Abstract: The present invention relates a method for maintaining or improving skin health by repeatedly applying lotion-treated absorbent articles to a wearer. When applied with sufficient frequency, the skin in the area covered by lotion-treated absorbent articles shows equal or improved skin health, relative to skin covered by untreated absorbent articles that do not comprise a skin care composition. The present invention also relates to methods for assessing skin health in the area covered by an absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid retentive absorbent layer containing a superabsorbent polymer and a liquid-impermeable leak proof layer is disclosed. An agent having a skin care effect and substantially no decomposing action on the superabsorbent polymer is fixed on a prescribed region of the absorbent article in a state ready to be released from that region upon contact with moisture.

Abstract: An absorbent swimwear garment having a biocidal agent and/or a filtration agent attached to the garment for the purpose of killing or immobilizing microorganisms. During initial product use, the absorbent swim-wear garment is able to contain urine and bowel movements, just like ordinary diapers and training pants. When the swimwear garment is submersed in swim water, such as pool or lake water, the biocidal agent and/or filtration agent act to kill or immobilize any microorganisms deposited in the swim water from the urine and bowel movements contained in the garment. In one embodiment, a waist dam is formed in the garment around a wearer's waist, thereby providing a filtration barrier between the entrance and departure of swim water into and out of the garment.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed incorporates a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable paper diaper for combating diaper rash, said diaper comprising a plurality of fibers coated with an anti-bacterial and antifungal Cu++ cationic, water-insoluble form of copper.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable paper diaper for combating diaper rash, said diaper comprising a plurality of fibers coated with an anti-bacterial Cu++ cationic, water-insoluble form of copper.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable feminine hygiene paper-based product selected from the group consisting of sanitary napkins, sanitary pads, panty shields and tampons for combating yeast infections, said feminine hygiene paper product comprising a plurality of fibers coated with an antifungal Cu++ cationic, water-insoluble form of copper.

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric treated with an alkyl polyglycoside surfactant solution results in a heterogeneous system having antibacterial activity when in contact with an aqueous source of bacteria. The antibacterial activity imparted to the nonwoven fabric renders the nonwoven fabric useful in a wide variety of absorbent products, such as personal care products and medical absorbent products, which are typically exposed to aqueous sources of bacteria. Furthermore, the alkyl plyglycoside surfactant is virtually non-irritating and non-sensitizing to human skin.

Abstract: A novel strain of Lactobacillus plantarum, referred to as LB931, has now been isolated. The strain has been deposited at Deutsche Sammlung von Mikroorganismen, Braunschweig, DE. It has been assigned accession number DSM11918. Accordingly LB931 can be used for treating and/or preventing urogenital infections. LB931 can advantageously be included in pharmaceutical compositions and in products for personal care, such as feminine hygiene products, diapers and sanitary napkins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and absorbent articles including compositions for protecting and enhancing the barrier function of the skin. The compositions can be applied to the bodyfacing surfaces of absorbent articles so that the compositions come into contact with the skin. The compositions of the invention have improved stability on the bodyfacing surfaces after processing. The compositions of the invention provide several benefits including prevention and alleviation of skin irritations associated with the use of absorbent articles. The compositions can include hydrophilic solvents, high molecular weight polyethylene glycols, fatty alcohols, surfactants, natural fats, natural oils, sterols or sterol derivatives and emollients.

Abstract: A multilayer, breathable film that contains a base layer and at least one skin layer is provided. The skin layer is incorporated with a filler that is capable of reducing odor. The base layer may be substantially free of the odor-reducing filler to maintain the integrity of the resulting film. As a result, it has been discovered that the multilayer film of the present invention can be used to reduce odor in a variety of applications, while still maintaining the desired breathability.

Abstract: An absorbent article that contains a substrate that is, upon application of a force, stretchable to a stretched, biased length that is at least about 150% of its unstretched length, is provided. The stretchable substrate is applied with an odor control material that is increasingly exposable to malodors when the substrate is stretched.

Abstract: The present invention relates to articles coming into contact with bodily fluids, preferably absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners, which comprise an oxidising agent having a reduction potential higher than that of the reaction of Fe2+ to Fe3+ togather with a hemolytic agent. In a preferred embodiment the articles further comprise an additional odour control agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material including a substrate with a first and a second layer, and a surfactant. The surfactant is applied to the first layer of the substrate. The surfactant acts to lower the surface tension of a fluid which contacts the first layer of the substrate such that the fluid is allowed or more readily enabled to pass through the first layer of the substrate, but such that the surfactant does not substantially adversely effect the absorption capacity or wicking height of the second layer of the substrate, as the second layer of the substrate substantially inactivates the surfactant upon contact or interaction therewith.

