Abstract: A system and method for transferring proprioceptive and/or sensory information from a prosthesis or from a sensing system disposed at a body part having poor or no sensation, to the skin of a user wearing the prosthesis or the sensing system, includes: a device for providing electrotactile feedback in the form of an electrical stimulation pattern with coding scheme for at least one input signal; and at least one multi-pad electrode configured to be positioned on a part of the body of the user. The multi-pad electrode includes a plurality of pads configured to be selectively and discretely activated/deactivated according to the predefined stimulation pattern.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure characterize apparatuses and/or methods as may be implemented with a variety of prosthetic components and applications. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments described herein, respective manipulators are operable and/or operate to manipulate a prosthetic foot component about respective (e.g., separate) axes. A sensor circuit senses movement characteristics of the prosthetic foot component (e.g., movement, surroundings, and/or load applied due to movement). The manipulators operate with the sensor circuit to manipulate the prosthetic foot component about the axes in response to the sensed movement characteristics indicating that the prosthetic foot component is elevated over a surface.

Abstract: A stent includes a first longitudinally extended cylinder having a C-shaped cross-section and a second longitudinally extended cylinder having a C-shaped cross-section. The first cylinder includes a plurality of first longitudinal struts and an array of first radial struts extending between the first longitudinal struts. The second cylinder includes a plurality of second longitudinal struts and an array of second radial struts extending between the second longitudinal struts. The first cylinder and the second cylinder are configured to form a dense mesh structure when assembled. When assembled, the second cylinder may be disposed in the first cylinder. The first cylinder may overlap with the second cylinder to form the dense mesh structure.

Abstract: A method, device, or system for treating eye disorders or conditions, comprising restoring or increasing blood flow or blood flow rate in an artery that supplies blood to or in the eye, thereby increasing the amount of nutrient(s) that reaches the eye or a portion thereof. The invention also includes methods, devices, or systems for treating eye disorders or conditions which use reverse flow or retrograde flow structures and systems during the treatment of the eye disease.

Abstract: A stent and a stent manufacturing method results in a stent exhibiting improved fracture resistance. The stent has metal portions that shape a tubular outer periphery provided with a gap and a polymer portion that connects the metal portions to each other in the gap. The polymer portion has a curved portion that is curved to be concave toward the outer side from the inner side in the radial direction of the tubular outer periphery.

Abstract: Implementations described herein comprise expandable stents configured to maintain a substantially constant length between a collapsed position and a deployed position having a plurality of spring members and a plurality of biasable couplings connecting adjacent spring members. Each spring member includes a plurality of integrally connected wave members formed in a ring shape, each wave member has a plurality of curved segments having a plurality of substantially straight segments disposed therebetween. The plurality of biasable couplings are adapted to elongate upon movement of the stent from the collapsed position to the deployed position to proportionally compensate for the decrease in amplitude of the plurality of wave members of the plurality of spring members such that the stent maintains a substantially constant length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon-mounted stent configured such that a balloon is formed at the front end of a stent, and a metal stent is deployed to a precise stenotic region to widen the stenotic region, and the present invention provides a balloon-mounted stent deployment apparatus comprising an inner tube, a balloon connected to the outside of the inner tube, and a stent located at one side of the balloon and installed outside the inner tube, in which, when the balloon is inflated, the balloon acts as a stopper for the stent. Therefore, during stent deployment procedures, the position of the stent in a stenotic region can be determined more accurately and easily.

Abstract: A medical device-includes a scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. The scaffold is crimped to the balloon by a process that includes one or more balloon pressurization steps. The balloon pressurization steps are selected to enhance scaffold retention to the balloon, maintain a relatively uniform arrangement of balloon folds about the inner surface of the crimped scaffold so that the scaffold expands in a uniform manner when the balloon is inflated, and to avoid any possible over-stretching of balloon material.

