An activated composite web includes a nonwoven layer, and a formed film layer attached to the nonwoven layer. The formed film layer includes a plurality of first apertured protuberances having a mesh count of at least 35, and a plurality of second apertured protuberances. Each of the second apertured protuberances has a cross-sectional area larger than each of the first apertured protuberances. A plurality of first lanes are aligned in a first direction and have a first width extending in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first apertured protuberances are located in the first lanes. A plurality of second lanes are aligned in the first direction and have a second width, less than the first width, extending in the second direction. The first lanes and the second lanes alternate with each other in the second direction. The second apertured protuberances are located in the second lanes.

An absorbent article can have a topsheet layer, a liquid impermeable layer, and an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet layer and the liquid impermeable layer. The absorbent article can further include an exudate management layer in fluid communication with the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned on a body facing surface of the topsheet layer. In various embodiments, the exudate management layer can be positioned between the topsheet layer and the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a first component which defines an opening for direct passage of body exudates into the absorbent core. The exudate management layer has a second component which at least partially overlaps the first component of the exudate management layer and further extends in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article in a direction towards the posterior region of the absorbent article.

A spunbond nonwoven web for an acquisition/distribution layer, the web comprising a first layer (1) of filaments, wherein the first layer (1) consists of continuous crimped bi-component filaments of an eccentric core/sheath structure, the filaments having a diameter in the range of 15 to 35 microns and exhibiting at least 3 crimps/cm, a second filament layer (2) arranged in direct contact on the first layer (1), wherein the second layer (2) of filaments comprises continuous crimped bi-component filaments of an eccentric core/sheath structure, the filaments having a diameter, which is smaller than the diameter of the filaments in the first layer (1) and which is in the range of to 20 microns and exhibiting at least 3 crimps/cm.

A fluid distribution material for use in an absorbent article includes a formed film layer, with a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 25 gsm, a user-facing side, and a garment-facing side. The formed film layer includes a plurality of apertured protuberances, numbering 10 to 40 per linear inch. The garment-facing side has a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of apertured protuberances, with land areas therebetween. A nonwoven layer, with a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 15 gsm, is laminated to the garment-facing side of the formed film layer. The nonwoven layer includes a plurality of fibers adjacent the land areas. Fibers adjacent the land areas are gathered a higher density than fibers located adjacent the plurality of apertures. The fluid distribution material has a compressibility of less than 10% between pressures of 0.21 psi and 0.60 psi.

A fluid distribution material for use in an absorbent article includes a formed film layer, with a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 25 gsm, a user-facing side, and a garment-facing side. The formed film layer includes a plurality of apertured protuberances, numbering 10 to 40 per linear inch. The garment-facing side has a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of apertured protuberances, with land areas therebetween. A nonwoven layer, with a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 15 gsm, is laminated to the garment-facing side of the formed film layer. The nonwoven layer includes a plurality of fibers adjacent the land areas. Fibers adjacent the land areas are gathered a higher density than fibers located adjacent the plurality of apertures. The fluid distribution material has a compressibility of less than 10% between pressures of 0.21 psi and 0.60 psi.

An absorbent article such as a diaper comprising an acquisition layer with one or more longitudinally-extending stretch openings is provided. The stretch openings may be obtained by slitting and stretching an acquisition layer material. The topsheet forms recesses at the wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article as it folds inside the stretch openings. The stretch openings may provide a three dimensional profile on the wearer-facing side of the absorbent article in a simple and cost effective manner.

An absorbent article having a front side, a back side, a longitudinal axis notionally extending in a longitudinal direction from the middle of the front side to the middle of the back side. The absorbent article has a length L measured along the longitudinal axis. The absorbent article comprises a liquid permeable topsheet on the wearer-facing side, a liquid impermeable backsheet on the garment-facing side, an absorbent core between the topsheet and the backsheet, and an acquisition layer comprising two or more discrete longitudinally-orientated stripes of an acquisition material between the topsheet and the absorbent core. The topsheet forms recesses at the surface of the absorbent article in the gaps between the stripes.

The present application discloses and claims a three-dimensional sheet material and an absorbent article which utilizes the sheet material within the article. The three-dimensional sheet material is designed to minimize the contact area on one side of the material thereby making it useful for various applications including a body contacting top sheet or liner material.

A liquid permeable surface sheet (3) includes an upper layer non-woven fabric (20) which is provided at the skin side, and which is hydrophilic, and a lower layer non-woven fabric (21) which is provided at the non-skin side, and which is water repellent. Multiple apertures (22) are formed which penetrate the upper layer non-woven fabric and the lower layer non-woven fabric. Accordingly, body fluid transfers smoothly through the apertures to an absorbent body. The upper layer non-woven fabric at the skin side is made to be hydrophilic such that body fluid readily permeates therethrough. The lower layer non-woven fabric at the non-skin side is made to be water repellent such that the body fluid which has passed through is not readily absorbed again. Accordingly, the backflow amount of body fluid can be reduced.

A fluid distribution material for use in an absorbent article includes a formed film layer having first and second sides and a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 25 gsm, and a nonwoven layer having a basis weight of between about 10 gsm and about 15 gsm and laminated to the formed film layer. The formed film layer includes a plurality of apertured protuberances arranged in a pattern having 10 to 40 protuberances per linear inch. Each of the protuberances includes a continuous sidewall extending from the first side, and the second side has a plurality of apertures aligned with the plurality of protuberances, and land areas in between the apertures. The nonwoven layer includes a plurality of fibers attached to the formed film layer at the land areas. The material has a rewet value of less than 0.075 grams in accordance with the Rewet Test Method.