Abstract: An absorbent article, such as a feminine care product, includes a liquid permeable top cover, a generally liquid impermeable outer cover, and an absorbent structure disposed between the top cover and outer cover. A band of spaced apart deposits of a barrier substance material, such as a phase-change liquid, are defined on the top cover (inner or outer surface) along a portion of opposite lateral sides of the article. The deposits have a desired height of topography with respect to a surface of the top cover. The deposits are defined such that areas of the top cover are exposed within the band, the band thereby being permeable to bodily fluids insulting the article within the band or from above the band while acting as a fluid barrier against lateral flow of bodily fluids across the band.

Abstract: An absorbent garment includes a front body panel having a terminal waist edge and a terminal crotch edge and a rear body panel having a terminal waist edge and a terminal crotch edge. The terminal crotch edge of the rear body panel is longitudinally spaced from and forms a gap with the terminal crotch edge of the front body panel. An absorbent composite includes a first and second longitudinally spaced terminal edge and opposite laterally spaced side edges. The absorbent composite bridges the gap between the front and rear body panels with the first and second terminal edges overlying and connected to the front and rear body panels respectively. In one embodiment, the terminal edges of the absorbent composite are the only portion of the absorbent composite connected to the front and rear body panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable absorbent article, such as a diaper, training pants, adult incontinence article, having a specific topsheet with an opening to receive bowel movement waste (BM) and which is such that it masks the waste present underneath said topsheet. The topsheet is air permeable and it has a uniform pore size distribution with small pores only and it has a low surface energy and therefore an alcohol repellency of at least 7, typically at least 9 or even preferably 10.

Abstract: A liquid distribution unit is contactively disposed directly on that surface of the liquid-permeable sheet positioned in the innermost with respect to a wearer of an absorbent product which is associated with wearer. The liquid distribution unit is provided with a plurality of liquid distribution passageways extending downward with respect to the surface thereof. The liquid distribution unit has the function of uniformly distributing and branching the liquid fed onto the surface thereof, through the liquid distribution passageways over a wide range along the surface of the surface sheet. An absorbent product having such distribution unit is provided.

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: A disposable absorbent pant having fluid handling characteristics useful for encouraging toilet training. The pant has a limited absorbent capacity of between about 30 grams and about 400 grams, which contributes to a slow fluid intake, pooled fluid, and delayed fluid lock-up in the absorbent pad. The pant also has considerable fluid distribution, resulting in a large area of wetness. Each of these fluid handling characteristics provides awareness to a wearer of the filled status of the pant.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for personal wear has a generally liquid permeable liner adapted for contiguity with the wearer's skin, and an outer cover. An absorbent body lies between the liner and the outer cover for absorbing liquid body waste. A surge layer lies between the liner and the absorbent body for receiving liquid body waste penetrating the liner and for subsequently releasing liquid body waste to the absorbent body. The surge layer has an inner surface, an outer surface generally facing the absorbent body and an opening extending from its inner surface toward its outer surface. A flow control layer between the liner and the absorbent body at least retards the flow of liquid body waste from the surge layer opening to the absorbent body to facilitate a prolonged feeling of wetness against the wearer's skin upon the release of liquid body waste into the article.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent structure to be used in an absorbent article such as a diaper, a training pant, an adult incontinence absorbent article, a bed mat, or the like, and the respective absorbent article. The absorbent structure of the present invention is able to rapidly acquire urine even against gravity as is quantified by the liquid drip off test defined herein.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a urine guiding article used with a body fluid absorbent wearing article such as a urine-absorbent pad. The urine guiding article comprises a urine guiding region including a plurality of ribbon-like strips extending one to another in a longitudinal direction of the article and a connecting region extending in a transverse direction of the article and interconnecting proximal end portions of the strips.

