Absorbent structures having thermally bonded resilient web for improved fit and comfort

Abstract

The present invention provides absorbent structures for absorbent articles, in particular catamenial pads, that are capable of acquiring, distributing, and storing aqueous body fluids, especially menstrual fluids, as well as providing better fit and comfort for the user of the products. These absorbent structures comprise an absorbent core and a comparatively low density, fluid-pervious, resilient web in fluid communication with the absorbent core. The resilient webs of the present invention are formed from a thermally-bonded matrix predominantly comprised of synthetic fibers which maintains substantially constant resiliency and density properties even after exposure to aqueous bodily fluids. The advantageous aspects of absorbent structures of the present invention include: (a) maintenance of a comparatively low density structure to aid in handling of fluids under "gush" situations; (b) the ability to increase total fluid capacity and retain the absorbed fluid, i.e., reduce "rewet", by increasing the utilization of absorbent gelling material; and (c) reduced panty and body soiling because of the improved flexibility and resiliency of the resilient webs, even when wetted and compressed during use, and hence consistent area coverage during use. Moreover, catamenial pads, such as sanitary napkins embodying these absorbent cores and structures not only provide improved fluid handling, but also improved fit and comfort for user, especially in terms of preventing bunching of the pads during use.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A catamenial pad capable of acquiring, distributing and storing aqueous body fluids, which comprises: (a) a fluid pervious topsheet;   (b) a fluid acquisition layer adjacent said topsheet;   (c) an absorbent core in fluid communication with at least one of said topsheet and said fluid acquisition layer;   (d) an omnidirectionally resilient web in fluid communication with said absorbent core, said resilient web comprising between about 50% and about 100% individual fibers of a synthetic material bonded together into a thermally-bonded, fluid-pervious matrix, said resilient web having a wet density of less than about 0.07 g/cc at 0.29 psi; and   (e) a fluid impervious backsheet; wherein said resilient web exhibits sufficient omnidirectional resiliency to provide said catamenial pad with a wet recovery of at least about 65%.     
     
     
       2. The catamenial pad of claim 1, wherein said resilient web exhibits sufficient omnidirectional resiliency to provide said catamenial pad with a wet recovery of at least about 75%. 
     
     
       3. The catamenial pad of claim 1, wherein said resilient web is located between said topsheet and said absorbent core. 
     
     
       4. The catamenial pad of claim 1, wherein said resilient web is located between said absorbent core and said backsheet. 
     
     
       5. The catamenial pad of claim 1, wherein said absorbent core comprises at least two layers, and wherein said resilient web is located between said layers of said absorbent core. 
     
     
       6. The catamenial pad of claim 1, wherein said resilient web is adjacent to a layer within said absorbent core which contains particles of absorbent gelling material, such that said resilient web permits expansion of said particles of absorbent gelling material. 
     
     
       7. The catamenial pad of claim 1, wherein said resilient web comprises about 100% synthetic material. 
     
     
       8. The catamenial pad of claim 7, wherein said synthetic material comprises a thermoplastic bicomponent material.