Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermoplastic film having a first surface and a second surface. The second surface is spaced apart from the first surface. A plurality of perforations extend through the film from the first surface to the second surface. The perforations form capillaries that extend from the second surface. The capillaries are disposed at an angle from about 5.degree. to about 60.degree. with respect to a plane that is perpendicular to the first surface.

Abstract: This invention provides absorbent products, having a permeable cover made of a microperforated fibrillated thermoplastic film that has improved properties such as intimate, but nonoccluding contact with the body, yet providing comfort and resilience and immediate fluid acceptance and distribution. The cover is characterized by having non perforate regions and perforate regions, the perforate regions having a plurality of microholes defined by a network of fiberlike elements, the perforate regions being, at least in part, at elevations that are higher than the nonperforate regions. The perforate regions are caused to be at higher elevations by methods such as tensioning the cover or by partly adhering the cover to the absorbent body of the product or by combinations thereof. The microholes may be of different sizes and shapes.

Abstract: A composite nonwoven material includes a layer made of a nonwoven material which is permeable to body fluids and a sheet of carded synthetic fibers permeable to body fluids. The carded fiber sheet is bonded to the nonwoven layer solely by needling. An absorbent article of hygiene also includes the composite nonwoven material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of making a multi-layered absorbent composite web. The web comprises at least a primary material and a secondary material. The primary material comprises apertures wherein fibers from the secondary material are inserted for fluid capture and transport. The secondary material may form a layer on the primary material once the apertures of the primary material are filled. That is, the secondary material may form a layer of material placed adjacent to the bottom surface of the primary material.

Abstract: An absorbent article adapted to be worn about the lower torso of a wearer. The article includes a liquid-impervious, flexible backsheet adapted to face outwardly relative to the body a wearer, a liquid-pervious topsheet adapted to face the body of the wearer, and an absorbent core positioned between the backsheet and the topsheet. The topsheet is elastically extensible and includes a plurality of slits or cuts that extend through the topsheet material and that enlarge to define a plurality of openings in the topsheet when it is subjected to tensile forces as it is worn. The openings permit solid and semi-solid bodily exudates to pass through the topsheet to the absorbent core as the diaper is worn. Upon removal of the diaper from the body of the wearer the tensile forces within the topsheet are relaxed, thereby causing the openings in the topsheet to close and substantially conceal from view the bodily exudates that had passed through the topsheet.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a menstruation pad or diaper, is provided with a pair of side flaps extending along transversely opposite side edges of a liquid-absorbent core disposed between a liquid permeable topsheet and a liquid impermeable backsheet. Each longitudinally extending side flap is made from a soft, stretchable and liquid-resistant strip of sheet material. One of the transversely opposite sides of the strip is bonded to the topsheet while the other side is bonded to the backsheet.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a breathable laminate backsheet. The absorbent article has a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region positioned between the front waist region and the rear waist region, a pair of opposed side edges, a first end edge and a second end edge. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core having a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, a garment-facing side and a body-facing side, and a breathable laminate backsheet disposed adjacent to the garment-facing side of the absorbent core. The breathable laminate backsheet has an inner layer and an outer layer joined to one another. The inner layer is positioned between the absorbent core and the outer layer. The outer layer is relatively vapor pervious. The inner layer is substantially liquid, vapor and air impermeable.

Abstract: An apertured nonwoven fabric comprising one or two outer carded web(s) and a polymeric sheet thermally bonded thereto. The polymeric sheet has a lower melting temperature than the nonwoven layers and a property of shrinking when melted. Heat and pressure are applied to the combination of layers through a calender roll such that the polymeric sheet becomes bonded to the fibers of the carded web(s) and simultaneously shrinks and pulls back the fibers away from the calendering points, thereby generating apertures through the nonwoven fabric. Preferably, the fibers are polyethylene or polypropylene fibers, and the polymeric sheet is a thin plastic film of linear low density polyethylene, elastomeric, or heat shrink material. One outer carded web may be combined with the plastic film layer to form a bi-laminate product, or two outer carded webs may be combined with an intermediate plastic film to form a tri-laminate product.

