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

Abstract: A disposable panty shield comprising a thin, highly absorbent pad having a body-contacting surface, an absorbent layer, a liquid barrier, a positioning means for attaching the pad to an undergarment, and a release layer to protect the positioning means prior to use wherein the has been densified by fusing all pad layers together in a manner such that the interstitial space between the individual fibers in the densified areas is not sufficient to readily allow fluid to flow through. Further, the densified areas are made contiguous such that fluid, when introduced or deposited on the pad, will be prevented or hindered from flowing to the edges of the pad.

Abstract: A fabric comprising at least two layers wherein at least one layer is an extensible, bonded non-woven composed of a fiber comprising multiple different polymers such as a fiber comprising isotactic polypropylene, polyethylene and a block or grafted polyolefin copolymer or terpolymer which is at least partially miscible with said polypropylene and polyethylene.

Abstract: The fluid absorbent members according to the present invention preferably comprise three basic components: chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled bulking fibers, high surface area fibers, and chemical binder additive. Fluid absorbent members according to the present invention use a high surface fiber and refining to provide capillary pressure (or suction) to the fluid absorbent member. These high surface area fibers are generally small and highly conformable. They provide the substrate with capillary pressure well in excess of the capillary pressure found in the bulk-providing chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled fibers (unrefined) alone. A presently preferred fiber for this high surface application is the eucalyptus family of wood pulp fibers. Eucalyptus provides desirable capillary pressure characteristics in combination with the chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled fibers and will not easily pass through a forming screen.

Abstract: An absorbent composite, in particular for diapers, sanitary pads or napkins, mattress pads, incontinence briefs and liners or the like, has a support layer onto which a layer of a superabsorbent granular material is applied. A portion of the absorbent material is intimately connected to, particularly glued to, the support layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a disposable diaper or sanitary article has an absorbing core and an outer porous cover sheet to allow transfer of liquids through the cover sheet and into the core. A liquid transfer sheet in the form of a nonwoven fabric is located between the cover sheet and the core. The transfer sheet has at least two layers, with the layer facing the cover sheet having relatively coarse fibers, and the layer facing the core having relative fine fibers. The arrangement allows more efficient transfer of liquids to the core while minimizing wetback.

Abstract: An absorbent article has an absorbent core and a liquid permeable top sheet made of polyolefin material. An acquisition layer is provided between the top sheet and the core. The acquisition layer is a nonwoven fabric made from polyolefin fibers bonded by a cured resin. The acquisition layer has a larger pore size than the top sheet and is treated with a surface active agent to render it hydrophilic.

Abstract: A disposable sanitary towel (1) comprising a liquid-permeable upper layer (5), an impermeable lower layer (7) and an absorbent element (6), is provided with an intermediate layer (10) disposed between the upper layer (5) and the absorbent element (6) and extending around the side edges (8) of the absorbent element (6) such that it can distribute the liquid received and prevent losses of liquid from the side edges of the absorbent element (6). The towel (1) is further provided with an absorbent element (6) comprising an improved layer structure.

Abstract: A nonocclusive drug delivery device includes (a) an open cell, flexible, oleophilic thermoplastic resin foam layer, (b) a substantially moisture vapor permeable, liquid impermeable, flexible thermoplastic barrier layer bonded to the upper surface of the foam layer, (c) a pressure sensitive adhesive layer and (d) a drug composition comprising a drug and an oleophilic drug delivery vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are multicomponent fibers wherein at least one component forms an exposed surface on at least a portion of the multicomponent fiber which will permit thermal bonding of the multicomponent fiber to other fibers. The multicomponent fibers comprise two poly(lactic acid) polymers with different L:D ratios which provide biodegradable properties to the multicomponent fiber yet which allow the multicomponent fiber to be easily processed. The multicomponent fiber is useful in making nonwoven structures that may be used in a disposable absorbent product intended for the absorption of fluids such as body fluids.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a breathable film and a breathable, cloth-like film/nonwoven composite made from the breathable film which is stretch-thinned and bonded to a fibrous polyolefin nonwoven web. Certain thermoplastic films such as, for example, linear low density polyethylene films are difficult to thermally bond to, for example, polypropylene nonwoven webs due to the incompatibility of the two polymers. The present invention incorporates a bonding agent into one or both of the two layers thereby making it easier to thermally bond the two layers together. Processes for forming the various composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinent device which have absorbent cores comprised of blends of different types of fibers are provided. The absorbent articles preferably comprise a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, a blended absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer. The absorbent core comprises a homogeneous blend of fibers comprising a first group of short, low denier, hydrophilic fibers and a second group of longer, higher denier, moisture insensitive synthetic fibers. The first group of fibers is selected from a group comprising natural fibers, synthetic fibers or cross-linked cellulose fibers. The second group of fibers comprises between about 5 and 90% of said absorbent core, by weight. The absorbent core is compressed to a density of at least about 0.09 g/cm.sup.3 (1.5 g/in..sup.2).

