Abstract: Disclosed is an elongated absorbent article including a liquid absorbent layer. In a region where the liquid absorbent layer is present, compressed grooves are disposed to extend symmetrically about a longitudinal centerline, defining a central region therebetween and side regions laterally outside the central region and adjacent the compressed grooves. The central region includes front, intermediate and rear central regions. The intermediate central region has a widened portion in which the separation distance is larger than in regions positioned forward and rearward thereof. Stiffness of the side regions is lower in portions laterally outside the intermediate central region than in portions laterally outside the front and rear central regions.

Abstract: In a disposable diaper in which an absorbent body is provided between a water-repellent outer sheet and a hydrophilic skin-side sheet made of a nonwoven fabric, raisable strips made of a nonwoven fabric are provided at the opposite sides of the skin-side sheet, elastic threads for raisable gathers are provided in inner edge portions of the raisable strips and the outer edge portions of the raisable strips are adhered to the skin-side sheet, an ooze preventing portion for preventing an ooze of urine and other bodily waste is formed at opposite end portions of the skin-side sheet. Therefore, even if urine and other bodily waste permeate into the skin-side sheet, they do not ooze out from the end portion of the skin-side sheet.

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: There is provided a surge material for personal care products with a first creased layer and at least a second layer, where the layers are in face-to-face relation to one another and bonded together. The first has creases with a depth of between 0.25 and 2 mm and a frequency of between 5 and 100 per centimeter in the cross-machine and the second layer may have densities of between 0.01 and 0.05 g/cc and a basis weight between 25 and 250 gsm.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence guard, a pantyliner or a sanitary napkin, including a liquid-pervious topsheet (3), a liquid-impermeable backsheet (2), and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, wherein the topsheet (3) and absorbent body (4) either directly or via at least one intermediate layer are joined partly by a first adhesive (5) and partly by a second adhesive (6) The surface which is constituted of the topsheet (3) and which is adhesively joined with the first adhesive (5) and the second adhesive (6) is formed into a three-dimensional structure having alternating raised (8) and recessed regions (7), wherein the first adhesive (5) is arranged in the recessed regions (7) and the second adhesive (6) is arranged in the raised regions (8).

Abstract: Disclosed is a tampon that is impregnated with a means which is water-repellent as well as infection inhibitory. Said tampon is thus particularly useful for swimming and bathing. Washing-out of the infection inhibitory component is prevented by using an impregnation means combined of a half-solid or solid support with an infection inhibitory means based on plant oils which act accordingly. The inventive tampon is thus useful for long-term application in water.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a backsheet, and a fecal management member joined to the backsheet. The fecal management member includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations. The arcuate portions include a surface coating agent.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, e.g., a diaper, having a top sheet, a back sheet, a core and a fluid acquisition system. The fluid acquisition system is formed by wrapping a layer of a non-woven material about the core, so that the marginal edge portions of the layer overlap each other over the upper surface of the core. The overlapping marginal edge portions are hydrophillic to form a dual layer fluid acquisition system. The remainder of the layer of non-woven material is hydrophobic. An additional layer can be located adjacent the overlapping portions to form a three layer acquisition system.

Abstract: The present invention provides new patterned porous substrates and a new method for forming the new patterned porous substrates containing one or more selected patterns which is applicable to all porous structures regardless of their polymeric content, their method of manufacture or their UV absorbing characteristics.

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 nonwoven composite web contains coated superabsorbent and binder, such as thermoplastic staple fibers. The nonwoven composite web is easily made, economical, and has good distribution of materials, high absorbent particle loading, saturation capacity and flexibility.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a towel desirably including first and second layers having cellulosic fibers and a repellant agent. The first and second layers may substantially sandwich a third layer having cellulosic fibers with higher absorbency than the first and second layers. All three layers may form a single ply.

Abstract: An absorbent incontinence pad is provided with a liquid impervious air permeable back sheet and an absorbent unit partly covered by the back sheet, wherein the absorbent unit has a non-woven fabric substrate, an absorbent zone formed by a plurality of highly absorbent layers extending in the form of bands on the surface of the non-woven fabric substrate and an air permeable zone where no such highly absorbent layer exists, which has sufficiently adequate properties to meet incontinence requirements and provides a comfortable feeling during use.

