Sanitary pads containing water-soluble preparations

Abstract

A sanitary pad (1), such as a panty liner, comprising a fluid permeable topsheet (2) and a backsheet (3), the sanitary pad (1) extending in a longitudinal direction (L) and a lateral direction (T) and having first and second longitudinal side edges (5, 6) and front and rear edges (7, 8), the sanitary pad (1) having a length (l) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) and measured along a longitudinal centerline (Lc) of the sanitary pad (1), and a maximum width (Wm) measured in the lateral direction (T), the sanitary pad (1) being comprised, as viewed in the longitudinal direction (L), of a front third (9), a rear third (10), and a central third (11) disposed between the front and rear thirds (9, 10), and being attached to the topsheet (2). is provided in a water-soluble formulation applied to a covered zone (12) disposed along the rear edge (8) and the first and second longitudinal side edges (5, 6) in the rear third (10) of the sanitary pad (1) and forming a boundary in the rear third (10) that delimits an inner rear zone (13) that comprises or consists of an uncovered topsheet region, the inner rear zone (13) extending along a longitudinal centerline (Lc), the covered zone (12) being disposed at a distance from the rear edge (8) and from the first and second longitudinal side edges (5, 6) and covering at least 25%, optionally at least 35% or at least 50% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet (2) in the rear third (10) of the sanitary pad (1).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sanitary pad, such as a sanitary pad, a panty liner, a diaper, or an incontinence pad, comprising a topsheet and a backsheet, the topsheet comprising a water-soluble formulation applied to a coverage zone. [Background technology]

[0002] Sanitary pads of the type to which this disclosure relates are applied against the skin and comprise a topsheet and a backsheet layer. Any use of products applied in direct contact with the skin can lead to undesirable side effects. These can occur as a result of occlusion, moisture, mechanical, microbial and enzymatic factors, all of which can interact and amplify each other's effects to different degrees, causing different forms of skin irritation to the user of said article.

[0003] During frequent exudation of body fluids and frequent use of disposable sanitary pads, the skin may become inflamed, red and painful to the touch. Creams, preparations or ointments can be used to provide an artificial hydrophobic barrier to the skin. However, the use of such hydrophobic compositions has a negative effect on the absorbent performance of the article. To avoid this side effect, the hydrophobic composition is often applied on the topsheet in a relatively small amount and in different patterns, such as elongated stripes extending parallel across the topsheet.

[0004] Thinner and smaller sized sanitary pads, such as panty liners, may be used more frequently, sometimes daily, which may also lead to blockages and increased mechanical impacts on the skin. Thinner and smaller sized sanitary pads may also have softer lateral rear and front edges and side edges that are mainly located near the crotch area. This results in a higher degree of unwanted folding, kinking or twisting of the edges of such articles, which may cause discomfort and impair the performance of the product. Furthermore, compared to thicker and more three-dimensional sanitary pads, smaller sanitary pads with a relatively two-dimensional shape are more likely to move against the skin of the user, resulting in a higher risk of chafing against the skin, compared to products that include, for example, ridges in the crotch area and are shaped to fit more closely to the user's organs.

[0005] The application of creams, preparations and ointments separately to the skin is often cumbersome and inconvenient. Most of the time, these products are not used prophylactically, but only when there are signs of skin irritation, such as diaper rash. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In view of the above, it would be desirable to provide a comfortable sanitary pad that prevents skin irritation and provides skin benefits while maintaining satisfactory performance characteristics. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One or more of the above mentioned objects can be achieved with a sanitary pad according to claim 1. Further embodiments are described in the dependent claims, in the following description and in the drawings.

[0008] A sanitary pad, such as a panty liner, as disclosed herein comprises a fluid-permeable topsheet and a backsheet. The sanitary pad extends in the longitudinal and transverse directions and has a first and second longitudinal side edge and a front edge and a rear edge. The sanitary pad has a length extending in the longitudinal direction and a maximum width measured in the transverse direction, measured along the longitudinal centerline of the sanitary pad. The sanitary pad is composed of a front third, a rear third and a central third located between the front third and the rear third. The topsheet is provided with a water-soluble formulation applied to a covered zone located along the rear edge and the first and second longitudinal side edges in the rear third of the sanitary pad, forming a boundary in the rear third that delimits an inner rear zone that includes or consists of an uncovered topsheet region. The inner rear zone extends along a longitudinal centerline in a rear third of the sanitary pad. The coverage zone is spaced from the rear edge and from the first and second longitudinal side edges and covers at least 25% or more, 35% or more, or at least 50% or more of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the rear third of the sanitary pad.