Abstract: An endovascular graft, which is configured to conform to the morphology of a vessel to be treated, includes a tubular ePTFE structure; an inflatable ePTFE structure disposed over at least a portion of the ePTFE tubular structure; and an injection port in fluid communication with the inflatable ePTFE structure for inflation of the inflatable ePTFE structure with an inflation medium. The inflatable ePTFE structure may be longitudinally disposed over the tubular ePTFE structure. The ePTFE structure may be a bifurcated structure having first and second bifurcated tubular structures, where the inflatable ePTFE structure is disposed over at least a portion of the first and second bifurcated tubular structures.

Abstract: An introducer assembly includes a distal sheath and a proximal sheath. A splitting element is located at a proximal end of the distal sheath and is arranged to split the distal sheath in a distal direction, so as to deploy first a branch element of a medical device and thereafter the distal end of the medical device. The proximal sheath can then be retracted to release the proximal end of the medical device. Deployment of the medical device from the branch element first enables accurate positioning of the branch element prior to deployment of the main body portion of the medical device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for tracking unintentional muscle movements of a user and stabilizing a handheld tool while it is being used by the user are described. The method may include detecting motion of a handle of the handheld tool manipulated by a user while the user is performing a task with a user-assistive device attached to an attachment arm of the handheld tool. Furthermore, the method may include storing the detected motion in a memory of the handheld tool as motion data. The method may also include controlling, based on the motion data, a motion-generating mechanism of the handheld tool that moves the attachment arm relative to the handle in a single degree of freedom in a direction of the detected motion of the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating obesity of a patient having a stomach with a food cavity. The apparatus comprising a volume filling device adapted to be at least substantially invaginated by a stomach wall portion of the patient with the outer surface of the volume filling device resting against the stomach wall, such that the volume of the food cavity is reduced in size by a volume substantially exceeding the volume of the volume filling device. The apparatus further comprises at least one adjustable stretching device adapted to be at least substantially invaginated by a stomach wall portion of the patient with the outer surface of the stretching device resting against the stomach wall and adapted to stretch a portion of stomach wall, and a fluid connection device interconnecting the volume filling device and the stretching device.

Abstract: A bypass device may include an elongate member extending from a proximal end toward a distal end, and a proximal opening and a distal opening coupled to one another by a lumen disposed through the elongate member. The bypass device also may include at least one port extending through a side surface of the elongate tubular member, wherein at least a portion of the bypass device may be bioabsorbable.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a frame, a strap system including first and second straps connecting to the frame, and an adjustment mechanism couples to the first and second straps and simultaneously regulates tension in the first and second straps by moving the first and second straps relative to the frame. The strap system includes a length adjustment system for modifying the length of the strap.

Abstract: An orthopedic device includes a frame, a strap system including first and second straps connecting to the frame, and an adjustment mechanism couples to the first and second straps and simultaneously regulates tension in the first and second straps by moving the first and second straps relative to the frame. The strap system includes a length adjustment system for modifying the length of the strap.

Abstract: An orthosis comprises a first portion which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of first fibres, and a second portion which is disposed around at least a section of a peripheral edge of the orthosis which comprises a polymer reinforced with a plurality of second fibres. The first portion has a higher tensile strength and is harder than the second portion.

Abstract: A spinal support device comprises a biomechanically stiff trapezius grapnel adapted to extend over and engage human trapezius muscles from a dorsal position toward a ventral position, a harness coupled to the trapezius grapnel and adapted to snugly anchor onto a human torso to maintain engagement of the trapezius grapnel with the human trapezius muscles, and a penannular cervical spine support portion coupled to and supported by the trapezius grapnel. The cervical spine support portion comprises a series of biomechanically stiff vertebra supports and a series of symphyseal resistive dampers. The vertebra supports are spaced from one another by symphyseal resistive joints formed by the symphyseal resistive dampers so that the vertebra supports alternate with the symphyseal resistive joints. The vertebra supports and the symphyseal resistive joints are positioned for dorsal alignment with respective alternating human vertebrae.

Abstract: Orthopedic braces and associated methods are described for treatment of lower back injuries and chronic back pain. An orthopedic brace may include a pair of back panels, a pair of front panels, and a closure system. A lateral end of each front panel is releasably coupleable to a lateral end of each back panel at a desired angle. A ventral end of each front panel includes an attachment provision configured to allow one of the front panels to releasably attach to the other of the front panels generally over an abdomen of a wearer. The brace also includes a pocket on the ventral end of at least one of the front panels, the pocket configured to temporarily receive a hand of the wearer to aid in donning the orthopedic brace.

