Abstract: Absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, adult incontinence devices, and the like, that have components that are bonded for improved integrity and an unbonded window on their body-facing side for improved acquisition are disclosed. The absorbent articles comprise a topsheet that is fused to an underlying liquid pervious or absorbent layer at a plurality of individual bonded areas. The absorbent articles have an unbonded window that is substantially free of bonded areas, which is surrounded by regions of the absorbent article that contain bonded areas.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a pair of wings formed with a nonwoven fabric. Each of the wings is formed on its circumferentially outer edge with fastener sections each including a male member as a component of so-called mechanical fastener. The fastener sections are folded back onto inner surface of the wing so that only a portion of hooks constituting the male member are releasably engaged with the component fibers of the nonwoven fabric protruding toward the hooks.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment has a liquid-absorbent panel, and the panel includes a body fluid absorbing/holding layer formed with a plurality of depressions each extending in the thickness direction thereof and a nonwoven fabric layer placed upon upper surface of the absorbing/holding layer. Heat-sealable fibers contained in the absorbing/holding layer are heat-sealed with the nonwoven fabric layer over contacting surfaces of these absorbing/holding layer and the nonwoven fabric layer. Furthermore, the nonwoven fabric layer is partially engaged in the depressions of the absorbing/holding layer so that the heat-sealable synthetic fibers contained in the absorbing/holding layer are heat-sealed with the nonwoven fabric layer also over contacting surfaces of these two layers in the respective depressions.

Abstract: There is provided a distribution/retention layer for personal care products which is a nonwoven fabric having retention materials and distribution materials in a side-by-side configuration as rows, stripes, channels, etc. These rows may be continuous or discontinuous and may be straight, wavy, or in other patterns. This construction allows liquid to wick along the distribution rows and to be absorbed by the retention material along a broad front on either side. Such a construction more fully utilizes the absorbent core, producing cost and weight savings. This construction also provides greater comfort to a wearer.

Abstract: A flexible polyolefin-based hot melt adhesive composition having a variety of end uses, particularly in bonding polyethylene and polypropylene films, nonwoven fabrics and elastic attachment applications in nonwoven disposable articles. The composition includes a flexible polyolefin polymer or a blend of flexible polyolefin polymers, a tackifier resin, a plasticizer, and optionally a wax and a stabilizer. The preferred flexible polyolefin polymer has a melt flow rate greater than 5 g/10 min. and a density between 0.86 to 0.90 g/cm3. The hot melt adhesive composition provides a novel combination of desirable properties including good adhesion to a variety of substrates, low viscosity, good heat stability and oil resistance. The adhesive can be applied using common application techniques such as extruding or spraying.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles having a fluid intake pledget. Disposable absorbent articles such as feminine hygiene products (e.g., sanitary napkins and panti-liners) and incontinence products having an airlaid, lofty pledget of a low density, nonwoven material for intake of body fluids.

Abstract: A stretch-activated elastic composite includes a non-woven fabric having a potential elongatability of higher than 100% in a predetermined direction, and an elastically recoverable, elastic sheet. The elastic sheet in its unstretched state is partially bonded to the non-woven fabric in its unelongated state. The elastic composite exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 1000 g at 30% stretch, (2) a stress of higher than 400 g at 100% stretch, (3) a breaking point of higher than 400 g and (4) an elastic limit of higher than 200%. The elastic composite after being stretched at a rate of lower than 200% exhibits, per unit width of 5 cm, (1) a stress of lower than 500 g at 30% stretch and (2) a stress of higher than 100 g at 100% stretch. The elastic composite after three repeated cycles of 150% stretching and relaxing exhibits an elastic recovery rate of higher than 60%.