[0009] Optionally, the coverage zone covers in the range of 25% to 80% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the rear third of the sanitary pad.Optionally, the coverage zone covers from 35% to 75% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the rear third of the sanitary pad.

[0010] The term "sanitary pad" refers to an article that is placed against the wearer's skin in the crotch of the wearer to absorb and contain bodily exudates, such as waste, urine, and menstrual fluid. This disclosure primarily refers to disposable sanitary pads, meaning articles that are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as sanitary pads. Examples of disposable sanitary pads include feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, and incontinence pads.

[0011] During use, the sanitary pad remains in intimate contact with the skin of the user. The moist environment between the topsheet and the skin, resulting from frequent weeping during use of the sanitary pad, can increase friction, leading to skin irritation and deterioration of the skin barrier.

[0012] The present disclosure is based on the inventors' discovery that the area of ​​the sanitary pad that is in closest contact with the user's skin is not the central area, but the area located along the rear edge and the first and second longitudinal side edges in the rear third of the sanitary pad. It has further been discovered that the area in closest contact with the skin does not include such edges. Thus, there is an advantage that the inner rear zone includes or consists of an uncovered topsheet area, while providing this area with a water-soluble formulation beneficial to the skin that reduces friction. The fact that the covered zone is located at a distance from the rear edge and from the first and second longitudinal side edges prevents soiling of the undergarment due to the edges being folded over. This is particularly important since the present disclosure relates to sanitary pads with edges located closer to the crotch area compared to, for example, diapers.

[0013] The distance from the covered zone to each of the trailing edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge may be 1 mm or more, optionally in the range of 1 mm to 18 mm, optionally in the range of 1 mm to 15 mm, for example in the range of 1 to 10 mm. The fact that the covered zone is located at a distance from the edges prevents smearing of the formulation on the undergarment even if the edges are folded up during use.

[0014] The sanitary pad may include an absorbent core disposed between a topsheet and a backsheet, and may include areas free of the absorbent core at the leading edge, trailing edge, and longitudinal side edges where the topsheet and backsheet are connected to one another directly or through an acquisition layer.

[0015] The absorbent core can have a generally uniform unloaded caliper throughout the absorbent core. The absorbent core can be constructed of one absorbent layer and therefore has a uniform unloaded caliper.

[0016] Alternatively, the absorbent core may comprise two or more absorbent layers, each of which may have the same elongation in the longitudinal and lateral directions, such that when viewed from the user-facing side of the pad, the outer edges of each of the absorbent layers therefore coincide, so that the thickness of the absorbent core is uniform.

[0017] The coverage zone may be located along the leading edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge in the front third of the sanitary pad, the coverage zone being spaced apart from the leading edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge in the front third of the sanitary pad, such sanitary pad providing benefits to the skin in both the posterior and anterior regions of the user.

[0018] The covered zone may form a boundary in the front third that delimits an inner front zone that includes or consists of an uncovered topsheet region, and the inner front zone may extend along the longitudinal centerline. The covered zone in the front third covers at least 25%, or at least 35%, or at least 50% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the front third of the sanitary pad.

[0019] Optionally, the coverage zone in the front third of the sanitary pad covers in the range of 25% to 80% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the front third of the sanitary pad.Optionally, the coverage zone in the front third of the sanitary pad covers in the range of 35% to 70% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the front third of the sanitary pad.

[0020] The fact that the coverage zone is spaced apart from the rear edge and from the first and second longitudinal side edges prevents soiling of the undergarment due to kinking, twisting and folding of the edges.

[0021] The distance from the covering zone to each of the leading edge, the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge may be 1 mm or more, optionally within the range of 1 mm to 18 mm, or 1 mm to 15 mm.

