Incontinence pad with liquid entry zone
By incorporating a combined pattern of liquid inlet and boundary areas into the incontinence pad, the problems of skin friction and poor absorption are solved, resulting in better absorption efficiency and fit, and reducing the risk of skin irritation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ESSITY HYGIENE & HEALTH AB
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
Smart Images
Figure CN122206392A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This disclosure relates to an incontinence pad having first and second longitudinal side edges, a front edge, and a rear edge, as well as a longitudinal direction L with a longitudinal centerline Lc, a transverse direction T with a transverse centerline Tc, and a thickness direction Z. The incontinence pad is divided in the longitudinal direction into a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion of equal length. The incontinence pad includes a fluid-permeable fibrous top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fluid-collecting layer positioned between the top sheet and the absorbent core. The fluid-collecting layer comprises a fibrous layer having a basis weight in the range of 30 gsm to 150 gsm and comprising a thermoplastic material. The term "incontinence pad" refers to a product placed against the wearer's skin in the crotch area to absorb and contain bodily excretions such as urine, feces, and menstrual fluid. This disclosure may be for disposable incontinence pads, meaning that the pad is not intended to be washed or otherwise restored or reused as an incontinence pad. Background Technology
[0002] The incontinence pads disclosed herein are typically designed to absorb bodily fluids, such as urine. Such articles may be absorbent pads for more severe bladder leakage or thinner absorbent pads or linings for mild bladder leakage. The incontinence pads generally have an absorbent core to receive and retain bodily fluids. For an incontinence pad designed to target bladder leakage to function effectively, the absorbent core must rapidly collect bodily fluids from the point of application into the structure and subsequently distribute the fluids within and throughout the absorbent core.
[0003] Users of incontinence pads sometimes experience skin problems. These problems may be caused by forces resulting from the physical / mechanical interaction between the product and the user's skin. This can lead to chafing, for example, due to additional friction between the absorbent hygiene product and the user's skin. During the user's activity, such as walking, running, or other exercise, there is a risk of unintended mechanical friction, particularly around the tendons in the groin area between the pad and the user. This can also lead to occlusion and increased mechanical impact on the skin, accompanied by an increased risk of skin irritation. This type of incontinence pad is often used frequently, sometimes daily, which can also contribute to the increased risk of skin irritation. In light of the above, there is a need for an incontinence pad that provides rapid absorption of urine, a good fit, discreet wearing, and a reduced risk of skin irritation due to friction, for example, between the pad and the user (especially around the tendons in the groin area). Summary of the Invention
[0004] This disclosure provides an incontinence pad with good leak safety, fit, and reduced risk of skin irritation. One or more of the above objectives are achieved using the incontinence pad according to claim 1. Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description and dependent claims.
[0005] This disclosure relates to a urinary incontinence pad having first and second longitudinal side edges, a front edge, and a rear edge, as well as a longitudinal direction L with a longitudinal centerline Lc, a transverse direction with a transverse centerline Tc, and a thickness direction Z. The incontinence pad is divided longitudinally into a front portion, a rear portion, and a middle portion of equal length. The urinary incontinence pad includes a fluid-permeable fibrous top sheet, a back sheet, an absorbent core positioned between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fluid-collecting layer positioned between the top sheet and the absorbent core, the fluid-collecting layer comprising a fibrous layer having a basis weight in the range of 30 gsm to 150 gsm, the fibrous layer comprising a thermoplastic material. The incontinence pad has a liquid inlet region extending along the longitudinal centerline Lc in the front and middle portions. The incontinence pad also has a boundary region that at least partially surrounds the liquid inlet region and includes a first bonding pattern, such as a thermal bonding pattern and / or an ultrasonic bonding pattern, in the form of discrete patterned elements that bond the top sheet and the fluid-collecting layer together. In the middle portion, the area of the boundary region is more than 50% of the area of the inlet region.