Abstract: A sheet which gives an absorbent article improved recovery from distortion is disclosed. The sheet has a recovery force of 0.7 cN or more in the cross direction, a compressive strength of 100 cN or less, and a basis weight of 20 g/m2 or more.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive hot-melt adhesive composition characterized in that it includes a) at least one ethylene-alkyl acrylate copolymer, b) a tackifying resin and c) optionally a diluent and/or a stabilizer and/or a wax. Such a composition may be employed advantageously in the field of hygiene, especially for the adhesive bonding of disposable nappies and of catamenial liners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the selection of materials which are particularly useful as fluid distribution material for being used in disposable absorbent articles by being characterized in that they have a wicking time of less than 120 seconds and a cumulative flux of more than 0.075 grams/cm2/second for said preferential fluid distribution direction at 12.4 cm height, when applying the Vertical Wicking Test. A further useful selection criteria for such materials is a non-isotropic fluid distribution behavior, expressed in that the wicking time in the preferential distribution direction is less than 80% of the wicking time of perpendicular direction at 8.3 cm height, when applying the same test.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for wearing in an undergarment, such as a sanitary napkin, pantiliner, or incontinence pad is described. The absorbent article includes a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core, and a stiffening feature. The stiffening feature places the absorbent article in an initially stiffened condition during placement of the article in an undergarment. After the article is subjected to the forces exerted by the body of the wearer, the stiffening feature no longer provides an increased initial stiffness and the article becomes more flexible.

Abstract: An absorbent incontinence pad is provided with a liquid impervious air permeable back sheet and an absorbent unit partly covered by the back sheet, wherein the absorbent unit has a non-woven fabric substrate, an absorbent zone formed by a plurality of highly absorbent layers extending in the form of bands on the surface of the non-woven fabric substrate and an air permeable zone where no such highly absorbent layer exists, which has sufficiently adequate properties to meet incontinence requirements and provides a comfortable feeling during use.

Abstract: Nonwoven webs in accordance with the present invention include multicomponent fibers bonded by a multiplicity of bond sites to form a coherent web. The multicomponent fibers include a first component formed of a hydrophobic polypropylene and a second component formed of a blend of a hydrophobic polyolefin and a hydrophilic melt additive. This second component is disposed at the surface of the fibers. The hydrophilic melt additive-modified polyolefin component can be arranged in various configurations in the cross-section of the fiber and the fibers can have various cross sections. For example, the hydrophilic component can occupy a portion of the surface of the fiber, as would occur for example with a side-by-side or segmented pie multicomponent fiber configuration. Alternatively, the modified hydrophilic polyolefin can occupy substantially the entire surface of fiber, as for example by producing the fibers in a sheath core configuration with the hydrophilic modified component forming the sheath.

Abstract: A novel synthetic fiber is disclosed including a first component of an aliphatic polyester polymer, a second component of a multicarboxylic acid, an admixture of the first component aliphatic polyester polymer and the second component multicarboxylic acid to form an unreacted specified thermoplastic composition, and melt blending the unreacted specified thermoplastic composition in an extruder or a mixer. The second component multicarboxylic acid lubricates the extruder and provides a nucleating agent for crystallizing the specified thermoplastic composition to form a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. Fiber composed of the specified thermoplastic composition has a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. The fiber has a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 55° C.

Abstract: A degradable disposable diaper includes one or more sheets made of polyolefin with the polyolefin including a prodegradant causing the sheet to degrade. The prodegradant includes a metal compound such as a metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, cerium, and iron. The preferred metal compound is a metal carboxylate. The polyolefin is preferably polyethylene or polypropylene. A secondary polyolefin may be used to aid the incorporation of the prodegradant into the primary polyolefin. A filler may also be used with the polyolefin and prodegradant. The filler preferably has a particle size less than 150 mesh and is free of water. The filler is preferably calcium carbonate having a 1 to 10 micron particle size. The sheet contains between about 0.001 and about 15 weight % prodegradant and most preferably between about 0.01 and about 3 weight % prodegradant. The sheet also includes up to about 15 weight % filler. The diaper also includes a degradable absorbent core.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the back sheet. While worn, the absorbent article forms a front waist body portion located at the front waist of a wearer and a rear waist body portion located at the rear waist of a wearer. The rear waist body portion has at each side thereof a fastening member for fastening the absorbent article, wherein the back sheet is made up of laminated sheeting composed of a finely porous resin film and nonwoven fabric. The fastening member is formed of a male sheet member of a mechanical fastener and designed to be brought into direct contact with the surface of the nonwoven fabric constituting the back sheet. The above-mentioned absorbent article has a good fit on a wearer, exhibits excellent leakproofness and breathability while worn, and has an excellent texture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to breathable perspiration pads such as underarm-, wrist- and head-perspiration pads, collar inserts, and shoe inserts, having a breathable backsheet, and an odor control system. The combination of breathability and the odor control system delivers an improved odor control performance of the perspiration pad.