[0022] The covered zone may be located along the first and second longitudinal side edges in the central third of the sanitary pad, the covered zone being located at a distance from the first and second longitudinal side edges in the central third of the sanitary pad and forming a boundary in the central third that bounds an inner central zone that includes or consists of an uncovered topsheet area, the inner central uncovered zone extending along the longitudinal centerline, and optionally the inner central uncovered zone covers at least 40% of the total area of ​​the topsheet in the central third of the sanitary pad. This improves skin benefits in the crotch region of the user while maintaining the absorbent capacity of the sanitary pad in the central crotch region. According to this embodiment, the covered zone is located to provide an outer boundary in the central third of the sanitary pad that bounds an inner central uncovered zone. The covered zone may cover at least 25%, or at least 35%, or at least 50% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the central third of the sanitary article. Optionally, the coverage zone covers in the range of 25% to 80%, such as in the range of 35 to 75%, of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the central third of the hygiene article.

[0023] The distance from the coating zone to each of the first and second longitudinal side edges may be 1 mm or more, optionally within the range of 1 mm to 18 mm.

[0024] The length of the sanitary pad may be within the range of 100 to 300 mm, or 100 to 260 mm. Such shorter sanitary pads may pose a greater risk of folding the edges of the sanitary pad as the leading and trailing edges are located closer to the crotch area of ​​the user where there may be a greater risk of causing the edges of the sanitary pad to kink, twist or fold.

[0025] The maximum width of the sanitary pad can be in the range of 35 mm to 110 mm. In such narrower sanitary pads, the risk of folding the edges of the sanitary pad can be greater, since the longitudinal side edges are located closer to the crotch area of ​​the user, which can increase the risk of causing folding of the edges of the sanitary pad in this area. If the edges are provided with a formulation, there is a risk of soiling the underwear. If the pad is provided with wings, i.e. two wing-like fastening elements extending outward from the body so as to allow the pad to be fixed to the underwear, the width of the wings is excluded when measuring the maximum width of the sanitary pad.

[0026] The amount of formulation in the coated zone may be in the range of 0.2 gsm to 12 gsm, or 0.5 gsm to 7 gsm, or 0.5 gsm to 3 gsm, which have been found by the inventors to be particularly suitable for the intended purpose in sanitary pads when a coated zone is provided according to the present disclosure.

[0027] The water-soluble formulation may include, for example, allantoin and / or betaine. The water-soluble formulation may include a water-miscible vehicle such as glycerin, propylene glycol, and / or PEG. The water-soluble formulation may be oil-free and emulsifier-free, or the water-soluble formulation may alternatively be non-encapsulated oil and / or emulsifier-free.

[0028] The aqueous formulation can be applied in the coverage zone in an amount ranging from 0.2 to 12 gsm, optionally in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 7 gsm, or in an amount ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 gsm. The aqueous formulation can be added to the topsheet before assembly of the hygiene article, or to the topsheet of the assembled hygiene article before or after cutting out the individual hygiene articles. The amount of coating defined in this application is the amount of coating on the article during use of the article, since the topsheet can be dried after the aqueous formulation is applied and the amount of coating is measured after the topsheet is dried. After the drying step, the coating can be a dry coating. The formulation can be provided continuously to the coverage zone. Alternatively, the formulation can be applied discontinuously, for example in a dotted or striped pattern.

[0029] The non-covered zone is defined by the inner contour of the covered zone and can form a head region, a body region and a neck region, the neck region forming a transition region between the head region and the body region, the head region being located in the front half of the sanitary pad and the body region being located in the front half and in the rear half of the sanitary pad, the lateral width of the non-covered zone in the neck region being smaller than the maximum lateral width of the head region, whereby the covered zone is increased in the crotch region, which is an area in close contact with the sanitary pad and therefore particularly exposed to friction, and can therefore benefit from the skin-beneficial action of the water-soluble formulation.

[0030] The topsheet can include a second side opposite the first side, the second side of the topsheet being printed in a print zone, and the cover zone on the first side of the topsheet can overlap the print zone partially or completely in a depth direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. This can provide a visual cue to the user of where the water-soluble coating is located, which can provide the user with an indication of how to position the pad, as well as a cue that a skin-beneficial formulation is present. The print can have different colors or different shades of the same color. It is also possible to visualize the presence of a skin-beneficial coating in one print zone and visualize, for example, a central wet area in another print zone.

