Abstract: The present invention provides absorbent articles, such as disposable diapers, which utilize substantially water-insoluble hydrogel material to enhance the absorbent capacity of such articles. In these articles, the hydrogel material, combined in particulate form with hydrophilic fiber material, is primarily placed in a lower fluid storage layer of the absorbent core of the article. Such a fluid storage lower layer of the absorbent core is placed underneath an upper, preferably larger, fluid acquisition/distribution layer containing little or no hydrogel. This lower fluid storage layer is positioned in such a manner that at least about 75% of the hydrogel in the lower layer is found in the front two-thirds of the absorbent article and such that at least about 55% of the hydrogel in the lower layer is found in the front half of the absorbent article. Absorbent articles of this type make especially effective and efficient use of the hydrogel material and may also provide a diaper rash control benefit.

Abstract: Absorbent devices, such as catamenial tampons and catamenial pads. The devices comprise an unbonded array of non-absorbent, hydrophillic, resilient, moisture insensitive fibers contained within a porous overwrap. When the devices are intended to be presented in the compressed state, the compressed density of the mass of fibers should be less than about 0.3 grams per cubic centimeter. The devices can contain ancillary absorbent material.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an improved absorbent means that can be used in a catamenial device.The improved absorptive means comrpises a foam means having an absorbency improvement means at least arrayed on the surface of the foam means wherein the absorbency improvement means is adherent to the foam, hydrophilic, and has a high surface area. The foam means is preferably cut into small blocks made of hydrophilic polyester foam or hydrophilic polyurethane foam. Absorbency improvement means is preferably cellulose fibers.A tampon incorporating the improved absorbent means has overwrap 11 containing an aggregate absorbent body 12 comprising foam blocks coated with fibrous material 16 and ancillary absorbent material 17. The overwrap 11 is sealed by a side seam 13 and knotted at one end with a withdrawal string 15.

Abstract: A disposable diaper combining improved softness and sufficient strength to resist in use tearing and shredding in a single structure, thereby producing better compliance and fit when the structure is applied to the wearer, and hence improved comfort as well as better containment of waste fluids deposited thereon. In a preferred embodiment, a disposable diaper of the present invention employs an air laid absorbent cellulosic core reinforced by the application of a hydrophobic resin at relatively low levels of solids addition to one side thereof with subsequent drying, curing and calendering to the desired overall density. With sufficient strength built into the resin treated surface of the absorbent core structure, the unreinforced surface of the absorbent core can be adhered directly to a soft, waterproof backsheet, thereby producing a unique softness, texture and hand.