Abstract: A sanitary absorbent article is provided which has a generally rectangular main body and two tabs extending from the main body for use in securing the article to the undergarment of the user. A layered structure having a permeable cover, an absorbent system and a barrier layer is provided. The barrier layer is folded around the longitudinal edges of the product and bonded to the cover layer so that liquid collection pockets are formed along the interface between the main body of the product and the tabs when the tabs are pulled into place.

Abstract: A superabsorbent fiber or a nonwoven material including a thermoplastic polymeric fiber to which solid particles of superabsorbent material have been thermobonded by heating the polymeric fiber to a temperature at which adhesion is obtained between the fiber and the particles and a method of making the same. Also, an absorbent article is produced including such a superabsorbent fiber or nonwoven material.

Abstract: A method for forming shaped fibrous articles. The method involves introducing at least a portion of a fibrous element into a shaping tool and subjecting the fibrous element in the shaping tool to ultrasonic energy. This imparts the shape of the shaping tool to the surface of the fibrous element. The apparatus has a guide-holder to receive and removably retain a fibrous element and an ultrasonic shaping tool which can be applied to the fibrous element. The shaping tool has a recess corresponding to a predetermined shape for the article. Preferably, the shaping tool and guide-holder are reciprocally moveable with respect to one another.

Abstract: A medical compress for use in treating chronic wounds includes a non-woven textile fabricated from air laid fibers containing a superabsorbent material. The superabsorbent material is enclosed by a knitted mesh which can be formed to the shape of the wound. An irrigation solution is preferably contained by the compress to keep the wound irrigated and to encourage healing.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a baby diaper, a child's training pant, an adult incontinent garment, or the like, having an elasticized chassis which provides laterally oriented contractive forces about the lower torso of the wearer. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the absorbent article will resemble a skirt or, alternatively, a pair of "boxer shorts".

Abstract: An absorbent article including a flexible, fibrous support structure or framework in a fixed shape or configuration having particles of a superabsorbent material adhered thereto with temperature softened outer support surfaces, or with an adhesive to maintain sufficient spacing between adjacent superabsorbent particles such that liquid can more freely enter the absorbent article for contact with the superabsorbent particles.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a synthetic fiber including providing a first component of an aliphatic polyester polymer a second component of a multicarboxylic acid, mixing the first component aliphatic polyester polymer and the second component multicarboxylic acid to form an unreacted specified thermoplastic composition, and melt blending the unreacted specified thermoplastic composition in an extruder or a mixer. The second component multicarboxylic acid lubricates the extruder and provides a nucleating agent for crystallizing the specified thermoplastic composition to form a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. Fiber composed of the specified thermoplastic composition has a mean crystal size less than about 120 Angstroms. The fiber has a glass transition temperature (Tg) less than about 55.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a disposable absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin, etc. having a liquid permeable cover sheet or cover sheet, optionally a distribution or transfer layer, an absorbent core and a liquid-impermeable backsheet. The improvement in the disposable absorbent article resides in an improved bond for generally continuous contact between the cover sheet and the transfer layer or absorbent core. Adhesion is effected by applying an adhesive binder to the top sheet with a print roller.

Abstract: This invention relates to a non-contact coating method for producing a continuous coating and articles constructed therefrom. This invention further relates to a method for producing a textile material with a moisture-impermeable barrier layer and to a method for producing a moisture-absorbing article of hygiene which has such a barrier layer. This invention particularly relates to a textile material and hygienic disposable articles comprising a body fluid impermeable barrier layer which can be produced from a non-contact coating method. Preferably, the thermoplastic composition used for producing the barrier layer exhibits certain rheological characteristics and comprises at least one homogeneous linear or substantially linear interpolymer of ethylene with at least one C.sub.3 -C.sub.20 alpha-olefin, further characterized by each said interpolymer having a polydispersity less than about 2.5.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinent device, and the like having fused layers is provided. The absorbent articles preferably comprises a liquid pervious thermoplastic apertured film topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core, and a fibrous acquisition web. The absorbent core is positioned between the topsheet and backsheet which are joined at least about a portion of the periphery of the absorbent article and the topsheet is fused to the acquisition web is a folded sheet which has a double z-folded cross-sectional configuration, which at discrete points of attachment. The acquisition web is positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core.

