Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable hygiene article comprising first and second pairs of compression lines in a rear portion of the article. The article has a core with a first region which has its narrowest width (M) in the transverse direction (x) in a front portion or at a location of a transition between the front portion and a crotch portion of the article. The absorbent core in the rear portion comprises the first (L1, R1) and second (L2, R2) pairs of rear compression lines, which extend in a longitudinal direction (y) between respective front and rear endpoints. A longitudinal distance (G1) between the front and rear end points of the first pair of compression lines is less than a longitudinal distance (G2) between the front and rear endpoints of the second pair of compression lines.

Abstract: Disposable absorbent articles suitable for providing leakage protection for users that experience relatively small to relatively large discharges of fluids wherein the article comprises a chassis which comprises a primary topsheet; a backsheet; an absorbent core having a front end portion, a central portion, and a rear end portion along its length, the core being disposed between the primary topsheet and the backsheet, and wherein the core comprises 1) a first laminate which includes a first superabsorbent layer disposed onto a first distribution layer and 2) a second laminate which includes a second distribution layer joined to a second superabsorbent layer; wherein the first distribution layer is joined to the second distribution layer in an offset manner along the length of the core such that a central portion of the core is formed from an overlapping joinder of the first and second laminates.

Abstract: Absorbent structures for diapers are provided, comprising, immobilized onto a supporting sheet, an absorbent layer with absorbent material containing superabsorbent polymer particles and therein, in the front region, a first and a second substantially longitudinal channel, each being free of said superabsorbent polymeric particles, for improved fit and/or performance throughout the use thereof.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprises an absorbent core sandwiched between a topsheet and a backsheet. The article defines a front portion, a back portion and a crotch portion. The absorbent core comprises an absorbent component enclosed by a core cover comprising an upper and a lower side, and the core is formed with a sealing arrangement for joining the upper and lower sides comprising two channel sealings extending along an longitudinal axis in the crotch portion and defining a first channel sealing width and a second channel sealing width, respectively. The front portion of the core is formed with a recess defining a depth extending from a front edge of the core and into the front portion. A distance is defined between said front edge of the core and a front edge of each channel sealing, such that the ratio of the depth and the distance is within the interval 0.05-0.8.

Abstract: An absorbent article can have a chassis which can have a backsheet layer, a topsheet layer, and an absorbent system positioned between the backsheet layer and the topsheet layer. The absorbent system can have at least one absorbent layer which is a lobed absorbent layer. At least one flexure feature can associate with the lobed absorbent layer. A pair of non-integral wings can be bonded to the backsheet layer of the chassis.

Abstract: A tampon has a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and an absorbent member. The absorbent member has an insertion area, a withdrawal area, and an intermediate area between the insertion area and the withdrawal area and an attachment area. The absorbent material has a plurality of fiber integrated nonwoven layers but are without fiber integration adjacent layers outboard of the attachment area. A withdrawal line extends from the withdrawal area and is attached to the absorbent member in the attachment area such that each of the plurality of absorbent layers is attached to an adjacent nonwoven layer in the attachment area.

Abstract: Absorbent structures for diapers are provided, comprising, immobilized onto a supporting sheet, an absorbent layer with absorbent material containing superabsorbent polymer particles and therein, in the front region, a first and a second substantially longitudinal channel, each being free of said superabsorbent polymeric particles, for improved fit and/or performance throughout the use thereof.

Abstract: A disposable diaper, having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, an absorbent main body having an absorbent body, a back waist part located on one end of the absorbent main body, and an abdominal waist part located on another end of the absorbent body, the absorbent body having side parts in the lateral direction provided with a pair of embossed lines formed by embossing from a skin side of the absorbent body, and the embossed lines each including a protrusion point, protruding inward in the lateral direction, located in a center of the disposable diaper in the longitudinal direction in a midsection of the disposable diaper or on a back waist part side with respect to the center, and a back line, linear or curved outward, extending outward in the lateral direction from the protrusion point, as a starting point, toward the back waist part in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An incontinence pad includes an absorbent body provided between a liquid permeable topsheet and a backsheet, a concave groove formed in a surface of the absorbent body on the liquid permeable topsheet side and extending along an approximately longitudinal direction of the groove, and a highly compressed portion formed in a bottom surface of the concave groove. The highly compressed portion includes a sloping element in a unit portion formed by dividing the concave groove in a longitudinal direction thereof and crossing the concave groove from one side edge to the other side edge, and is formed into a pattern obtained by repeatedly inverting the highly compressed portion of the unit portion in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A disposable diaper, having a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction, an absorbent main body having an absorbent body, a back waist part located on one end of the absorbent main body, and an abdominal waist part located on another end of the absorbent body, the absorbent body having side parts in the lateral direction provided with a pair of embossed lines formed by embossing from a skin side of the absorbent body, and the embossed lines each including a protrusion point, protruding inward in the lateral direction, located in a center of the disposable diaper in the longitudinal direction in a midsection of the disposable diaper or on a back waist part side with respect to the center, and a back line, linear or curved outward, extending outward in the lateral direction from the protrusion point, as a starting point, toward the back waist part in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin has a facing layer joined to a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the facing layer and backsheet. The facing layer has a first region comprising a plurality of apertures, and a second region comprising a plurality of out-of-plane deformations. The absorbent article provides a visual perception of comfort. In one embodiment, the sanitary napkin also comprises a deep-embossed channel.

