Abstract: [Subject] To obtain a body fluid absorbent article with the perfect protection against the body fluid leakage. [Means for Solving Problem] In the body fluid absorbent, the body fluid retainable absorbent member 53A is disposed under the face sheet 51. Then, the body fluid permeable absorbent member 52, which include the assembly of fibers in tows, is disposed between the face sheet 51 and the body fluid retainable absorbent member 53A.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes a chassis and an absorbent core which is substantially cellulose free. The chassis may contain a topsheet and a backsheet. The absorbent core may be located between the topsheet and the backsheet and may include (i) a storage layer which comprises an absorbent particulate polymer material and has a wearer facing side and an opposed garment facing side, (ii) a first core wrap sheet covering the wearer facing side of the storage layer, and (iii) a second core wrap sheet covering the garment facing side of the storage layer, the first core wrap sheet being joined to the second core wrap sheet along at least one traverse sealing zone.

Abstract: An unitary stratified composite composed of a first stratum and a second stratum integrally connected by a transition zone is disclosed. The first stratum serves as a liquid acquisition stratum that rapidly acquires and then transfers liquid to the second stratum. The second stratum serves to withdraw liquid from the first stratum and further severs as a temporary storage stratum. Methods for forming the unitary stratified composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A disposable multilayered adult brief is disclosed. Specifically, a lubricated adult brief pad for preventing and treating bedsores on a person's body and for managing discharged body fluids is disclosed. Among other things, the disclosed adult brief has a contoured lubricated pad panel and a perimeter panel. The contoured lubricated pad panel has absorbing layers and means for managing discharged body fluids away from a person's body to the absorbing layers. The adult brief also has a lubricating layer and is constructed to minimize friction between a person's body and a supporting surface. The adult brief is also treated with a lubricating, skin protecting, and moisturizing emollient for the treatment and prevention of pressure sores. The emollient can be microencapsulated in the lubricating layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and at least a fluid acquisition/distribution layer. The absorbent article also comprises edge barrier elements for intercepting fluids. The edge barrier elements comprise a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition comprising a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein, and are comprised between the absorbent core and the at least one fluid acquisition/distribution layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper or an incontinence protection product, which has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a front waist portion, a rear waist portion and a crotch portion which is arranged between the front and rear waist portions and includes a liquid-permeable outer layer and a liquid-impermeable outer layer and also an absorption body which is enclosed between the outer layers, a front edge which extends in the transverse direction and a rear edge which extends in the transverse direction, with the article having a wiping area which is arranged on the liquid-permeable outer layer, with the wiping area being arranged outside the crotch area on the front waist portion and including an adsorptive agent for taking up and binding microorganisms and proteins.

Abstract: An absorbent product having a rear part, a front part and a crotch part in its longitudinal direction, including a liquid permeable perforated top sheet facing the wearer, a liquid impermeable back sheet facing away from the wearer, and an absorbent structure positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, and whereby longitudinally extending textile-like edges are positioned on both longitudinal sides of the top sheet, whereby the rear part of the absorbent structure is rounded in the form of at least three different radii. Hereby, it is possible to adjust the shape of the absorbent structure so that more absorbent material is put in the product.

Abstract: An absorbent article having an upper, liquid-permeable cover layer (2), a lower, liquid-impermeable backsheet (4), an absorbent body (6) arranged between the cover layer (2) and the backsheet (4), and an air-exchange system arranged between the cover layer (2) and the backsheet (4) having at least one air-exchange (5; 43) and at least one air-exchange duct (10) having a longitudinal extension and a cross-sectional area, the air-exchange duct (10) constituting a communicating duct with regard to air communication between the air-exchange (5; 43) and the surroundings of the absorbent article. The air-exchange (5; 43) comprises a material which is compressible and resilient in all directions, essentially non-absorbent and air-permeable, and the air-exchange duct (10) has a compressible and resilient, essentially non-absorbent material, the air-exchange duct displaying air-permeability.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin adapted to provide enhanced fluid handling characteristics and minimize side leakage, the sanitary napkin including a first embossing pattern including first and second spaced portions and a second embossing pattern including first and second spaced portions.