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises an absorbent panel and a backing web secured to the panel. A preferred form of the web comprises an apertured film. The web may also include other components on the apertured film, including adhesive. The apertured film is preferably produced from a solid precursor film. The precursor film comprises a copolymer of ethylene and a comonomer polymerized using a single-site metallocene-type polymerization catalyst. The apertured film is formed from the precursor film so that the apertured film has localized deformations and apertures therein. The apertured film exhibits breathability, strength, and flexibility with an elasticity accommodating stretch or elongation and at least partial recovery.

Abstract: Absorbent products and components for use in absorbent products are disclosed. These absorbent products comprise pressure-sensitive adhesive microfibers and thermoplastic polymer microfibers, that when incorporated into absorbent products provide good liquid transport properties, resiliency, and attachment systems; and further mask odors associated with bodily fluids.

Abstract: Absorbent laminates include an oriented, fluid-pervious plastic substrate bonded to a nonwoven absorbent member. The nonwoven absorbent member includes bi-component fibers having a heat-softenable outer skin, said heat-softenable outer skin being heat-softenable at a temperature lower than the melting point and shrinking point of the oriented plastic substrate to provide a binder component for the laminate. A fluid-pervious plastic substrate can be adhered to one or both surfaces of the nonwoven absorbent member through bi-component fibers of the nonwoven absorbent member. In absorbent laminates including opposed fluid-pervious outer plastic substrates marginal edges of the laminate can be compression sealed through the bi-component fibers in the intermediate nonwoven absorbent member to seal the edges against the escape of fibers from the laminate. Methods of forming absorbent laminates of this invention also form a part of the present invention.

Abstract: An absorbent member comprises an absorbent core, a liquid permeable covering sheet and a reticulated sheet interposed between the absorbent core and the covering sheet 11, wherein the reticulated sheet has a relatively higher open ratio over at least an inwardly facing surface of the absorbent core than over any of oppsite side regions and opposite end regions thereof.

Abstract: A flangeless seam especially useful in disposable articles, such as training pants, incontinence articles and the like. The flangeless seam preferably comprises a first member and a second member; at least a portion of the second member overlaps at least a portion of the first member. The flangeless seam preferably further comprises a barrier member disposed between at least a portion of the overlapping portions of the first member and the second member forming a laminate having a seam area. A joining means is preferably disposed in at least a portion of the seam area joining at least a portion of the first member to at least a portion of the second member, the barrier member preventing at least a portion of the first member from becoming joined with at least a portion of the second member.

Abstract: An absorbent body in an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, panty protector, incontinence guard, diaper or the like. The absorbent body includes a first layer, an admission layer (4), which comprises a mixture of 80-95% resilient fibres and 5-20% heat-actuable binding fibres, preferably bicomponent fibres, and a second layer, a storage and dispersion layer (5), which comprises a mixture of 45-90% absorbent fibres and 5-15% heat-actuable binding fibres, wherein the binding fibres are heat treated so as to bond together and to hold the fibre structures together in the first and second layers (4, 5), such that these layers will form a laminate that has a tensile strength of at least 2N/50 mm in a dry state. The absorbent body also has a high surface dryness and low rewetting tendency and exhibits good absorption properties.