Abstract: One or more particulate active agents are fused to the surface of a substrate web by mixing the particulate agents with a particulate binder having a particle size not exceeding an average diameter of approximately 40 microns and coating the composite mixture onto the surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the coated substrate is heated to a temperature equal to or greater than the Vicat softening temperature of the binder and compressed within the nip of a pair of pressure rolls to achieve fusion. If desired, a top layer may be placed upon the coated composite prior to the compression step. Also disclosed are various products manufactured by the process.

Abstract: A process for the continuous manufacture of articles of hygiene such as nappy-pants, of the type comprising an absorbent pad arranged between a liquid-impervious outer sheet and a liquid-permeable inner sheet, characterised in that absorbent pads are deposited at intervals onto a liquid-permeable continuous strip unwound from a reel in that a film of plastic material is extruded and deposited in the state where it has not yet solidified onto the strip and onto the pads, by applying the film against the strip and against the pads to make it adhere thereto and in that, after solidification of the film, a composite strip is cut transversely in the region situated between the absorbent pads, into individual articles.

Abstract: An absorbent member in an absorbent article comprises a absorbent polymer and cellulose fibers. The absorbent polymer has a centrifugal retentive capacity for physiological saline of 30 g/g or more and a permeation rate of physiological saline of 10 ml/minute or more. The cellulose fibers are crosslinked cellulose fibers obtainable by an intramolecular and/or intermolecular crosslinking of the cellulose fibers. Particularly, an absorbent member in a sanitary napkin has a centrifugal retentive capacity of pseudo-blood of 30 g or more and a permeation rate of pseudo-blood of 50 ml/minute or more. Also, a topsheet in the absorbent article comprises a liquid-permeable sheet, which comprises at least a layer in contact with a user's skin and a layer not in contact with the user's skin, the layers being overlaid and combined with each other into a unitary body. The layer in contact with the user's skin comprises a porous film of a thermoplastic resin or a nonwoven fabric of synthetic fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to an item of clothing, especially disposable clothing for use once only, with at least one essentially inelastic layer (12) of a soft, flexible and plastic material and a layer (11) of elastic material which extends over at least a partial region of the inelastic layer (12) and is secured thereto to form an elastic component (10). In order to be able to make the elastic component in such an item of clothing easily, there is a plurality of incisions (14) in the inelastic layer (12) in the region of the elastic layer (11) which do not penetrate the elastic layer. The elastic layer may thus also contain absorbent materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to sheet-like absorbents for water and aqueous solutions, containing at a defined distributionA) at least one water-swellable synthetic and/or natural superabsorbent polymer, andB) at least one water-soluble synthetic and/or natural polymeras a matrix of sheet-like design wherein the superabsorbent component A) is integrated or fixed. The sheet-like absorbents have an increased absorptive capacity for water and aqueous liquids, particularly under load. They are manufactured by forming a sheet-like matrix from the water-soluble synthetic and/or natural polymers B) and providing same with said water-swellable synthetic and/or natural superabsorber A), e.g., by applying a solution of matrix B) on a surface, sprinkling same with component A), and drying the sheet-like structure thus obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid and low cost procedure for joining webs and films containing dissimilar polymers. It is especially applicable but not limited to the construction and assembly of disposable products such as infant and adult incontinent products, feminine hygiene products, and other low-cost, high volume disposable products. The process involves producing a high rate of heat flux through the dissimilar materials where the material with the higher plastic point is at the influx point and the lower plastic point material is adjacent and further from the heat source. In addition to this constraint and as a necessary component the application of the high rate of heat flux must be accompanied by a pressure of appropriate to the difference in plastic points and to the relative thickness of the dissimilar materials to be joined.