Abstract: An article, including disposable articles and durable articles, includes one or more shaped thermoplastic members, which can be at least partially impregnated into one or more fibrous substrates forming a composite material of the article having regions of breathability, elasticity, and/or stiffening to provide desired functions of the article. The shaped thermoplastic members have a profiled thickness and/or basis weight providing variation in material properties. A percent variation of the profiled thickness of the thermoplastic member can vary from about 5% to about 95%. A process for manufacturing the composite material of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent article (101; 201), such as a baby diaper (101) or an incontinence guard (201), in which the rear part of the absorbent article's liquid-permeable cover sheet (102; 202) oriented towards the body includes a receiving area (135; 235) for faeces. The article further includes a wiping area (131; 231) arranged outside the receiving area (135; 235), said wiping area (131; 231) being characterized in that it includes a separate material section (132; 232) including a wiping material (136; 236) intended for wiping faeces from a user dirtied with faeces.

Abstract: An absorbent article constructed to isolate skin from absorbed moisture and promote ventilation. The article, which has particular application in the form of an absorbent garment worn to capture body wastes, has an absorbent body and liquid impermeable outer cover which stretch under the weight of the loaded absorbent body. A bodyside liner between the absorbent body and the skin of the wearer stretches, but to a lesser extent than the absorbent body and the outer cover. Accordingly, a gap between the bodyside liner and the absorbent body is created. The gap removes the moisture ladened absorbent body from the skin and forms a gap which helps air and vapor to circulate around the skin, promoting dryness.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article which gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a barrier leg cuff and an elasticized outer leg cuff is disclosed. The disposable absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet, an absorbent core disposed therebetween, an elasticized outer leg cuff, and a barrier leg cuff. The elasticized outer leg cuff is disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side edge of the absorbent article. The elasticized outer leg cuff has a base and a gasket cuff supported by the base at a joint of the base to the gasket cuff. The gasket cuff is provided with elasticity and has an inner cuff extending laterally inwardly from the joint and an outer cuff extending laterally outwardly from the joint. The barrier leg cuff is disposed inboard of the gasketing cuff and forms a pocket by a combination of the inner cuff, the base and the barrier leg cuff.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a disposable diaper, having a topsheet, barrier cuffs, an optional acquisition layer, an absorbent core, a barrier layer, and a backsheet. The diaper is arranged so as to create breathable zones of reduced stiffness surrounding the wearer's thighs. That is, the layers of material forming the diaper are arranged so the area surrounding the wearer's thighs includes only the backsheet, barrier cuffs and leg elastics. No liquid-impervious material is present within the breathable zones of reduced stiffness. Furthermore, these breathable zones of reduced stiffness preferably are formed so that only hydrophobic material is present. Thus, providing a better fitting, less irritating absorbent article by reducing the stiffness and increasing the breathability of the diaper in the area surrounding the wearer's thighs, resulting in increased comfort and fit around the wearer's thighs.

Abstract: A disposable hygiene article for collecting bodily fluid having a body-facing surface, a garment facing-surface and an absorbent structure. The article may include a central fluid acquisition zone which may be substantially white, a first visually discernible lateral zone situated on one side of the central zone and a second visually discernible lateral zone situated on the opposite side of the central zone, wherein the first and second lateral zones are formed by a nonwoven material including a colored pigment.

