Abstract: An interlabial pad fits a vaginal opening and a vestibule floor without a gap with the vaginal opening or the vestibule floor. The pad prevents leakage of menstrual blood from a gap and prevents dropping out of the pad when the pad is worn between labia. The interlabial pad is provided with an absorbent body for absorbing and holding body fluid, has a central axis, and is worn with at least one portion held by labia minora, between the labia, so that at least one portion close to the central axis when worn touches the vestibule floor inside the labia of the wearer, and is also provided with a rear portion low compression rigidity structure, so that a rear portion that is positioned to the rear of the wearer and, when worn, touches the body of the wearer first, has low compression rigidity in comparison to a front portion positioned to the front.

Abstract: An elongate elastic member is secured to a substrate to form an elastic composite. The elastic member extends along an elastic axis between a first location on the substrate and a second location on the substrate spaced longitudinally from the first location. At least a portion of the elastic axis is generally non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of the substrate. The elastic member crosses its elastic axis at least twice as it extends along the elastic axis, with the elastic member crossing itself at least once as it extends along the elastic axis. In another embodiment, the elastic member generally forms a wave pattern which defines a width of the securement path and has at least two different periods along the securement path. In yet another embodiment, the elastic member defines a continuous series of loops wherein each loop defines a closed portion having a generally tear-drop shape.

Abstract: An absorbent body includes a set of first strips and a set of second strips, wherein the first and second strips are coupled to each other in order to form an absorbent layer of the body. The first and second strips are coupled to each other by the first strips being provided with cuts in which the second strips are arranged.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article having an absorbent member. The absorbent member has an absorbent core wrapped in a sheet of a fibrous material. The absorbent core contains a web of hydrophilic, crimped continuous fibers and a superabsorbent polymer which is embeddedly supported in the web. The continuous fibers are preferably oriented in the planar direction of the absorbent member. Also disclosed is an absorbent article having an absorbent member, in which a web of hydrophilic, crimped continuous fibers and a fiber accumulated layer or a nonwoven fabric are superposed on each other. The fiber accumulated layer and the nonwoven fabric are made of natural pulp and/or synthetic fibers and may or may not contain a superabsorbent polymer. The continuous fibers are oriented in the planar direction of the absorbent member.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interlabial pad that is worn by female wearers, placed in intimate contact and supported between the labia, which provides an interlabial pad that gives no discomfort to the female wearer in the body motions of the wearer. The interlabial pad of the present invention is characterized by having a structure and/or shape which allows the pad to make right and left phase shifts easily, even when a shearing force is exerted on the interlabial pad by the wearer's body motion, that is, a structure and/or shape which reduces the friction.

Abstract: The nonwoven web 10 of the present invention is a layered structure that takes advantage of the beneficial properties of different types of fibers advantageously distributed in each layer. In particular, the present invention is a multi-layer nonwoven web suitable for use as a wet wipe, the web having a first fibrous outer layer comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, from about 10% to about 90% cellulosic fibers, a fibrous inner layer bonded at discrete bond sites to the first outer layer in a face to face relationship comprising from about 10% to about 60% conjugate fiber, and from about 10% to about 65% cellulosic fibers. A second fibrous outer layer, which can be the same composition as the first outer layer, is bonded at discrete bond sites to the inner layer in a face to face relationship. A method for forming the web of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an interlabial pad, with which a wearer will hardly feel a sensation of using the interlabial pad, even when a wearer moves and pressure from the exterior is applied to the interlabial pad. An interlabial pad 10, with which a wearer will hardly feel a sensation of using the interlabial pad, can be provided by equipping a crease-spanning region 2 of the interlabial pad 10 with a pressure dispersion means 11, which, in repulsion to pressures that are applied from the vestibular floor to the crease-spanning region 2 of the interlabial pad 10 in accompaniment to movements of the wearer, prevents the direct transmission of the pressures to the vestibular floor.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet is disclosed. The topsheet has a first side and a second side, the first side being a body-facing side and the second side being in fluid communication with the absorbent core. The topsheet also has a first relatively hydrophobic component and a second relatively hydrophilic component, the relatively hydrophilic component extending through the relatively hydrophobic component and being disposed on both of the sides of the topsheet. The absorbent article exhibits a rewet value of less than about 94 mg, and a fluid acquisition rate of at least about 0.10 ml/sec when tested by the Gush Acquisition and Rewet Test Method.