Abstract: The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an absorptive article which can deform while following the movement of the wearer's legs and which can restore to the original shape. The absorptive article of this disclosure has the following configuration. The absorptive article (1) includes a liquid permeable top sheet (4), a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorption body (7). The absorptive article (1) is characterized in that the absorptive article (1) has, in the region thereof which is in contact with the excretory opening, a medium-high section (2) protruding in the thickness direction of the absorptive article (1) and including a cushion section, and in that the absorption body (7) has one or more compressed sections (3) which form a folding axis about which the absorptive article (1) is folded in the width direction thereof so that the skin contact surface of the top sheet (4) protrudes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tampon comprises the steps of at least partially overlaying a web of base material with a web of absorbent material. The web of absorbent material is secured to the web of base material with a first securement. At least one of the web of base material and the web of absorbent material is folded after the first securement. The web of absorbent material is further secured to the web of base material with a second securement that is a stronger securement than the first securement. The web of absorbent material and the web of base material together define a web of cover material. The web of cover material is applied to an absorbent structure. The web of cover material and the absorbent structure is manipulated such that the web of cover material extends about a circumference of the absorbent structure to form a tampon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intravaginal tampon for feminine hygiene. In particular, it relates to methods for producing such a tampon having relatively deep, penetrating grooves in which adjacent penetrating jaws pass through the same tampon press space during manufacture and to an apparatus useful in making such a tampon as well as the tampons made therewith.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon comprises a compressed absorbent member having an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. An overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The overwrap comprises a fluid pervious material.

Abstract: A tampon pledget is made by assembling one or more pads in a pad compression configuration, radially compressing the pad compression configuration in a traverse direction into a cylindrical form, and axially compressing the cylindrical form in a direction along a vertical axis to form the tampon pledget. In one embodiment, the axial compression is performed as a pressure is applied to at least one of a first and a second end of the cylindrical form. In one aspect of the present invention, the formed tampon pledget has an absorbent capacity as measured by the syngyna test of between about 6.0 grams to 9.0 grams and a density of about 0.4603 grams/cubic centimeter. In another aspect of the invention, the formed tampon pledget has an absorbent capacity as measured by the syngyna test of between about 9.0 grams to 12.0 grams and a density of about 0.4755 grams/cubic centimeter.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a disposable wearing article improved so that front and rear waist regions may assure desired fitness without adversely affecting an absorption capacity of a bodily fluid-absorbent core assembly. At least one of front and rear waist regions includes an inner sheet lying on a skin-facing side and having stretch properties and an outer sheet lying on a non-skin-facing side and having a low elastic contractile force. In a section of this one waist region occupied by a liquid-absorbent core assembly including a bodily fluid-absorbent core, the inner sheet is partially cut to define a perforated region. Adhesive used to bond the liquid-absorbent core assembly to the inner sheet and adhesive used to bond the inner sheet to the outer sheet are put in contact with and joined to each other through openings developed by partially cutting the inner sheet.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a first curved portion and a second curved portion formed on the surface of a topsheet along a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The first curved portion is arranged in one pair to be symmetrical to a centerline of the absorbent article in a region in which the contact region is included, the region being an inside region more than each side part in a widthwise direction of the absorbent article, and is formed along a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The second curved portion is arranged in one pair in a region in which the contact region is included, the region being an inside region in the widthwise direction of the absorbent article more than the first curved portion, and is formed along the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article. The first curved portion and the second curved portion has a convex shape outward in the widthwise direction of the absorbent article, in the region in which the contact region is included.

