Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent cores for inclusion in absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide improved fit and comfort for the wearer while adequately containing body exudates. The absorbent cores are designed to be relatively narrow in the crotch region of the article, even when the core absorbs significant amounts of fluid during use. To achieve this, the absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the front and/or rear regions of the article.The invention particularly relates to an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core wherein the absorbent core has a crotch width when dry and when wet of not more than about 7 cm, and wherein the crotch region of the absorbent core has a capacity of not more than about 40% of the absorbent core's total absorbent capacity.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent structures comprising a first layer, a second layer juxtaposed in facing relation with said first layer, wherein at least one of the layers is fluid pervious. These structures also have a continuous region between said first and second layers comprising hydrogel-forming polymer that is substantially uniformly distributed throughout the region. The continuous region at least partially surrounds multiple, spaced apart zones between said layers, which zones are substantially devoid of hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer. The first and second layers are bonded together such that said hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer is substantially immobilized when in dry state, preferably at sites within a plurality of the zones. Preferably, the hydrogel-forming polymer has relatively high gel permeability such that it forms a gel-continuous fluid transportation layer.

Abstract: Absorbent members useful in the containment of body fluids such as urine, that have at least one region containing hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer in a concentration of from about 60 to 100% by weight and providing a gel-continuous fluid transportation zone when in a swollen state. This hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer has: (a) a Saline Flow Conductivity (SFC) value of at least about 30.times.10.sup.-7 cm.sup.3 sec/g; (b) a Performance under Pressure (PUP) capacity value of at least about 23 g/g under a confining pressure of 0.7 psi (5 kPa); and (c) a basis weight of at least about 10 gsm. In addition, the region where this hydrogel-forming absorbent polymer is present has, even when subjected to normal use conditions, sufficient wet integrity such that the gel-continuous zone substantially maintains its ability to acquire and transport body fluids through the gel-continuous zone.