Abstract: A three dimensional fabric suitable for use as a moisture management system for footwear and apparel which includes a first surface and a second surface which encase a center section. At least one surface is water repellent and may include pores of a predetermined size to allow moisture to pass therethrough. The fabric further contains a moisture absorbing agent which functions to capture and hold moisture which is later evaporated within a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Acquisition members having 20 to 40 weight percent of a latex binder and 60 to 80 weight percent of polyester fibers are useful in absorbent articles such as diapers and sanitary napkins. The polyester fibers may further include 20 to 80 weight percent of a first type of fiber, and 20 to 80 weight percent of a second type of fiber, wherein the second type of fiber has spiral-crimped fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved disposable article for the absorption and containment of urine or other body exudates, for example a diaper, training pants or an adult incontinence article, that has a high fecal fluid intake rate as measured by the Fecal Fluid Intake Test.

Abstract: Fibrous material layer intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article. The layer (5) comprises at least two webs of tow fibers arranged on top of each other, which are bonded to each other into a laminate by means of a bonding pattern, and where one is corrugated and the other web is substantially smooth, wherein the corrugated web exhibits a more open structure in comparison to the smooth web. A method of manufacturing the layer (5) in question, in which method at least two separate webs (15a, b) of opened and into a layer spread-out tow are fed into a bonding station (20), which webs exhibit different web tensions and/or web speeds, and that the webs (15a, b) with maintained relative difference in web tension and/or web speed are bonded together in said bonding pattern (10) into a laminate.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first region juxtaposed with the front of the wearer and a second region juxtaposed with the back of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Since the first region is juxtaposed with the front of the wearer it should be superior in the handling of urine while the second region which is juxtaposed with the back of the wearer should be superior in the handling of low-viscosity fecal material. The first region has a PACORM value of less than 120 mg and the second region has a trans-topsheet capacity of at least 0.2 grams per square inch.

Abstract: Highly efficient absorbent articles for wearing by a human female such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and adult incontinence pads. In use, the absorbent articles preferably maintain contact with and cover at least a portion of the inside surfaces of the wearer's labia, the exterior surfaces of the wearer's labia, and the supporting garment. The absorbent articles are highly flexible, having flexure resistance of less than or equal to about 100 grams. The absorbent may be flat or cup-shaped.

Abstract: A fibrous material and a method of producing it, the material is mainly intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article and comprises a layer of continuous fibers, so-called tow, which have been bonded together in points, lines or spots in a bonding pattern, but otherwise are substantially unbonded to each other. The tow layer is bonded with at least two bonding patterns: a first relatively strong and diffuse bonding pattern, and a second more distinct second bonding pattern. Bonding of at least the first bonding pattern takes place by thermobonding, wherein a pattern roll is used which provide the desired bonding patterns. In the first welding step the pattern roll is driven at a higher speed than the feeding speed of the tow layer, so as to create a relatively diffuse and strong bonding pattern.

Abstract: An absorbent composite having fibrous bands is described. The composite includes one or more fibrous bands in a fibrous base. The base includes a fibrous matrix and absorbent material. The fibrous bands are substantially free of absorbent material. Absorbent articles that include the composite and methods for forming the composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inexpensive and disposable, highly absorbent pad for placement on a floor surface, directly in front of a urinal, for absorbing fluid not deposited within the confines of the urinal which would otherwise drip on the floor. Fluid absorbed by the pad is prevented from reaching the underlying floor thereby eliminating the problems associated with fluids being deposited on the floor. The pad includes a normally concealed incorporates a normally concealed, flexible, thin plastic disposal container connected to a pad removal member. The disposal container is stored in a normally concealed location, preferably beneath the pad, and automatically deploys and envelops the pad when a force is exerted on the removal member during the pad removal process.

