Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, is disclosed which has a stabilizing element having a length and a width sufficient to conform to the longitudinal dimensions of a wearer's labia majora. The stabilizing element provides the article with enhanced resistance to bunching and inward collapse due to lateral compressive forces imparted by a user's thighs. The stabilizing element is resistant to wet collapse so that a central absorbent portion of the article maintains contact with the perineal area of the user.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided for use in the perineal area of the body. Compliant sealing cuffs are pre-formed to extend outward from the central portion of the article. The cuffs may be formed by looping a strip of resilient highloft material covered with a porous material so as to form a compliant cuff which bears against the user's body in a comfortable manner. An elastic member placed in tension so as to impart an arcuate shape to the article may be placed inside a cavity formed by the cuff. The cuffs may be applied to an article having wings attached to the central portion so as to form pockets for retaining the elasticized portions of the panty crotch. The proximal ends of the cuffs are disposed outward of the pockets and the distance between the pockets is less than the width of the panty crotch so that the body faceable side of the article is placed in tension.