Abstract: An absorbent article that provides leakage protection and/or skin protection, as well as methods for using and preparing the absorbent article and novel compositions and composites for use in the absorbent article, is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a permeable topsheet; a substantially impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core positioned between said permeable topsheet and said substantially impermeable backsheet; and a hydrophobic composition selectively disposed on the absorbent article to contain leakage. The hydrophobic composition is disposed at one or more leak protection zones.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a liquid-pervious top sheet to be in contact with the skin of a wearer, a back sheet, and an absorbent core sandwiched between the top sheet and the back sheet. A layer of silicone compound is formed on the surface of one of a side sheet provided on each side of the absorbent core, and a side portion of the back sheet extending outwardly from each side of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A breast pad for absorbing fluid near a nipple is disclosed. The breast pad has an outer layer made from a substantially circular piece of absorbent material with a stitched radial tapering fold such as a dart which is deformable to a substantially concave or conical shape to substantially cover the nipple. The breast pad also has an intermediate layer of absorbing material having a shape which assists the intermediate layer to conform to an inside surface of the substantially concave shape of the outer layer. The intermediate layer is attached to the outer layer in a radial position corresponding to the stitched tapering fold such that the intermediate layer substantially covers the stitched tapering fold. In this way, the intermediate layer provides additional absorbent material near the nipple, and, prevents direct contact of the stitched tapering fold with the nipple.

Abstract: An absorbent article for positioning in the crotch area of a garment of a wearer and against or closely adjacent to the body of the wearer for absorbing body fluids. The absorbent article includes a pair of outwardly extending side flaps that are adapted to be folded around the edges of the crotch panel of the garment, and to overlap each other for attachment together to aid in properly positioning and retaining the absorbent article on the wearer's garment. Attachment of the flaps is effected by a fastening system that permits attachment, release, and subsequent reattachment of the flaps to enable the absorbent article to be repositioned by the wearer. The fastening system also enables the article to be folded for convenient carrying and packaging before use, and to be refolded for convenient disposal of the article after use.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a liquid pervious structured carrier, a liquid impervious backsheet at least partially peripherally joined to the structured carrier; and an absorbent core intermediate the structured carrier and the backsheet. The liquid pervious structured carrier has an inner surface oriented toward the interior of the disposable absorbent article and an outer surface oriented toward the skin of the wearer when the disposable absorbent article is worn The structured carrier has an effective open area of at least about 12 percent and a plurality of apertures with an effective size greater than 0.1 square millimeters. The outer surface of the structured carrier has an effective amount of a skin care composition which is semi-solid or solid at 20° C. and which is partially transferable to the wearer's skin.

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: The present invention relates to an apertured web formed from a polymeric film having permanent hydrophilicity which is suitable for use as a topsheet in an absorbent article. One embodiment of the present invention is a multi-layer polymeric film having a first layer, a second layer, and at least one intermediate layer between the first and second layers, where one of the first or second layers is a block copolymer of a polyether and another polymer and the other layer is a hydrophobic layer as defined herein. Methods of producing such webs are also disclosed. The present invention also pertains to absorbent articles which preferably include a topsheet in accordance with the present invention, a backsheet secured to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet.

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: An absorbent article that provides leakage protection and/or skin protection, as well as methods for using and preparing same and novel compositions and composites for use in same, is disclosed. The absorbent article comprises a permeable topsheet; a substantially impermeable backsheet; an absorbent core positioned between said permeable topsheet and said substantially impermeable backsheet; and a hydrophobic composition selectively disposed on the absorbent article to contain leakage. The hydrophobic composition is disposed at one or more leak protection zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid management article to be worn adjacent a user's perineum for collecting and/or absorbing low volumes of bodily fluids encountered both menstrually and intermenstrually. The article is particularly useful for everyday use, that is, for managing daily perspiration, vaginal discharge, post intercourse drainage, and other bodily fluids due to various conditions, such as infection.