Abstract: An absorbent article 10 having an absorbent body 17 including a liquid permeable topsheet 15, a liquid impermeable leak-preventive sheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member 16 and an exterior material 14 including a rear portion B, a front portion A, and a crotch portion C. The absorbent article 10 has both side edge portions 18b of the rear portion B and both side edge portions 18a of the front portion A joined via respective mechanical fasteners 13 to take on the shape of pants. The male member 19 is attached to the inner side of the side edge portion 18b of the rear portion B. The female member 20 is a strip-shaped sheet attached by its outer edge portion 20a to the inner side of the side edge portion 18a of the front portion A, with the portion inward of the outer edge portion 20a left free as a flap 20b. The male member 19 engages the flap 20b of the female member 20 to join each side edge portion 18b of the rear portion B and each side edge portion 18a of the front portion A.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article worn about the lower torso of a wearer includes at least one pair of side panels connecting a first waist region to a second waist region forming a waist opening and a pair of leg openings. Each side panel includes a waist region, a hip region and a leg region wherein the waist region, the hip region and the leg region differs structurally, functionally and visually to provide an improved initial fit and sustained fit while exhibiting a garment-like appearance.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent core (4) including a fluid storage member (18), a fluid distribution layer (17) and a fluid receiving layer (16). The distribution layer (17) is disposed to extend in the crotch portion (7) and in at least a substantial portion of one of the waist portions (5 or 6) of the article and is absent in at least a substantial part of the opposite waist portion of the article so as to promote fluid flow from the crotch portion (7) towards the one waist portion (5 or 6). A fluid barrier (19) is arranged at or in close proximity to one transverse end edge of the fluid distribution layer (17), located in or adjacent the crotch portion (7) of the article, the fluid barrier (19) extending through at least a substantial part of the thickness of the layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a central absorbent member and a lateral wicking barrier for inhibition of wicking from the central regions of the article to an outlying outer absorbent member. The wicking barrier has a vertical component for prevention of radial wicking in the plane of the article and thus promotes center filling of the article with fluid and reduces the likelihood of leaks from the sides of the article. The wicking barrier can also have a horizontal component to prevent leakage, redirect fluid flow, and improve fit and performance of the article. In one embodiment, the central absorbent member is a concentric absorbent structure having alternating rings of barrier material and absorbent material, including a spiral wound composite formed from a layer of barrier material wound with a layer of absorbent material and then sliced.

Abstract: An SBS based construction adhesive that includes an amount of SIS adhesive to make an SBS/SIS adhesive that shows excellent shear hang time values when used to manufacture disposable absorbent articles. The SBS/SIS adhesive is applied in a spiral pattern having a particular width and frequency to form an endflap seal that may reduce the likelihood of a gel on skin occurrence.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying the physical characteristics of a web which involves passing the web between at least one pair of interengaged rolls to incrementally stretch the web, and then withdrawing the incrementally stretched web from between the rolls under tension. A web modified according to the disclosed method has desirable breathability and liquid impermeability, as well as extensibility and a soft, cloth-like textured surface. One embodiment of the present invention provides a breathable web comprising a microporous film exhibiting an MVTR of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr, a dynamic impact value of less than about 10 g/m2, a bubble pressure at least about 45 psi, and an air flow of at least about 2 liters/m2/s.

Abstract: A dental absorbent pad (10) is disclosed having a moisture permeable, outer layer (11), a moisture absorbent layer (12), a stiffening plate (13), and a moisture impermeable backing (14). The moisture absorbent layer and stiffening plate are smaller in size than the overlying outer layer and backing so that a margin (17) is formed thereby which surrounds the moisture absorbent layer and stiffening plate. The margin is very flexible and therefor comfortable to a patient undergoing a dental procedure.

Abstract: An absorbent core material for a disposable absorbent article and an article with at least one absorbent core material. The absorbent core material can be a fibrous airlaid nonwoven web comprising cellulosic fibers and having a first density, and having a plurality of discrete out-of-plane deformations, the out-of-plane deformations having a second density, wherein the second density is less than the first density.

