Abstract: A soft, high density, absorbent material is provided with improved characteristics. A process is provided for making the absorbent material. A web is formed from material that includes a mixture of cellulosic fibers and synthetic polymer fibers. Then, the web is preferably compacted and embossed at an elevated temperature to further increase the web density and preferably to also create liquid-stable bonds between the synthetic polymer fibers and the cellulosic fibers in spaced-apart regions of the web.

Abstract: An absorbent structure in an absorbent article, such as a diaper, an incontinence guard, a sanitary napkin or like article. The structure includes a liquid-acquisition and liquid-dispersing core of high bulk, porous material. The core is in liquid communication with a liquid storage part that surrounds the core at least along its longitudinally extending side-edges and which has a mean pore size that is smaller than the mean pore size of the high bulk, porous core. The density of the liquid storage part increases in a direction out towards the longitudinally extending side-edges of the absorbant structure.

Abstract: A thin, high capacity, multi-layer absorbent material. An upper layer displays intake properties while a lower layer displays distribution properties. The upper and lower layers are both high density combinations of fluff pulp and superabsorbent material, with the lower layer having a higher density than the upper layer. The upper layer is suitably drum-formed, the lower layer is suitably air-laid, and additional layers can be either inserted between the upper and lower layers or added on top of the upper layer. The absorbent material can be used to provide discreet absorbent protection in absorbent articles, such as diapers, training pants, feminine hygiene products, incontinence products, and swim wear.

Abstract: A disposable diaper includes a basic absorbent batt structure and a supplementary absorbent batt structure placed on the basic absorbent batt structure. The diaper is formed with a feces receiving space surrounded by the supplementary absorbent batt structure and bottom and side surfaces of a cavity and extending from a crotch region toward a front waist region so that an upper opening of the cavity is partially uncovered in the crotch region 31 and thereby forms a feces inlet leading to the space.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the top sheet rises upwardly from the absorbent core to have a plurality of protrusions, which extend parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, and a hydrophilic material is provided within the protrusions so as to form a cushion layer.

Abstract: A disposable garment having a consumer-activated component that is expandable to improve the fit and function of the garment. The expandable component includes a compressed, resilient, expansible member disposed within a sealed, air-impermeable envelope. The expandable component can be activated so that the component expands in a direction toward the body of the wearer of the garment by the application of a tensile force on the garment to expose an opening in the envelope, to thereby admit air into the envelope and allow the compressed expansible element to expand to its substantially uncompressed condition.

Abstract: Absorbent article, such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing and the like, comprising a layer of continuous fibres, so-called tow, which have been bonded together in points, lines or spots in a bonding pattern (10), but otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other, wherein the bonding pattern (10) is different in different portions of said layer (5). The layer can either be utilized as a liquid acquisition layer (5) in the article underneath a topsheet (2), as a topsheet (12), or as a combined topsheet and liquid acquisition layer (22).

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper, pant diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing or the like comprising a layer of continuous fibers (9), so called tow, which is bonded in points, spots or lines in a bonding pattern (10), but where the fibers otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. Said layer can either be used as a liquid acquisition layer (5) in the article under the topsheet (2), as a topsheet (12) or as a combined topsheet and liquid acquisition layer (22).

Abstract: A disposable diaper is composed of a liquid-permeable topsheet, a liquid-impermeable backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core. The core is formed with grooves each depressed in a direction from the side of a topsheet toward the side of a backsheet. The core contains water-absorbent fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles. These fibers and particles are disposed between portions of the topsheet covering bottoms and side walls of the grooves, and portions of the backsheet respectively opposed to the corresponding portions of the topsheet.

Abstract: The disposable diaper includes a cover member and a body fluid absorbent member attached to an inner side of the cover member. The absorbent member is composed of a liquid-pervious topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed therebetween. The core is formed on a side of the backsheet with a first groove concoved in a direction from the backsheet toward the topsheet.