Abstract: A latex as a binder for nonwoven applications to form a permeable sublayer of personal hygiene articles. The latex is prepared by a process including the steps of (1) polymerizing a monomer mixture comprising styrene, itaconic acid, surfactant and water soluble free radical initiator to form a seed; (2) sequentially adding equal increments of a monomer mixture of styrene, butadiene and acrylic acid to the seed under emulsion polymerization conditions to form a styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer; and then (3) neutralizing the styrene-butadiene-acrylic acid copolymer to a pH of about 4.5 to 7 to form the latex.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent garment having a combined leg elastic and leak guard flap feature. A chassis of the absorbent garment includes an outer cover and a body side liner with at least one elastomeric member folded within the body side liner around each of two leg openings defined by the chassis to form a finished edge around each leg opening. The folded edge of the body side liner is then folded again to create a fully functional flap with the appearance of a leg elastic in the crotch area. The resulting absorbent garment has a three-dimensional leg elastic assembly that creates a bucket for containing body fluids, and furthermore, creates a tailored, soft, comfortable leg and side seal.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an absorbent product such as a sanitary napkin, a diaper, an incontinence pad or similar, comprising an absorbent body (3) comprises an absorbent layer (6) presenting a first surface (11) and an opposite second surface (13), as well as a first material layer that is arranged in contact with the first surface (11) of the absorbent layer (6) and a second material layer is arranged in contact with the second surface (13) of the absorbent layer. In accordance with the invention, there is at least one bend indication in the form of a through slit (14) or an elongated opening arranged in said absorbent layer (6), and one surface (13) of the absorbent layer (6) is mutually joined with the material layer in contact with this surface, within the region immediately surrounding said bend indication, on both sides thereof, whereas the absorbent layer's opposite surface (11) in said region is not joined to the material layer contacting this surface (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorption material (50; 60) comprising a carrier material exhibiting a coating (51; 61) of a thermosensitive polymer with a cloud point at a temperature in the vicinity of and somewhat below the body temperature of a healthy human being. The absorption properties of the polymer change at the cloud point, so that the polymer substantially lacks absorption capacity at a first temperature on one side of the cloud point but exhibits good absorption properties at a second temperature on the other side of the cloud point. Furthermore, the invention includes an absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence protector, a sanitary napkin, or the like, having an absorption body comprising an absorption material coated with a thermosensitive polymer.

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: The present invention provides a material for distributing liquid and a method for making such a material. The material includes a substrate permeable to a liquid and a chemical treatment applied to at least a portion of the substrate. The substrate further includes a leakage prevention means of at least one area of an increased concentration of the chemical treatment such that the chemical treatment is non-uniform along a planar dimension of the substrate and creates an area of preferential flow through the substrate. The chemical treatment useful for application to the substrate preferably induces wetting of the substrate by a liquid. The material for distributing liquid has best utility as a component of an absorbent article, e.g. a liner of a diaper. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is attached to an absorbent layer such that the absorbent layer receives and retains the liquid when the liquid flows from a first planar dimension to a second planar dimension.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unitary absorbent core having a basis weight of about 75 grams per square meter or greater, including a fibrous absorbent layer having an upper fluid receiving surface and a lower surface with a hydrophobic vapor-transmissive moisture barrier integral with the lower surface of the absorbent layer. Also disclosed is a process for the production of the unitary absorbent core, including the steps of (a) producing a fibrous absorbent layer having upper and lower surfaces, and (b) applying to the lower surface of the fibrous absorbent layer a hydrophobic material which at least partially coats at least some of the fibers of the lower surface of the absorbent layer.

Abstract: An adjustable, form fitted, reusable diaper for infants that includes a reusable or disposable pad insertable between a soft permeable inner panel and an impermeable outer panel laminated with either a soft pile or a waterproof breathable or non-breathable elastomeric non-woven material. The diaper, having an hourglass configuration when open, is provided with expandable leg openings and waistband and fitted with hidden snap closures uniquely arranged to provide waist adjustment independently of leg opening adjustment and vise-versa. The diaper's use of a high pile, permeable inner panel such as polar fleece wicks moisture quickly away from the infants body where it is absorbed by the washable, reusable pad located between the inner and outer panels. The pad is then easily removed and replaced with a clean and dry pad, often without removal of the diaper from the infant.

