Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, is provided with first and second flexible bending axes separating front and rear portions of the article from a central portion. Each of the bending axes is created by a notch formed in the longitudinally extending sides of the article. A fluid pervious cover layer forms the body facing surface of the article. A transversely extending slit is formed in the portion of the cover within each of the notches. A fluid impervious barrier layer forms the garment facing surface of the article. A pleat is formed in the portion of the barrier extending between the edges of each of the slits. The notches, slits and pleats allow the front and rear portions of the article to freely bend upward into contact with the use's body and prevent lateral compression in the central portion of the article from being transmitted to the front and rear portions so as to undesirably increase the stiffness of the article in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Prebent, anatomically shaped, self-aligning absorbent products comprising a fluid permeable body facing cover, an absorbent element, a central, partially longitudinally disposed core, and a flexible, moisture barrier having partially longitudinally disposed permanent creases proximate to the longitudinal edges of the moisture barrier, are provided. Such products generally have a convex shape in the approximate center portion of the body facing surface which shape allows the product to conform to the body and more closely approximate the source of fluid discharge thereby reducing unwanted movement or misalignment which may result in leakage. Such products further generally have an hourglass shape which complements the general contour of the inside surfaces of the thighs.