Abstract: A sheet-form composite suitable as a spyrosorbent wound dressing and exhibiting differential moisture vapor transport rate properties is disclosed. The sheet-form composite includes a hydrophilic, monolithic film layer characterized by having a differential ratio of wet to dry moisture transport rate greater than 1 and a dry moisture transport rate greater than about 2,600 g/m.sup.2 /24 hrs. This film layer is laminated to a hydrophilic exudate transport layer. The exudate transport layer can itself be, or can further include, a hydrophilic pressure sensitive adhesive applied in a continuous or discontinuous pattern. The sheet-form composite has a moisture vapor transport rate of greater than 2,000 g/m.sup.2 /24 hrs when dry, and a wet to dry moisture vapor transport rate ratio in the range of about 1.5 to about 10.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a cover, a baffle and an absorbent core is disclosed. The absorbent core is constructed of at least three absorbent members vertically arranged with each absorbent member having an increasing wicking capacity along an x and y-axes, relative to the preceding absorbent member. The improved absorbent core exhibits a crush resistance of greater than about 250 grams and having a caliper of less than about 5 mm.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric absorbent structure containing wettable staple fiber and thermoplastic elastomeric fiber. The elastomeric absorbent structure exhibits improved elastic properties as compared to an otherwise essentially identical absorbent structure without any thermoplastic elastomeric fiber. Also disclosed is a disposable absorbent product containing such an elastomeric absorbent structure.

Abstract: A breathable diaper, feminine hygiene, or like disposable sanitary product construction includes a plurality of materials comprising, from the skin-facing side outwardly a topsheet of liquid- and vapor-permeable hydrophilic material. A core of highly absorbent material disposed outwardly of the topsheet for absorbing fluid received through said topsheet. The core has an inner surface in fluid communication with the topsheet, an outer surface and two lateral side surfaces. A barrier is formed of a multilayer non-woven material which is hydrophobic and vapor-permeable for limiting the outward escape of fluid therethrough while enabling the outward escape of heat and water vapor therethrough, such as a two-layer spunbond-meltblown or a three-layer spunbond-meltblown-spunbond.

Abstract: A shaped nonwoven fabric comprises continuous spunbond filaments made by directly forming the spunbond filaments into a web in a single process. The fabric has an array of discrete surface features such as apertures or projections, or both. The spunbond filaments are bonded together with an adhesive polymeric component so that the shape of the fabric is retained. The fabric can be engineered to have particular fluid handling properties, strength properties, abrasive properties and aesthetic properties. Articles such as personal care products, garments, medical products and cleaning products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination apertured film and lofty fibrous nonwoven web separation layer which is particularly well suited for use as, among other things, a body side liner for personal care absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and the like. When used in such applications, the material of the present invention has excellent liquid penetration rates and it resists rewet of the surface of the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resilient fluid transporting network suitable for use in absorbent articles. The fluid transport network includes a plurality of bicomponent capillary channel fibers capable of intra-fiber fluid transport. The fibers have a base portion and at least two walls extending from the base portion to form an external capillary channel. The walls and the base portion are made of a first polymeric material which has a first melting point temperature. The distal ends of the capillary channel walls are made of a second polymeric material which has a second melting point temperature lower than the first melting point temperature.

Abstract: A nonwoven that is exceptionally soft yet sufficiently strong for use in absorbent articles is disclosed. The soft, strong nonwoven includes fibers comprising polyethylene, at least a portion of which are consolidated. The soft, strong nonwoven has a cross-machine direction tensile strength of at least about 300 g/in and a cross-machine direction elongation at break of at least about 40%.The soft, strong nonwoven is preferably formed by permanently stretching an inelastic base nonwoven in the cross-machine direction. The preferred base nonwoven has certain properties which allow it to have sufficient strength after stretching, while being exceptionally soft, such that the resultant permanently stretched, soft, strong nonwoven is particularly suitable for use as a topsheet or a back sheet component in disposable absorbent articles.

Abstract: Composite films and film laminates comprising at least one elastomeric core and a surrounding nonelastomeric matrix preferably prepared by coextrusion. The film when stretched and allowed to recover will create an elastomeric composite.