[0031] The invention will now be further described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sanitary pad according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the sanitary pad from FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the sanitary pad from FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of a sanitary pad according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] It should be understood that the drawings are schematic and that individual components, such as layers of material, are not necessarily drawn to scale. The sanitary pads shown in the drawings are provided by way of example only and should not be considered as limiting the invention as disclosed herein.

[0034] 1 to 3 show a sanitary pad 1 according to the present disclosure. The sanitary pad 1 includes a topsheet 2 and a backsheet 3. An absorbent core 4 is disposed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3. The topsheet 2 has a user-facing side 2a and an opposite side 2b facing away from the user.

[0035] The sanitary pad can be any one of feminine hygiene products such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, incontinence pads, diapers, etc. The diapers can be open diapers and pant diapers.

[0036] The sanitary pad 1 extends in a longitudinal direction L and a lateral direction T and has a first longitudinal side edge 5, a second longitudinal side edge 6, a leading edge 7 and a trailing edge 8. The sanitary pad 1 has a length l, measured in the longitudinal direction L along a longitudinal centre line Lc of the sanitary pad 1, and a maximum width Wm, measured in the lateral direction T. The sanitary pad 1 is made up of a front third 9, a rear third 10 and a central third 11 located between the front third 9 and the rear third 10. The topsheet 2 is provided with a water-soluble formulation, which is applied in a coverage zone 12 located in the rear third 10 of the sanitary pad 1 along the trailing edge 8 and the first and second longitudinal side edges 5, 6. The covered zone 12 forms a boundary in the rear third that delimits an inner rear zone 13 that includes or consists of an uncovered topsheet region. The inner rear zone 13 extends along a longitudinal centerline Lc. The covered zone 12 is located at a distance d from the rear edge 8 and from the first and second longitudinal side edges 5, 6. The covered zone covers in the range of 25% to 80% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the rear third of the sanitary pad. Optionally, the covered zone covers from 35% to 75% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the rear third of the sanitary pad.

[0037] The covered zone 12 forms a boundary in the front third that delimits an inner front zone 14 that includes or consists of an uncovered topsheet region. The inner front zone 14 extends along a longitudinal centerline Lc.

[0038] The covered zone 12 is further arranged along the first and second longitudinal side edges 5, 6 in the central third 11 of the sanitary pad 1. The covered zone 12 is arranged at a distance from the first and second longitudinal side edges 5, 6 in the central third 11 of the sanitary pad 1 and forms, on each lateral side thereof, a boundary in the central third 11 that delimits an inner central zone 15 comprising or consisting of an uncovered topsheet region.

[0039] The distance d from the covered zone 12 to the trailing edge 8 may be in the range of 1 mm to 18 mm, or the distance d from the covered zone 12 to the trailing edge 8 may be in the range of 1 mm to 18 mm, or 1 mm to 15 mm. The distance d from the covered zone 12 to the first and second longitudinal side edges 5, 6 may be in the range of 1 mm to 18 mm. This is also an advantage during production when cutting the final sanitary pad and prevents soiling of the undergarment even if the edges are folded over during use.

[0040] The sanitary pad 1 in Fig. 2 has a length l in the range of 100 to 300 mm. It is therefore a smaller size type of sanitary pad, such as a panty liner. The maximum width Wm of the sanitary pad 1 is in the range of 35 to 110 mm. For smaller size sanitary pads, such as panty liners, the risk of edge folding may increase since the edges are closer to the crotch area, which may mean that the mechanical forces acting on the edge area of ​​the sanitary pad increase, for example when sitting and changing positions, moving the legs, etc.

[0041] The amount of formulation in the coating zone is in the range of 0.2 gsm to 12 gsm, or 0.5 gsm to 7 gsm, or 0.5 gsm to 3 gsm, which have been found to be particularly suitable for the intended purpose.

[0042] The formulation may be provided continuously in the coating zone 12. However, the formulation may also be provided discontinuously, for example in stripes, dots or a combination thereof.

[0043] In Figure 2, the inner front zone 14, the inner rear zone 13 and the inner central zone 15 form an uncovered zone defined by the inner contour of the covered zone 12. The uncovered zone forms a head region 18, a body region 19 and a neck region 20, the neck region 20 forming a transition region between the head region 18 and the body region 19. The head region 18 is located in the front half of the sanitary pad 1 and the body region 19 is located in the front half and in the rear half of the sanitary pad 1. The lateral width of the uncovered zone in the neck region is smaller than the maximum lateral width of the head region.