Abstract: A formulation effective in reducing the pH in a menstruating vagina or in a tampon inserted therein to below pH 5.5, comprising (a) 3-80% by weight of a solid organic acid polymer; (b) 92-15% by weight of a solid organic acid, and (c) 5-30% of a wetting agent. Also disclosed is a delivery system for releasing an active agent comprising: (a) a deposition comprising the active agent; and (b) a polymeric support on which the deposition is deposited. The delivery system is especially useful in a catamenial tampon for insertion in a human vagina which comprises (a) an inner core comprising an absorbent material; (b) an outer layer comprising a liquid permeable material; and (c) the delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates a method for improving skin condition by repeatedly applying lotion-treated absorbent articles to a wearer. When applied with sufficient frequency, the skin in the area covered by lotion-treated absorbent articles shows improvement in skin smoothness, relative to skin covered by untreated absorbent articles that do not comprise a skin care composition. The present invention also relates to methods for assessing skin smoothness in the area covered by an absorbent article.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article such as a disposal diaper, sanitary napkin, or the like which can reduce odor and dermatitis (rash) generated when such an absorbent article is worn. The absorbent article comprises a compound assimilated only by microorganisms in the normal flora of the skin useful and/or harmless to the human body and preferably such a compound assimilated only by microorganisms in normal flora of the skin useful and/or harmless to the human body is glucooligosaccharide.

Abstract: An absorbent article, at least a portion of which comprises a skin care composition that comprises an enzyme inhibitor and is at least partially transferred from the article to the skin of a wearer of the article as a result of normal contact, wearer motion and/or body heat. The enzyme inhibitor is transferred to the skin with the skin care composition and is available at the skin/urine and skin/feces interfaces to inhibit enzymatic activity on the skin and to reduce or prevent the occurrence of inflammation. Repeated application of similar treated articles to the wearer's skin provides an available source with which the enzyme inhibitor transfers onto the skin continuously over time and accumulates to provide a proactive defense against harmful enzymes for the treatment and/or prevention of diaper dermatitis.

Abstract: An absorbent pad having a periphery and useful as a feminine hygiene article. The pad comprises a body-contacting surface comprising fibers from a first web of fibrous material, an absorbent portion comprising fibers from a second web of fibrous material, and a bottom surface comprising fibers from the first web of fibrous material. The absorbent portion is disposed intermediate the body-contacting surface and the bottom surface and extends to the periphery, the surfaces and absorbent portion being joined to one another at portions of the first web that penetrate through the absorbent portion at a plurality of discrete locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles including skin care compositions. The skin care compositions of the invention are stable on the bodyside liners of absorbent articles despite not containing an immobilizing agent. Surprisingly, the skin care compositions of the invention even demonstrate less migration away from the bodyside liner than do other compositions that contain so-called “immobilizing agents”. The compositions of the invention possess physical properties, such as melting points, viscosities and hardnesses, comparable to compositions containing immobilizing agents, making them suitable for use on absorbent articles.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising fibrous nits and other free-flowing particles are provided. In one embodiment, an absorbent article includes free-flowing particles in a central portion which, in conjunction with other absorbent members, provides excellent body fit and good fluid handling performance. In another embodiment, good leakage control is provided by the combined effect of good intake and fluid handling performance of fibrous nits coupled with a wicking barrier between the nits and the longitudinal sides of the articles. An optional central rising member can further enhance the topography of the article when compressed by urging the portion comprising nits to deflect vertically upward. Also provided are methods of preparing cellulosic nits and incorporating them into absorbent articles.

Abstract: A formulation effective in reducing the pH in a menstruating vagina or in a tampon inserted therein to below pH 5.5, comprising (a) 3-80% by weight of a solid organic acid polymer; (b) 92-15% by weight of a solid organic acid; and (c) 5-30% of a wetting agent. Also disclosed is a delivery system for releasing an active agent comprising: (a) a deposition comprising the active agent; and (b) a polymeric support on which the deposition is deposited. The delivery system is especially useful in a catamenial tampon for insertion in a human vagina which comprises (a) an inner core comprising an absorbent material; (b) an outer layer comprising a liquid permeable material; and (c) the delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent articles like sanitary napkins and pantiliners having a peroxyacid for controlling odors associated with body fluids. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core intermediate to the backsheet and said topsheet and a peroxyacid. One of the peroxyacids utilized in the disposable absorbent article is epsilon-pthalimido peroxyhexanoic acid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an absorbent article that includes a synergistic combination of a) a pH-regulating substance in the form of a partially neutralized superabsorbent material, and b) lactic acid bacteria wherein after being wetted and worn close to the skin, the article has a pH value in the range of 3.5-5.5, preferably within the range of 3.5-4.9, and most preferably within the range of 4.1-4.7.