Abstract: An absorbent article having improved fit and comfort. The absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the waist regions. Preferred absorbent covers have an acquisition region, a distribution region, and a storage region.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article that includes a liquid-absorbent first core disposed between top- and backsheets, a pair of side flaps extending in a longitudinal direction outside transversely opposite side edges of the first core in a crotch region and a pair of second cores spaced from the respective side edges of the first core and disposed between the top- and backsheets. The respective side edges of the first core in the crotch region curve inward in a transverse direction of the article to describe circular arcs while inner side edges of the respective second cores in the crotch region curve outward in the transverse direction of the article to describe circular arcs. The first core and the second cores are bonded together in the vicinity of the side edge portions of the first core and in the vicinity of the inner side edge portions of the second cores in the crotch region so that the side flaps obliquely extend downward from the side edge portions of the first core.

Abstract: A topsheet for a disposable absorbent article including a first plastic film layer, a second plastic film layer and a fibrous assembly layer disposed between these two layers. The first plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced one from another and extending in parallel one to another in one direction and the second plastic film layer includes a plurality of second plane regions spaced one from another and extending in parallel one to another in the one direction. Of the first and second plane regions, at least the first plane regions are formed with bridge-like regions and first rising regions.

Abstract: In an absorbent product such as a diaper comprising a back sheet, an absorber, and a skin contact sheet, the skin contact sheet is disposed on the absorber as the uppermost layer which comes in contact with the skin of the wearer and has openings which allow the passage of excretions. The absorber and the skin contact sheet are joined only at both ends of the absorbent product in the longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A wearing article absorption of body fluids has an inner sheet, an outer sheet and a body fluid absorbent first panel underlying the inner sheet. The inner sheet and the first panel are formed in central regions thereof with a void to be filled with a hydrophobic second panel which is elastically compressible and liquid-pervious. A plurality of narrow strips, each comprising water-absorbent fibers compressed to a high density, and a hydrophobic and liquid-pervious spacer member underlying the narrow strips are interposed between the second panel and the outer sheet.

Abstract: A method for producing an elongate sheet of material that includes barrier flaps which extend along the side-edges of said sheet in spaced relationship with respective side-edges, and which project up from the plane of the sheet, including placing along each edge-part of a first elongate web a narrower second elongate web, so the outer side-edges of respective second webs will lie edge-to-edge with the side-edges of the first web; placing along each edge-part of the first elongate web and on top of respective second webs a third elongate sheet narrower than the first sheet, so the outer side-edges of respective third webs will lie edge-to-edge with the side-edges of the first and second webs; joining the first, second and third webs together with a join extending along the outer side-edges of the webs; and swinging the third webs laterally outwards through 180° around the join lines.

Abstract: Absorbent article such as a diaper, an incontinence guard, a pantyliner or a sanitary napkin, including a liquid-pervious topsheet (3), a liquid-impermeable backsheet (2), and an absorbent body (4) enclosed therebetween, wherein the topsheet (3) and absorbent body (4) either directly or via at least one intermediate layer are joined partly by a first adhesive (5) and partly by a second adhesive (6) The surface which is constituted of the topsheet (3) and which is adhesively joined with the first adhesive (5) and the second adhesive (6) is formed into a three-dimensional structure having alternating raised (8) and recessed regions (7), wherein the first adhesive (5) is arranged in the recessed regions (7) and the second adhesive (6) is arranged in the raised regions (8).

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article such as a diaper, a training pant, an adult incontinence article, a bed mat, or the like which is capable of evenly storing urine in a first storage region and in a second storage region. In particular, the fraction of the amount of liquid stored in the first storage region to the amount of liquid stored in the second storage region remains relatively unchanged over a wide range of loadings of the article. The present invention further provides a process for handling urine in the absorbent article which comprises a step of storing liquid in a first storage region and of storing, liquid in a second storage region such that the ratio of the amount of liquid stored in the first storage region to the amount of liquid stored in the second storage region remains relatively constant over a wide range of loadings of the article.

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: A disposable absorbent garment has a front region, a back region, and a central region, each region having a length along a longitudinal axis of one third of the length of the absorbent garment. An absorbent pad positioned within the regions has a length of absorbent pad in the back region divided by a length of absorbent pad in the front region and central region less than 0.10, and the length in the front region is greater than the length in the back region.

