compressional rigidity at about 10% strain of at least about 4 kPa.

Abstract: A composite absorbent structure and method are disclosed including providing a first wicking layer having preferred liquid transport properties in a preferred contact with a second absorbent retention layer. The composite absorbent structure of the present invention provides preferred liquid transport and liquid retention properties. The composite absorbent structure has a first wicking layer in a preferred contact with the second retention layer by a novel intimate contact means effective to achieve a Contact Intimacy Ratio providing the preferred liquid transport and liquid retention functions when the first wicking layer and the second absorbent retention layer are combined together in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: It is one aspect of the present invention to provide a liquid handling member which combines high liquid suction capability with a high permeability. It is another aspect of the present invention to provide liquid handling member which combines a high liquid suction capability with a fast 80 percent capacity absorption time. The present invention further provides devices for handling body liquids which comprise the liquid handling member of the present invention such as for example baby diapers, training pants, sanitary napkins, adult incontinence devices, bed mats, and the like.

Abstract: A urinary incontinence device for alleviating female urinary incontinence is disclosed. The urinary incontinence device includes a resilient member and a non-absorbent positioned adjacent to the resilient member. The non-absorbent is constructed from a fibrous material wherein the fibers do not absorb significant quantities of moisture within the fibers. The resilient member and the non-absorbent are rolled into an elongated softwind with the resilient member located adjacent to an end thereof. The softwind has a larger diameter at one end. The softwind is then radially compressed into an elongated pledget having an insertion end, a trailing end and a uniform cross-sectional area therebetween. The resilient member is capable of expanding the insertion end of the pledget to provide a supportive backdrop for a woman's urethra when inserted into a woman's vagina.

Abstract: A catamenial device for blood leakage prevention composed of an inflatable member and an absorbent intravaginal member such as a tampon. The inflatable member houses a resiliently expandable inflation member generally made of open cell foam, and has an opening for airflow communication between the interior of the inflatable member and the outside environment. During insertion into a vaginal canal, the inflation member is inserted in a contracted state. Upon placement to proper vaginal location, the inflation member expands by resiliency drawing air from the ouside environment into the inflatable member via the opening in the inflatable member. [An intravaginal inflatable member impermeable to fluids capable when inflated of providing sealable closure of the vaginal canal for the prevention of exit of menstrual blood from the vaginal orifice. The inflatable member can be connected to an absorbent member or can be a stand alone device.

Abstract: A composite media comprising a backing sheet, a covering sheet, and a layer disposed between said backing sheet and said covering sheet, said layer having particles of active ingredient, binder particles, and stabilizing particles, wherein the active particles are coalesced by the binder particles, wherein each of the stabilizing particles bonds with both the backing sheet and the covering sheet, and wherein the stabilizing particles are larger than the binder particles.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having an absorbent body and a layer of compressible and resilient, essentially non-absorbent material located adjacent a surface of the absorbent body which lies distal to a body of a water in use. The layer of compressible and resilient material has a surface area extending entirely over the surface of the absorbent body. Further, the layer of compressible and resilient material is thicker in a longitudinal central region of the napkin than in remainder of the napkin and the layer of compressible and resilient material is resiliently compressible in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the absorbent body, so as to urge the sanitary napkin to fill out all available space between the sanitary napkin and the body of the wearer during use.

Abstract: A highly breathable, stretch-thinned film having enhanced breathability includes a matrix polymer, a particulate filler, and an incompatible polymer that is thermodynamically incompatible with the matrix polymer. The incompatible polymer can be added to the film in the form of laminate waste material.

Abstract: An intravaginal device having an overwrap containing an enclosed material, and a withdrawal string passing through a portion of the overwrap formed into a loop, the withdrawal string enabling a user to remove the intravaginal device after use.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article including a fecal matter retaining layer, the retaining layer including a three dimensional structure having a thickness of 5˜100 mm adapted to be placed against a wearer's hip is formed with at least one opening having an area of 20˜30000 mm2 and at least one fecal matter retaining cavity having a depth of 2.5 mm.

Abstract: A disposable article for dealing with feces adapted to be used in conjunction with a disposable diaper or diaper cover. The article includes a feces receiving region that is provided in the form of a laminate that includes a top layer provided with at least one opening having an area of 20˜500 mm2, a feces holding layer in the form of a three-dimensional network structure underlying the top layer, a liquid-absorbent layer underlying the holding layer and a liquid-impervious back layer covering a lower surface of the absorbent layer. The laminate has its width progressively reduced toward a front end of the feces receiving pocket and a leakage barrier is formed along transversely opposite side edges of the top layer.

Abstract: This application relates to microporous, open-celled polymeric foam materials with physical characteristics that make them suitable for a variety of uses produced from high internal phase emulsions (HIPEs). This application particularly relates to oxidatively stable emulsifiers used to stabilize the HIPE and the foams produced from such HIPEs.