Abstract: A body fluids absorbent article has a liquid-permeable topsheet formed by a nonwoven fabric of thermoplastic synthetic fibers. The topsheet is formed with a plurality of openings each having a diameter of 0.5.about.3 mm. These openings queue up so as to form plural columns of openings extending in parallel one to another. One half or more of a total number of the openings are reinforced by strands of thermoplastic synthetic resin each having a diameter of 0.1.about.0.5 mm and extending circumferentially of the respective openings.

Abstract: A stretch-thinned polymeric film is formed from a mixture of a polymer matrix including a low crystallinity propylene polymer having not more than about 30% crystallinity, with a particulate filler. The stretch-thinned film is breathable to water vapor yet resistant to penetration by liquids and viruses. The film can be laminated to a nonwoven web, and is useful in a wide variety of medical apparel and related products.

Abstract: There is provided a wiper comprising a first web of fibers of at most 50 microns in diameter wherein said web has been bonded using a point unbonded pattern having a bond area between about 25 and 50 percent. The wiper can be made from thermoplastic polymer nonwoven fibers made by the meltblowing, spunbonding, carding and bonding, or airlaying processes. The wiper may be a laminate of various thermoplastic layers joined with the point unbonded pattern and may be a coform web of thermoplastic polymer and pulp or other material.

Abstract: A flexible absorbent article such as a nappy or a sanitary pad having an absorbent core and a three-dimensional shape. The absorbent article includes a thermoformed layer formed integrally therewith which substantially maintains said three-dimensional shape. The invention also relates to a method for manufacture of the same. The cost of production of three-dimensional absorbent products can thereby be significantly reduced and more complicated shapes can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thin, elastomeric films made from low crystallinity propylene copolymers having a crystallinity of less than about 30%. The elastomeric films of the present invention have improved strength in the cross machine direction. The films may be incorporated into laminate materials used in the outer coverings of diapers, training pants, incontinence products and the like.

Abstract: A disposable panty shield comprising a thin, highly absorbent pad having a body-contacting surface, an absorbent layer, a liquid barrier, an adhesive layer, and a release layer to protect a positioning adhesive prior to use wherein the panty shield has been densified by fusing all pad layers together in a manner such that the interstitial space between the individual fibers in the densified areas is not sufficient to readily allow fluid to flow through, and the liquid barrier has a contoured surface. The adhesive layer is attached to the liquid barrier such that the adhesive follows the contour of the liquid barrier.

Abstract: A coated non-woven material, method of making such material, and disposable absorbent hygiene article are disclosed. The coated non-woven material comprises a base layer made of a non-woven web of fibrous material and at least one layer of a thermoplastic film. The peel strength of the material is equal to or below 98.times.10.sup.-3 kN/m, as measured according to the NFT 76-112 standard, wherein the peeling angle is specified at 180.degree. and the pull speed is specified at 200 mm/mn. In one embodiment, the coated non-woven material is incorporated into a disposable diaper as a liquid-impervious backsheet.

Abstract: A substantially elongated absorbent article having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent member interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a pair of hydrophobic areas along opposing longitudinal side portions of an upper surface of the absorbent article inwardly from longitudinal side edges of the absorbent article, the hydrophobic areas each having a continuous or discontinuous antileakage groove formed along a respective one of the longitudinal side portions, wherein a width of each of the antileakage grooves is from 0.1 mm to 20 mm, a ratio of a depth of each of the antileakage grooves with respect to a thickness of a portion of the absorbent article where no antileakage groove is formed is from 0.01 to 0.8, and the depth of each of the antileakage grooves is from 0.1 mm to 12 mm.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pattern-unbonded nonwoven fabric having continuous bonded areas defining a plurality of discrete unbonded areas, which is suitable for use as an improved loop fastening material for hook and loop fastening systems. The fibers or filaments within the discrete unbonded areas of the present invention are dimensionally stabilized by the continuous bonded areas that encircle or surround each unbonded area. The spaces between fibers or filaments within the unbonded areas remain sufficiently open or large to receive and engage hook elements of a complementary hook material. The hook material can be any of a wide variety of commercially available hook components which, as is known in the art, typically include a base material from which a plurality of hook elements project.