Abstract: Absorbent article comprising an optional liquid permeable topsheet, an optional, sometimes liquid impermeable, backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet, if any, and at least one liquid management member which comprises a film having at least one microstructure-bearing hydrophilic surface that promotes rapid directional spreading of liquids, the liquid management member and core being in contact. Also, liquid management members which comprise a film having at least one microstructure-bearing hydrophilic surface that promotes directional spreading of liquids. The surface has a plurality of V-shaped grooves having an angular width of Alpha, Alpha being between about 10° and about 120°. The hydrophilic surface has a contact angle with water of Theta, Theta being equal to or less than (90°−Alpha/2).

Abstract: An absorbent article (10) such as a sanitary napkin includes an elongate absorbent core (12) delimited by an upper surface (14) and a lower surface (16). A pair of opposed longitudinal edge portions (18, 20) terminates in longitudinal edges (22, 24) and a pair of opposed transverse edges (26, 28). The core has a first end portion (30), a second end portion (32) and a central portion (34) located between the end portions. A liquid permeable topsheet (36) extends over the upper surface (14), and a liquid barrier backsheet (42) covers the lower surface (16) of the absorbent core (12). Leakage barriers (68, 70), each barrier covering a longitudinal edge portion (18, 20) in a respective longitudinal edge portion (18, 20), forms liquid-retaining pockets along each longitudinal edge portion.

Abstract: A disposable body fluids absorbent article which includes a topsheet made of nonwoven fabric, the topsheet being formed with a plurality of pleats extending substantially in one direction. Crests and troughs of the pleats have a relatively high density and side walls defined between the crests and the troughs have a relatively low density. The article having such a topsheet enables the absorption capacity of an absorbent core of the article to be utilized as efficiently as possible.

Abstract: There is provided a BM containment system for personal care products having an expandable material which expands upon contact with fluids to form a compartment in which BM may be contained. The system may optionally have a dewatering layer on the side away from a wearer of the personal care product. The system may also be in liquid isolation from other personal care product components which are located on the side away from a wearer in order to keep the BM containment system from expanding from exposure to urine. Liquid isolation may be provided by a film between the other system components and the traditional personal care product components.

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: A tampon having a relatively high density, compressed core (16) and a plurality of lower density longitudinal ribs (17) is disclosed. The longitudinal ribs (17) have a softer fiber structure and a coarser capillary structure and extend radially from the core (16). The longitudinal ribs (17) are separated one from another by outwardly open longitudinal grooves (18). A process for preparing the tampon and an apparatus useful in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article 10 which has a dimension in a longitudinal direction which is greater than its dimension in a transverse dimension. The absorbent article 10 comprises a liquid pervious top sheet 1 a liquid impervious back sheet 2 vertically below the top sheet, and an absorbent core 3 provided between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent core has a first unconstrained form in which a section 6 of the absorbent core forms a protrusion from the remainder of the absorbent core in the vertical direction towards the top sheet, and a second unconstrained form in which the absorbent core has no substantive protrusion in the vertical direction. The absorbent core is capable of being changed between the first and second forms.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a main body having: a liquid-permeable surface sheet; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched therebetween, and two leakage preventing walls provided on two sides of the main body. The overlap of the absorbent core and the surface sheet includes: a main absorbent portion located between the two leakage preventing walls and at the center of the overlap in the widthwise direction; and two grooved portions formed by depressing the overlap and each located between the main absorbent portion and corresponding one of the two leakage preventing walls. The fiber densities of the portion of the surface sheet forming the main absorbent portion, the portion of the surface sheet forming the grooved portion and the leakage preventing wall are related in the order of the grooved portion>the leakage preventing wall>the main absorbent portion.