Abstract: An arm sling includes a flat, elongated strap having a first end and a second end; a ring structure attached to the first end; and a double loop structure having a first loop and a second loop. The second end can extend through the first loop structure, then through the second loop structure, then back through the second loop structure, then through the first loop structure to define an arm loop and a remaining portion of the strap between the double loop structure and the second end. The second end can extend through the ring structure and attach to the remaining portion via an attachment element to define a shoulder loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for treatment of erectile dysfunction comprising a ring. The device further provides for retraction of the foreskin of the user and maintains the retraction of the foreskin throughout sexual activity. Such a device also increases the length of the sliding interface of the penis during sexual activity. Further, the device will stimulate the stretch-sensitive nerve endings of the foreskin before and during sexual activity. Further, the device will increase stimulation of the sensitive nerve endings of the glans during sexual activity. The device will also retain blood within the penis upon erection, allowing for more reliable, harder and longer erection periods. The device also creates the appearance of a larger penis.

Abstract: A system for anal and/or stomal irrigation comprises a reservoir (102) for an irrigating liquid, a catheter (100) comprising a catheter tip for insertion into the rectum or stoma of a user and for expelling of the irrigating liquid from the catheter tip, and a tubing system (121) providing a conduit for the irrigating liquid between the reservoir and the catheter tip. A pump (101) is provided to pump the irrigating liquid from the reservoir to the catheter tip, and a control system (103) controls a flow condition, such as the amount of liquid expelled at the catheter tip. A sensor (153) determines a measure of pressure in at least one first predetermined position in the tubing system and/or the catheter during operation of the pump, on the basis of which the flow condition is estimated. The control system is configured to control the pumping operation of the pump in response to the measure of pressure.

Abstract: A system for anal and/or stomal irrigation of a user's bowel comprises a reservoir (102) for an irrigating liquid, a catheter (100) for insertion into the rectum and/or stoma of a user and for expelling of the irrigating liquid from a catheter tip, and an expandable retention element (104), such as a balloon, for fixation of the catheter tip within the user's rectum or stoma. Tubing and valve systems provide conduits for the irrigating liquid between the reservoir and the catheter and between the reservoir and the expandable retention element, a pump (101) being provided within the tubing system. The pump and the valve system is controllable to selectively pump the irrigating liquid into the expandable retention element, transfer the irrigating liquid through the catheter for expelling of the irrigating fluid from the catheter tip and into the user's rectum or stoma, and to withdraw the irrigating liquid from the retention element for purging thereof.

Abstract: A container for collecting liquid for transport, includes a shell having a port adapted for receiving tubing and configured to define a chamber that has a window in an exterior surface of the shell. The window is so positioned that when a wicking material, which is adapted to be applied against a particular source of moisture and which is so dimensioned that when the wicking material is received within the shell and applied through the window to the particular source of moisture, the shell is at least partially closed so that when tubing is inserted through the port into the shell chamber and the shell is otherwise closed a partial vacuum can be created within the shell chamber to draw moisture into the shell chamber through the wicking material for collection as a liquid within the shell chamber for transport from the shell chamber via the tubing.

Abstract: A support device for a colostomy pouch has an elongated body having two ends, comprising a closable main pocket having an outward-facing front and a rear, an opening in the rear of the pocket sized to accommodate a colostomy pouch, a strap attached to each end, a fastener at the end of one or both straps. In an embodiment, one or more accessories pockets are affixed on the bag body. The opening may also have an expansion slit at the side of the opening, having a closure, wherein when the closure is released the slit opens and causes a larger opening. The closure may be a button closure, a hook and loop closure or a snap fit closure. The device may have a lower opening in the bottom of the main pocket to permit egress of the pouch opening for emptying the pouch while wearing the device.