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

Abstract: The present invention is a liquid transport member with significantly improved liquid handling capability, which has at least one bulk or inner region with a high average permeability, completely circumscribed by a wall region. The wall region further comprises at least one port region with a lower permeability than the inner region, and with a ratio of its permeability to its thickness of at least 10−7 m.

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: An absorbent article having an ultimate fluid storage region and a fluid distribution region, positioned between the ultimate storage region and the garment oriented surface of the article, in fluid communication with the ultimate fluid storage region, the ultimate fluid storage region includes a material which has: (1) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Capacity at 100 cm (CSDC 100) of at least 10 g/g; (2) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Capacity at 0 cm (CSDC 0) higher than the CSDC 100; (3) a Loosely Bound Liquid Capacity (LBLC); and (4) a Capillary Sorption Desorption Release Height when 50% of the LBLC are released (CSDRH 50) less than 60 cm. Further, the liquid distribution layer material has a Capillary Sorption Absorption Height at 30% of its maximum capacity (CSAH 30) of at least 35 cm. Disuibution material can be foam materials, particularly those derived from high internal phase water-in-oil emulsions.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, a training pant, an adult incontinence article, a bed mate, or the like is capable of rapidly transporting urine away from its acquisition zone. In particular the absorbent article stores a fraction of the acquired liquid outside of its acquisition region which fraction remains relatively unchanged between 20 percent and 100 percent load of the article. A process for handling urine in the absorbent article comprises a step of transporting a relatively constant fraction of the acquired liquid away from the acquisition zone of the article.

Abstract: The present invention is a disposable absorbent article having a liquid pervious topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and a fecal management member positioned between the topsheet and 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.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper includes a backsheet layer, a substantially liquid-permeable liner layer, and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the liner. The backsheet and liner layers generally define a front waistband section, a rear waistband section, and an intermediate section, with the intermediate section interconnecting the front and rear waistband sections. The liner includes a plurality of spaced apart longitudinal upstanding ridges located at least in the intermediate section to provide barriers to transverse migration of body exudates. The upstanding ridges are formed by providing a plurality of laterally spaced apart and alternating longitudinally adhered liner portions and unadhered liner portions. Elastic members are located subjacent the unadhered portions and include a front end, a rear end, and a central portion disposed between the front and rear ends.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and a liquid retentive absorbent member interposed between the two sheets, wherein the disposable diaper has a product basis weight of 50 to 220 g/cm2, and a portion of the disposable diaper where the absorbent member is positioned has a portion having a rate of body fluid absorption of 3.0 g/sec or more and a portion having a saturated body fluid absorption of 75 g/100 cm2 or more.

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: Absorbent pad assemblies are provided which include at least a first generally planar fluid conveyance barrier member of preselected permeability interposed between first and second vertically orientated absorbent members. Also provided are absorbent articles which have a contact surface. Such absorbent articles generally include an absorbent pad assembly which includes at least first and second generally planar fluid conveyance barrier members. Each of the barrier members has a preselected permeability and is interposed between a pair of absorbent members generally perpendicularly disposed relative to the contact surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diapering system (200) suitable for the collection of urine and faeces. Claimed and described is a diapering system comprising one human waste collection bag integral with one absorbent component (preferably a diaper like absorbent component) located outside of or adjacent to the collection bag.

Abstract: A disposable wearing article includes a substantially liquid-impervious leak-barrier cuff which has a fixed end portion lying in the vicinity of a longitudinal end portion of an article, a free end portion extending from the fixed end portion toward a crotch region and fixed lateral end portions lying on transversely opposite side edge portions of the article. The free end portion is normally biased to rise on a topsheet and locally bonded to the article in retaining zones.

Abstract: A wearable disposable absorbent article useful for facilitating toilet training. The wearable disposable absorbent article includes a wetness sensation member having a permeable body-facing layer and an impermeable layer disposed between the permeable layer and an absorbent core in a face-to-face arrangement with the permeable layer. During insults of urine, the permeable layer allows urine to penetrate in the z-direction and provides a medium for the flow of urine in the x-y plane via wicking. The impermeable layer prevents the urine from passing completely through the wetness sensation member in the z direction and supports the movement of the urine in an x-y plane to enhance the wearer's awareness that urination has occurred by increasing the wetted area contacting the wearer's skin. The wetness sensation member preferably is held in close contact with a wearer's skin during use.

