Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed having a liquid pervious liner, a liquid-impermeable backing member and an absorbent position therebetween. The liner contains a plurality of perforations extending completely therethrough which are arranged in a central area and spaced away from the longitudinal side edges of the article. The article also contains a flow zone control layer having a first surface in contact with the perforated central area of the liner and a second surface in contact with the absorbent. The flow zone control layer facilitates dispersion of body fluid along the length thereof before allowing a substantial amount of the fluid to pass into the absorbent. The preferred flow zone material is a meltblown polymer and the preferred perforated cover is spunbonded polypropylene.

Abstract: A labial pad (30) having an anatomically conformable configuration with a generally ovate geometry defined by a principal longitudinal axis (L), a minor transverse axis (T) and a generally orthogonal lateral or height axis (H), is comprised of a laterally upwardly directed projection (52) lying generally along the longitudinal axis within the posterior region (54) of the pad and having a prominence (64) proximate the distal end (60) thereof tapering toward the proximal end (58) along the longitudinal axis and to the opposed sides (62) along the transverse axis, wherein the projection is configured for disposition within the vestibule (32) of a wearer over a region bounded generally by the posterior labial commissure (36) and the labia terminating at or about the latter and extending forwardly therefrom over the vulva, to occlude the vestibule against flow of menses or the like while protecting the urogenitals from chafing contact.