[0006] The area of the entrance area in the front can be larger than that in the middle.
[0007] The “entry zone” is the “liquid entry zone”, and the “boundary zone” surrounds the “entry zone”.
[0008] The boundary region is defined as the area surrounding the thermal bonding pattern and / or ultrasonic bonding pattern. If the boundary region contains more than one boundary area, the total area of the boundary region is the sum of the areas of the different boundary areas.
[0009] The liquid collection layer between the top sheet and the absorber core should have the ability to receive large amounts of liquid in a short time, diffuse the liquid across the plane of the material layer, transport the liquid forward to the absorber core arranged below the collection layer, and also temporarily store liquid that the absorber core does not have time to absorb. This is important, especially in the case of today's thin, compressed absorbers, which may have a high content of superabsorbent material. A relatively thick, porous liquid collection layer in the form of an open and fluffy nonwoven fabric with a basis weight in the range of 30 gsm to 150 gsm can rapidly receive liquid and also temporarily store it until the absorber core has time to absorb it. The fluid collection layer can have a basis weight in the range of 45 gsm to 130 gsm or 60 gsm to 120 gsm.
[0010] The incontinence pad has an inlet region extending along a longitudinal centerline Lc, at least in the front and middle sections. A boundary region defines and surrounds the inlet region and includes a first bonding pattern, such as a thermal bonding pattern or an ultrasonic bonding pattern, in the form of discrete, repeating pattern elements that bind the top sheet and the fluid collection layer together. In the boundary region, the fluid-permeable fibrous top sheet and the collection layer are interconnected by bonding sites within which a thermoplastic material has been at least partially softened or melted, thereby bonding the two material layers together. An advantage of the boundary region including a bonding pattern (such as a thermal bonding pattern or an ultrasonic bonding pattern) in the form of discrete pattern elements binding the top sheet and the fluid collection layer together is that the boundary region exhibits a drier surface than the inlet region, which is advantageous because it reduces the risk of skin irritation.
[0011] The friction between nonwoven materials and the user's skin differs in the presence and absence of liquid / moisture. Even very small amounts of moisture can negatively impact the friction between the material and the user's skin. It has been found that the boundary area has a drier surface than the inlet area, as described in more detail in Example 1 below. Therefore, it has been found important to carefully design the incontinence pad to optimize dryness in the area around the tendons in the groin region and associated with the middle portion of the pad during use. Consequently, the area of the boundary area in the middle portion is more than 50% larger than the area of the inlet area. This increases dryness and reduces friction, particularly around the tendons in the groin region, a narrow area with a high level of mechanical interaction between the article and the user.
[0012] The area of the boundary region in the middle part can be larger than its area in the front part.
[0013] At least most of the discrete pattern elements of the first bonding pattern can be spaced apart from each other by a distance of less than 3 mm, less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm. In this context, the distance between discrete pattern elements (bonding portions) is determined as the shortest distance between bonding portions that are adjacent to each other in a corresponding manner. This distance is measured from the edge of the bonding portion. The percentage of the bonding area in the boundary region relative to the total area in the boundary region can be greater than 10%, 15%, or 20%.
[0014] The top sheet and the fluid acquisition material are connected to each other in the boundary region by numerous bonding sites. These bonding sites are essentially point-like and are formed by simultaneously compressing the material laminate and supplying energy to it. This causes the thermoplastic material to soften or melt at the bonding sites, thereby binding the top sheet and the fluid acquisition material together. Bonding of the top sheet and the fluid acquisition material is performed by means of thermal bonding or ultrasonic bonding. When the molten or softened thermoplastic material in the fluid inlet material cools, it solidifies and acts as a binder for the material laminate consisting of the top sheet and the acquisition layer. In addition to binding the top sheet and the fluid acquisition material together, permanent compaction or solidification of the porous structure in the top sheet and the acquisition layer in the boundary region is also achieved.