Abstract: There is provided a surge material for personal care products with a first creased layer and at least a second layer, where the layers are in face-to-face relation to one another and bonded together. The first has creases with a depth of between 0.25 and 2 mm and a frequency of between 5 and 100 per centimeter in the cross-machine and the second layer may have densities of between 0.01 and 0.05 g/cc and a basis weight between 25 and 250 gsm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a menstrual fluid management device that is attached directly to the wearer by use of an adhesive. The device allows for direct and immediate containment of menstrual and other vaginal discharges. In particular, the device improves the prevention of soiling over devices already known in the art by using an attachment flange around an orifice which has a shape of the generally oblong dimensions, where the width in the rear end of the orifice is wider than at the front end, thereby improving the circumscription of the female genitalia and the sealing along the flange to the skin of the wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a liquid-permeable surface member, a backsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the surface member and the backsheet. The surface member is a sheet including: first continuous filaments made of hydrophobic synthetic resin and individually extending over the entire length of the surface member; and second continuous filaments made of cellulose acetate and individually extending over the entire length of the surface member.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid pervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of the crotch region. The waste management element preferably includes an acceptance element having an effective open area of at least about 30 percent and a storage element having a compressive resistance of at least about 70 percent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface structural body; a backing sheet; an absorbent core disposed between the surface structural body and the backing sheet. The surface structural body is formed by stacking bundles of continuous filaments into at least two layers and partially fixing the continuous filaments of the respective layers together. The individual continuous filaments extend over the entire length of the respective layers. The layers include: a lower layer positioned adjacent to the absorbent layer; and an upper layer positioned away from the absorbent layer and having a smaller width than that of the lower layer. The upper layer is located exclusively at a center portion or laterally opposite side portions of the lower layer.

Abstract: The ability to transport body liquids in consumer products such as diapers, incontinents and feminine napkins is a key factor in their performance. This invention is designed to provide specific high fluxes (volume of liquid/(time*mass of polymer) of aqueous liquids in designated directions using bundles of new specially designed fibers. The key factors for the bundles are a high specific adhesion for the liquid of interest, a high specific volume of the bundle itself, and alignment of the fibers within the bundle. The invention includes novel liquid acquisition/distribution systems and absorbent products that include a liquid acquisition/distribution system which may incorporate the novel bundles of fibers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet, and having leakage-preventing side walls on a liquid-receiving side of the article. The leakage-preventing side walls extend in a longitudinal direction of the article and lie opposite one another in a width direction of the article. At least a liquid-receiving face of each leakage-preventing side wall is made of a fibrous sheet that contains hydrophobic fibers thermally bonded to one another and hydrophilic fibers shorter than the hydrophobic fibers. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers form aggregates which are dispersed in the fibrous sheet and are bonded to the hydrophobic fibers.

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

Abstract: A material having a multi-denier base material layer including a plurality of fine denier fibers, the fine denier fibers of less than about 10 dpf, and a plurality of large denier filaments intermixed with the fine denier fibers which form channels in a longitudinal direction of the material, the large denier filaments of greater than about 10 dpf. A method of producing a multi-denier cover material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A unitary absorbent composite having a plurality of strata is disclosed. In the composite, adjacent strata are separated by a transition zone integrally connecting the strata. Each stratum includes fibers and a binder, and the transition zone includes fibers from adjacent strata. Method for forming the unitary composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to at least a portion of the topsheet, an absorbent core disposed between at least a portion of the topsheet and the backsheet, and a waste management element disposed in at least a portion of a crotch region. The waste management element preferably includes an acceptance element having an effective open area of at least about 30 percent and a storage element having a compressive resistance of at least about 70 percent.