Abstract: Provided is a sanitary tampon including an absorbent wrapped by a liquid-pervious sheet. The absorbent is a mass of a plurality of compressed, small fiber agglomerations. At least the small fiber agglomerations located in the peripheral region of the absorbent are bonded to each other via hydrogen bonding therebetween.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin for use by a woman for feminine hygiene and adapted to be worn in an undergarment having a main body portion including a liquid permeable body faceable cover layer, a liquid impermeable garment faceable barrier layer, an absorbent element therebetween. The main body portion has at least two longitudinally extending hinges in a center region adjacent the longitudinal edges. Each hinge is adapted to provide a longitudinally extending preferential bending axis. The hinges are spaced apart along at least a portion of their length and at least one hinge has a radius of curvature and an adjacent hinge is either substantially straight or has a radius of curvature greater than the other hinge.

Abstract: An interlabial absorbent structure is disclosed. The interlabial absorbent structure comprises a pair of absorbent panels that are sufficiently flexible such that the panels can, at least partially, conform to the walls of a wearer's interlabial space. The panels are joined by an isthmus which is positioned farthest into a wearer's interlabial space when the interlabial absorbent product is worn. Alternative embodiments of the isthmus are also described which direct bodily fluids that are deposited thereon along the longitudinal length of the interlabial absorbent structure.

Abstract: An absorbent structure in an absorbent article such as a diaper, incontinence guard, sanitary napkin, wound dressing, bed protection and the like, formed from at least two superposed layers (5′; 5″) of one or more web-shaped absorption materials (5), said layers (5′; 5″) having different widths as seen in the transverse direction of the article. The absorbent structure (4) comprised of said layers has been compressed to a thickness which is substantially the same over the width of the structure, in such a way that the structure has a higher density in the areas thereof where the layers overlap each other and a lower density in other areas.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid-permeable top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent core interposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, wherein the top sheet rises upwardly from the absorbent core to have a plurality of protrusions, which extend parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, and a hydrophilic material is provided within the protrusions so as to form a cushion layer.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven material having two external layers, formed of body fluid permeable nonwoven material, between which is arranged a synthetic fiber lap which is permeable to body fluids. The external layers are assembled between each other by thermal fusion according to a pattern forming a network of points and a central area of perforations. The composite nonwoven material can be used to make absorbent hygienic articles.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article which is substantially flat prior to use for wearing adjacent a body discharge area, having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core intermediate the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent core has a body facing surface and a garment facing surface, and has an expanding layer for expanding the article into a tridimensional structure while being worn by a user. The expanding layer includes a number of smaller expanding elements that are activated by body fluids, are decoupled from one another, and are capable of expanding substantially in only one direction upon activation by body fluids.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided which is substantially flat prior to use for wearing adjacent a body discharge area having a longitudinal centerline and a lateral centerline orthogonal thereto, and defining longitudinal and lateral directions respectively. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious top sheet, a back sheet joined to the top sheet, and an absorbent core intermediate the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent core includes an expanding member for expanding the article into a tridimensional structure while being worn by a user. The expanding member is activated by body fluids. The top sheet is capable of expanding as the absorbent article expands upon activation by body fluids.

Abstract: An absorbent article including an inner sheet and first and second outer sheets. The first outer sheet is of a fine interstice while the second outer sheet is fluid permeable. Through crepe processing, a great number of recesses are formed on an absorbent crepe sheet having wrinkles as the inner sheet. Highly absorbent polymers are charged in the recesses. Then, the first outer sheet adheres to the face on the opening side of the recesses of the inner sheet, while the second outer sheet adheres to the face of the opposite side of the inner sheet. The second outer sheet is positioned toward the side of fluid absorption. When a fluid is applied on the absorbent article, the fluid passes through the second outer sheet onto the inner sheet and the highly absorbent polymers. Because the crepe wrinkles are elongated and extended when the inner sheet absorbs fluid, the recesses are enlarged.