Abstract: An absorbent structure that includes a first region, a second region and a central region extending between the first and second regions, the first region and part of the central region are formed with a thick segment. The second region is formed with a thin segment having a thickness dimension smaller than that of the thick segment. Between the thick segment and the thin segment, a thickness-sloped segment having a thickness dimension gradually reduced from the side of the first region toward the second region and the thin segment and at least a region of the thickness-sloped segment being adjacent to the thin segment are debossed.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a first end region, a second end region and a central region, a plurality of channels arranged in each of the first and second end regions, at least one channel arranged in the central region and extending in a longitudinal direction of the article, the at least one channel being connected at each end thereof to the plurality of channels in the first end region and the plurality of channels in the second end region.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a novel absorbent article that prevents excessive compression of an absorbent body caused by deformation of the absorbent article, and rewetting associated with said compression. In order to solve such a problem, a sanitary napkin (1) is provided with a liquid-permeable top sheet (2), a liquid-impermeable back sheet (3), and an absorbent body (4) disposed between the top sheet (2) and the back sheet (3), wherein: an extensible area (21) having an extensible bellows-like section (210), and a flexible area (22) surrounding the extensible area (21) are formed in a waste supply area (20) of the top sheet (2).

Abstract: To provide an absorbent article capable of sufficiently fulfilling a function of preventing lateral leakage even when a force is applied in the width direction (transverse direction) during wearing. An absorbent article comprising a liquid-pervious surface sheet, a liquid-impervious leakage-preventive sheet, and a liquid-retentive absorption body disposed between the surface sheet and the leakage-preventive sheet, wherein the absorption body comprises at least two layers, at least one of the layers is a first absorption body layer composed of a hydrophilic sheet and a super-absorbent polymer, and in the longitudinal middle area of the absorbent article, the width of the first absorption body layer is larger than the width of other absorption body layer(s). In the first absorption body layer, a plurality of hydrophilic sheets are stacked, the super-absorbent polymer is disposed between hydrophilic sheets, and the hydrophilic sheets are joined in a region where the super-absorbent polymer is not spread.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a body panel having a terminal waist edge, at least first and second layers terminating at the terminal waist edge and at least one elastic element disposed between the first and second layers. The body panel has at least first and second adhesive regions. The first adhesive region is defined by the at least one elastic element, which is strand coated with a first adhesive. The second region is defined by a control coating of a second adhesive applied between the first and second layers. In one embodiment, the first region has a greater sensory softness than the second region. In one embodiment, the body panel, in an unstretched condition, has a surface softness with a can deviation of coefficient of friction less than about 0.020 in the first adhesive region.

Abstract: A compressed portion is formed in the absorbent article by compressing the absorber through a compression process. The compressed portion has a top-surface groove formed on the skin-contact-surface side, and a back-surface groove formed on the clothing-contact-surface side. A bottom portion of the top-surface groove is flat. Since the recessed portions are formed in the bottom portion of the back-surface groove through the compression process, a compression part where the density of the absorber is increased more than in an uncompressed portion and high compression parts where the density of the absorber is increased more than in the compression part are formed in the bottom portion. Thus, the absorbent article can be permeate into by a thick liquid, and is more likely to absorb liquid.

Abstract: An absorbent article with topsheet, backsheet and absorbent core having an embossment region on the body facing side thereof and two spaced apart, longitudinally extending depression regions on the garment facing side thereof, including an adhesive pattern applied by a spray method directly onto the backsheet that intersects the depression regions and a release paper operatively attached to the adhesive pattern.

Abstract: An absorbent article that contains a topsheet having embossed regions is provided. The embossed regions propagate in a longitudinal direction of the article in the form of a wave having one or more alternating crests (peaks) and troughs (valleys). Such a wave pattern helps slow down the flow of bodily fluid by directing it along a tortuous path defined by the densified edges rather than in a straight line. Among other things, this reduction in flow rate can help provide sufficient time for the absorbent core to absorb the fluid, which is particularly helpful when it is already partially filled with fluid. Nevertheless, bodily fluids can still sometimes pool near the crests and/or troughs and result in leakage. To help counteract this tendency, the present inventors have discovered that a plurality of apertures can be employed in the topsheet that are arranged in a column that generally extends in a longitudinal direction of the article.

Abstract: A process is provided for making a bond between a first, relative hydrophilic nonwoven and a second relatively less hydrophilic nonwoven by use of a construction adhesive, by applying the adhesive only to the first more hydrophilic nonwoven; also provided are absorbent cores for absorbent article comprising such bonded nonwovens, and such absorbent articles.