Abstract: A substrate having flocked fibers of superabsorbent polymer thereon is provided. The substrate may be one of a variety of materials, such as nonwoven materials, polymer films, apertured films, absorbent layers, netting, woven fabrics, foams, reticulated films and the like.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper. The disposable absorbent article has a first region juxtaposed with the front of the wearer and a second region juxtaposed with the back of the wearer. The disposable absorbent article includes a liquid pervious topsheet, a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. Since the first region is juxtaposed with the of the wearer it should be superior in the handling of urine while the second region which is juxtaposed with the back of the wearer should be superior in the handling of low-viscosity fecal material. The first region has a PACORM value of less than 120 mg and the second region has a trans-topsheet capacity of at least 0.2 grams per square inch.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a backsheet and a fecal management member joined to the backsheet. The fecal management member includes a scrim backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the scrim backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable top layer, an absorbent core layer, and a breathable outer cover is provided with a breathable inner laminate between the absorbent core and the outer cover. The breathable inner laminate includes a breathable film and a nonwoven filament web, and is less breathable than the outer cover. The low to moderately breathable inner laminate substantially reduces perceived dampness occurring on the external surface of the highly breathable outer cover, following a liquid insult, when the article is being worn, without seriously hampering moisture flux out of the diaper. Direct pathways for moisture near the wearer's skin to exit the article are maintained, and a concentration gradient is enhanced.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface layer formed of continuous filaments individually extending over the entire length of the surface layer, the continuous filaments including at least heat-fusible continuous filaments; a backing sheet; and a fibrous absorbent core located between the surface layer and the backing sheet and containing heat-fusible fibers. Between the surface layer and the fibrous absorbent core, disposed is an absorbent sheet which is formed of superabsorbent polymer to have a plurality of through passages. The surface layer and the fibrous absorbent core are partially fusion-bonded to each other via the through passages formed in the absorbent sheet for retaining the absorbent sheet between the surface layer and the fibrous absorbent core.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a backsheet, and a fecal management member joined to the backsheet. The fecal management member includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations. The arcuate portions include a surface coating agent.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a liquid permeable surface member; a backing sheet; and an absorbent layer interposed between the surface member and the backing sheet. The surface member includes an upper layer located at a liquid-receiving side surface and a lower layer located adjacent to the absorbent layer. The upper layer is formed of first continuous filaments. The lower layer is formed of second continuous filaments. The first and second continuous filaments individually extend over the entire length of the surface member. Hydrophilicity of the lower layer is higher than that of the upper layer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core located between the topsheet and backsheet. The absorbent core is formed from a folded laminate having an upper layer, a lower layer and a central fibrous layer that are bonded together and together assist to maintain the dry and wet integrity of the core. The fibrous layer includes about 50 to 95 percent by weight superabsorbent polymer and about 5 to 50 percent by weight stabilization additives. The upper and lower layers may be tissue, airlaid fluff pulp or synthetic non-woven fibrous layers. Folding the thin absorbent laminate provides an absorbent core that can handle large doses of urine, by providing a central channel having a free volume for temporary liquid storage and increasing the surface area of the laminate available for liquid absorption. The garment thus formed is thin, lightweight and economical.

Abstract: A nonwoven web is provided which can be readily converted to an apertured web by stretching. In its initial non-apertured state, the web comprises a plurality of multicomponent fibers comprising at least two thermoplastic polymer components arranged in at least first and second separate continuous structured domains. The polymer component of the first domain comprises polyethylene. Prior to stretch aperturing, the web has a peak elongation of at least 100 percent and is characterized by having a plurality of discrete, spaced-apart, frangible bond sites of polymer bonding the fibers to form a coherent extensible nonwoven web. The frangible bond sites are structured and arranged to readily rupture when subjected to tensile stress to form discrete, spaced-apart apertures in the nonwoven fabric. The web has a total energy absorption in at least one of the machine direction or the cross-machine direction of at least 50 gcm/cm2.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable top layer, an absorbent core layer, and a breathable outer cover is provided with a breathable inner laminate between the absorbent core and the outer cover. The breathable inner laminate includes a breathable film and a nonwoven filament web, and is less breathable than the outer cover. The low to moderately breathable inner laminate substantially reduces perceived dampness occurring on the external surface of the highly breathable outer cover, following a liquid insult, when the article is being worn, without seriously hampering moisture flux out of the diaper. Direct pathways for moisture near the wearer's skin to exit the article are maintained, and a concentration gradient is enhanced.

Abstract: A fluid absorbent article for surgical applications includes a top layer including an apertured film having a plurality of apertures formed therein. Each aperture includes a base and an apex with the aperture base oriented in an upper surface of the top layer and the apex positioned a depth below the base and upper surface. An absorbent layer includes an absorbent media positioned to underlie the top layer generally coextensive with the top layer and receive fluids passing through the top layer. The absorbent media is operable for dispersing and containing the fluid within the article. Bases of the apertures have a plurality of generally straight sides and are positioned with respect to the upper surface to present a plurality of different angles to fluid flowing on the upper surface to hinder and divert the fluid so that it more readily passes through the apertures to the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment including a topsheet, a backsheet, a storage layer, and an acquisition layer is disclosed. The acquisition layer lies between the topsheet and the storage layer, and includes at least two yarns oriented generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the article, with an acquisition channel between each adjacent pair of yarns. The acquisition channels provide free volume for temporary fluid storage until the fluids can be absorbed by the storage layer and allow fluids to move to the longitudinal ends of the article. The yarns store fluids until they are absorbed, and wick fluids away from the topsheet to keep the user dry. Each yam may have properties specifically tailored to provide particular benefits depending on each yarn's location in the garment. The absorbent garment using such an acquisition layer is comfortable, highly absorbent, and economical to produce.