Abstract: This invention concerns an absorbent composite a supporting member and a cationic absorbent polymer and anionic absorbent polymer particles fixed to the supporting member. This absorbent composite excels in absorbing capacity under pressure, vertical aspiration power, and flexibility and suffers only sparing exfoliation of an absorbent polymer. This invention further concerns an absorbent composite which contains an absorbent polymer in an amount of at least 30% by weight based on the total weight of the absorbent composite and, after absorbing a liquid, shows a value of not less than 3 for the expansion anisotropy specified by the following formula.Expansion anisotropy=(Ez/Ex+Ez/Ey)/2(wherein Ex, Ey, and Ez respectively represent coefficient of liner expansion in the directions of X axis, Y axis, and Z axis) and an absorbent article using the absorbent composite.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a film/nonwoven laminate which incorporates a low gauge machine direction oriented film layer laminated to a nonwoven support layer. The individual layers are designed such that the film layer in the laminated state has an elongation at break value in the cross machine direction that is greater the elongation at peak load value for the nonwoven layer in the same direction. Consequently, if the laminate is subjected to severe stretching forces in the cross machine direction, the nonwoven layer will fail before the film layer. In addition, the laminate has a peak load value of at least 300 grams. As a result, the laminate is particularly useful as, for example, an outercover material for personal care absorbent articles.

Abstract: A web of fibers is bound together by a bonding medium that has been activated by partially solubilizing the bonding medium with a solvent therefor. The fibers are insoluble in the bonding medium. As the bonding medium is partially solubilized, it becomes tacky and flows into contact with the fibers and with itself Thereafter, the solvent is absorbed by the bonding medium, allowing the bonding medium to resolidify and bond the fibers in a matrix, increasing the web strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned therebetween, in which the absorbent core is enveloped by a primary core integrity layer comprising a continuous mesh of strands of thermoplastic material which is joined to the topsheet and/or the backsheet. The primary core integrity layer is particularly useful for improving the wet integrity of absorbent cores comprising an upper acquisition/distribution layer and a lower storage layer.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin includes a liquid-permeable topsheet made of thermoplastic synthetic fibers and a liquid-absorbent core integrated with the topsheet at debossed spots. The debossed spots are formed as enlarged diameter upper depressions formed by compressing the topsheet and core together, and reduced diameter lower depressions formed by partially heating the bottom of the depression while under pressure, resulting in the heat-sealing of the topsheet and the core.

Abstract: A disposable panty shield comprising a thin, highly absorbent pad having a body-contacting surface, an absorbent layer, a liquid barrier, a positioning means for attaching the pad to an undergarment, and a release layer to protect the positioning means prior to use wherein the has been densified by fusing all pad layers together in a manner such that the interstitial space between the individual fibers in the densified areas is not sufficient to readily allow fluid to flow through. Further, the densified areas are made contiguous such that fluid, when introduced or deposited on the pad, will be prevented or hindered from flowing to the edges of the pad.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a substantially elongated shape and includes a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent member 4. The topsheet 2 includes a sheet member which has one surface 2a exhibiting hydrophobic properties and another surface 2b exhibiting hydrophilic properties. The one surface of the topsheet is a skin contactable surface, and the other surface faces the absorbent member 4. The backsheet serves as an anti-leakage sheet and is disposed at opposing longitudinal side portions of an upper surface of the absorbent article inwardly from side edges 1a of the absorbent member so that the backsheet forms a pair of hydrophobic areas A. Each of the hydrophobic areas A has a continuous or discontinuous sealed portion 10 formed by sealing the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3 along each inner edge A' of each hydrophobic areas A. A body fluid retaining portion 20 is provided at a location lying outside of the sealed portion 10 on the skin contactable surface of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Absorbent garments including monolithic backing members are provided having controlled regional breathability with high WVTR regions and low WVTR regions. The zoned monolithic films can be made by selectively applying adhesive to the monolithic film.