Abstract: Composite nonwoven webs are provided having two distinct regions extending adjacent one another in the machine direction of the web; the first region is formed from first continuous filaments and the second region is formed from second continuous filaments. The interface of the first and second region is formed from a mixture the first and second continuous filaments in a confluent relationship with one another and such that the two distinct regions form a unitary nonwoven web. The respective first and second regions can have distinct physical attributes as a result of utilizing first and second filaments which are different from one another. The first and second continuous filaments can vary with respect to average fiber denier, cross-sectional shape, cross-sectional configuration, polymer composition, crimp level, and additive composition.

Abstract: Unitary films are provided having at least first and second film segments which extend adjacent one another and are permanently joined together. The first and second segments have different compositions whereby the unitary film includes distinct segments having varied physical properties such as, for example, varied levels of high water-vapor transmission rates and/or elasticity. The unitary films and laminates thereof are well suited for use as outer covers in personal care articles and various other barrier articles.