[0044] In Figs. 1-3, the topsheet 2 is printed with a printing element 21 provided in a printing zone 22. The printing element 21 is printed on the second side 2b of the topsheet 2, i.e., the side opposite to the side on which the coating zone 12 is provided. The printing zone 22 overlaps with the coating zone 12 and correlates with the coating zone 12 when viewed in a depth direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. For example, the outline of the printing zone 22 may correspond to the outline of the coating zone 12. This can provide a visual cue to the user of where the formulation is located, which can provide the user with an indication of the presence of a beneficial formulation on the skin, as well as providing the user with instructions on how to place the article. There is also an inner uncoated and unprinted area in Figs. 1 and 2 that is free of printing and formulation.

[0045] The topsheet may comprise or consist of a fibrous nonwoven layer that is spunbonded, meltblown, carded, hydroentangled or wet laid. Suitable nonwoven materials may be composed of natural fibers such as wood pulp or cotton fibers, synthetic thermoplastic fibers such as polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, as well as blends and combinations thereof, or mixtures of natural and synthetic fibers. Materials suitable as topsheet materials should be soft, non-irritating to the skin, and easily permeable to bodily fluids such as menstrual fluids and urine. The formulation may be applied by any suitable method or combination of methods, such as, for example, coating, slot coating, spraying, kiss-rolling, dipping or printing.

[0046] The backsheet 3 may consist of a thin plastic film, such as a polyethylene or polypropylene film, a nonwoven material coated with a liquid impermeable material, a hydrophobic nonwoven, all of which will resist liquid penetration. Laminates of plastic films and nonwoven materials may also be used. The backsheet material may be breathable, allowing vapors to escape from the absorbent structure while still preventing liquids from passing through the backsheet material.

[0047] The absorbent core 4 constitutes the absorbent structure of the article that acquires and stores bodily fluids. The absorbent core may be of any conventional type. Examples of common absorbent materials are cellulosic fluff pulp, tissue, highly absorbent polymers (so-called superabsorbents), absorbent foam materials, absorbent nonwoven materials, etc. It is common to combine cellulosic fluff pulp and superabsorbent polymers in the absorbent core. Superabsorbent polymers are water-swellable, water-insoluble organic or inorganic materials that can absorb at least about 20 times their own weight in an aqueous solution containing 0.9 weight percent sodium chloride.

[0048] Generally, the core may be of monolithic construction, which may simplify the manufacturing process, for example. The phrase "monolithic construction" in this context is intended to mean that the absorbent core is constructed from essentially one type of material, which may be essentially the same material or essentially the same combination of two or more materials throughout the absorbent core. Variations in material density and concentration may occur, but are limited to those that may be obtained without incorporating regions that are formed separately and then physically bonded together. For example, when the absorbent core comprises a matrix of hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent material as described above, the relative concentrations of superabsorbent material and fibers may vary in different parts of the core. However, a monolithic absorbent core does not include layers or laminates of different composition. Similarly, although variations in density or concentration of various components across the length, width or thickness of the absorbent core are acceptable, the core should not include regions or layers of different composition that are formed separately and then bonded together.

[0049] A suitable technique for producing the absorbent core of the present disclosure is mat formation through an air-laying process, in which a breathable mold is provided, and fibrous material is air-laid into the mold to fill the mold, thereby producing an absorbent core with the desired amount of fibrous material.

[0050] The sanitary pad 1 may optionally comprise an acquisition layer arranged between the absorbent core 4 and the topsheet 2 and joined to the topsheet 2 at least by embossing. In addition, however, it may be glued to the topsheet. The liquid acquisition layer is adapted to rapidly receive and temporarily store the discharged liquid before it is absorbed by the absorbent core 4. Such an acquisition distribution layer may consist, for example, of an airlaid, spunlaced or high loft nonwoven or foam material. The nonwoven material may be hydrophilic. Hydrophilic materials may be obtained by adding surfactants.