Abstract: A bite plate configured for use on upper teeth only that is configured to envelope central incisors, lateral incisors, and optionally one of a portion of upper cuspid pairs or entire upper cuspid pairs with lateral extensions that enhances whole body wellness.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating a human condition by providing an appendage chamber having a thermal exchange member. Negative pressure may be applied to a human appendage when placed within the appendage chamber. Blood flowing through the arteriovenous anastomosis (AVA) of the appendage may be heated or cooled at the thermal exchange member for therapeutic application of thermal energy to adjust blood viscosity in the human to alleviate symptoms associated with a number of autoimmune, circulatory, neurological, lymphatic, and endocrinal maladies. A load sensor may be coupled to the thermal exchange member and configured to measure a force of the appendage applied to the thermal exchange member. In addition, a negative pressure sensor may measure pressure within the appendage chamber.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved medical devices, systems, and methods, with exemplary embodiments providing improved cooling treatment probes and cooling treatment methods and systems. In some embodiments, freezing of the skin may be desirable to effect the hypopigmentation of the skin of the patient. Generally, embodiments may limit supercooling of the skin of the patient during a cooling treatment. Additionally, embodiments may limit adverse side effects such as hyperpigmentation. It has been found that the freezing behavior (frequency and time to freeze) can be modified by adjusting the thermal parameters of the cooling applicator. Accordingly, in some aspects of the invention, a method of treating the skin may be provided where the thermal parameters of the cooling applicator are adjusted during treatment.

Abstract: A thermal control unit controls the temperature of a fluid delivered to one or more thermal transfer devices (e.g. thermal pads) in contact with a patient. The thermal control unit generates thermal data while being used to treat the patient and is adapted to receive thermal history data previously generated by a different thermal control unit in the treatment of that patient. Both the current and previous thermal data are displayable on the thermal control unit currently being used, thereby giving the caregiver a complete picture of the thermal history of the patient. The thermal control unit may also be adapted to transmit its thermal data, as well as the thermal history data previously received from the other thermal control unit, to still another thermal control unit. The thermal history data transfer may take place via a cable, wirelessly, by a portable flash drive, or by other means.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that employ a monitoring device to monitor at least one patient physiological response to a change in temperature of the patient (e.g. pursuant to induced hypothermia therapy), wherein a monitoring signal is provided by the monitoring device. In turn, an output (e.g. a visual and/or auditory output) may be provided to a user indicative of at least one measure of patient response to the change in temperature. Alternatively or additionally, a processor may be provided to process the monitoring signal and provide an output employable by medical personnel to control a patient shivering response to the patient temperature change. Such information may comprise information regarding one or more anti-shivering medicament(s), e.g. corresponding dosage and/or frequency information for use by medical personnel in the administration of the anti-shivering medicament.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein that generally involve applying thermal therapy to tissue (e.g., localized cooling or heating of tissue), and in particular applying thermal therapy to the spinal canal, tissue disposed within the spinal canal, and/or nerve roots extending from the spinal canal. In some embodiments, tissue can be cooled or heated by implanting a malleable or deformable thermal device in proximity to the targeted tissue. The thermal device can be left in place following surgery to facilitate application of post-surgical thermal therapy. In some embodiments, the thermal device can be removed post-surgery in a minimally- or non-invasive manner. The thermal device can be connectionless or can include penetrable regions, pre-attached tubing, or detachable connectors to facilitate application of cooling or heating means to the device. Methods are disclosed for utilizing thermal devices and for carrying out various treatment regimens that involve cooling or heating tissue using such devices.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is described. The implantable medical device includes a small molecule generator, a small molecule diffusor, and a cannula that connects the two. The small molecule generator includes an electrolyte reservoir and a set of electrodes. A first portion of the electrolyte reservoir is impermeable to a predetermined class of small molecules. A second portion of the electrolyte reservoir is permeable to the small molecules. The set of electrodes is disposed inside the electrolyte reservoir and is configured to facilitate electrolysis of the small molecules based on an electric power application to the set of electrodes and on presence of electrolyte inside the electrolyte reservoir. At least a portion of the small molecule diffusor is permeable to the small molecules.

