Abstract: A body conformance system (22) includes at least one liquid-permeable, flexible containment layer (24), and an operative quantity of substantially free-flowing particulate material (28) constrained by the flexible containment layer (24). In a particular aspect, the substantially free-flowing particulate material (28) can exhibit a selected avalanche-time between avalanches. In another aspect, the particulate material can exhibit a selected, minimum retention capacity. In a further aspect, the system can exhibit a distinctive gap-protrusion area (104). In yet another aspect, the containment layer (24) can include a material that has a relatively high permeability to liquid, but a relatively high resistance to a passage of the particulate material.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising fibrous nits and other free-flowing particles are disclosed. In one embodiment, an absorbent article is disclosed comprising free-flowing particles in a central portion which, in conjunction with other absorbent members, provides excellent body fit and good fluid handling performance. In another embodiment, good leakage control is provided by the combined effect of good intake and fluid handling performance of fibrous nits coupled with a wicking barrier between the nits and the longitudinal sides of the articles. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging the portion comprising nits to deflect vertically upward. Methods of preparing cellulosic nits and incorporating them into absorbent articles are also described.

Abstract: A body conformance system (22) includes at least one liquid-permeable, flexible containment layer (24), and an operative quantity of substantially free-flowing particulate material (28) constrained by the flexible containment layer (24). In a particular aspect, the substantially free-flowing particulate material (28) can exhibit a selected avalanche-time between avalanches. In another aspect, the particulate material can exhibit a selected, minimum retention capacity. In a further aspect, the system can exhibit a distinctive gap-protrusion area (104). In yet another aspect, the containment layer (24) can include a material that has a relatively high permeability to liquid, but a relatively high resistance to a passage of the particulate material.

Abstract: A method and system (22) for reducing malodor includes a providing of an operative quantity of particles of adsorbent material with a carrier structure (24), and a configuring of the carrier structure to contact at least one viscous, aqueous body-liquid during an intended use of the carrier structure. The carrier structure (24) has been configured to reduce malodor from the viscous body-liquid. In particular features, particles of adsorbent material (28) have been configured to include a total quantity of particle pores, and at least a significant portion of the particle pores have been configured to provide an operative quantity of target pores. In other features, the target pores have been configured to withdraw and hold water from said body-liquid, and have been configured to hold the water in a manner that renders the water substantially inaccessible to odor-causing organisms. In a further feature, the target pores can be configured to provide a selected target pore-size.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising fibrous nits and other free-flowing particles are disclosed. In one embodiment, an absorbent article is disclosed comprising free-flowing particles in a central portion which, in conjunction with other absorbent members, provides excellent body fit and good fluid handling performance. In another embodiment, good leakage control is provided by the combined effect of good intake and fluid handling performance of fibrous nits coupled with a wicking barrier between the nits and the longitudinal sides of the articles. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging the portion comprising nits to deflect vertically upward.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising fibrous nits and other free-flowing particles are provided. In one embodiment, an absorbent article includes free-flowing particles in a central portion which, in conjunction with other absorbent members, provides excellent body fit and good fluid handling performance. In another embodiment, good leakage control is provided by the combined effect of good intake and fluid handling performance of fibrous nits coupled with a wicking barrier between the nits and the longitudinal sides of the articles. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging the portion comprising nits to deflect vertically upward. Also provided are methods of preparing cellulosic nits and incorporating them into absorbent articles.

Abstract: Free flowing particles useful in absorbent articles are disclosed, including fibrous nits and methods of preparing fibrous nits. In one embodiment, fibrous nits are prepared from disperging cellulosic fibers in the presence of a nit conditioner which modifies nit particle size and properties for improved performance of the particles. In other embodiments, nits are prepared in multiple disperging steps or by disperging fibers under two or more conditions.

Abstract: A method of making fiber bundles and fibrous structures. The efficacy of a fiber bundle in handling complex fluids may be improved by subjecting an aqueous suspension of fibers at high consistency to elevated energy input with sufficient working of the fibers. The fibrous structures prepared according to the methods herein include at least one fiber bundle and at least one debonding agent. The fiber bundle includes at least one particulate material consisting essentially of entangled fibers.

Abstract: Superabsorbent-containing composites containing at least one particle of a superabsorbent material covered with at least a first layer of at least one particle of at least one coating material. The superabsorbent materials are desirably stiff-gelling superabsorbent materials. The superabsorbent-containing composites of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in sanitary napkins, diapers and other disposable absorbent articles that handle complex fluids.

Abstract: Superabsorbent-containing composites prepared in a fluidized bed coating apparatus according to the process of the present invention contain at least one particle of a superabsorbent material covered with at least a first layer of at least one particle of at least one coating material. The superabsorbent-containing composites prepared in a fluidized bed coating apparatus according to the process of the present invention are particularly suitable for use in sanitary napkins, diapers and other disposable absorbent articles that handle complex fluids.