[0051] Airlaid nonwovens can be made from fluff, wood pulp, where the fluff fibers are dispersed in a fast moving air stream and condensed onto a moving screen by pressure and vacuum. The web can be bonded with resins and / or thermoplastic resins dispersed within the pulp. The web can be thermally bonded (by heat), latex bonded (by adhesives) or multi-bonded (combination of heat and latex bonding) or mechanically bonded (bonded by high compression and temperature, hydrogen). The basis weight of airlaid nonwovens can suitably be from 35 to 100 gsm.

[0052] A high loft material is a nonwoven material and may be substantially free of absorbent fibers and superabsorbent materials. A high loft nonwoven material may include thermoplastic polymer fibers and may be selected from, but not limited to, polyesters, polyamides, and polyolefins, such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and may be any mixture thereof. A high loft material refers to a bulky fabric with low density compared to flat, paper-like fabrics. A high loft web is characterized by a relatively low density. This means that there is a relatively large amount of voids between the fibers.

[0053] Figure 4 shows a sanitary pad 1 according to the present disclosure. The sanitary pad 1 comprises a topsheet 2, a backsheet 3, and an absorbent core 4 disposed between the topsheet 2 and the backsheet 3. The sanitary pad 1 extends in a longitudinal direction L and a lateral direction T and has a first longitudinal side edge 5, a second longitudinal side edge 6, a leading edge 7, and a trailing edge 8. The sanitary pad 1 has a length l extending in the longitudinal direction L and measured along a longitudinal centreline Lc of the sanitary pad 1, and a maximum width Wm measured in the lateral direction T.

[0054] The sanitary pad 1 is composed, in the longitudinal direction L, of a front third 9, a rear third 10 and a central third 11 arranged between the front third 9 and the rear third 10. The topsheet 2 is provided with a water-soluble formulation, which is applied in a covered zone 12 arranged along the rear edge 8 and the first and second longitudinal side edges 5, 6 in the rear third 10 of the sanitary pad 1. The covered zone 12 forms a boundary in the rear third that delimits an inner rear zone 13 that includes or consists of an uncovered topsheet region. The covered zone 12 is arranged at a distance d from the rear edge 8 and from the first and second longitudinal side edges 5, 6.

[0055] The covered zone 12 further forms a boundary in a front third 9 extending along the longitudinal centerline Lc and delimiting an inner front zone 14 comprising or consisting of an uncovered topsheet region, and on each lateral side thereof in a central third 11 of the sanitary pad 1 delimiting an inner central zone 15 comprising or consisting of an uncovered topsheet region.

[0056] The distance d from the covered zone 12 to each of the front edge 7 and rear edge 8, the first longitudinal side edge 5 and the second longitudinal side edge 6 is at least 2 mm, optionally ranging from 1 mm to 18 mm. This is also an advantage during production when cutting the final sanitary pad, and prevents soiling of the undergarment if the edges are folded over during use. In the sanitary pad 1 shown in Figure 4, the distance d between the first and second longitudinal side edges 5, 6 and the covered zone 12 is greater in the front third 9 and in the central third 11 of the sanitary pad 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1 sanitary pad 2 Top sheet 2a User facing side 2b opposite side 3 Back seat 4. Absorbent Core 5 first longitudinal side edge 6 Second longitudinal side edge 7 Leading Edge 8 Trailing edge 9 Front third 10 Rear third 11 Central third 12 Covering Zone 13 Medial posterior zone 14 Medial anterior zone 15 Inner Central Zone 18 Head Area 19 Body Region 20 Neck area 21 Printing Elements 22 Printing Zone

Claims

1. A sanitary pad (1), such as a panty liner, comprising a fluid-permeable top sheet (2) and a back sheet (3), The sanitary pad (1) extends in a longitudinal direction (L) and a lateral direction (T) and has first and second longitudinal side edges (5, 6) and front and rear edges (7, 8), the sanitary pad (1) has a length (l) extending in the longitudinal direction (L), the length (l) being measured along a longitudinal centerline (Lc) of the sanitary pad (1), and a maximum width (Wm) measured in the lateral direction (T), the sanitary pad (1) being composed, as viewed in the longitudinal direction (L), of a front third (9), a rear third (10) and a central third (11) located between the front third and the rear third (9, 10), the topsheet (2) being provided with a water-soluble formulation, The water-soluble formulation is applied in a covered zone (12) located along the rear edge (8) and along the first and second longitudinal side edges (5, 6) in the rear third (10) of the sanitary pad (1), the rear edge (8) and the first and second longitudinal side edges (5, 6) forming a boundary in the rear third (10) that delimits an inner rear zone (13) comprising or consisting of an uncovered topsheet area. said inner rear zone (13) extends along said longitudinal centre line (Lc) and said covering zone (12) is arranged at a distance from said rear edge (8) and at a distance from said first longitudinal lateral edge (5, 6) and covers at least 25%, optionally at least 35% or at least 50% of the total surface area of ​​said topsheet (2) in said rear third (10) of said sanitary pad (1).