Abstract: An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit, the implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the device operates on the principles of a Starling resistor, and includes a housing, a deformable structure and a spring mounted within a housing, such that the spring applies a substantially constant spring force over a predetermined working range on the deformable structure to thereby self-regulate flow of fluid through the deformable structure.

Abstract: An ab externo method of placing an intraocular implant into an eye can include advancing a needle, in which the implant is disposed, into the eye through conjunctiva and sclera of the eye. The implant can include a drug deliverable to the eye. The implant can thereafter be released to be anchored in the eye and elute the drug to the eye.

Abstract: An intraocular drainage device may include a monolithic silicone body having a flap, a rigid bottom plate having a portion configured to contact a corresponding portion of the flap, and a tube having a proximal end disposed between the flap and the rigid bottom plate. The corresponding portion of the flap may be configured to separate from the portion of the rigid bottom plate responsive to a fluid pressure in aqueous humor received from the tube. A plurality of parallel microgrooves may be formed on one or more portions of one or more outer surfaces of the intraocular drainage device.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits are described for reducing intraocular pressure. The devices include a support that is implantable within Schlemm's canal and that may restore or maintain at least partial patency of the canal without substantially interfering with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal. The devices utilize the natural drainage process of the eye and may be implanted with minimal trauma to the eye. Kits may include a support and an introducer for implanting the support within Schlemm's canal. Methods may include implanting a support within Schlemm's canal, where the support is capable of restoring or maintaining at least partial patency of the canal without substantial interference with transmural or transluminal fluid flow across the canal.

Abstract: Foam wound inserts with high-density and low-density regions, methods for making wound inserts, wound-treatment methods, and wound-treatment systems.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a distribution manifold that adheres to a tissue site to allow retention without external support. The distribution manifold includes a porous member and a tissue-fixation element. The tissue-fixation element maintains the porous member substantially adjacent to the tissue site while a sealing member is applied. In one instance, the tissue-fixation element is a soluble adhesive that partially covers either the tissue-facing side of the porous member or a tissue-facing side of a fluid-permeable substrate layer that is on the tissue-facing side of the porous member. Other systems, distributions manifolds, and methods are presented.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for monitoring compression applied by a compression bandage to a body portion of an individual. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a deformable substrate integrated with a textile configured to conform to a body portion; a sensor assembly coupled to the deformable substrate, the sensor assembly including one or more strain gauges configured to generate one or more sense signals associated with a strain of the textile; circuitry operably coupled to the sensor assembly and configured to receive the one or more sense signals associated with the strain of the textile; and a reporter operably coupled to the circuitry and configured to generate one or more communication signals responsive to instruction by the circuitry, the one or more communication signals associated with the strain of the textile.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for monitoring compression applied by a compression bandage to a body portion of an individual. A system embodiment includes, but is not limited to, a textile configured to conform to a body portion of an individual subject; one or more strain gauges integrated with the textile, the one or more strain gauges configured to generate one or more sense signals associated with a strain of the textile; circuitry operably coupled to the one or more strain gauges and configured to receive the one or more sense signals associated with the strain of the textile; and a reporter operably coupled to the circuitry and configured to generate one or more communication signals associated with the strain of the textile responsive to instruction by the circuitry when the strain of the textile is less than or greater than a threshold strain value.

Abstract: A method is provided, for dissipating and entrapping super absorbent polymer particles (11, 12, 13, 14) within air-permeable, non-woven structures (100), for use in the construction of absorbent articles (600). The method comprises the steps of: (i) of constructing an air-permeable, non-woven structure (100) comprising at least first (1), second (2) and third (3) layers of non-woven fabric, each said layer having void spaces of differing size defined therein; (ii) dispersing absorbent particles (11, 12, 13, 4) onto an external surface (10) of the highest numbered layer of said air-permeable, non-woven structure (100) formed in step (i); and (iii) dissipating the dispersed absorbent particles (11, 12, 13, 14) within the air-permeable, non-woven structure (100) by applying an external energy source acting upon the absorbent particles (11, 12, 13, 14) in a direction substantially normal to the plane of the external surface (10) of the air-permeable, non-woven structure (100).