[0015] The dense positioning of the joints results in a higher compaction in the boundary region compared to the inlet region. The material within and immediately surrounding the joints is strongly compacted, exhibiting finer capillaries than the surrounding material. This causes the joints to form regions with an increased ability to allow liquid to enter the boundary region from the inlet region. Even if the actual joints are almost entirely impermeable to liquid, the compacted fibrous structure generated around the joints due to the compression associated with the joints results in a high liquid transfer capacity in the region immediately surrounding each joint. The relatively small distance between the joints also affects the region around them, resulting in a denser structure. Consequently, the capillary size in the compacted region of the boundary region is smaller than that in the region of the inlet region. Therefore, a dense pattern with multiple discrete joints in the boundary region is advantageous.
[0016] Each discrete pattern element can have a diameter of less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.
[0017] Suitable thermoplastic fibers in the fluid collection layer can be polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and / or copolyester (coPET). Different types of so-called bicomponent fibers can also be used. The amount of polyester (PET) fiber can be from 20 to 50% by weight, and the amount of copolyester (coPET) fiber can be from 20 to 50% by weight. The collection layer can contain bicomponent fibers, such as bicomponent fibers of polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET).
[0018] The liquid collection layer may contain fibers with a density of 2-14 dtex or optionally 6-12 dtex. The liquid collection layer may contain fibers that are coarser than those in a fluid-permeable fibrous top sheet.
[0019] The liquid-permeable layer may also contain nonwoven materials, including thermoplastic materials such as, for example, polypropylene and / or polyethylene.
[0020] The total area of the boundary zone can be greater than the total area of the entrance zone.
[0021] The boundary region can have the same longitudinal extension as the fluid acquisition layer.
[0022] In the front section, the area of the entrance area can be greater than 50% of the area of the boundary area. The entrance area can have the maximum lateral width in the front section and can taper to the minimum lateral width in the middle or rear section.
[0023] Because the combined pattern in the boundary area compresses the area within the boundary area, a cushion-like area is also formed in the entrance area. The beneficial effect of forming a cushion-like area in the entrance area is that the entrance area is visible to the user from the top. The appearance of the cushion-like area in the entrance area also signals softness. The thickness of the incontinence pad in the entrance area can be greater than its thickness in the boundary area.
[0024] The fluid collection layer can be positioned at least partially in the front and middle sections. The fluid collection layer can be smaller than the absorbent core, such that it does not extend laterally over the entire width of the absorbent core, and / or does not extend longitudinally over the entire length of the absorbent core. This provides a concealed front and rear section for the incontinence pad while allowing rapid entry into the inlet area. The fluid collection layer can extend no more than 85% of the absorbent core. The length of the collection layer can range from 40% to 85% of the length of the absorbent core. This provides a secure inlet area over the area where fluid absorption properties are most needed, and discrete areas of thinner sections in the front and rear of the pad. The fluid collection layer can have a generally rectangular shape.
[0025] According to an alternative embodiment, the fluid collection layer and the absorber core have equal dimensions. Having equal dimensions simplifies the manufacturing process, for example. If the fluid collection layer also extends to the rear, the inlet region and the boundary region can also extend to the rear. The inlet area in the rear can also be smaller than the boundary area in the rear.
[0026] The fluid-permeable fibrous top sheet and the collection layer can also be bonded together at one or more bonding sites in the inlet area. According to this embodiment, the bonding area is a very low percentage of the total area in the inlet area, and is bonded together only at a few bonding sites, i.e., 1-10 bonding sites. The advantage of having one or more bonding sites in the inlet area is that the inlet area will be visually more attractive due to the visualization of its large, soft, and pillow-like appearance. The thickness of the incontinence pad in the inlet area can be greater than its thickness in the inlet boundary area. The boundary area can be printed to enhance its visual appearance.
