Abstract: An absorbent article is provided having an absorbent core with an absorbent pledget adhered to the body-facing side of the core between the core and the body-facing surface of the article. The pledget has a greater structural stiffness and a reduced surface area relative to the core. The absorbent article has a fluid permeable coverstock including a bi-component fiber. An hourglass-shaped absorbent pledget is disposed between the core and the coverstock. The pledget includes airlaid material adhered to the body-facing side of the absorbent core. The pledget further includes a three-dimensional apertured film mounted to the airlaid material, which engages the coverstock. The absorbent core is configured to fold about the hourglass shape of the pledget and resist undesired deformity of the absorbent article. The coverstock includes adhesive-coated elastic members disposed adjacent the longitudinal sides. The longitudinal sides are folded about a backsheet to enclose the core and pledget.

Abstract: A core and method for making a core are provided for an absorbent article. The core includes a porous substrate configured to transfer liquid. A superabsorbent polymer is adhered to the porous substrate, and at least a portion of the superabsorbent polymer is pressed into the porous substrate. Additionally, an absorbent article and method for making an absorbent article are provided. The absorbent article includes a barrier configured to prevent the passage of liquid. A core is positioned adjacent the barrier, and includes a porous substrate. A superabsorbent polymer is adhered to the porous substrate, and at least a portion of the superabsorbent polymer is pressed into the porous substrate. A cover is positioned adjacent the core on a side of the core opposite from the barrier. The cover is configured to permit the passage of liquid to the core.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided including a fluid permeable body facing surface and an absorbent core having a body facing side. An absorbent pledget is adhered to the body facing side of the absorbent core and is disposed between the absorbent core and the body facing surface. The pledget has a greater structural stiffness and a reduced surface area relative to the absorbent core. The pledget is configured to fit a human anatomy. In another alternate embodiment, the absorbent article has a fluid permeable coverstock configured to engage a body surface and defining longitudinal sides. The coverstock includes a bi-component fiber having a polypropylene inner core and a polyethylene outer sheath. An absorbent core of the absorbent article has a body facing side, an opposing side and extends longitudinally along the absorbent article. The absorbent core has arcuate outer ends and includes wood pulp and superabsorbent polymer materials.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided which includes a fluid permeable top sheet and a first absorbent core being separate and in fluid communication with a second absorbent core. The second absorbent core is separate and in fluid communication with a third absorbent core. The first, second and third absorbent cores are supported between the fluid permeable top sheet and a fluid impermeable back sheet. The second absorbent core defines at least two separate absorbent core sections in fluid communication. The separate absorbent core sections define a body facing surface that engages the fluid permeable top sheet. In an alternate embodiment, the absorbent article defines a longitudinal length and includes a fluid permeable top sheet and a first absorbent core disposed adjacent a side of a central second absorbent core and pivotable, along the longitudinal length, relative to the second absorbent core.