Abstract: Absorbent structure consisting of an absorbent material layer of adhesive-free cellulose fibres and an airlaid material layer of adhesive-bonded cellulose fibres, and a method for producing an absorbent structure which is intended for use in an absorbent article. The layers are bonded together by the adhesive of the airlaid material functioning as a binding material and fibres form the absorbent material layer extending into the airlaid material. In the method, the absorbent material is mat-formed on an airlaid material. Alternatively, the absorbent material is mat-formed an airlaid material is then laid on top of it. After the material layers have been laid together, they are compressed at a temperature in excess of 100.degree. C. During the compression, the adhesive of the airlaid material is softened, and the two layers are bonded together. Some of the fibres from the absorption material also penetrate down into the airlaid material and further connection between the layers is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides bond patterns for nonwoven fabrics and laminates thereof, and a process of producing the bond patterns. The bond patterns provides highly distinct and recognizable patterns without significantly reducing the physical properties of the nonwoven fabrics. The bond pattern comprises a series of unbonded regions in a geometric pattern of regularly bonded regions, and each unbonded region forms an unbonded area enclosed by the bonded regions surrounding the unbonded region, whereby the series of unbonded regions forms a visually recognizable pattern, wherein the bonded regions cover from about 3% to about 50% of the surface of the nonwoven web, and wherein each of the unbonded areas has a size equal to or less than about 0.3 cm.sup.2.

Abstract: The absorbent sheet comprising at least hydrophilic fibers and thermally fusible bonding fibers or a strengthening assistant, and a superabsorbent polymer is characterized in that:the superabsorbent polymer is not present on an absorbent surface of the absorbent sheet for absorbing liquid but distributed inside the absorbent sheet, and is adhered and fixed to the hydrophilic fibers constituting the absorbent sheet;the superabsorbent polymer is spread at an amount of 5 to 300 g per 1 m.sup.2 of the absorbent sheet; andthe absorbent sheet has a thickness of 0.3 to 1.5 mm.

Abstract: In a method of making high-absorbency articles for use in wound care, incontinence, ostomy applications, and other more varied uses, a loose high-absorbency powder is arranged between a pair of sheets. The sheets and powder are compressed in certain areas. Loose powder is extracted e.g. by vacuum or gravity, and by cutting and sealing, packet-like articles are produced.

Abstract: Absorbent body in an absorbent product such as a diaper, incontinence pad, sanitary napkin or the like, and which comprises a liquid acquisition portion (13; 11, 13) and a liquid storage portion (12) adjacent thereto. The liquid acquisition portion has at least one well (13) which is located at the assumed wetting area of the absorbent body and extends into and through the liquid storage portion (12) and is in liquid communication with a liquid wicking layer (14) arranged under the liquid storage layer (12). The material in the liquid acquisition portion (13; 11, 13) has a mean pore size which is greater than the mean pore size in the liquid storage portion (12). The absorbent body has a high instantaneous absorption even during repeated wetting and a low rewetting.

Abstract: A method of utilizing microwave energy in the manufacture of disposable nonwoven absorbent articles such as diapers and feminine care products. More specifically, the traditional hot melt adhesives utilized in the production of disposable nonwoven absorbent articles are replaced by adhesives that are microwave sensitive, and which can be activated by microwave energy to provide strong bonds for the finished article.

Abstract: An absorbent body for use in an absorbent product such as a diaper, incontinence pad, sanitary napkin or the like and which comprises a liquid acquisition portion and a liquid storage portion adjacent thereto. The liquid acquisition portion has a cover layer which covers at least substantial portions of the liquid storage portion and at least one portion which is located at the assumed wetting area of the absorbent body and extends into the underlying liquid storage portion. The material in the liquid acquisition portion has a mean pore size which is greater than the mean pore size of the liquid storage portion. The absorbent body has a high instantaneous absorption, even upon repeated wetting and a low rewetting.