Abstract: There is described a three-dimensional membrane generally of a thin plastic film which has apertures therein created by simultaneously perforating the film and pushing the material from the holes to one side of the apertures and piling it up to create an overall membrane thickness which is at least 10 times the original thickness of the film. It has particular application as a topsheet for sanitary napkins and the like.

Abstract: A liquid-absorbing sheet material is prepared by spraying fibers of a molten liquid conveyable material onto a surface of a one- or two-layer fabric base material while applying a vacuum to the opposite surface. The fibers of the liquid conveyable material permeate the one- or two-layer base material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid pervious, dispersible, and flushable webs particularly suited for use in a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, sanitary napkin, panty liner, incontinence pad, or the like. The present invention further relates to such webs which also include an improved, functional textured surface so as to be suitable for use as a topsheet on such a disposable absorbent article.The present invention provides a fluid pervious web which disperses into fragments which are readily flushable in a normal toilet. The web preferably comprises a wetlaid apertured tissue having a temporary wet strength resin incorporated therein. The web preferably further includes a plurality of individual fibrils on a body-facing surface thereof, so as to provide a clean and dry tactile impression in use. The fibrils serve to separate the wearer's skin from the underlying tissue substrate in use.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable composite material comprising a three-dimensional apertured substrate having a vapor permeable, liquid impermeable coating material thereon, the substantially liquid impervious composite material, and an apparatus for making the composite material are disclosed. Successive portions of a continuous sheet of an apertured substrate are passed into contact with a continuous moving perforated member. The coating material is supplied onto the substrate. The coated substrate is subjected to a vacuum which causes the coating material to flow onto the substrate material and in certain embodiments, at least partially into the apertures in the substrate. The vacuum is maintained for a period of time sufficient for the coating material to adhere to the substrate. The coated portions of the substrate are continuously removed from the moving member.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent articles having breathable side panels. The disposable absorbent article preferably comprises a containment assembly including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, an inner surface and an outer surface. The backsheet has a garment-facing surface, a body-facing surface, a central region and an outer region. The backsheet preferably further includes at least three distinct zones, a pair of apertured zones comprising apertures and a non-apertured zone. The apertured zones preferably include at least a portion of the outer region of the backsheet and extend laterally outwardly form each of the longitudinal edges. The non-apertured zone preferably comprises the central region and is juxtaposed the outer surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A disposable, absorbent article such as a diaper or an incontinence guard includes an absorbent pad disposed between inner and outer casing layers. At least one of the inner and outer casing layers is made of an elastic material having areas from which material has been removed while leaving coherent material parts in order to impart different elastic properties to different parts of the material. The material removed can be in the form of through holes or blind holes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of preventing transmission of viral pathogens between a source of viral pathogens and a target of said viral pathogens comprising positioning between said source and said target a microporous membrane material comprising (1) a thermoplastic polymer or polytetrafluoroethylene and (2) a water- and oil-repellent fluorochemical compound which provides said membrane with oleophobic, hydrophobic and viral barrier properties.

Abstract: A multi-layer material for use in incontinence products comprises a base layer comprising a needled felt containing not less than 50% by weight polyester fiber, wherein the surface regions of the felt are denser than the central region thereof, which remains substantially unneedled. In addition, a second, multi-ply, layer is provided by a unitary fabric comprising two outer plies of knitted polyester fiber fabric with a ply of monofilament polyester accommodated therebetween. In order to prevent strike-through, furthermore, a barrier layer, e.g. of a polyurethane coated fabric, is also provided, as is also a fourth, skin-contact, layer with a nap finish to provide a comfortable "feel" to the product. Incontinence products made from this material exhibit good absorbency, little or no strike-through and a dry skin effect.