Abstract: An undergarment, such as a diaper, includes a hidden central core pocket for receipt of an absorbent pad. The pocket is formed between an inner, fluid permeable layer and a fluid isolation layer. The fluid isolation layer is attached to the inner or anchor layer and is located between the inner layer and an outer layer to which the inner layer is attached. The pocket is narrower than the outer to isolate fluids from edges of the outer layer and from diaper leg openings. Both the fluid isolation layer and the outer layer may be fluid resistant to provide additional protection against leakage. Adjustment fasteners on the outside of the outer shell permit size adjustment for the diaper and the adjustment fasteners are positioned within the periphery of the pocket so that presence of the absorbent pad will enhance comfort.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent tampon having a mass of an absorbent composite compressed into a generally cylindrical shape. The absorbent composite used in the tampon of the present invention has at least a first layer and a second layer wherein the second layer is adjacent the first layer. The first layer is prepared from a first absorbent material having a first physical property and the second layer is prepared from a second absorbent material having a second physical property, wherein the first physical property is the same physical property as the second physical property, but the value of the second physical property is different from the first physical property. By providing layers in the absorbent composite different physical properties, the tampons of the present invention can have different properties at various locations of the tampon to provide a tampon having desirable features, such as improve leakage protection.

Abstract: The invention relates to slit absorbent articles and the use of slits in absorbent materials to provide improved liquid intake rate, flexibility and softness compared to the unmodified material. The absorbent material, including superabsorbent materials, are particularly useful as absorbent cores in disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent products, sanitary napkins and the like.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbent structure configured to prevent a liquid-absorbent core material from being unevenly distributed and thereby to assure that bodily fluids can be smoothly absorbed by the liquid-absorbent structure. According to one embodiment the present invention provides a panty liner that includes a topsheet lying on a side facing the wearer's body, a backsheet facing the wearer's garment and a liquid-absorbent structure sandwiched between these sheets. A first inner surface of a first sheet forming the liquid-absorbent structure is coated with adhesives to form a plurality of first bonding regions and a second inner surface of a second sheet is coated with adhesives to form a plurality of second bonding regions. Each of the first non-bonding regions lies between each pair of the first bonding regions, and each of the second non-bonding regions lies between each pair of the second bonding regions.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising an absorbent body including a top sheet, a back sheet and an absorbent laminate disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein: the absorbent body has a longitudinal direction and a width direction; the absorbent laminate comprises a fiber assembly layer containing pulp fibers, and a sheet-shaped absorbent layer containing an absorbent polymer but not containing a pulp fiber between nonwoven fabric sheets; the absorbent article is folded at a fold line extending in the width direction; and the fiber assembly layer has an opening on the fold line.

Abstract: An absorbent article that has a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorber, and a liquid-permeable top-layer sheet is joined with a skin contact surface side of the topsheet. The top-layer sheet is arranged along a lengthwise direction in a central portion of a widthwise direction of the absorbent article, and non-joined regions that are not joined with the topsheet are provided at both widthwise ends of the top-layer sheet. A compressing portion in which at least the topsheet and the absorber are compressed in the thickness-wise direction, is formed around the non-joined region.

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: A sanitary product for use by women for the absorption of menstrual fluid, having a plug and a pad joined by a sheath. The plug is substantially cylindrical so that is fits comfortably in a vaginal cavity. The pad remains outside the vaginal cavity, but has an absorbent layer on an inward side proximal to the plug and a liquid impermeable layer on an outward side. In use, a wearer can insert a finger into the sheath from the outward side of the pad to assist with insertion of the plug into the vaginal cavity. A string is provided that extends inside the sheath from the outward end of the plug to aid removal of the product. A line of weakness extends along the major axis of the pad, about which the pad is disposed to fold in use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to disposable absorbent articles including a topsheet; a backsheet; a liquid acquisition layer; and a substantially cellulose free absorbent core; wherein the liquid acquisition layer and the absorbent core are located between the topsheet and the backsheet; wherein the topsheet and liquid acquisition layer include corresponding discrete indented regions and unindented regions. The liquid acquisition layer comprises a first density, D1, below the unindented regions of the topsheet and comprises a second density, D2, below the discrete indented regions of the topsheet.

Abstract: A tampon having at least one physical discontinuity is provided. The physical discontinuity, or physical discontinuities, are located in the compressed absorbent member and may be made in the tampon pledget before the pledget is compressed into the absorbent member. The physical discontinuities partially isolate a portion, or portions, of the tampon from the rest of the tampon. The partial isolation of a portion of the tampon reduces the amount of menses absorbed by that portion, which could be transported to the rest of the tampon through wicking. The concentration of menses absorption in a portion allows that portion have a higher level of expansion than the rest of the tampon to prevent menses from leaking out of the vaginal opening.