Abstract: An absorbent article and a method for manufacturing an absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article is made from an inner core absorbent material, which is surrounded by an apertured film. The absorbent material is selected from rayon, cotton, wood pulp, polyester, polyamide, polyolefin, copolymers thereof, and combinations thereof. The absorbent article has a bottom layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that protuberances face the inside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article also has a top layer, which is made of an apertured film oriented such that the protuberances face the outside of the absorbent article. The absorbent article may be useful in various applications including sanitary protection and bandages.

Abstract: A disposable diaper including a topsheet, and a topsheet is covered, at least in one of front and rear waist regions, with a liquid-resistant sheet bonded to a longitudinal end and transversely opposite side edges of that one of the front and rear waist regions; an elastic foamed member which is folded in two along a folding axis zone extending longitudinally thereof and has a first portion placed against the upper surface of the topsheet and a second portion placed against the lower surface of a liquid-resistant sheet is disposed between the topsheet and the liquid-resistant sheet in such a manner that the foamed member lies on an upper portion of a core in that one of the front and rear waist regions.

Abstract: The present invention is a high capillary suction storage absorbent member comprising an agglomerate of particulate hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer and particulate high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam. In another aspect of the invention the agglomerate of particulate hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer and particulate high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam is disclosed. The absorbent member is useful in the containment (e.g., storage) of body liquids such as urine. In one embodiment, the storage absorbent member comprises the agglomerate. In another embodiment, the absorbent member comprises the agglomerate adjacent to at least one sheet, strip or piece of high surface area open-celled hydrophilic foam material.

Abstract: A dual-zoned, three-dimensional, resilient absorbent web is disclosed which is suitable as body-side liner for absorbent articles such as feminine pads, diapers and the like. When used as a liner in absorbent articles, the dual-zoned web combines the advantages of apertured films and soft, nonwoven cover layers in one structure while still being inherently hydrophilic. The liner comprises a web of wet-resilient, hydrophilic basesheet having a three-dimensional topography comprising elevated regions onto which hydrophobic matter is deposited or printed and a plurality of spaced apart depressed regions. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophobic matter applied to the elevated regions of the basesheet comprises hydrophobic fibers in a contiguous nonwoven web which has been apertured or provided with slits or other openings, such that the apertures or openings overlay a portion of the depressed regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a laminated piece including a liquid-permeable top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent core interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The region where the absorbent core is present includes a center region extending along a lengthwise direction of the absorbent article and side regions adjacent to the center region in a crosswise direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction. The bending resistance (stiffness) of the laminated piece in the center region is higher than the bending resistance of the laminated piece in the side regions. The absorbent article can be attached in a stably fitting manner with no ready emergence of twisting or tucked-down wrinkles, when the absorbent article is overlaid on the inner face of an outer wear material.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an outer cover and a bodyside liner. A fecal retaining structure having at least one aperture is mounted in the rear portion of the absorbent article. The retaining structure has at least one, preferably multiple, apertures sized to retain exudates from a typical bowel movement and to displace such exudates from the skin of the user. The fecal retaining structure preferably has a surface layer on the outer surface which contacts the body of the user. The surface layer has a slick surface that assists in moving fecal material into the apertures. An absorbent core may be mounted in the absorbent article, especially in the front portion of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A self-adhesive garment closure for a garment includes a pair of opposed cooperating fastener elements, each having an exposed layer of self-adhesive material exhibiting strong adhesion to itself while remaining relatively tack-free to other materials. At least one of the fastener elements has a layer of foam material beneath the self-adhesive material, such as for increased bending stiffness. In some cases, such as for pull-up diapers, the self-adhesive closure is non-releasable once secured. Some closures also have cooperating hook-and-loop elements.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, or a protector from female incontinence, is intended for wear in the crotch region of the wearer inside her underclothes. The article is generally elongate in shape and has two long sides, two short sides, two end-portions, a center portion disposed between the end-portions, a liquid-permeable casing sheet intended to lie proximal to the wearer's body in use, a liquid-impermeable casing sheet intended to lie distal from the wearer's body in use, and between the layers in a direction from the liquid-permeable casing sheet and towards the liquid-impermeable casing sheet a drainage layer, an absorption layer, and a hump-forming element which together with the drainage layer and the absorption layer forms a hump which projects out from the plane of the napkin on that side of the napkin which is intended to lie proximal to the wearer in use.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, a panty liner and an incontinence napkin for the absorption of urine or faeces and intended to be carried inside the crotch part of the wearer's underwear, wherein said article has two long sides (15, 16), a first short side (17), a second short side (18), a liquid-permeable casing sheet (3) intended to lie proximal to the wearer in use, a liquid-impermeable casing sheet (2) intended to lie distal from the wearer in use, an absorbent core (4) between said sheets (2, 3), said core comprising one or more layers of material, an adhesive fastener means (6) which functions to affix the article to the wearer's underwear and which is disposed on that side of the liquid-impermeable casing sheet (2) that lies distal from the wearer in use, and a removable protective layer (40) which covers the adhesive fastener means (6) and which has a first short side that faces towards the first short side of said article and a second short side which faces towards the second short si