Abstract: In a method of manufacturing material suitable for use as a top sheet in an absorbent disposable article, such as a sanitary napkin, an incontinence guard or a diaper, a laminate (1) comprised of a plastic film (2) and a layer of non-woven material (3) on at least one side of the plastic film is applied to a perforated supportive device (6) with one layer of non-woven material facing towards the supportive device. The plastic film is heated to a temperature above its softening temperature and there is generated between the two mutually opposing sides of the laminate a pressure difference of such magnitude that the plastic film will rupture within the regions of the holes in the supportive device so as to form openings (10) which lead to the associated non-woven material. A soft and smooth, liquid-permeable top sheet material is achieved.

Abstract: A feminine menstrual hygiene product has an absorbent pad. The pad is in a folded condition. The pad is folded longitudinally and transversely and then folded diagonally presenting an interlabial insert and orthogonally opposed panels. The pad is tacked to retain the absorbent pad in the folded condition. The interlabial insert is positionable fully within the vestibule of a wearer to occlude menstrual fluids. The pad is covered by a hydrophobic web overlying the interlabial insert and opposed panels and an impermeable membrane underlying the opposed panels.

Abstract: Absorbent laminates include an oriented, fluid-pervious plastic substrate bonded to a nonwoven absorbent member. The nonwoven absorbent member includes bi-component fibers having a heat-softenable outer skin, said heat-softenable outer skin being heat-softenable at a temperature lower than the melting point and shrinking point of the oriented plastic substrate to provide a binder component for the laminate. A fluid-pervious plastic substrate can be adhered to one or both surfaces of the nonwoven absorbent member through bi-component fibers of the nonwoven absorbent member. In absorbent laminates including opposed fluid-pervious outer plastic substrates marginal edges of the laminate can be compression sealed through the bi-component fibers in the intermediate nonwoven absorbent member to seal the edges against the escape of fibers from the laminate. Methods of forming absorbent laminates of this invention also form a part of the present invention.

Abstract: An absorbent member comprises an absorbent core, a liquid permeable covering sheet and a reticulated sheet interposed between the absorbent core and the covering sheet 11, wherein the reticulated sheet has a relatively higher open ratio over at least an inwardly facing surface of the absorbent core than over any of oppsite side regions and opposite end regions thereof.

Abstract: A polymeric film for use in absorbent structures comprises a planar surface having a frontside, a backside and a plurality of apertures. Walls extend from the perimeter of the apertures and outwardly from the backside. The walls and the backside form a capillary system on the backside. The walls form channels which connect the frontside of the film to the capillary system on the backside. The walls have at least one cut out portion extending the length of the walls. A fluid contacting the frontside of the film will spontaneously invert to the capillary system on the backside of the film through the cut out portions of the walls.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a combination apertured film and lofty fibrous nonwoven web separation layer which is particularly well suited for use as, among other things, a body side liner for personal care absorbent articles such as sanitary napkins and the like. When used in such applications, the material of the present invention has excellent liquid penetration rates and it resists rewet of the surface of the material.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent articles having breathable side panels. The disposable absorbent article preferably comprises a containment assembly including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, an inner surface and an outer surface. The backsheet has a garment-facing surface, a body-facing surface, a central region and an outer region. The backsheet preferably further includes at least three distinct zones, a pair of apertured zones comprising apertures and a non-apertured zone. The apertured zones preferably include at least a portion of the outer region of the backsheet and extend laterally outwardly form each of the longitudinal edges. The non-apertured zone preferably comprises the central region and is juxtaposed the outer surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A disposable body fluids absorbent padding is formed with a liquid-guiding fibrous sheet interposed between a liquid-permeable topsheet and a liquid-absorbent core. The fibrous sheet is intermittently fused to the topsheet in the direction of thickness as defined between the upper surface of the topsheet and the lower surface of the fibrous layer for improved fluid flow into the core.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having a rewet barrier. The absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, a fibrous acquisition layer positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core, and a rewet barrier positioned between the fibrous acquisition layer and the absorbent core. The rewet barrier is an apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional polymeric web having a body facing surface and a garment facing surface.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a layered fabric material that is breathable and has resistance to fluid penetration. The fabric has a lightweight, breathable outer layer and a layer of non-woven material. The non-woven material is breathable and fluid resistant. The fabric also includes a thermoplastic film having a plurality of perforations. The perforations form capillaries that extend from a surface of said film. The capillaries are disposed at an angle from about 5.degree. to about 60.degree. with respect to the surface of said film. The capillaries formed by the perforations allow the film layer to be breathable while resisting direct flow of liquid through the film.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent articles having breathable side panels. The disposable absorbent article preferably comprises a containment assembly including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core has a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, an inner surface and an outer surface. The backsheet has a garment-facing surface, a body-facing surface, a central region and an outer region. The backsheet preferably further includes at least three distinct zones, a pair of apertured zones comprising apertures and a non-apertured zone. The apertured zones preferably include at least a portion of the outer region of the backsheet and extend laterally outwardly form each of the longitudinal edges. The non-apertured zone preferably comprises the central region and is juxtaposed the outer surface of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A process for producing an apertured nonwoven fabric combines one or two outer nonwoven layer(s) with a layer of polymeric material having a lower melting temperature and a property of shrinking when melted. Heat and pressure are applied through a calendar roll such that the polymeric material becomes bonded to the fibers of the nonwoven layer(s) and simultaneously shrinks and takes back the fibers away from the calendaring points, thereby generating apertures through the nonwoven fabric. Preferably, the fibers are polyethylene or polypropylene fibers, and the layer of polymeric material is a thin plastic film of polyethylene stretch-wrap, elastomeric, or heat shrink material. One outer nonwoven layer may be combined with the plastic film layer to form a bi-laminate product, or two outer nonwoven layers may be combined with an intermediate plastic film to form a tri-laminate product. Low denier polypropylene/polyethylene bi-component fibers or a blend of higher and lower melting fibers may also be used.

