Abstract: A mask for the relief of dry eye in a dry eye subject, including a unitary shell shaped to cover at least one eye and a portion of a face. The shell includes a first layer and a second layer the first layer that is substantially moisture impermeable and the second layer that is moisture absorbent. The first layer and the second layer meeting at a layer interface. The first layer and the second layer are substantially coextensive over substantially the entire layer interface and are secured together over substantially the entire layer interface.

Abstract: A mask to improve the comfort and eye health of individuals suffering from dry eye syndrome including a substantially vapor impermeable shell with a unitary structure having a substantially planar portion and two eye recesses. Each eye recess forms a generally concave dome shaped region on one side of the substantially planar portion. The shell is adapted to be worn on the face of the dry eye subject. An absorbent material can be positioned in at least one of the eye recesses; so that the absorbent material extends less than the maximum depth of the eye recesses to present the absorbent material to the face in the vicinity of the eyes of the dry eye subject without extending beyond the edge of the substantially planar portion. The invention may also include securing member to secure the shell to the subjects head.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a soft, high density, absorbent material with improved characteristics. A web is formed from material that includes a mixture of cellulosic fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. Then, the web is preferably compacted and embossed at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and preferably to also create liquid-stable bonds between the synthetic polymer fibers and the cellulosic fibers in spaced-apart regions of the web.

Abstract: A soft, high density, absorbent material is provided with improved characteristics. A process is provided for making the absorbent material. A web is formed from material that includes a mixture of cellulosic fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. Then, the web is preferably compacted and embossed at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and preferably to also create liquid-stable bonds between the synthetic polymer fibers and the cellulosic fibers in spaced-apart regions of the web.

Abstract: Soft wood pulp sheets, soft absorbent cores, and methods for making the soft wood pulp sheets or soft absorbent cores by addition of non-ionic plasticizers before, during or after the pulp or core manufacturing process are disclosed. Preferred non-ionic plasticizers are ethers or esters such as triacetin, citrates or glycol derivatives.

Abstract: An absorbent material that can be used as an absorbent core in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products and incontinence devices is provided. An absorbent material of this invention contains cellulosic fibers at least a portion of which cellulosic fibers have a relative crystallinity of less than about 65 percent. The absorbent material has superior absorptive, strength, and suppleness properties when compared to existing core materials. The material can be air-laid in one or more layers.

Abstract: An absorbent material that can be used as an absorbent core in absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products and incontinence devices is provided. An absorbent material of this invention contains cellulosic fibers at least a portion of which cellulosic fibers are treated with caustic at a low temperature. The absorbent material has superior absorptive, strength, and suppleness properties when compared to existing core materials. The material can be air-laid in one or more layers.

Abstract: A method of constructing multi-layer products for absorbing fluids is disclosed. In the methods of the present invention, two or more layers of materials chosen to vary in recovery are compressed such that an absorption gradient forms through the continuous intimately associated layers. A first layer preferably remains densified while a second layer "blooms" to form an open, absorptive layer, which acts as a reservoir, drawing absorbed fluids into the densified layer, where they are retained.

Abstract: Novel facing materials and methods for their manufacture are provided by this invention. The facing material includes at least a fibrous top layer for engaging body fluid and a generally opaque middle layer. A portion of the facing material is disposed, preferably by piercing, through the generally opaque middle layer to establish a fluid path through the generally opaque middle layer. In the preferred embodiment, the facing material includes a bottom layer having a capillary structure for drawing the body fluid from the fibrous top layer. In this preferred embodiment, the fibrous top layer extends through the generally opaque middle layer to provide fluid communication between the fibrous top layer and the bottom layer. These composite structures provide a clean/dry facing material that has a comfort of a textile facing and the high opacity of apertured thermoplastic films.

Abstract: A protective absorbent liner for nether garments is provided comprising an elongated absorbent body having the body contacting major surface and a garment contacting major surface. Pressure sensitive adhesive element means are disposed longitudinally and centrally upon the garment contacting surface and extend from end to end thereof. The removable release strip overlies the entire length of the pressure sensitive adhesive element. At least one extreme end portion of the pressure sensitive adhesive element is provided with a pattern of raised and depressed areas whereby the resistance to peeling of both the release strip prior to use and the nether garment after use is lower in the end portion than in the central portion of the adhesive element.

Abstract: Means are provided in an absorbent product, such as a catamenial tampon, for greatly reducing the tendency for fibrous particles to break loose from the body of the product during use, this condition being referred to as "sloughing". The means comprise a pad of absorbent material having printed on at least one surface thereof a non-occlusive pattern of adhesive binder. The pad, when used for a catamenial tampon, is turned upon itself into a generally cylindrical shape which may be compressed into the final tampon.