Abstract: A polymeric fabric treated with a composition for increasing the resistance to removal by an aqueous liquid of surfactants from the fabric. The fabric is made of fibers having a plurality of fiber-fiber interstices at junctions of two or more fibers. The composition includes water, a first surfactant, and a second surfactant which is structurally dissimilar to and less soluble in water than the first surfactant. One of the first and second surfactants has a solubility in water at 20.degree. C. no greater than about 5 percent by weight, based on the weight of the water. The first and second surfactants are adapted to preferentially locate in the fiber-fiber interstices and resist removal therefrom by aqueous liquid. The preferential location of the surfactants in the fiber-fiber interstices of the fabric is accomplished by working the fabric after application of the composition to the fabric.

Abstract: A panty liner comprising a primary liquid-retaining component in the form of a unitary sheet of non-woven fabric. A liquid-impervious barrier layer is affixed to the sheet of non-woven fabric to prevent body exudate absorbed therein to egress through a garment facing side of the panty liner. The invention also extends to a method and to an apparatus for manufacturing the panty liner.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a moisture barrier formed of a formable, liquid impermeable material. The moisture barrier defines a basin having a width dimension, a length dimension greater than the width dimension, and a volume. The basin includes a floor having corrugations formed therein parallel to the width dimension. The absorbent article also includes an absorbent assembly disposed within the basin and a liner formed of a liquid permeable material bonded to the moisture barrier and sandwiching the absorbent assembly therebetween. The corrugations permit the absorbent article to bend inwardly, for example to conform to the shape of the wearer, without bunching the moisture barrier along the portions facing the wearer and without substantially stretching or deforming the floor of the moisture barrier.

Abstract: Thermally bonded absorbent structures for catamenial products, in particular catamenial pads, that provide improved ability in acquiring, distributing and storing aqueous body fluids, especially menstrual fluids, as well as better fit and comfort for the user of the products. These structures comprise an optional thermally bonded secondary topsheet, a thermally bonded absorbent core having a relatively higher capillary suction primary fluid distribution layer, an optional but preferred relatively lower capillary suction secondary distribution layer, a storage layer having absorbent gelling material, and an optional fibrous "dusting" layer. These thermally bonded absorbent structures are particularly useful with catamenial pads having a primary fluid pervious topsheet selected from apertured formed film topsheets and high loft nonwoven topsheets.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having a rewet barrier. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, a fibrous acquisition layer positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core, and a rewet barrier positioned between the fibrous acquisition layer and the absorbent core. The rewet barrier is an apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional polymeric web having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface.

Abstract: A patterned nonwoven fabric comprising polymeric strands which include a primary polymeric component and are bonded together without the use of compression, but instead with a heat activated adhesive polymeric component which adheres the respective primary components together. The fabric has an embossed pattern of densified areas separated by high loft areas. Preferably, the strands are continuous, crimped, multicomponent filaments. Also preferably, the nonwoven fabric is laminated to a liquid barrier film to form an outercover material for products such as personal care absorbent articles, and the like. Methods for making these materials are also encompassed.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinent device, and the like having meltblown components is provided. The absorbent articles preferably comprises a liquid pervious thermoplastic apertured film topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core, and a fibrous acquisition web of spunlaced nonwoven fibers. The absorbent core is positioned between the topsheet and backsheet which are joined at least about a portion of the periphery of the absorbent article and the topsheet is fused to the acquisition web at discrete points of attachment. The acquisition web is positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

Abstract: A method and corresponding product whereby hydrophobic polyolefin-containing nonwoven materials are provided with sustainable hydrophilic properties for rewet purposes by incorporation into the appropriate spin melt composition an effective amount of an alkoxylated fatty amine in optional combination with up to 60% by weight of primary fatty acid amide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of producing a barrier fabric having stretch and recovery properties. The method includes the steps of heating at least one nonwoven web containing meltblown non-elastic thermoplastic polymer fibers to a temperature at which the peak total energy absorbed by the nonwoven web of meltblown fibers is at least about 250 percent greater than the amount absorbed by the nonwoven web of meltblown fibers at room temperature; applying a tensioning force to neck the heated nonwoven web; and cooling the necked nonwoven web so that the nonwoven web has at least the same hydrostatic head and/or particulate barrier properties as the nonwoven web before necking. Also disclosed is a stretchable barrier fabric composed of a nonwoven web of meltblown non-elastomeric thermoplastic polymer fibers, the nonwoven web being heat treated so that it is adapted to stretch at least about 10 percent more than an identical untreated nonwoven web of meltblown non-elastomeric thermoplastic polymer fibers.