Abstract: An absorbent article includes bond seams that are positioned forwardly towards the article central longitudinal direction from the lateral-most side edges of the article, and which are aligned with the highest point of high rise leg openings on the article. The absorbent article is conformable on both front and back panels, with the front panel being narrower in dimension than the back panel. The bond seams and leg openings can be seen on the front surface of the relaxed and flattened absorbent article. Such absorbent article may be manufactured along the article transverse direction by use of differential tension during manufacture, or differential retractive properties of elastic base materials.

Abstract: A carrying device includes: a carrying section having a receiving surface to be in contact with a first sheet material that is continuous in a carrying direction, wherein one edge of the first sheet material is wave-shaped, the carrying section defining an inclined slit portion, wherein the inclined slit portion defines an opening on the receiving surface, wherein the inclined slit portion extends in an inclined direction so as to be displaced from a proximal side toward a distal side of a protruding portion while extending downstream in the direction of carrying the first sheet material, and wherein the inclined slit portion sucks the protruding portion along the wave-shaped edge; and a box defining a suction space that keeps the inclined slit portion under a negative pressure so that the protruding portion is pulled into the inclined slit portion by suction.

Abstract: A method including: a step of carrying first and second continuous webs in a carrying direction; a step of folding the continuous webs in two; a first attachment step, in which portions of first edges, which extend in the carrying direction of the continuous webs and which are to be leg holes of a worn article, are attached together intermittently in the carrying direction; a step of straightening, in a width direction, creases on one of the continuous web after the first attachment step; and a second attachment step, in which the continuous webs are attached together at least at portions along second edges opposite to the first edges, with the creases being straightened.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a discrete cord having a supply path comprising a fluid flow, a deployed cord supply, a transfer member having a first surface comprising one or more orifices capable of receiving the deployed cord supply, and a cutting apparatus comprising a cutting implement enabled to sever the deployed cord supply to form a discrete cord. The fluid flow directs the deployed cord supply towards the transfer member first surface. The transfer member first surface abuts the cutting apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an absorbent article for personal hygiene. More particularly, in one embodiment, the absorbent article absorbent article includes at least one property changing indicator. A detector device is also provided that includes at least one sensor. The sensor is adapted to detect the property change of the property change indicator in the absorbent article. In one particular embodiment, for example, the property changing indicator may include an optical property indicator such as a color change indicator and the sensor may include an optical sensor such as a color sensor.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet arranged on the garment-facing side, an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet and a pair of standing gathers. The topsheet and the standing gathers comprise sheet materials with specified stiffness, softness and smoothness properties. The absorbent article may be a diaper or incontinence guard.

Abstract: An ink-printed substrate includes a substrate and water-based ink composition printed on the substrate, and has a Crockfastness-Loss-to-Density Ratio of about ?1.0 to about ?6.0.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises a laminate, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed at least partially between the laminate and the backsheet. The laminate comprises a nonwoven, non-apertured topsheet and a nonwoven, non-apertured acquisition layer. The topsheet is less hydrophilic than the acquisition layer. The laminate comprises a generally planar first region and a plurality of discrete integral second regions formed in the topsheet and the acquisition layer to nest portions of the topsheet and the acquisition layer. The plurality of discrete integral second regions each comprise a wearer-facing surface. A non-uniform interruption is defined in the topsheet in each of at least some of the plurality of discrete integral second regions. Portions of the acquisition layer form portions of the wearer-facing surface in the non-uniform interruption in the at least some of the discrete integral second regions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent structure and an absorbent article containing said absorbent structure. The absorbent structure, having a sequence of layers connected together, comprises a first outer absorbent layer made from airlaid material, a second outer absorbent layer made from airlaid material, and a fluid storage layer made from airlaid material arranged between the first and second outer absorbent layers, wherein the airlaid material of the first outer absorbent layer comprises first cellulose fibres, the airlaid material of the second outer absorbent layer comprises second cellulose fibres and the airlaid material of the fluid storage layer comprises third cellulose fibres and super-absorbent components, wherein the first and second cellulose fibres have a lower pH value than the third cellulose fibres and the pH value of the first and second cellulose fibres is less than 5.0.