[0027] The absorbent core can have a higher density than the fluid collection layer. This density gradient facilitates rapid fluid drainage from the fluid collection layer to the absorbent core. The fluid collection layer's function is to absorb and temporarily store fluid impacting the pad at a high flow rate, so that it can subsequently be drained by the absorbent core at a slower rate. The absorbent core can comprise only a single absorbent layer, or two or more absorbent layers. If the absorbent core comprises two layers, the first and second core layers can have different dimensions to provide a urinary incontinence pad with, for example, thinner concealed front and back sections. According to one embodiment, the absorbent core comprises two core layers, with the first core layer positioned between the top sheet and the second core layer, and the second core layer positioned between the first core layer and a liquid-impermeable back sheet. The first and / or second core layers can contain a superabsorbent polymer, for example, in an amount starting from 40% by weight, such as 50% by weight, optionally ranging from 40% by weight to 70% by weight. The superabsorbent polymer can be blended, for example, with cellulose fibers. The second core layer can have a higher density than the first core layer, optionally at least 50% higher, such as at least 75% higher, or at least 100% higher. This density gradient facilitates rapid liquid discharge from the first core layer to the second core layer, and thus also facilitates rapid inlet from the top sheet, thereby providing higher surface dryness and reduced risk of rewetting.
[0028] The boundary zone can surround the entire perimeter of the entrance zone and is a continuous area surrounding the entire entrance zone.
[0029] The boundary region may alternatively include at least two separate discontinuous regions that together surround a large portion of the periphery of the entrance region. Thus, the boundary region may include at least two such separate discontinuous regions that together surround at least a large portion of the periphery of the entrance region, for example, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or at least 95% of the periphery of the entrance region. According to this embodiment, the boundary region is divided into a first lateral boundary region and a second lateral boundary region, each extending on a corresponding side of the longitudinal centerline Lc. The first and second lateral boundary regions may be positioned anteriorly and posteriorly to the entrance region. Optionally, the boundary region may also have a third and / or a fourth boundary region. The third boundary region may extend above the longitudinal centerline Lc, with its anterior edge closer to the anterior edge of the incontinence pad than the anterior edges of the first and second boundary regions. The fourth boundary region may extend above the longitudinal centerline Lc, with its posterior edge closer to the posterior edge of the incontinence pad than the posterior edges of the first and second boundary regions. The percentage of the combined area relative to the total area can vary in the respective boundary regions. For example, the combined area in the first and second side boundary regions can be greater than the percentage of the combined area in the third and / or fourth boundary regions.
[0030] The entrance area can have the maximum lateral width in the front and can taper to the minimum lateral width in the middle or rear. The entrance area can be mirror-symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline Lc.
[0031] According to one embodiment, the entrance area has a maximum lateral width in the front and tapers to a minimum lateral width in the middle or rear, and is mirror-symmetrical about the longitudinal centerline Lc.
[0032] The first and second longitudinal edges of the incontinence pad may be substantially straight and substantially parallel to each other. Alternatively, the incontinence pad may be wider in at least a portion of the front section than in the middle and rear sections. Attached Figure Description
[0033] The invention will be further explained below with the aid of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This invention illustrates an incontinence pad according to the present disclosure; and Figure 2 It comes from Figure 1 An exploded view of an incontinence pad.
[0034] Figure 3 Two incontinence pads with alternative entry and boundary areas are shown. Detailed Implementation
[0035] It should be understood that the figures are schematic and the components are not necessarily drawn to scale. The incontinence pads shown in the figures are provided as examples only and should not be considered limiting of the invention. The incontinence pads disclosed herein may vary within the scope of the appended claims.