2. 2. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein the distance from the coverage zone (12) to each of the trailing edge (8), the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge (5, 6) is equal to or greater than 1 mm, optionally in the range of 1 mm to 18 mm.

3. 2. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein the coverage zone (12) covers within the range of 25% to 80% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet (2) in the rear third of the sanitary pad (1), optionally wherein the coverage zone (12) covers within the range of 35% to 75% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet (2) in the rear third of the sanitary pad (1).

4. 2. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein the covering zone (12) is also arranged along the front edge (7), the first longitudinal side edge (5, 6) and the second longitudinal side edge (5, 6) in the front third (9) of the sanitary pad (1), the covering zone (12) being arranged at a distance from the front edge (7), the first longitudinal side edge (5, 6) and the second longitudinal side edge (5, 6) in the front third (9) of the sanitary pad (1).

5. 5. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 4, wherein the distance from the coverage zone (12) to each of the leading edge (7), the first longitudinal side edge and the second longitudinal side edge (5, 6) is equal to or greater than 1 mm, optionally in the range of 1 to 18 mm.

6. 5. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 4, wherein said covered zone (12) forms a boundary in said front third (9) that delimits an inner front zone (14) comprising or consisting of said uncovered topsheet area, said inner front zone (14) extending along said longitudinal centre line (Lc), and optionally said covered zone (12) covers more than 25%, optionally more than 35% or more than 50% of the total surface area of ​​said topsheet (2) in said front third (10) of said sanitary pad (1).

7. 2. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein the covered zone is arranged along the first and second longitudinal side edges in the central third of the sanitary pad, the covered zone being arranged at a distance from the first and second longitudinal side edges in the central third and forming a boundary in the central third that delimits an inner central zone including an inner central uncovered zone extending along the longitudinal centerline, and optionally the inner central uncovered zone covers at least 40% of the total surface area of ​​the topsheet in the central third of the sanitary pad.

8. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein the length (l) of the sanitary pad (1) is in the range of 100 mm to 300 mm, or 100 mm to 260 mm.

9. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein the maximum width (Wm) of the sanitary pad (1) is in the range of 35 mm to 110 mm.

10. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein the amount of said water-soluble formulation in said coating zone (12) is in the range of 0.2 gsm to 12 gsm, or 0.5 gsm to 7 gsm, or 0.5 gsm to 3 gsm.

11. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein said water-soluble formulation is provided in said coverage zone (12) continuously or discontinuously.

12. 2. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein an uncovered zone is defined by an inner contour of the covered zone (12) and forms a head region (18), a body region (19) and a neck region (20), the neck region (20) forming a transition region between the head region (18) and the body region (19), the head region (18) being arranged in the front half of the sanitary pad (1) and the body region (19) being arranged in the front half and in the rear half of the sanitary pad (1), and wherein the lateral width of the uncovered zone in the neck region (20) is smaller than the maximum lateral width of the head region (18).

13. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 1, wherein said sanitary pad (1) comprises an absorbent core (4) arranged between said topsheet (2) and said backsheet (3).

14. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 13, wherein the absorbent core (4) has a substantially uniform unloaded thickness throughout the absorbent core.

15. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 13, wherein the absorbent core (4) is composed of one absorbent layer.

16. The sanitary pad (1) according to claim 13, wherein the absorbent core (4) comprises two or more absorbent layers, each of the absorbent layers of the absorbent core having the same extension in the longitudinal direction (L) and in the transverse direction (T).

17. 17. The sanitary pad (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the topsheet comprises a second side opposite to the first side, the second side of the topsheet being printed in a printing zone, and the covering zone on the first side of the topsheet partially or completely overlaps the printing zone in a depth direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

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