Abstract: A body-contacting surface or topsheet for absorbent articles or devices that is comfortable when it is placed in contact with hydrous body tissues is disclosed. In one non-limiting embodiment, the topsheet is a non-absorbent, moderately hydrophilic to substantially hydrophobic nonwoven web. The topsheet can have a critical surface tension of less than or equal to about 45 dynes/cm. In one embodiment, the nonwoven web has been mechanically modified so that it is extensible in an amount greater than equal to about 30% under a force of 50 grams, and undergoes a caliper change of greater than or equal to about 30% under a pressure of 1,000 Pa after being subjected to a pressure of 250 Pa. The topsheet is placed on absorbent devices such as sanitary napkins, tampons, pantiliners, interlabial devices, incontinence devices, bandages, and other types of articles.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent garment comprising a topsheet, a back-sheet and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet is disclosed. The absorbent core is formed from a folded laminated comprising three layers, including an upper layer, a lower layer and a central fibrous layer including from about 50 to about 95 percent by weight superabsorbent polymer and about 5 to about 50 percent by weight stabilization additives. The upper and lower layers comprise tissue, airlaid fluff pulp synthetic non-woven fibrous layers. The central fibrous layers is adhesively bonded to both the upper and lower layers, all layers together assisting to maintain the dry and wet integrity of the absorbent core. Folding of the thin absorbent laminate provides an absorbent core that can handle large doses of urine.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article, such as an infant diaper, a training pant, an incontinence garment and the like, having a structure for opening a support channel adjacent a gluteal fold when the wearer is in a sitting position. The structure having an expandable element hingedly connected to a compressible element whereby the expandable element forms the support channel upon compression of the compressible element.

Abstract: A sanitary article includes an absorbent structure composed of a liquid-pervious topsheet, a liquid-impervious backsheet and a liquid-absorbent core disposed therebetween, an absorbent upper panel which is formed with a fibrous web and attached to an upper surface of the topsheet. The absorbent upper panel has a plurality of openings extending through the panel in its thickness direction and spaced one from another in a direction intersecting the thickness direction and a wall defining each of the openings wherein the wall has a fiber density grade which is higher in an upper region of the wall and lower in a lower region of the wall lying adjacent the topsheet.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including: a surface structure having a liquid-permeable surface sheet located on a liquid-receiving side; a back sheet; and an absorbent core sandwiched between the surface structure and the back sheet. In an area including at least a centerline extending in a longitudinal direction of the absorbent article, the surface sheet is corrugated to form recesses and ridges extending in the longitudinal direction and alternating with each other in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The ridges are given an elastically shrinking function in the longitudinal direction at least at their crests or vicinities thereof so that the surface structure is formed into a curved shape. The surface structure thus curved can fit the shape of a crotch. Therefore, the liquid is hard to flow in the transverse direction to prevent the leakage.

Abstract: A composite sheet comprises a hydrophobic first plastic film layer forming an upper surface of the sheet, a second plastic film layer forming a lower surface of the sheet and a hydrophobic intermediate fibrous assembly layer disposed between these two layers. The first plastic film layer includes a plurality of first plane regions spaced one from another and extending parallel one to another in one direction and sawtooth-shaped first rising regions formed along edges of the first plane regions and the second plastic film layer includes a plurality of second plane regions. Such composite sheet is breathable but liquid-resistant and suitable for use for disposable garments.

Abstract: There is provided a fluid management material for personal care products which distributes artificial menses according to the gush/distribution test taught herein such that it has a distribution ratio of at least about 0.06. Its preferred that the fluid management material be part of an absorbent materials system having a first fibrous layer, a middle layer adjacent the first layer having hydrophilic oriented surface fibers, and a second fibrous layer adjacent the middle layer. In a personal care product configuration the oriented surface fibers result in a distribution ratio of at least 0.06 where the distribution ratio is a ratio of average of the mass of two end zones of a product divided by the mass of the center zone.