Abstract: Fibrous material layer intended to be incorporated in an absorbent article. The layer (5) comprises at least two webs of tow fibers arranged on top of each other, which are bonded to each other into a laminate by means of a bonding pattern, and where one is corrugated and the other web is substantially smooth, wherein the corrugated web exhibits a more open structure in comparison to the smooth web. A method of manufacturing the layer (5) in question, in which method at least two separate webs (15a, b) of opened and into a layer spread-out tow are fed into a bonding station (20), which webs exhibit different web tensions and/or web speeds, and that the webs (15a, b) with maintained relative difference in web tension and/or web speed are bonded together in said bonding pattern (10) into a laminate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent article including a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet contains hydrophobic fibers and hydrophilic fibers shorter than the hydrophobic fibers. The hydrophobic fibers are thermally bonded to each other. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers form aggregates that disperse in the sheet. At least a part of the hydrophilic fibers that form the aggregates are bonded to the surfaces of the hydrophobic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and backsheet. The topsheet includes a backing and a sheet of fibers. The sheet of fibers have anchor portions in the backing at spaced bonding locations and have arcuate portions of the sheet projecting from the backing between bonding locations.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing disposable fluid-handling articles including absorbent articles (e.g., baby diapers, adult incontinence articles, feminine hygiene articles, baby swim diapers, dining bibs, wound dressing) and benefit-component-delivering articles (e.g., wash cloth, body wipes, body wraps, pet grooming articles, cleaning and polishing articles) are disclosed. The present invention can combine the web-forming technology with the web-converting technology into a continuous process for making a disposable fluid-handling article, wherein two or more of the components of the fluid-handling article are formed on the converting line from extruded polymeric materials. Thus, the new method and apparatus can reduce or eliminate the need for continuous webs of fabrics, films, foams, elastics, etc. that have been transported from web producers in a packaged form, e.g., wound rolls and festooned boxes.

Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a sanitary napkin, a panty-liner, or a diaper includes a carrier layer against which individual fibers, detached from each other and each exhibiting two fiber ends, are attached with one fiber end against the carrier layer. There is an attachment angle &agr; between the carrier layer and each individual fiber. The individual fibers have at least a first fiber type and a second fiber type. The absorbent article further includes a liquid-pervious cover layer and a liquid acquisition layer.

Abstract: A comfortable water absorbent composite sheet which is a water absorbent sheet comprising a water absorbent layer, a water holding layer and a water impermeable layer successively arranged from the skin side, wherein the composite water absorbent sheet has a sufficient amount of water absorption with slight water-rewet to the skin by arranging a water-backflow preventing layer comprising a water impermeable sheet material having water penetrating holes between the water absorbent layer and the water holding layer and providing the total area ratio of the water penetrating holes accounting for 3% or above and below 40% of the whole area of the water-backflow preventing layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a panty liner which includes active additives, such as lactobacilli, wherein the article comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet which lies proximal to the wearer in use, a liquid-impermeable backing sheet which lies distal from the wearer in use, possibly an intermediate absorbent layer, and possibly fastener means. The panty liner is manufactured in a manner such that the active additives, preferably lactobacillus, are given a sufficiently effective and dry environment to ensure a healthy survival rate of said additives until the product is used.

Abstract: An elastically stretchable sheet for articles such as diapers and sanitary napkins. A flat sheet material intrinsically having an elastic stretchability in the longitudinal direction rather than in the transverse direction is formed with a plurality of pleats extending in the longitudinal direction and having a plurality of crests and troughs alternately repeating in the transverse direction and a plurality of elastic threads being stretchable in the transverse direction are secured to respective apices of the plurality of crests forming from outer side.

Abstract: An absorbent product comprising a liquid-permeable casing layer (402), a liquid-barrier layer (413) and an absorption element (416) which is enclosed between the liquid-permeable casing layer (402) and the liquid-barrier layer (413), and a liquid-transfer layer (403) which is disposed between the liquid-permeable casing layer (402) and the absorption element (406). The envelope layer (402) is bonded in a pattern of distinct thermally produced bonds (405) to the liquid-transfer layer (403). The liquid-transfer layer (403) comprises 40-65% by weight network-creating function fibres which are substantially intact following the bonding-together of the envelope layer (402) and the liquid-transfer layer (403) and which have a fibre coarseness ranging from 6 denier to 12 denier and 35-60% by weight fibres comprising a weldable, thermoplastic component and having a fibre coarseness of at least 3 denier.