Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable casing sheet (1), a liquid-impermeable casing sheet (2) and an absorbent body (3) enclosed between the two casing sheets. The absorbent body (3) includes a liquid acquisition space (24) which consists of at least one cavity or one region of lower density than the density of an acquisition layer (19) located in said absorbent body (3) adjacent the space (24) and essentially in the same plane thereas. The acquisition layer (19) includes a material which when wetted increases in size in the thickness direction of the article (the z-direction). The article is mainly characterized in that the material in the acquisition layer (19) exhibits relatively low expansion in the plane of the article (the xy-direction) when wetted, such that the volume of the liquid-acquisition space (24) will increase by at least 100%, preferably by at least 200%, more preferably by at least 400% and most preferably by 900% when wetted.

Abstract: An absorbent material comprising a mat of dry-formed cellulose fibers integrated with an air-laid non-woven gauze of reinforcing textile fibers. A method of producing this material by air-laying textile fibers on a wire to form a non-woven gauze, whereafter a mat of cellulose fibers is formed on the textile fiber non-woven gauze. The use of the material as an absorbent structure in an absorbent product. A method of producing an absorbent structure comprised of cellulose fibers and reinforcing textile fibers in which a mat of dry-formed cellulose fibers integrated with an air-laid non-woven gauze of reinforcing fibers is defined and mat-formed. An absorbent structure obtained by this method.

Abstract: An absorbent structure in an absorbent product such as a diaper, an incontinence protector, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner or dressing, where the absorbent structure is formed of a piece of foamed material, which as an integrated unit has a liquid permeable surface and a corresponding surface which is liquid-proof and an absorbent layer between them. The liquid-proof surface can preferably be the skin of closed cells, which during manufacturing is formed on the piece of foamed material.

Abstract: A material having a high absorptive capacity, for use in an absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, tampon, incontinence protection, and nappy produced by a highly compressed cellulose-based absorptive material in reel form being finely divided into fragments, and included as a component having a high absorptive capacity in the absorbent structure within the absorbent product, displays good absorptive and swelling properties such as a high assimilation capacity and a high degree of surface dryness the absorbent structure may also contain conventional fluff cellulose pulp and binding fibers.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a foam material for absorption of aqueous liquids, a manufacturing method and an advantageous use of such a foam material, and an absorbent disposable article comprising such a foam material. The foam material is hydrophilic and primarily intended for use in absorbent disposable articles such as baby diapers, incontinence protectors and products for feminine hygiene. However, the foam material according to the invention is also suited for use in other absorbent articles, such as in different wiping materials, bandage materials and other similar products. The chemical structure of a surfactant, which is utilized as a combined emulsifying and hydrophilizing agent when manufacturing the foam material according to the invention, makes it possible to retain a sufficient proportion of the foam surfactant in the foam material even after repeated wettings, something which renders the foam material highly, permanently hydrophilic.

Abstract: An absorbent article which includes a liquid-permeable outer sheet (1) disposed on a first surface of the article, a liquid-impermeable outer sheet (2) disposed on a second surface of the article, and an absorbent body (3) which is enclosed between the two casing sheets and which includes a receiving space (24) for taking-up body liquid, wherein the space is comprised of at least one cavity or region of lower density than the density of a part of the absorbent body (3) adjacent the receiving space (24) and located generally in the same plane. The article is mainly characterized in that the receiving space (24) is disposed in a storage layer (19) in the absorbent body (3), and in that parts (20,125) of the storage layer (19) adjacent the receiving space (24) include a material which when wetted increases in volume in a direction generally perpendicular to the first surface of the article, whereby the size of the receiving space (24) is also increased in this direction as a result of wetting the article.