Abstract: An absorbent article containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid emollient such as mineral oil or petrolatum, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the absorbent article topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gauging the levels of pH in the interiors of articles such as diapers, incontinence garments, pads, catamenial products, bedding, and would dressings are disclosed. This method and apparatus include sensing devices and relay systems for displaying the pH on the outside of the articles that provide visual and/or audible warnings that toxic levels are approaching and that it is time to remove and replace the article.

Abstract: A diaper containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition reduces the adherence of BM to the skin of the wearer, thereby improving the ease of BM clean up. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid emollient such as mineral oil or petrolatum, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the diaper topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: Absorbent articles containing an additive are disclosed. The absorbent articles include an effective amount of an inhibitory compound, such as thiolactomycin or thiomalonate, to substantially inhibit the production of TSST-1 by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: A disposable device for transferring and/or circulating an active liquid into and/or inside an intracorporeal cavity is elongate along a reference axis, has an intrinsic axial consistency which is sufficient to allow the device to be introduced into the cavity by being pushed in axially. The device includes an expandable tampon made of at least one absorbent material, having a proximal portion and a distal portion, designed to collect and absorb said active liquid dispensed in the intracorporeal cavity and to expand and bear in a leak tight manner against mucous membrane of the intracorporeal cavity, and a source of liquid phase including a capsule, at least the proximal part of which is at least partially surrounded by the expandable tampon.

Abstract: A medicated multi-layered polyurethane foam dressing and drug delivery device with cooling properties, used in body cavities and on damaged tissues, particularly bums. The dressing may have at least one therapeutic agent dispersed into the polyurethane layers; an optional outer layer of either a hydrogel formulated from a polyurethane or an adhesive elastomeric material; an optional drug-free fluid-retaining layer and/or a drug-reservoir layer, each comprised of hydrophilic polyurethane foam; a non-adherent, drug-loaded surface-contacting layer of a polyurethane hydrogel; and an optional cover sheet, for surface dressings. An interposed liquid transfer control may be used at a layer interface. The conformable dressing shapes include cylindrical, oval, flatsheets in pre-determined sizes; and may be secured with a secondary dressing. The contact surface may be channeled to enhance fluid distribution.

Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body having a distal end; and a dosage form affixed to the distal end of the tampon body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form comprises a plurality of layers. Also, a method for manufacturing a medicated tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the method including manufacturing a tampon body having a distal end; producing a dosage form having a plurality of layers, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and affixing the dosage form to the distal end of the tampon body.

Abstract: Antimicrobial nonwoven webs are provided which have odor control properties in addition to antibacterial properties, and which can be used in personal care absorbent articles. The nonwoven webs are treated with a stable halogenated polystyrene hydantoin which does not release halogen during storage or use of the absorbent article. The halogen atoms are attached to the amide nitrogen atoms in the polystyrene hydantoin, and are not attached to the imide nitrogen atoms.

Abstract: A tampon adapted to deliver a therapeutic agent, the tampon including a tampon body that is manufactured at a first manufacturing facility; and a dosage form coupled to the body, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent, and wherein the dosage form is manufactured at a second manufacturing facility. Also, a method for producing a medicated tampon including manufacturing a tampon body at a first manufacturing facility; manufacturing a dosage form at a second manufacturing facility, wherein the dosage form includes a formulation including a therapeutic agent; and coupling the dosage form to the tampon body.

Abstract: Non-absorbent articles are disclosed. The non-absorbent articles include an effective amount of an isoprenoid inhibitory compound such as a terpene to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: Absorbent articles are disclosed. The absorbent articles include an effective amount of an aromatic inhibitory compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: A sterile ocular cover for an eye during surgery which includes a sheet member with a centrally located hole. The sheet member is made from a flexible material and it is designed to be placed over and in contact with the surface of the conjunctiva. The hole is slightly larger than the size of the cornea and it extends through the central portion of the sheet member.

Abstract: An absorbent article containing a liquid pervious topsheet coated with a lotion composition is disclosed. The lotion composition comprises a plastic or fluid emollient such as mineral oil or petrolatum, an immobilizing agent such as a fatty alcohol or paraffin wax to immobilize the emollient on the surface of the topsheet, and optionally a hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability of the coated topsheet. Because the emollient is substantially immobilized on the surface of the topsheet, less lotion is required to impart the desired therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits.

Abstract: Absorbent products and wet wipes are disclosed that are useful in reducing the amount of ammonia produced by bacteria on or near the skin or in bodily fluids such as urine. The products described herein contain an osmoregulation protector which when introduced into a bacteria-containing environment interacts with the bacteria and reduces the amount of ammonia produced by the bacteria without significantly affecting the growth rate of the bacteria. The osmoregulation protectors described herein are particularly useful in combination with adult incontinence garments where the control of odors from bacterial by-products such as ammonia is highly desirable.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting production of ammonia from urine held adjacent a user's skin by an article. The method includes applying a composition including a Yucca sp. extract to an area of the wearer's skin. A wipe for wiping surfaces including a flexible sheet and a composition held by the sheet including a Yucca sp. extract.