[0036] Figure 1The incontinence pad 1 is shown as viewed from the wearer's side. The incontinence pad 1 has a longitudinal direction L with a longitudinal centerline Lc, a transverse direction T with a transverse centerline Tc, and a thickness direction Z. The incontinence pad 1 has a first longitudinal side edge 2 and a second longitudinal side edge 3, as well as a front edge 4 and a rear edge 5. The incontinence pad 1 is divided in the longitudinal direction into a front portion 13, a rear portion 15, and a middle portion 14 of equal length. The incontinence pad 1 includes a fluid-permeable fibrous top sheet 6, a back sheet 7, and an absorbent core 8 positioned between the top sheet 6 and the back sheet 7. A fluid-collecting layer 9 is positioned between the top sheet 6 and the absorbent core 8. The fluid-collecting layer 9 is a fibrous layer containing a thermoplastic material with a basis weight in the range of 30 gsm to 150 gsm. Furthermore, the incontinence pad 1 has liquid inlet regions 10 extending along the longitudinal centerline Lc in the front portion 13, the middle portion 14, and also in a portion of the rear portion 15. The area of the inlet region 10 in the front portion 13 should be larger than its area in the middle portion 14. A boundary region 11 surrounds the liquid inlet region 10 and includes a first bonding pattern 12, such as a thermally bonded pattern or an ultrasonically bonded pattern, in the form of discrete patterned elements 14 that bond the top sheet 6 and the fluid collection layer 9 together. In the middle portion 14, the area of the boundary region 11 is more than 50% larger than the area of the inlet region 10. The area of the boundary region 11 in the middle portion 14 is larger than its area in the front portion 13. The discrete patterned elements 14 of the first bonding pattern 12 are spaced apart from each other by a distance of less than 2 mm. The inlet region 10 has a maximum lateral width in the front portion 13 and tapers to a minimum lateral width in the middle portion 14 or the rear portion 15. The inlet region is mirror-symmetric about the longitudinal centerline Lc.
[0037] Figure 2 It comes from Figure 1 An exploded view of an incontinence pad. Figure 2The incontinence pad 1 shown includes a fluid-permeable fibrous top sheet 6, a back sheet 7, and an absorbent core 8 positioned between the top sheet 6 and the back sheet 7. A fluid collection layer 9 is positioned between the top sheet 6 and the absorbent core 8. The incontinence pad 1 has a liquid inlet region 10 extending along a longitudinal centerline Lc in a front portion 13, a middle portion 14, and also in a portion of a rear portion 15. The area of the inlet region 10 in the front portion 13 is larger than that in the middle portion 14. A boundary region 11 surrounds the liquid inlet region 10 and includes a first bonding pattern 12, such as a thermal bonding pattern or an ultrasonic bonding pattern, in the form of discrete patterned elements 14 that bond the top sheet 6 and the fluid collection layer 9 together. In the middle portion 14, the area of the boundary region 11 is more than 50% larger than the area of the inlet region 10, and the area of the boundary region 11 in the middle portion 14 is larger than that in the front portion 13. The inlet region 10 has a maximum lateral width in the front portion 13 and tapers to a minimum lateral width in the middle portion 14 or the rear portion 15. The entrance area is mirror-symmetric about the longitudinal centerline Lc. The incontinence pad also includes an absorbent core 8. The absorbent core 8 in the incontinence pad 1 comprises a layer of absorbent material. However, the incontinence pad 1 according to the invention may also comprise more than one absorbent core layer. The absorbent core 8 can be of any conventional type. Examples of commonly found absorbent materials are cellulose fluff pulp, cotton paper, highly absorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials, or the like. Cellulose fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymers are often combined in the absorbent core. High absorbency is provided by using a large amount of superabsorbent material. Thin absorbent cores, such as those common in urinary incontinence pads, typically comprise a compressed, mixed, or layered structure of cellulose fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymers. In some embodiments, the absorbent core may be of a monolithic construction, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process, for example. The phrase "monolithic construction" in this context is intended to mean that the absorbent core is composed of the same type of material, or of the same combination of two or more materials throughout the absorbent core. Variations in the density and concentration of the materials may occur, but these variations are limited to those that can be obtained without combining areas that have been individually formed and then physically bonded together.
