Abstract: A body-contacting surface or topsheet for absorbent articles or devices that is comfortable when it is placed in contact with hydrous body tissues is disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, the topsheet is a non-absorbent, moderately hydrophilic to substantially hydrophobic nonwoven web. The topsheet can have a critical surface tension of less than or equal to about 45 dynes/cm. In one embodiment, the nonwoven web has been mechanically modified so that it is extensible in an amount greater than equal to about 30% under a force of 50 grams, and undergoes a caliper change of greater than or equal to about 30% under a pressure of 1,000 Pa after being subjected to a pressure of 250 Pa. The topsheet is placed on absorbent devices such as sanitary napkins, tampons, pantiliners, interlabial devices, incontinence devices, bandages, and other types of articles.

Abstract: An absorbent interlabial device worn by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, is disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the two. The length of the device is between about 60 mm and about 130 mm. The width is between about 25 mm and 50 mm. The device has an axis of preferred bending along its longitudinal centerline. When folded along the axis and inserted into the wearer's interlabial space, the topsheet maintains contact with the walls of the wearer's labia. A method of using a system of feminine hygiene products is also disclosed. The system includes the use of an absorbent interlabial device in combination with a sanitary napkin. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention may also be used in combination with an absorbent tampon.

Abstract: An absorbent interlabial device worn by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, is disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the two. The length of the device is between about 60 mm and about 130 mm. The width is between about 25 mm and 50 mm. The device has an axis of preferred bending along its longitudinal centerline. When folded along the axis and inserted into the wearer's interlabial space, the topsheet maintains contact with the walls of the wearer's labia. A method of using a system of feminine hygiene products is also disclosed. The system includes the use of an absorbent interlabial device in combination with a sanitary napkin. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention may also be used in combination with an absorbent tampon.

Abstract: An absorbent interlabial device worn by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, is disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the two. The length of the device is between about 60 mm and about 130 mm. The width is between about 25 mm and 50 mm. The device has an axis of preferred bending along its longitudinal centerline. When folded along the axis and inserted into the wearer's interlabial space, the topsheet maintains contact with the walls of the wearer's labia. A method of using a system of feminine hygiene products is also disclosed. The system includes the use of an absorbent interlabial device in combination with a sanitary napkin. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention may also be used in combination with an absorbent tampon.

Abstract: An absorbent interlabial device that is worn interlabially by female wearers for catemenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, is disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention is characterized by improved wearing comfort and increased capacity as compared to known interlabial devices. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention includes at least an central absorbent portion (or core) surrounded by a liquid pervious topsheet. The topsheet is folded laterally inward over the central absorbent portion and downdward to form a central groove on the top surface of the interlabial device. The central groove faces toward the vestibule of the wearer upon insertion into the interlabial space. The central groove improves the comfort associated with the wearing of the interlabial device, and allows the device to more rapidly acquire fluids, particularly viscous fluids.

Abstract: Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devices, and the like, that have components that are bonded for improved integrity and an unbonded window on their body-facing side for improved acquisition are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a topsheet that is fused to an underlying liquid pervious or absorbent layer at a plurality of individual bonded areas. The absorbent articles have an unbonded window that is substantially free of bonded areas, which is surrounded by region of the absorbent article that contain bonded areas.

Abstract: An absorbent interlabial device worn by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, is disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the two. The length of the device is between about 60 mm and about 130 mm. The width is between about 25 mm and about 50 mm. The device has an axis of preferred bending along its longitudinal centerline. When folded along the axis and inserted into the wearer's interlabial space, the topsheet maintains contact with the walls of the wearer's labia. A method of using a system of feminine hygiene products is also disclosed. The system includes the use of an absorbent interlabial device in combination with a sanitary napkin. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention may also be used in combination with an absorbent tampon.

Abstract: Absorbent devices, and more particularly absorbent devices that are worn interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, are disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention comprises a main absorbent portion with an upper portion, a lower portion opposed to the upper portion, and two ends. The upper portion faces toward the vestibule of the wearer during insertion of the device into the wearer's interlabial space and during use. The ends of the absorbent device are preferably taped so that the lower portion of the interlabial device is longer than the upper portion. The ends are also provided with at least one curvilinear segment, with the ends preferably having a sinusoidal or S-shape. The absorbent interlabial device preferably also has an arcuate pattern of discrete autogenous bonds.

Abstract: An absorbent interlabial device that is worn interlabially by female wearers for catemenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, is disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention is characterized by improved wearing comfort and increased capacity as compared to known interlabial devices. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention includes at least an central absorbent portion (or core) surrounded by a liquid pervious topsheet. The topsheet is folded laterally inward over the central absorbent portion and downward to form a central groove on the top surface of the interlabial device. The central groove faces toward the vestibule of the wearer upon insertion into the interlabial space. The central groove improves the comfort associated with the wearing of the interlabial device, and allows the device to more rapidly acquire fluids, particularly viscous fluids.

Abstract: A method of making an absorbent interlabial device that is worn interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, is disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention preferably includes at least an central absorbent portion (or core) surrounded by a liquid pervious topsheet. The topsheet is folded laterally inward over the central absorbent portion and downward to form a central groove on the top surface of the interlabial device. The central groove faces toward the vestibule of the wearer upon insertion into the interlabial space. The central groove improves the comfort associated with the wearing of the interlabial device, and allows the device to more rapidly acquire fluids, particularly viscous fluids. The device is more easily manufactured than previous interlabial devices using current web handling techniqures.

Abstract: Absorbent devices, and more particularly absorbent devices that are worn interlabially by female wearers for catamenial purposes, incontinence protection, or both, are disclosed. The absorbent interlabial device of the present invention comprises a main absorbent portion with an upper portion, a lower portion opposed to the upper portion, and two ends. The upper portion faces toward the vestibule of the wearer during insertion of the device into the wearer's interlabial space and during use. The ends of the absorbent device are preferably taped so that the lower portion of the interlabial device is longer than the upper portion. The ends are also provided with at least one curvilinear segment, with the ends preferably having a sinusoidal or S-shape. The absorbent interlabial device preferably also has an arcuate pattern of discrete autogenous bonds.