Abstract: A non-woven web formed from substantially continuous and uninterrupted multi-component filaments in which the filaments are spun at a spinning speed adequate for molecularly orienting less than all of the various constituent polymers. After collection, the non-woven web is either heated or receives a tensile force that causes each filament region formed from the polymer lacking molecular orientation to shrink in length considerably more than other filament regions formed from molecularly-oriented polymers. The differential length reduction enhances the loft of the non-woven web.

Abstract: A multilayer nonwoven fabric is disclosed which comprises at least two layers of nonwoven web. Each nonwoven web comprises a plurality of monofilaments of a thermoplastic material. In at least one of the webs the monofilaments have a bilobal cross-section. Preferably, the fabric includes two layers of nonwoven web with the monofilaments of the first web having the bilobal cross-section and the monofilaments of the second web having a trilobal or branched cross-section.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs are disclosed which comprise monofilaments or fibers of a thermoplastic material. Basically, the improvement comprises the use of monofilaments or fibers which have a bilobal shaped cross-section. Nonwoven webs made according to this invention are particularly suited to be used for liners for disposable diapers as well as wraps for catamenial devices. Methods are also disclosed for producing such nonwoven webs.