Abstract: Absorbent articles having a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet are disclosed. The backsheet has a physical variation along at least one axis, wherein said physical variation defines a first backsheet zone and a second backsheet zone, and at least one elastomeric element having at least one primary direction of stretch, said elastomeric element at least partially overlapping and joined to first and/or second backsheet zone, wherein a relaxed pathlength of said elastomeric element in the primary direction of stretch is less than a total pathlength of said backsheet in the region of overlap. The physical variation is a measurable difference as measured by a physical property selected from the group consisting of basis weight, thickness and density.

Abstract: There is provided an absorbent article having a surface member joined in consideration of absorptivity. The absorbent article has a longitudinal direction, a width direction, and a thickness direction and is worn on a body. The absorbent article includes: an absorbent member for absorbing fluid; and a fluid-permeable surface member, wherein the surface member covers the absorbent member on the side of the body when worn in the thickness direction, the surface member includes a surface sheet and an intermediate sheet that is disposed closer to the absorbent member than the surface sheet in the thickness direction, the surface sheet has a first concave section along a first direction, the intermediate sheet has a second concave section along a second direction that intersects the first direction, and the surface sheet and the intermediate sheet are joined at positions where the first concave section and the second concave section intersect each other.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, incontinence guard or panty liner, including a fluid-permeable nonwoven topsheet located on the wearer-facing side thereof. The nonwoven topsheet includes a plurality of channels arranged side-by-side. The channels are located within the nonwoven topsheet, whereby gas is allowed to pass into, out of and along the channels, thus providing ventilation of the absorbent article.

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: 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 catamenial tampon comprises a compressed absorbent member having an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. An overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The overwrap comprises a fluid pervious material.

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.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes an absorbent mat provided between a liquid-permeable top sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet. Herein, the absorbent mat includes a sheet-like water-absorbent layer that contains a water-absorbent resin powder but that does not contain pulp fibers, and a fiber assembly layer that contains both the water-absorbent resin powder and the pulp fibers, the sheet-like water-absorbent layer and the fiber assembly layer arranged sequentially in this order from a top sheet side. The fiber assembly layer includes a fiber presence region in which both the pulp fibers and the water-absorbent resin powder are present, and a fiber absence region in which both the pulp fibers and the water-absorbent resin powder are absent, the fiber presence region and the fiber absence region formed to be adjacent with each other.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a liquid-permeable top sheet of a white non-woven fabric, a liquid-impermeable back sheet opposing the top sheet, and an absorbent between the top sheet and the back sheet. A colored element is provided on the side of the top sheet that does not contact the skin, is visible through the top sheet, and is colored to a color other than white. The top sheet has protrusions and indentations in the thickness direction. The basic weight of the protrusions is greater than the basic weight of the indentations. The color difference between the Lab value of the color of the colored element visible through the protrusions of the top sheet and the Lab value of the color of the colored element visible through the indentations of the top sheet is 2.8 or more.

Abstract: A liner for incontinence includes a skin contact side sheet, a non-skin contact side sheet, and an absorbent body arranged between these sheets and including an absorbent material. The absorbent material includes 30 to 70 mass % of SAP. The liner includes a main body and wings in an intermediate region of the main body. An SAP basis weight in the intermediate region is larger than in front and rear regions of the main body. The main body includes a front compressed region which is positioned between the intermediate region and the front region immediately in front of a urinating position (UP) of a wearer when worn, side compressed regions which extend from the intermediate region to the front region and rear region, respectively, and a rear compressed region which extends in the rear region in substantially the width direction. At the compressed regions, the absorbent body is continuous.

Abstract: A shaped sheet, comprising: a plurality of protrusions (3) on one surface side of the shaped sheet formed of fibers; and connecting portions (5) for being barriers and connecting the protrusions (3) to one another, wherein the connecting portion (5) has a fiber density higher than a fiber density of the protrusion (3).

Abstract: A stretchable absorbent core (10) includes a stretchable base sheet (20), and a plurality of separate and independent absorbers (30) disposed at least on one side of the base sheet (20). The absorbers (30) are fixed to the base sheet (20) through respective fixing points (33) in such a design that the shape of each absorber is not deformed upon stretch of the base sheet (20). The stretchable absorbent core (10) exhibits stretchability between the fixing points (33). It is preferable that the stretchable absorbent core (10) does not exhibit stretchability at the fixing points (33).

Abstract: The top sheet for an absorbent article has a plurality of fused compressed sections, wherein the fused compressed sections are located on the lowermost side in the thickness direction of the top sheet, and the back side of the top sheet has recesses or low density regions having the lowest density within the top sheet, surrounding the fused compressed sections. The top sheet for an absorbent article having a plurality of fused compressed sections can be produced by a process wherein a top sheet is situated between a member with multiple protrusions and a member with multiple recesses that engage with the multiple protrusions, and the protrusions are pressed into the recesses.