Abstract: A highly absorbent and flexible cellulosic pulp board comprising a perf-embossed cellulosic pulp board which has incorporated therein a hydrophilizing and softening effective amount of a debonding agent wherein the density of the board is in the range of about 0.1 to 1.0 g/cc and its method of making and method of use in disposable absorbent products.

Abstract: Material having improved body fluid run through time and reletting resistance is disclosed. The nonwoven composite material comprises a first layer consisting of a nonwoven which is permeable to body fluids and including a layer of carded fibers, also pervious to body fluids, linked to the first layer by needling. In another embodiment, there is a second nonwoven layer on the other side of the carded fiber layer with a weight per unit are less than the weight per unit area of the first layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article is provided which is capable of rapidly absorbing gushes of menstrual fluid, comprising an upper plate and a lower plate which are spaced apart from each other, and wherein a plurality of openings extend through the upper plate. The openings are large enough to allow easy passage of the fluid to the interior of the article and the plates are spaced apart to allow each flow of the fluid in the x-y plane.

Abstract: A bodyside cover for an absorbent article is disclosed which includes two different materials to provide enhanced functionality. The bicomponent cover includes an apertured first material, which is positioned along the longitudinal central axis of the absorbent article, and a nonperforated second material secured to at least a portion of the first material. The first material has a rewet value which is less than, or equal to, the rewet value of the second material while the second material is softer than the first material. The first material is positioned below the principal point of fluid discharge and represents the primary fluid-receiving region of the cover. The second material is situated away from the principal point of fluid discharge and represents the secondary fluid-receiving region of the cover.

Abstract: A topsheet for use in body fluid absorptive goods includes an upper sheet having a skin-contacting area and a plurality of liquid passages each having upper and lower openings. A lower sheet underlies the upper sheet. The lower sheet is welded to the upper sheet around the lower openings and extends into each of the liquid passages along a limited extent thereof.

Abstract: A multilayered absorbent structure is disclosed. The absorbent structure has a plurality of absorbent planar regions defined by decreasing pore size with increasing depth into the region. Generally, each planar region has an absorbent layer having relatively large average pore sizes at the top, body facing surface, and relatively small average pore sizes at the bottom, garment facing surface. A subsequent absorbent region has a top body facing surface with an average pore size which is larger than the bottom, garment facing surface of the previous absorbent region. The top surface of each subsequent planar region is in fluid communication with the lower surface of the planar region above.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a laminate material. The laminate material includes a first sheet and a second sheet spaced apart from one another by spacers to define a capillary zone for the capillary movement of fluid between the first and second sheets. The spacers connect the first sheet and the second sheet together to form the laminate material.