Abstract: A reusable diaper may include an inner layer to wick moisture and an outer layer substantially impervious to liquids. A waist portion may include a corner region for securing the diaper in a desired position. The corner region may be resiliently stretchable and substantially impervious to liquids, and may include first and second layers coupled to the respective inner and outer layers. The coupled first layer and inner layer define a first seam allowance, and the coupled second layer and outer layer define a second seam allowance. The first and second seam allowances may be positioned within the corner region to help inhibit wicking of liquid through the seam allowances into the corner region. And a fluid-resistant region may be provided to help resist wicking of moisture through the inner layer past the fluid-resistant region.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a catamenial device, comprises a liquid pervious topsheet, the topsheet having an inner surface oriented toward the interior of the absorbent article and an outer surface oriented toward the skin of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn. The absorbent article includes a backsheet joined to the topsheet, the backsheet having an inner surface oriented toward the interior of the absorbent article and an outer surface oriented toward the garment of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent core having an inner surface oriented toward the skin of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn and an outer surface oriented toward the garment of the wearer when the absorbent article is being worn.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an absorbent article having a backsheet, an absorbent core and cuffs and/or a topsheet, the topsheet being provided with at least one opening adapted to receive fecal material, the cuffs or topsheet comprising a nonwoven sheet material, comprising typically at least two nonwoven layers, the layers being typically only partially attached to one another and each comprising typically two or more nonwoven webs that are laminated together, whereof the skin-contacting nonwoven layer or web has a specific low bending rigidity, whilst the nonwoven sheet as a whole has a very high barrier function.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to diapers having a specific elasticated anal/genital cuff, also referred to as elasticated topsheet, and having a fully stretched length of less than 465 mm, suitable for babies of typically up to 9 kg.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin has a top layer, an absorbent layer and a bottom layer. The absorbent layer has a hollow portion with at least one isolating layer. The isolating layer, the top layer and the bottom layer have multiple ventilating holes corresponding to the hollow portion. Irregular absorbent material with voids is disposed between two adjacent isolating layers to allow air convection to disperse heat, so that the menstrual blood is quickly drained and absorbed by the absorbent layer to keep the sanitary napkin dry at the top layer and to avoid toxic vapors that might enter the vagina or the uterus and thus incur pathological changes. The toxic vapors are caused by chemical qualitative change if menstrual blood with high heat is retained on the top layer. Therefore, the sanitary napkin is safe and comfortable in use.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed in which an absorbent body intervenes between a liquid permeable front sheet and a back sheet. A middle-height portion is provided by thickening a front surface of an approximately center area of the absorbent body with respect to a standard portion absorbent body. The article includes leakage preventing grooves which extend to a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article are provided on both sides which sandwich a body fluid discharge portion area in the area of the middle-height portion, respectively.

Abstract: An article having a surface fastening system and a primary direction of load bearing. The surface fastening system includes at least one first fastening element and at least on second fastening element. The first fastening element further includes an attached portion, partially joined to the article, at least one liftable portion extending from the attached portion, and at least one hinge line disposed at an angle less than 90 degrees relative to the primary direction of load bearing, the hinge line is positioned between the attached portion and the liftable portion. At least one second fastening element is affixed at a second position to the article and configured to be engageable with the liftable portion of the first fastening element. Articles such as disposable diapers, bibs, clothing, etc. are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to absorbent articles, typically for feminine protection, comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent element positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article also comprises edge barrier elements for intercepting fluids. The edge barrier elements comprise a liquid absorbent thermoplastic composition comprising a polymeric base material having particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein, and are provided with a basis weight gradient along their respective width or length in the liquid absorbing thermoplastic composition and/or in the particles of water-insoluble water-swellable absorbent material dispersed therein.

Abstract: A polymeric web exhibiting a soft and silky tactile impression on at least one side thereof is disclosed. The silky feeling side of the web exhibits a pattern of discrete hair-like fibrils, each of the hair-like fibrils being a protruded extension of the web surface and having a side wall defining an open proximal portion and a closed distal portion. The hair-like fibrils exhibit a maximum lateral cross-sectional diameter of between 2 and 5 mils, and an aspect ratio from 1 to 3. Methods and apparatus for making the polymeric web utilize a three-dimensional forming structure having a plurality of protrusions being generally columnar forms having an average aspect ratio of at least about 1.