Abstract: Provided is an absorbent article including a back sheet, an absorbent layer, and a top sheet covering at least the absorbent layer. The top sheet includes a fiber layer, and a resin layer which is applied to the surface of the fiber layer in a plurality of band-shaped rows. At least one of the rows is a discontinuous row composed of discontinuous band-shaped portions arranged at a spacing in the axial direction of the row. The area not having the resin layer between adjacent discontinuous band-shaped portions in the axial direction of the row is located at least in the region covering the absorbent layer. Accordingly, the top sheet is liquid-permeable between the adjacent rows and in the area not having the resin layer between adjacent discontinuous band-shaped portions in the axial direction of the row.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, an absorbent core and a breathable backsheet. The absorbent article has a fluid contact angle gradient between the topsheet and absorbent core and exhibits a reduced tendency to adhere to the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a diaper of the kind including outer and inner layers enclosing an absorbing layer, an absorbing body or the like, wherein at least one recess is arranged in the absorbing layer and a liquid passage in line with said recess at the inner covering layer. In addition to the recess in the absorbing layer, there are a number of channels extending from the recess forming together with the recess a storage space defined by the outer and inner layers of the diaper for temporary receiving liquid not yet absorbed and providing an extended liquid absorbing edge surface.

Abstract: An apertured polymeric film web having a first surface, a second surface generally parallel to and spaced apart from said first surface, and a plurality of fluid passageways extending between the first surface and the second surface to place the first surface and the second surface in fluid communication with one another. The web is formed of a polymeric film comprising at least one bulk modified layer, the bulk modified layer comprising a substantially homogeneous, stabilized dispersion comprising a comparatively low surface energy material in a polymeric material. The comparatively low surface energy material, referred to herein as a hydrophobic additive, imparts hydrophobicity to the web's first surface, thereby promoting enhanced effectiveness in transporting fluid away from the first surface of the web, particularly when used in combination with a hydrophilic adhesive applied to the web's second surface in a topsheet system of the present invention.

Abstract: Training pants having a front region, a rear region and a crotch region therebetween includes a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween, and the topsheet has a liquid-permeability lower in a transversely middle zone of the crotch region than in transversely opposite side zones, and thereby the pants can give a wearer a feeling of wetness even if the pants have slipped down.

Abstract: The present invention provides a material for distributing liquid and a method for making such a material. The material includes a substrate permeable to a liquid and a chemical treatment applied to at least a portion of the substrate. The substrate further includes a leakage prevention means of at least one area of an increased concentration of the chemical treatment such that the chemical treatment is non-uniform along a planar dimension of the substrate and creates an area of preferential flow through the substrate. The chemical treatment useful for application to the substrate preferably induces wetting of the substrate by a liquid. The material for distributing liquid has best utility as a component of an absorbent article, e.g. a liner of a diaper. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate is attached to an absorbent layer such that the absorbent layer receives and retains the liquid when the liquid flows from a first planar dimension to a second planar dimension.

Abstract: A disposable training pants include a basic structure wet telling means provided inside the basic structure. The basic structure include a pair of elastically stretchable/contractile suspender sheets extending circumferentially of front and rear waist regions of the basic structure, respectively, and an elastically stretchable/contractile crotch covering sheet secured at its longitudinally opposite ends to the respective suspender sheets at their middle portions so as to extend between the front and rear waist regions and serving to make a baby aware of wetness.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an article having a skin care composition disposed on at least a portion of the article. The skin care composition is a breathable, barrier protectant which can be immobilized on the article and is transferable to the wearer's skin via contact, normal wearer motion and/or body heat. Particularly, the skin care composition should have a water vapor transmission rate of at least about 0.1 gm/m.sup.2 /hr and a barrier property of at least about -25 on Hunter b scale, as measured by a Methylene Blue Dye Method.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an outer cover, a bodyside liner and an absorbent core. A fecal retaining structure defines a perimeter having an aperture therein. The fecal retaining structure includes channels extending outwardly from the aperture. The fecal retaining structure preferably includes a cavity about the perimeter thereof and in communication with the channels. The cavity preferably communicates with the channels and provides additional volume for storage of fecal material. The fecal retaining structure preferably is formed by two layers of resiliently compressible material having different rigidity and compression resistance. One of the layers is smaller than the other layer such that space to form the cavity is present inside the fecal retaining structure. In a preferred embodiment the fecal retaining structure has a bicycle-seat shape with the narrow front portion extending into the front portion of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprising a backsheet, a topsheet, a fluid acquisition/distribution region and at least on fluid storage region, said article having a total product acquisition performance of more than 3.75 ml/sec in the first gush and more than 0.5 ml/sec in the fourth gush and an in bag stack height of less than 9.9 mm, characterized in that said topsheet allows to retain no more them 0.25 g of fluid as measured by the topsheet-on-acquisition-material-wetness test, and that said acquisition/distribution region has a drip capacity of at least 5.0 grams of fluid per gram of material.