Abstract: Absorbent articles containing absorbent cores of fluff pulp frequently contain wrinkles in the absorbent core that run from side to side of the article, typically normal to the machine direction in the manufacturing process. Side-to-side wrinkles are deleterious in that they provide large flow channels for urine or other body fluids to escape to the edge of the article. Frequently, such wrinkles are present after manufacturing, before the article has been folded or worn. The cause of the wrinkles is believed to be due to natural instabilities during compression of the fluff pad shortly after it is formed. Means for reducing cross-directional wrinkles include the use of grooved, drilled, or patterned compression rolls to densify the fluff pulp while providing opportunities for reduced in-plane displacement during compression or, if in-plane displacement does occur, providing paths for cross-directional displacement as well as machine-direction displacement so that continuous CD wrinkles cannot form.

Abstract: A method for producing an absorbent structure intended for use in an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, incontinence guard, diaper, wherein the absorbent structure is produced by laying a layer of essentially superabsorbent material between two layers of defibered and moisturized cellulose pulp or tissue, whereafter the composite structure is calendared between one or more pairs of heated rolls, wherewith the layer of superabsorbent material binds in itself and forms a stable layer, which binds to the surrounding cellulose pulp layers or tissue layers. The absorbent structure exhibits excellent absorption properties and can be made very thin. The structure can be manufactured without superabsorbent material being spread around the manufacturing machine during the production process, or escaping from the finished absorbent article when packaging, transporting or using the article.

Abstract: A digital tampon (20) for feminine hygiene, having a round dome (33) and a recovery tape (24), consists of a blank which is shaped by winding up a length of continuous random fibre web and which is pressed to produce a preform having a fibre core, longitudinal ribs and longitudinal grooves. The longitudinal ribs are pressed weakly to the final shape of the tampon (20; 28). The preform, before being pressed to the final shape of the tampon (20), is shaped as a result of the separate, but simultaneous radial pressing of directly adjacent sectors of its entire circumferential surface to form a longitudinal groove and a longitudinal rib respectively on each sector of the circumferential surface. The longitudinal groove and longitudinal rib assigned to each sector of the circumferential surface (182) are arranged respectively in succession in the same order in the circumferential direction of the preform.

Abstract: A non-continuous absorbent core having a plurality of interconnected strands separated by voids. The strands comprises a porous absorbent macrostructure. The porous macrostructure has interconnected absorbent gelling particles that are surface crosslinked with cationic, preferably polymeric, amino-epichlorohydrin adducts. Upon contacting liquids such as water or body exudates (e.g., urine), the absorbent core can absorb the liquids without undesirable planer expansion. The core is useful in absorbent articles such as diapers, adult incontinence pads, and sanitary napkins are disclosed.

Abstract: Absorbent articles containing absorbent cores of fluff pulp frequently contain wrinkles in the absorbent core that run from side to side of the article, typically normal to the machine direction in the manufacturing process. Side-to-side wrinkles are deleterious in that they provide large flow channels for urine or other body fluids to escape to the edge of the article. Frequently, such wrinkles are present after manufacturing, before the article has been folded or worn. The cause of the wrinkles is believed to be due to natural instabilities during compression of the fluff pad shortly after it is formed. Means for reducing cross-directional wrinkles include the use of grooved, drilled, or patterned compression rolls to densify the fluff pulp while providing opportunities for reduced in-plane displacement during compression or, if in-plane displacement does occur, providing paths for cross-directional displacement as well as machine-direction displacement so that continuous CD wrinkles cannot form.

Abstract: A method for the manufacturing of an absorbent structure in an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, tampon, panty protector, wound or sore dressing and like articles is produced by using absorbent material in roll form directly in the product without first defibrating the material and then forming a mat. The material possesses good dispersion properties and swelling properties, which are meaningful to the function of the product. A high surface dryness is obtained, among other things. In addition to cellulose fibers, the absorbent structure may also include superabsorbent material and/or binding fibers, among other ingredients. The pulp mat is very thin, therewith obviating the need to compress the mat further in the product. In the case of certain product applications, the material is softened mechanically prior to its use as an absorbent material.