[0038] In some embodiments, the absorber core may have a multilayer structure. In this sense, the absorber core may include multiple absorber layers. When the absorber core includes multiple absorber layers, the dimensions of each layer may be equal or may differ in one or more dimensions.
[0039] Figure 3 Two alternative incontinence pads are shown as viewed from the wearer's side. In one alternative incontinence pad, the boundary area surrounds the entire periphery of the entrance area, and the boundary area is a continuous region completely surrounding the entire entrance area. The entrance area in this alternative incontinence pad has an elliptical shape. Figure 3In another alternative incontinence pad, the boundary region comprises two separate discontinuous areas that together surround a large portion of the periphery of the entrance region. Therefore, the boundary region in this alternative incontinence pad has two separate discontinuous areas that together surround at least a large portion of the periphery of the entrance region. In this alternative incontinence pad, the boundary region is divided into a first lateral boundary region and a second lateral boundary region, each extending on a corresponding side of the longitudinal centerline Lc. In this alternative incontinence pad, the entrance region has a maximum lateral width in the anterior portion and tapers to a minimum lateral width in the middle and posterior portions. The entrance region is mirror-symmetric about the longitudinal centerline Lc. Furthermore, the first and second lateral boundary regions are mirror-symmetric about the longitudinal centerline Lc.
[0040] Example 1 - Surface Moisture Measurement After a certain volume of liquid is dispensed into the sample, the remaining volume of liquid is measured across a depth of 500 μm, starting from the top side facing the wearer and extending toward the back sheet. The device used is a Magritek GmbH NMR-MOUSE PM25 (Mobile Universal Surface Explorer). An NMR mouse is a device used to analyze the moisture distribution of absorbent articles in the thickness direction (Z). The NMR sensor uses the same principle as clinical magnetic resonance imaging. Water molecules are detected via radio frequency waves. The sensor excites a sensitive volume at a fixed distance from the magnet surface. By mechanically moving the sensor, the sensitive volume is stepped through the sample, and a sequence of pulses is applied at each location. The amplitude of the response signal is a direct measure of the amount of water in the examined volume. In this case, the examined volume is based on an area of 4 cm × 4 cm and a thickness of 100 μm. Measurements are taken across a depth of 500 μm, starting from the top side facing the wearer and extending toward the back sheet. The amplitude is measured at 100 μm intervals, and the total volume of liquid collected, in μl, is then calculated from this data.
[0041] Sample 1 is the entrance area of the incontinence pad according to the present invention. The top sheet layer is a nonwoven fiber layer of 100% polypropylene fiber. The liquid collection layer is a nonwoven layer having 40% by weight PP / PET bicomponent fiber, 30% by weight CoPET fiber, and 30% by weight PET fiber. The fluid-permeable top sheet layer and the liquid collection layer are laminated with adhesive. The absorbent core contains cellulose pulp and superabsorbent particles.
[0042] Sample 2 is the boundary region of the incontinence pad according to the present invention and includes the same material layer as the incontinence pad in Sample 1. The boundary region has an ultrasonic bonding pattern in the form of discrete patterned elements.
[0043] Add 10 ml of test solution to the sample using the dosing unit, then drain the sample from the excess test solution for 1 minute. The test solution is a 0.9% saline solution. Before testing, acclimate the sample to 23°C and 50% relative humidity for two hours, and perform the measurement in a room controlled at 23°C and 50% relative humidity.
[0044] The results showed that, without the ultrasonic binding pattern, sample 2 (boundary region) was drier than sample 1 (entrance region).
