An absorbent article and method of making the absorbent article are disclosed. The absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core structure having one or more layers wherein at least one layer is a heterogeneous mass layer, wherein the topsheet and the heterogeneous mass are integrated such that they reside in the same X-Y plane.

A fluid extraction or filtration device for removing fluid from a body, the device comprising an array of microneedles for contacting fluid in said body and an absorbent gel matrix in fluid communication with said array of microneedles. There is further provided a combined fluid extraction and sampling device and methods employing the device(s), for example in determining the level of a target species in a sample of fluid, transdermal dialysis and renal replacement therapy. There is further provided an absorbent gel matrix for use in the treatment of uraemia and a haemodialysis filter comprising an absorbent gel matrix. Use of such a matrix is described in the context of methods including haemodialysis, transdermal dialysis and gastrointestinal dialysis.

An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed that provides an improved immobilization of absorbent polymer material when the article is fully or partially urine loaded. This absorbent core is useful for providing an absorbent article of increased wearing comfort. Specifically disclosed is an absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprising a substrate layer and absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprising absorbent fibrous material, the absorbent fibrous material not representing more than 20% of the weight of absorbent polymer material, wherein the absorbent material is immobilized when wet such that the absorbent core achieves a wet immobilization of more than 50%, preferably of more than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% according to the Wet Immobilization Test described herein.

A disposable absorbent article, including cohesive material side panels is presented in a protective underwear style to the user. The user may don the article in the same manner as a brief style undergarment or may tear the side panels and don the article in the same manner as a diaper by cohesively attaching the torn side panels. Optionally, the users may don the article in the same manner as a brief or protective underwear style article, tear at least one side panel and adjust the sizing of the side panel by cohesively reattaching the torn side panel.

Absorbent articles comprising material webs are disclosed herein. The material webs described herein can provide a bevy of benefits when utilized in the context of absorbent articles, and such material webs can facilitate the manufacturing of absorbent article.

A disposable diaper product useful for collecting a urine sample from an infant is disclosed. In one example the product may have a liquid control structure overlying a liquid impermeable backsheet, with a plan surface area defining a volume coextensive therewith, wherein a portion of the volume defined by at least 50 percent of the plan surface area contains no more than 50 percent by weight absorbent material. In another example the product may have a liquid control structure overlying a liquid impermeable backsheet, and have an average Liquid Release Ratio of at least 3 percent. A method for collecting a urine sample from an infant is also disclosed, in which a diaper is used for collection.

The incontinence pad comprises a fluid permeable topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core being located between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core comprises a first core layer and a fluid control layer. The first core layer comprises 100 gsm superabsorbent material or more. The absorbent core has a varying thickness profile as seen in the longitudinal direction (L), with a first thickness (T1) in the intermediate portion and a second thickness (T2) in the rear portion. The first thickness (T1) in the intermediate portion is from 9 mm or more and the second thickness (T2) is 4 mm or less, as measured under a load of load of 0.5 kPa. The region which has the second thickness (T2) extends 30 mm or more in the longitudinal direction (L) from the core rear edge and toward the core front edge.

A urine incontinence pad has an absorbent core having a first core layer and a fluid control layer. The absorbent core has a varying thickness profile as seen in the longitudinal direction, with the intermediate portion having a first thickness under a load of 0.5 kPa and a first compressed thickness under a load of 2.5 kPa. The rear and front portions each have a second thickness under a load of 0.5 kPa and a second compressed thickness under a load of 2.5 kPa, wherein the second thickness is from 37% to 15% of the first thickness, the second compressed thickness is from 37% to 15% of the first compressed thickness and a ratio between the first and the second compressed thickness under a load of 2.5 kPa is equal or greater than a ratio between the first and the second thickness, under a load of 0.5 kPa.

The present disclosure is directed, in part, to an absorbent article comprising a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent article comprises a central lateral axis, a central longitudinal axis, a first waist edge comprising a first curvilinear portion, a second waist edge comprising a second curvilinear portion, a first side edge comprising a third curvilinear portion, and a second side edge comprising a fourth curvilinear portion, and a core wrap. A masking material may be positioned at least partially intermediate the absorbent core and the backsheet. The chassis has an outer perimeter. About 50% to about 95% of the outer perimeter is curvilinear and about 5% to about 30% of the outer perimeter comprises linear portions.

In some examples, an absorbent article includes a backsheet comprising one or more reinforced edges, which helps increase the tensile strength of the absorbent article.