Abstract: The absorbent article provides a signal viewable from the top surface of the absorbent article that gives a perception of depth within the absorbent article. This creation of depth perception is accomplished by the use of at least two tones within a color and/or by the use of multiple tones and multiple colors operating together to create a perception of depth within the absorbent article.

Abstract: In an absorbent structure for an absorbent article, a non-woven absorbent core extends from one longitudinal end region of the absorbent structure through a central region thereof to an opposite longitudinal end region of the absorbent structure. The absorbent core has a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and laterally opposite side edges. A liquid permeable wrapsheet is wrapped about the first face, the laterally opposite side edges and at least a portion of the second face of the absorbent core to define a wrapped configuration of the wrapsheet. Tbe wrapsheet is constructed of a non-woven material and is secured in its wrapped configuration about the absorbent core at at least one securement region having a length substantially less than the length of the absorbent structure.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has a stretchable multilayer chassis having a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, an inner surface, and an outer surface. The chassis is stretchable at least laterally. An absorbent body has an inner surface, an outer surface facing the inner surface of the chassis, and terminal edges. The absorbent body is affixed along at least a portion of its outer surface to the inner surface of the chassis whereby the inner surface of the absorbent body lies against a wearer of the article during use. The inner surface of the absorbent body is uncovered at the terminal edges thereof to permit contact of the absorbent body with the wearer of the article at the terminal edges of the absorbent body. The absorbent body is sized relative to the chassis such that a portion of the chassis is uncovered by the absorbent body to permit contact of the inner surface of the chassis with the wearer of the article. The chassis is stretchable about the wearer independent of the absorbent body.

Abstract: In a tampon having a body of an absorbent material, the body has at least one zone in which expansion and/or absorption by the body of the tampon is limited.

Abstract: A film that is biodegradable and water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. More specifically, the film contains a combination of a biodegradable polyester and a water-sensitive thermoplastic starch. The desired water-sensitive attributes of film may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the film construction, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the film is formed, and so forth.

Abstract: An interlabial pad with reduced leakage of body fluids is provided by enabling direct absorption and retaining of body fluids at a predetermined site. Disclosed is an interlabial pad having a body fluid absorption capacity. The interlabial pad includes a body fluid outlet contacting region to contact a ostium vaginae and/or urethral meatus in the state of application. At least the body fluid outlet contacting region has a highly absorbing and retaining region having an elevated body fluid absorption capacity to immediately absorb the discharged body fluids, and an elevated body fluid retaining capacity to retain the absorbed body fluids.

Abstract: Apparatus including a rigid fluid-permeable body, having a first non-planar fluid-permeable body surface, and having a second fluid-permeable body surface; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body; and a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface. Apparatus including a fluid-permeable body having first and second fluid-permeable body surfaces; a plurality of fluid-permeable cells in the fluid-permeable body; a plurality of raised micro-scale features on the first fluid-permeable body surface; and a fluid containment body forming, together with the second fluid-permeable body surface, a second fluid containment structure. Methods, utilizing an apparatus, of treating a liquid with a fluid, and of maintaining a superhydrophobic surface.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve patterns on substrate surfaces, such as nonwoven webs or fabrics, plastic films, and laminates thereof, that cause the substrate surfaces to exhibit a three-dimensional appearance. In some embodiments, the three-dimensional appearance of the substrate surface resembles protrusions and indentions indicative of threads in woven cloths. The patterns are created by printing a surface of a substrate, as opposed to deforming the substrate such as by embossing. Embodiments of the patterns include a plurality of repeating shapes or macro-units disposed on the substrate surface.