Abstract: An absorbent device having low fluid wet-back and good surface cleanliness and resistance to staining is provided which comprises an absorbent core, a cover sheet on a body facing side thereof and an intermediate layer between the cover sheet and the core wherein the cover sheet comprises an apertured polymer film for example a flexible polymer net and the intermediate layer comprises a planar apertured polymer film for example a flexible polymer net.

Abstract: Novel facing materials and methods for their manufacture are provided by this invention. The facing material includes at least a fibrous top layer for engaging body fluid and a generally opaque middle layer. A portion of the facing material is disposed, preferably by piercing, through the generally opaque middle layer to establish a fluid path through the generally opaque middle layer. In the preferred embodiment, the facing material includes a bottom layer having a capillary structure for drawing the body fluid from the fibrous top layer. In this preferred embodiment, the fibrous top layer extends through the generally opaque middle layer to provide fluid communication between the fibrous top layer and the bottom layer. These composite structures provide a clean/dry facing material that has a comfort of a textile facing and the high opacity of apertured thermoplastic films.

Abstract: A topsheet for use in body fluid absorptive articles is so improved that collapse and clogging of liquid passages therein may be reliably avoided. The topsheet includes an upper sheet, provided with skin-contacting areas and liquid passages, and a lower sheet provided with skin-non-contacting areas, areas welded to the liquid passages, and exposed areas. The exposed areas are welded to each of the liquid passages around lower openings thereof so as to protect the liquid passage against collapse and clogging. The exposed areas define a skin-contacting surface which rises up into each of the liquid passages without extending above the upper surface of the skin-contacting areas. The upper sheet cooperates with the lower sheet to define cavities extending in the direction of the topsheet thickness.

Abstract: An absorbent article having two coapertured layers and a method of making the absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article includes first and second layers formed from nonwoven materials. The first layer has an open pore structure and has an average fiber denier greater than about 2.5. The second layer has a finer pore structure than the first layer. The first layer overlays the second layer and both layers have a plurality of coaxially aligned apertures formed completely therethrough. The apertures allow body fluid, especially viscous fluid like menses, which is deposited on the first layer to rapidly pass down through both layers.

Abstract: A bodyside cover an for absorbent article is disclosed which includes two different materials to provide enhanced functionality. The bicomponent cover includes an apertured first material, which is positioned along the longitudinal central axis of the absorbent article, and a nonperforated second material secured to at least a portion of the first material. The first material has a rewet value which is less than, or equal to, the rewet value of the second material while the second material is softer than the first material. The first material is positioned below the principal point of fluid discharge and represents the primary fluid-receiving region of the cover. The second material is situated away from the principal point of fluid discharge and represents the secondary fluid-receiving region of the cover.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene sanitary towel with fastening tabs arranged asymmetrically along the longitudinal edge of a sanitary towel, the adherent part of which is the inner part for the user of this towel and which is an integral part of the towel and a production process for sanitary products fitted with these lateral flaps, which consists of confining the absorbent pad made of cellulose pulp or of a sanitary towel composite, between a film of polyethylene and a layer of non-woven fabric or a film of micro-perforated polyethylene which is impermeable to liquids towards the outside, of sealing the two layers by sizing or heat-sealing, of cutting, along the strip, the material formed previously, constituted by the pad and the two protective layers of impermeable film to a wavy ribbon in the form of a garland, placing this garland on a single-sided siliconized paper, the inner side of which has been coated beforehand in a continuous or discontinuous manner with a glue, and placing a second single-sided siliconized pa