Claims
1. A urinary incontinence pad (1) having first and second longitudinal side edges (2, 3), a front edge and a rear edge (4, 5), and a longitudinal direction (L) with a longitudinal centerline (Lc), a transverse direction (T) with a transverse centerline (Tc), and a thickness direction (Z), the incontinence pad (1) being divided in the longitudinal direction into a front portion (13), a rear portion (15) and a middle portion (14) of equal length, the urinary incontinence pad (1) comprising a fluid-permeable fibrous top sheet (6), a back sheet (7), and an absorbent core (8) positioned between the top sheet (6) and the back sheet (7), and a fluid collection layer (9) positioned between the top sheet (6) and the absorbent core (8), the fluid collection layer (9) comprising a thickness of 30 gsm to 150 gsm. The incontinence pad has a fibrous layer of base weight within the range of gsm, the fibrous layer comprising a thermoplastic material, the incontinence pad having a liquid inlet region (10) extending along the longitudinal centerline (Lc) in the front portion (13) and the middle portion (14), characterized in that, The incontinence pad has at least partially surrounding the liquid inlet region (10) and includes a first bonding pattern (12) in the form of discrete patterned elements (14) that bond the top sheet (6) and the fluid collection layer (9) together, such as a thermal bonding pattern or an ultrasonic bonding pattern, wherein the area of the boundary region (11) in the middle portion (14) is more than 50% greater than the area of the inlet region (10).
2. The incontinence pad according to claim 1, wherein the area of the inlet region (10) in the front portion (13) is greater than the area in the middle portion (14).
3. The incontinence pad according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid collection layer (9) comprises a fibrous layer having a basis weight in the range of 45 gsm to 130 gsm or 60 gsm to 120 gsm.
4. The incontinence pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the boundary region (11) in the middle portion (14) is greater than the area in the front portion (13).
5. The incontinence pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least most of the discrete pattern elements (14) of the first combined pattern (12) are spaced apart from each other by a distance of less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.
6. The incontinence pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the percentage of the binding area in the boundary region relative to the total area in the boundary region is greater than 10%, or greater than 15%, or greater than 20%.
7. The incontinence pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each discrete pattern element (20) has a diameter of less than 3 mm, or less than 2 mm, or less than 1.5 mm.
8. The incontinence pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection layer comprises polyester (PET) fibers.
9. The incontinence pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection layer comprises copolyester (coPET) fibers.
10. The incontinence pad according to claims 8 and 9, wherein the amount of polyester (PET) fiber is 20% to 50% by weight and the amount of copolyester (coPET) fiber is 20% to 50% by weight.
11. The incontinence pad according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid collection layer comprises bicomponent fibers, optionally bicomponent fibers of polypropylene (PP) and polyester (PET).
12. The incontinence pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the collection layer comprises fibers having a roughness of 2 to 14 dtex or optionally 6 to 12 dtex.
13. The incontinence pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid-permeable fibrous topsheet comprises a nonwoven material comprising thermoplastic fibers.
14. The incontinence pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the collection layer comprises fibers that are coarser than the fibers in the fluid-permeable fibrous topsheet.
15. The incontinence pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the total area of the boundary region (11) is greater than the area of the entrance region (10).
16. The incontinence pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the boundary region (11) has the same extent of extension in the longitudinal direction as the fluid collection layer (9).
17. The incontinence pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the entrance region (10) in the front portion (13) is greater than 50% relative to the area of the boundary region (11).
18. The incontinence pad according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid collection layer (9) is at least partially located in the front portion (13) and the middle portion (14), and the length of the liquid collection layer (9) is in the range of 40% to 85% of the length of the absorbent core (8).
19. The incontinence pad (1) according to any one of claims 1-17, wherein the liquid collection layer (9) has the same length as the absorbent core (8).
20. The incontinence pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid-permeable fibrous top sheet and the liquid collection layer are also bonded together at one or more bonding sites in the inlet area.
21. The incontinence pad (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent core (8) has a higher density than the fluid collection layer (9).
22. The incontinence pad (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the area of the boundary region (11) is a continuous area surrounding the entire entrance region (10).
23. The incontinence pad (1) according to any one of claims 1-20, wherein the boundary area (11) is divided into more than one region.