Abstract: A disposable body fluids absorbent padding at least comprising a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed between these two sheets, wherein said topsheet is made of a nonwoven fabric comprising high density zones and low density zones, and said high density zones have strips of liquid-impermeable thermoplastic film bonded to the upper surfaces of said high density zones.

Abstract: A process for producing an apertured nonwoven fabric combines one or two outer nonwoven layer(s) with a layer of polymeric material having a lower melting temperature and a property of shrinking when melted. Heat and pressure are applied through a calendar roll such that the polymeric material becomes bonded to the fibers of the nonwoven layer(s) and simultaneously shrinks and takes back the fibers away from the calendaring points, thereby generating apertures through the nonwoven fabric. Preferably, the fibers are polyethylene or polypropylene fibers, and the layer of polymeric material is a thin plastic film of polyethylene stretch-wrap, elastomeric, or heat shrink material. One outer nonwoven layer may be combined with the plastic film layer to form a bi-laminate product, or two outer nonwoven layers may be combined with an intermediate plastic film to form a tri-laminate product. Low denier polypropylene/polyethylene bi-component fibers or a blend of higher and lower melting fibers may also be used.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin having a periphery and including a fluid pervious topsheet, a fluid impervious backsheet joined to said topsheet and an absorbent core having a periphery positioned between said topsheet and said backsheet. The sanitary napkin also includes a fluid pervious masking member positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The masking member is disposed along the periphery of the sanitary napkin and covers the periphery of the absorbent core.

Abstract: An improved reusable adult incontinent absorbent undergarment involving an outer panty with elastic waist band and leg holes and an inner hour-glass shaped insert stitched or attached by the use of VELCRO fasteners to the back and front of the panty without stitching in the crotch. By employing a novel combination of multiple layers of highly absorbent, antimicrobial fabric with an open knit polyester making contact with the skin forming a pad that is free floating in the crotch and an outer non-woven layer of urethane coated stretch fabric as a waterproof liner that is separately free floating and elasticly gathered in the crotch, the propensity for fluid leakage during use is dramatically reduced.

Abstract: An absorbent article, e.g. or a diaper, is disclosed which comprises a composite structure of a "two-dimensional" or very flat, apertured film or nonwoven layer, in combination with a fluid transferring layer and a superabsorbent polymer-containing laminate, and an absorbent core below the laminate to achieve superior dryness. The superabsorbent polymer-containing laminate, which contains airlaid fibrous components and superabsorbent polymers, swells to at least three times its dry caliper upon fluid introduction in order to achieve movement of the coverstock away from the absorbent core which permits the coverstock to remain relatively dry and avoids rewetting.

Abstract: Material having improved body fluid run through time and reletting resistance is disclosed. The nonwoven composite material comprises a first layer consisting of a nonwoven which is permeable to body fluids and including a layer of carded fibers, also pervious to body fluids, linked to the first layer by needling. In another embodiment, there is a second nonwoven layer on the other side of the carded fiber layer with a weight per unit are less than the weight per unit area of the first layer.

Abstract: The fluid distribution members according to the present invention preferably comprise three basic components: chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled bulking fibers, high surface area fibers, and thermoplastic binder fibers. Fluid distribution members according to the present invention use a high surface fiber to provide capillary pressure (or suction) to the fluid distribution member. These high surface area fibers are generally small and highly conformable. They provide the substrate with capillary pressure well in excess of the capillary pressure found in the bulk-providing chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled fibers alone. A presently preferred fiber for this high surface application is the eucalyptus family of wood pulp fibers. Eucalyptus provides the capillary pressure usually associated with cellulose fines, but at a large enough length and denier so as to not fill in the voids provided by the chemically stiffened, twisted, and curled fibers and will not easily pass through a forming screen.