Abstract: A novel article and method are disclosed for reducing malodor in disposable products for the absorption of body fluids. An effective amount of pentitol is applied to a disposable absorbent material, prior to its use. In one aspect, the invention provides a water-swellable, water-insoluble, hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent material. In one aspect, the pentitol is compositionally part of the absorbent structure or is coated on the absorbent material present in the absorbent structure. The pentitol preferably is located in the area of insult, i.e., that area of the absorbent product to be exposed to the body fluid intended to be absorbed. The pentitol in the novel article and method of the present invention is a compound selected from the group consisting of ribitol, D-arabinitol, L-arabinitol, and xylitol or a combination of one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of ribitol, D-arabinitol, L-arabinitol, and xylitol effective in preventing malodor.

Abstract: Absorbent articles, such as catamenial tampons, are disclosed. The absorbent articles include an effective amount of an isoprenoid inhibitory compound to substantially inhibit the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria. The isoprenoid inhibitory compounds of the present invention include terpenes and terpenoids which substantially reduce the production of exotoxins by Gram positive bacteria.

Abstract: There is provided a fibrous absorbent article for absorbing body fluids made up of a fibrous material defining a structure suitable for absorbing the body fluids, and disposed within the structure an effective amount, so as to reduce Staphylococcus aureus bacterial growth and neutralize TSS toxin-1 within the vagina, of one or more antimicrobial agents and one or more finishing agents.

Abstract: A multi-functional absorption pad and methods for making the same are disclosed herein. The absorption pad consists of a menstrual pad which may be used to absorb bodily fluids, such as menstrual blood and urine, while simultaneously alleviating the effects of dysmenorrhea, reducing malodorous scents, and having an antibacterial effect. The absorption pad contains a ceramic substance disposed within an absorbent core which helps to absorb the bodily fluids. The ceramic or oxidic substance is formed of a mixture of fine oxide particles, which include SiO2 (45-90% weight), Al2O3 (0.5-30.1% weight), Fe2O3 (0.5-30.1% weight), Fe3O4 (0.5-30.1% weight), and TiO2 (0-10% weight). The fine oxide particles are processed in different forms including granular, pellet, and powder form.

Abstract: An absorbing article for skin care and antisepsis has a substrate having absorbing ability for liquid and powder, and an augmentation layer, which is a uniform thin layer composed by a chitosan, and said augmentation layer is coated on the substrate, wherein said augmentation layer is not dissolved by water, rendering no mud and wet. The augmentation layer has natural biological care to skin, and has deodorization, antibiotic and sterilization effect, thus preventing bedsore.

Abstract: A textured airlaid web is disclosed. The textured web is formed on a three-dimensional fabric under sufficient force to cause the web to conform to the surface of the fabric. The textured web includes, on a minute scale, peak areas and valley areas. The peak areas and valley areas can improved the liquid handling properties of the web. For instance, webs can be produced having improved absorbency characteristics and/or wicking characteristics.

Abstract: A disposable superabsorbent article, and methods of use thereof, has superabsorbent cross-linked acrylate particles enveloped in a clean or sterile environment by an adhesively-sealed or heat-sealed plastic; paper; creped or microcreped paper or plastic; or woven, netted, nonwoven or fabric envelope, in shapes allowing for internal or external use, which permit the improved absorption and retention of fluids in medical, dental, veterinary, emergency care, mortuary, or surgical settings. Axial, circumferential, stellate, or other organized or random pleating or creping in either a single layer or in strata, and breakaway tabs in an alternative embodiment, are provided in the envelope to allow for controlled directional expansion of the fluid absorption. The superabsorbent article may be impregnated with therapeutically-effective amounts of antibiotic, antimicrobial, anticoagulating, or hemostatic or other agents.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article maintains the temperature and exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms. The absorbent article may further include lotion formulations and/or treatment compositions thereon for maintaining or improving skin health.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable menstrual fluid management device (10) including a bag (11) having an aperture (13) that is surrounded by an adhesively-faced flange (12) for releasable attachment to the uro-genital area of the wearer. An absorbent material (15) is contained within the bag. The device (10) effectively absorbs menstrual fluids while being comfortable and discrete to wear.

Abstract: The invention relates to an antiseptic tampon and a method of preparing it, which method consists of introducing metered quantities of a liquid mixture of antiseptic product and hydrophobic excipient into individual sheaths (14) for packaging tampons, then introducing standard tampons (22) into said sheaths (14) so that their lower ends are immersed in the mixture of antiseptic product and excipient, and then closing and sealing said sheaths (14).

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article maintains the temperature and exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms. The absorbent article may further include lotion formulations and/or treatment compositions thereon for maintaining or improving skin health.