Abstract: A topsheet for body exudates absorbent article includes a hydrophilic nonwoven fibrous sheet and a plurality of thermoplastic synthetic resin filaments extending in one direction parallel to one another and continuously bonded to an upper surface of the nonwoven fibrous sheet so that a composite sheet of these sheet and filaments have crests and troughs alternately repeating longitudinally of the filaments and respectively extend transversely of the filaments. An apparatus and a method for manufcturing the topsheet are also disclosed, wherein a pair of mutually engageable embossing rolls are used for forming the crests and the troughs onto the coposite sheet.

Abstract: The present invention includes novel barrier webs that have certain desirable physical qualities such as water resistance, increased durability, improved barrier qualities and the like. The present invention further comprises a barrier web comprising a web that has been treated with a curable shear thinned thixotropic polymer composition, the fabric being adapted to be substantially impermeable to liquids, permeable to gases and impermeable to microorganisms. The barrier webs of the present invention are either impermeable to all microorganisms or are impermeable to microorganisms of certain sizes. The present invention also includes fabrics that are capable of either selective binding certain microorganisms, particles or molecules depending upon what binding partners are incorporated into the polymer before application to the fabric.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid previous fibrous, preferably nonwoven, web having a first surface and a second surface. The web comprises a hydrophilic nonwoven web comprising a plurality of individual, preferably whitened, brightened, and/or opacified, fibers associated with one another. The web includes a plurality of surface energy gradients defined by the boundaries of discontinuous, spaced regions of the web which are located on the first surface which exhibit a different surface energy than an adjacent portion of the web. The regions comprise depositions of a preferably whitened, brightened, and/or opacified low surface energy material randomly distributed over the first surface. In a preferred embodiment, the nonwoven web is formed of shaped fibers of substantially non-circular cross-section, preferably a trilobial or delta cross-section, which include whitening, brightening, and opacifying agents within the fiber 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: The present invention pertains, in a preferred embodiment, to a method for forming a nonwoven web exhibiting a plurality of surface energy gradients.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising: a backsheet having a user-facing side, a garment-facing side, two longitudinal sides, a first transverse edge, a first waist region located along the first transverse edge, a second transverse edge, and a second waist region located along the second transverse edge. The absorbent article includes an inner layer covering at least a part of the user-facing side of the backsheet, an absorbent core located adjacent the user facing side of the backsheet, and a mechanical fastening system. The fastening system comprises at least one hook-type fastening member located in the second waist region and extending transversely beyond one longitudinal side, and an extensible landing member located in the first waist region for mechanically engaging with the hook-type fastening member. The landing member is formed from an extension of the inner layer which extends beyond the front transverse edge of the backsheet.

Abstract: An absorbent structure is described having an absorbent material layer of fibrous or foamed material, a front half section, a back half section, and absorbent gelling material, wherein more than half the weight of the absorbent gelling material is disposed in the back half section of the absorbent structure. The absorbent structure may include an acquisition/distribution layer having a surface overlying said absorbent material layer, wherein more than half of the surface is disposed in the back half section of the absorbent structure. The absorbent material layer of the absorbent structure may also have a back half section with a higher caliper than the caliper of the front half section of the absorbent material layer.

Abstract: Absorbent garments including monolithic backing members are provided having controlled regional breathability with high WVTR regions and low WVTR regions. The zoned monolithic films can be made by selectively applying adhesive to the monolithic film.