Abstract: A method for the manufacturing of an absorbent structure in an absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, tampon, panty protector, wound or sore dressing and like articles is produced by using absorbent material in roll form directly in the product without first defibrating the material and then forming a mat. The material possesses good dispersion properties and swelling properties, which are meaningful to the function of the product. A high surface dryness is obtained, among other things. In addition to cellulose fibers, the absorbent structure may also include superabsorbent material and/or binding fibers, among other ingredients. The pulp mat is very thin, therewith obviating the need to compress the mat further in the product. In the case of certain product applications, the material is softened mechanically prior to its use as an absorbent material.

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: A thin absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, is disclosed which is designed to reduce leakage of body fluid during use. The absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable cover, a liquid-impermeable baffle and an absorbent positioned between the cover and the baffle. The absorbent article has a crush recovery value of at least about 15 mm, a wet load value of at least about 300 grams, a stress value of less than about 100 grams/mm, and a thickness of less than about 5 millimeters. An apparatus for measuring the crush recovery an absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin has a cover, a baffle and an absorbent between the cover and baffle and includes an embossed channel in the absorbent. The channel is positioned inward from the absorbent edge. The channel impedes the flow of fluid toward the edges of the absorbent article and increases absorbent utilization in the absorbent article.

Abstract: An absorbent body formed of an absorbent web having a blend of multi-limbed regenerated cellulosic fibers and non-limbed cellulosic fibers has surprisingly improved specific absorption capacity. This absorbent body may be in the form of sanitary napkins, tampons, diapers, and adult incontinence devices.

Abstract: A disposable sanitary towel (1) comprising a liquid-permeable upper layer (5), an impermeable lower layer (7) and an absorbent element (6), is provided with an intermediate layer (10) disposed between the upper layer (5) and the absorbent element (6) and extending around the side edges (8) of the absorbent element (6) such that it can distribute the liquid received and prevent losses of liquid from the side edges of the absorbent element (6). The towel (1) is further provided with an absorbent element (6) comprising an improved layer structure.

Abstract: Heteromorphic sponges are described which have matrix structures with oriented substructures added to facilitate cellular invasion. A sponge may be used as a wound implant by cutting it to the shape of a wound bed and placing therein. The matrix structure provides conduits which assist invasion of the sponge by cells which degrade the sponge and lay down new tissue to replace it. The incorporation of active agents in the matrix and/or substructures enhances wound healing.

Abstract: The invention provides wound dressing and/or implant materials comprising a matrix structure of sponge, at least one substructure and at least one pharmacologically active agent, wherein both the matrix structure and the substructure are formed from bioabsorbable biopolymer materials. The substructure may, for example, comprise biopolymer films, flakes, fibres or microspheres embedded in the matrix structure of sponge. The pharmacologically active agent may comprise antiseptics, antibiotics, analgesics. One or more such active agents may be incorporated separately into the matrix and/or the substructure so as to achieve controlled or phasic release of the active agents into the wound.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, adult incontinent device which have absorbent cores comprised of blends of different types of fibers are provided. The absorbent articles preferably comprise a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, a blended absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer. The absorbent core comprises a homogeneous blend of fibers comprising a first group of short, low denier, hydrophilic fibers and a second group of longer, higher denier, moisture insensitive synthetic fibers. The first group of fibers is selected from a group comprising natural fibers, synthetic fibers or cross-linked cellulose fibers. The second group of fibers comprises between about 5 and 90% of said absorbent core, by weight. The absorbent core is compressed to a density of at least about 0.09 g/cm.sup.3 (1.5 g/in..sup.2).

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin having a liquid distribution strip that provides improved distribution or wicking of liquid exudates. The absorbent article comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, a liquid absorbent pad and a liquid distribution strip. The absorbent pad is positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The liquid distribution strip is positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent pad. The liquid distribution strip comprises a nonwoven web which has a screen pattern having high fiber density portions with reduced spacing between the fibers and/or an embossed pattern having a highly compressed portion. The high fiber density portion of the screen pattern is oriented primarily to the longitudinal ends of the absorbent pad so as to distribute the liquid exuded to the longitudinal ends.