Absorbent article with increased wet breathability

• Main Authors: MELIUS SHANNON KATHLEEN, FAULKS MICHAEL JOHN, AKIN FRANK JERREL, EDENS RONALD LEE, ELLIKER PETER ROBERT, PAUL SUSAN CAROL, UTTECHT CATHLEEN MAE, PHILLIPS CYNTHIA MARIE, ZENKER DAVID LOUIS, WRIGHT AUDRA STEFANIK, MOCADLO CHERYL ANN, YAVICH DMITRY, LATIMER MARGARET GWYN, MAYBERRY PAMELA JEAN, KEUHN, JR. CHARLES PAUL, HU SHENG-HSIN, WALLAJAPET PALANI RAJ RAMASWAMI, MCDOWALL DEBRA JEAN
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 06.05.2003
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF,TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, E.G. STENTS; FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; FIRST-AID KITS; FOMENTATION; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; PROSTHESES; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS

An absorbent article includes a vapor permeable backsheet, a liquid permeable topsheet positioned in facing relation with the backsheet; and an absorbent body located between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent body may include multiple zones of high air permeability or may include materials which provide improved air exchange after being wetted. The absorbent article may also include a ventilation layer between the absorbent body and the backsheet and a surge management layer between the absorbent body and the topsheet. The article exhibits improved air exchange within the article during use. As a result, the article exhibits substantially reduced levels of hydration of the wearer's skin when in use which renders the skin less susceptible to the viability of microorganisms.