Abstract: A topsheet for use in body fluid absorptive goods includes an upper sheet having a skin-contacting area and a plurality of liquid passages each having upper and lower openings. A lower sheet underlies the upper sheet. The lower sheet is welded to the upper sheet around the lower openings and extends into each of the liquid passages along a limited extent thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compressively resistant and resilient fibrous nonwoven web which is suitable for a wide variety of uses including, but not limited to, a portion of a personal care absorbent product which is located on the side of the absorbent core of the product which faces the wearer. The nonwoven web can include bicomponent fiber and has a thickness of 2.5 mm or greater at a pressure of 68.9 pascal, a specific volume of 14 cc/g or greater at a pressure of 6,895 pascal, and a Frazier air permeability of 100 cubic meters per square meter per minute or greater.

Abstract: A resilient three-dimensional plastic web exhibiting reduced skin contact area and a fiber-like appearance and tactile impression. The web has a multiplicity of apertures therein, each being defined by a multiplicity of intersecting fiber-like elements interconnected to one another in the plane of a first surface of the web. Each of the fiber-like elements exhibits a substantially uniform generally upwardly concave-shaped cross-section along its length. The cross-section comprises a pair of convergent substantially linear portions which intersect one another at an end to form a vertex in the plane of the first surface of the web. This vertex reduces the skin contact area of the web providing a more comfortable feel for the user when the web is employed as a wearer contacting topsheet on an absorbent article. Furthermore, the web provides a substantially non-glossy visible surface as there is almost no substantially planar portion in its uppermost surface to reflect incident light to the viewer's eye.

Abstract: A device for preventing adhesions or binding of tissue to tissue or of tissue to bone which comprises a composite of a first layer and a second layer, each of which comprises a biodegradable polymer. The first layer is selected from the group consisting of a non-porous layer and a porous layer having a pore size no greater than 3.mu.. The second layer has pores which have a pore size of from about 30.mu. to about 250.mu.. Such a composite device provides for tissue growth into the second layer, while the first layer acts as an adhesion-preventing barrier, and enables attachment of the device to tissue without suturing. Alternatively, the device comprises the first layer hereinabove mentioned and a second layer which is an adherence layer and which adheres to tissue and/or bone.

Abstract: A multilayered absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure has a plurality of absorbent planar regions defined by decreasing pore size with increasing depth into the region. Generally, each planar region has an absorbent layer having relatively large average pore sizes at the top, body facing surface, and relatively small average pore sizes at the bottom, garment facing surface. A subsequent absorbent region has a top body facing surface with an average pore size which is larger than the bottom, garment facing surface of the previous absorbent region. The top surface of each subsequent planar region is in fluid communication with the lower surface of the planar region above.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lightweight nonwoven laminate particularly useful as a component of personal care articles, for example as a barrier cuff material for disposable diapers. Components of the laminate include at least one fine fiber layer having a basis weight in the range of from about 1.5 gsm to 26 gsm and at least one continuous filament layer having a basis weight in the range of from about 10 gsm to 30 gsm. The fine fiber component comprises at least a ratio of 5% and the layers are intermittently bonded for a total basis weight up to about 55 gsm. Desirable softness, breathability and barrier properties are obtained.

Abstract: An improved topsheet for use in absorbent articles such as sanitary pads. The topsheet comprises a three-dimensional hydrophilic formed film having a plurality of openings leading from a surface of the topsheet to an absorbent core. The topsheet presents a more comfortable and dryer surface which contacts the wearer and a clean, dry appearance to the wearer. The clean, dry appearance is obtained by employing an opacifying agent in the film. The openings comprise tapered capillaries having a base in the surface plane of the topsheet and an apex remote from the surface plane of the topsheet. Each apex is in intimate contact with the absorbent core. In a preferred arrangement, the hydrophilic polymer film topsheet comprises Nylon 6, Nylon 6 and polyetheramide, or other resins having chemistries similar to nylon.