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

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article defined by a pair of longitudinally extending side edges and a pair of end edges extending between the side edges, has a front waist region, a back waist region, and a crotch region located between the waist regions. The disposable absorbent article also includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The topsheet is provided with a plurality of openings which direct bodily exudates received into or by the crotch region to a storage space disposed below the topsheet. The topsheet is spaced generally upward from the core such that the storage space is disposed between the topsheet and the core. The disposable absorbent article further includes at least one or more elongated elastic strands which are attached to the topsheet so as to space or urge the topsheet generally upwardly from the core.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a liquid-permeable bodyside liner, an absorbent core layer and a breathable outer cover is provided with a hydrophobic foam dampness-inhibiting layer between the absorbent core and the outer cover. The hydrophobic foam dampness-inhibiting layer maintains an air space within the foam. The air space acts as a thermal insulator, dampness-perception inhibitor and moisture passageway. The resulting product is an absorbent garment having a breathable outer cover material with reduced perception of dampness on the outer surface of the outer cover.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a void space for receiving bodily exudates comprises a spacer including an opening in communication with the void space and a body for maintaining at least a portion of the void space. The spacer includes an alignment guide which aids in keeping the spacer opening in a desired configuration for receiving and containing bodily exudates.

Abstract: There is disclosed an absorbent article including an absorbent layer and a liquid-permeable surface sheet placed on a liquid-receiving side of the absorbent layer for introducing excreted liquid from the human body to the absorbent layer. The surface sheet is of a corrugated configuration to have valleys and peaks extending in a longitudinal direction of the article and alternately arranged in a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each valley has a connecting part raised to connect between two adjacent peaks.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent article for absorbing fluids and exudates, such as urine. More particularly, the present invention relates to absorbent garments which are configured to absorb body exudates while also helping to reduce the relative humidity in the environment of the article, to reduce skin-exudate contact and to reduced undesired skin hydration.

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 articles may be flat or cup-shaped.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article comprises a liner, an outer cover and an absorbent body therebetween for absorbing liquid body waste penetrating the liner. In one embodiment, the absorbent body comprises an inner layer and an outer layer. The inner layer has a lower absorbent capacity per unit weight than the outer layer. A flow control layer between the inner layer and the outer layer at least retards the flow of liquid body waste from the inner layer to the outer layer to facilitate a prolonged feeling of wetness to the wearer. In another embodiment, a surge layer lies between the liner and an absorbent body. A flow control layer between the liner and the surge layer, or between the surge layer and the absorbent body, at least retards the flow of liquid body waste through the surge layer toward the absorbent body.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin has an absorbent core convexly curved upward and the absorbent core is provided on its lower side with a pad adapted to hold a curved shape of the absorbent core. The pad is formed on its upper side with a plurality of projections and continuous troughs so that the projections are bonded to the lower side of the absorbent core and the troughs form a continuous tunnel between the absorbent core and the pad. The pad thus formed improves a breathability of the sanitary napkin during its use.

Abstract: The invention concerns an absorbent article, in particular a sanitary towel, having the following structure: a lower layer which faces the body when the absorbent article is in use and is impermeable to fluid; a primary accumulation layer which is disposed above the fluid-impermeable layer; a secondary accumulation layer disposed above the primary accumulation layer; a compensation layer disposed above the secondary accumulation layer; a cover layer which is disposed above the compensation layer and has a central opening; and a fluid-permeable upper layer which faces the body when the absorbent article is in use.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an elongate absorbent core having an upper surface and a lower surface, a pair of opposed longitudinal edge portions terminating in longitudinal edges and a pair of opposed transverse edges, the core having a first end portion, a second end portion and a central portion located between the end portions; a liquid permeable topsheet extending over the upper surface; a liquid barrier backsheet covering the lower surface of the absorbent core; barrier strips, each of the barrier strips covering a respective longitudinal edge portion and forming a liquid-retaining pocket along a respective longitudinal edge portion; and a longitudinal elastic member arranged along each of the barrier strips that are placed along each longitudinal edge portion of the absorbent core, the elastic members extending in at least the central portion of the absorbent core; the elastic members each include a plurality of spacers arranged at a distance from each other along a length of the elastic members to cr