Abstract: An absorbent article intended for use as a urine-collecting insert in a diaper or an incontinence guard includes an inner casing layer (2) of liquid permeable material, which when the article is worn lies nearest the body of the wearer, an outer liquid permeable casing layer (3) and an absorbent pad (4) located between the casing layers. The outer casing layer (3) has a lower liquid permeability than the inner casing layer (2), such that liquid absorbed by the article is able to pass through the outer casing layer and absorbed by the diaper or incontinence guard, relatively slowly and in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: A medical sponge comprising a sterile rigid absorbent linearly shaped sponge body, one end of the body being rounded. A plurality of parallel flex lines are formed in said linear body running substantially along its length with one section of the body having flex lines formed therein which run perpendicular to and intersect the parallel flex lines. An end of the body is provided with angular flex lines formed therein which run angularly to and intersect the parallel flex lines.

Abstract: A body fluid absorbent article comprising a topsheet formed with tubular liquid passages extending from the bottom surface of the topsheet and an absorbent core, wherein a meshy sheet comprising fibres defining meshes smaller than lower openings of the respective liquid passages is interposed between said topsheet and said absorbent core so that said fibres extend across the lower openings (FIG. 3).

Abstract: A composite absorbent structure capable of extremely short fluid penetration time, well-suited for use as an absorbent core in disposable absorbent products such as adult disposable briefs, diapers, incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, wound dressings and bandages. The composite absorbent structure comprises a highly absorbent fluid transfer sheet having a low fluid retentiveness, and a laminated, wicking reservoir with a high fluid retentiveness in intimate fluid communication with the fluid transfer sheet to draw fluid therefrom under the effect of capillary action. The laminated reservoir includes superposed layers, the layer closest to the fluid transfer sheet being provided with a fluid distribution well. A highly porous and hydrophilic spacer element is inserted between the reservoir layers establishing a high void volume area which forms an extension of the fluid absorptive well between the reservoir layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having multiple topsheets. The absorbent article includes a first, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional, polymeric topsheet and a second, apertured, macroscopically expanded, three-dimensional polymeric topsheet underlying the first topsheet. The multiple topsheets provide improved masking of bodily fluids absorbed and retained by the absorbent core.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a dual-layer absorbent member, wherein the deposition region of its upper acquisition layer comprises a distribution zone and an acquisition zone having a lower average density and a lower average basis weight per unit area than the distribution zone. The acquisition zone is positioned toward the front of either the absorbent member or the absorbent article so that the acquisition zone may most effectively and efficiently rapidly acquire discharged liquids. The lower storage layer comprises a mixture of hydrophilic fibrous material and discrete particles of absorbent gelling material having a particular size distribution so as to enhance the absorbent capacity and acquisition rate of the dual-layer absorbent member. The upper acquisition layer comprises a homogeneous composition of stiffened, twisted, and curled cellulose fibers which provide enhanced wicking action in the densified distribution zone.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first topsheet with apertures large enough for low-viscosity fecal material to pass through to a secondary topsheet. The secondary topsheet immobilizes the fecal material in position for dewatering, so that the liquid components of the fecal material are absorbed by the core and the solid components of the fecal material are separated from the liquid components. This arrangement provides for easier cleaning of the wearer when the soiled disposable absorbent article is removed.

Abstract: The present invention provides absorbent articles, especially sanitary napkins, containing a flow regulator positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent core. In-use, fluid deposited on the topsheet is internally moved in the longitudinal direction by the flow regulator before being released to the absorbent core. By moving substantial amounts of fluid in the longitudinal direction the flow regulator provides a more effective use of the absorbent core.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a breathable laminate backsheet. The absorbent article has a front waist region, a rear waist region, a crotch region positioned between the front waist region and the rear waist region, a pair of opposed side edges, a first end edge and a second end edge. The absorbent article includes an absorbent core having a pair of opposing longitudinal edges, a garment-facing side and a body-facing side, and a breathable laminate backsheet disposed adjacent to the garment-facing side of the absorbent core. The breathable laminate backsheet has an inner layer and an outer layer joined to one another. The inner layer is positioned between the absorbent core and the outer layer. The outer layer is relatively vapor pervious. The inner layer is substantially liquid impermeable and substantially vapor pervious.