Abstract: An elastic nonwoven composite that contains an elastic film laminated to one or more nonwoven web materials is provided. The composite is formed by passing the film through a nip to bond the film to the nonwoven web material(s). Concurrent with bond formation, apertures are also formed in the elastic film. The apertures are of a size sufficient to provide a desired level of texture, softness, hand feel, and/or aesthetic appeal to the composite without having a significant adverse effect on its elastic properties. Aperture and bond formation are accomplished in the present invention by selectively controlling certain parameters of the lamination process, such as film content, bonding pattern, degree of film tension, bonding conditions, etc.

Abstract: A disposable urine collection device may include an absorbent pad disposed proximate to the inner surface of a shell. The device may be contoured to be positioned against and enclose the urinary area of a user such that the absorbent pad may absorb a quantity of urine associated with a complete urinary discharge from the user. The absorbent pad may be formed from one or more commercially available diapers. One or more elastic cuffs may be provided to conform to the user's urinary area and to help contain the flow of urine as it is discharged from the user. An invertible bag may be attached to the bottom of the shell so that the user may conveniently enclose the absorbent pad after use and dispose of the device in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: A method of making a pouch-like container product for absorbing liquids comprises joining a first sheet having SAP particles preferably adhered to a first surface with a second sheet to form a container partially filled with such particles. The application of pressure, for example by passing the product through a roll nip, facilitates joining of the sheets and causes the particles to break through at least the one of the sheets to create an opening whereby free volume is created to permit the particles to expand when in contact with a liquid. The resultant product is also described. In an additional product embodiment non-SAP particles may be utilized to break through the sheet(s) and preformed openings may also be included in the sheet(s). Additional SAP material may be placed in between the sheets of the product.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed having an absorbent core which imparts increased wearing comfort to the article and makes it thin and dry. The absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprises a substrate layer, a discontinuous layer of absorbent material, and a layer of thermoplastic material. A second surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material is in at least partial contact with a first surface of the substrate layer. Portions of a second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with the first surface of the substrate layer and portions of said second surface of the layer of thermoplastic material are in direct contact with a first surface of the discontinuous layer of absorbent material. A process for providing a storage layer for an absorbent core useful in an absorbent article is further disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent body for hygiene articles, particularly sanitary napkins or panty liners, includes a liquid absorbing and distributing layer facing the body and made of a first fibrous material with a first pore size, and a liquid storage layer facing away from the body and including at least 20 to 98 wt. % cellulose fibers, with a second pore size smaller than the first pore size. The first fibrous material is made of interlinked cellulose fibers, and the layers are interconnected, without adhesives by a multitude of embossing points provided in grid-like manner which results in the formation of a funnel-shaped pore gradient in the liquid absorbing and distributing layer around the embossing points. This pore gradient assists in the introduction of liquid into the underlying storage layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a topsheet and an absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is located between the topsheet and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer is made of a three dimensional apertured film that defines a large void volume space between the acquisition distribution layer and the absorbent core material. The acquisition distribution layer provides high void volume for lateral spillage during repeated insult moments because the topsheet, which is in contact with the user, is held away from dispersing fluid that is unabsorbed by saturated core material. The void volume space provides a pathway for unabsorbed fluid to flow over the top plane of saturated core regions to unsaturated regions of the core material for absorption. The void volume space allows this migration of fluid to occur without the fluid coming into contact with the topsheet, thereby avoiding a feeling of wetness for a wearer.

Abstract: An absorbent core is provided including a substrate that performs at least one fluid handling function. At least a portion of at least one region of the substrate has been modified by aperturing, calendering, coating, creping, heating, printing, stretching, or a combination thereof to impart at least one different fluid handling function. The substrate is folded to provide a plurality of panels wherein at least a portion of one panel corresponds to at least a portion of the modified region of the substrate. An absorbent article including the absorbent core and a process for making the absorbent core are also disclosed.