Abstract: Absorbent articles including a compressed tablet are generally described. The compressed tablet of the present invention is configured to expand toward the skin of the wearer (i.e., in the z-direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to the plane of the absorbent article) upon contact with a liquid. However, the expansion of the compressed tablet is substantially limited to the z-direction. That is, the compressed tablet does not substantially expand in any direction parallel with the plane of the article (i.e., the x- and y-directions). As such, the compressed tablet does not significantly interfere with the absorbent capabilities of the absorbent article. Thus, the compressed tablet can be included within conventional absorbent articles without significantly sacrificing the absorbency characteristics of the article.

Abstract: Absorbent articles including a wetness indicator are generally described. The wetness indicator of the present invention is configured to expand toward the skin of the wearer (i.e., in the z-direction of the absorbent article perpendicular to the plane of the absorbent article) upon contact with a liquid. However, the expansion of the wetness indicator is substantially limited to the z-direction. That is, the wetness indicator does not substantially expand in any direction parallel with the plane of the article (i.e., the x- and y-directions). As such, the wetness indicator does not significantly interfere with the absorbent capabilities of the absorbent article. Thus, the wetness indicator can be included within conventional absorbent articles without significantly sacrificing the absorbency characteristics of the article.