Absorbent articles
The absorbent article addresses discomfort and pressure ulcers by using a layered nonwoven fabric structure with differential compression characteristics, enhancing mobility and pressure distribution for improved comfort and application.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KAO CORP
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-09
Smart Images
Figure 2026115408000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to absorbent articles. [Background technology]
[0002] Technologies to improve the wearing comfort of absorbent materials have been proposed for some time. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a disposable diaper having a central absorbent and side absorbent in the crotch area. The disposable diaper is designed to have specific compression characteristics in the crotch area when folded in half in a certain standard swelling state. This is said to eliminate the restriction of the wearer's movement caused by the swelling of the absorbent core. Patent Document 2 describes an absorbent article having multiple compression rows extending from each other, each row having multiple recesses formed by compressing a surface sheet and an absorbent material. The compression rows form intersecting regions, and each recess consists of a first recess and a second recess that is more recessed than the first recess and extends in the direction of the first recess. This prevents the grooves from collapsing under the pressure of the wearer's weight, increasing flexibility and making the absorbent material easier to fold and more flexible. It is also said that this allows the absorbent article to maintain a soft feel against the skin in the crotch area. Patent Document 3 describes an absorbent article comprising an absorbent lower layer and an absorbent upper layer smaller in area than the lower layer. The lower layer has a flexible portion that is easily deformable in the width direction along its longitudinal direction at or near its longitudinal centerline. In addition, the lower layer has a narrowest point in the width direction in the portion corresponding to the crotch area, and is provided with elastic members extending in the longitudinal direction on both sides of this narrowest point. This allows the absorbent to be deformed into a three-dimensional shape, thereby improving its adhesion to the unevenness of the crotch area. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 234881 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-140295 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-167505 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0004] The above-mentioned Patent Documents 1-3 describe techniques for improving the deformability of absorbent materials. This aims to improve the fit and comfort, particularly in the narrow crotch area between the wearer's thighs. However, in the case of absorbent materials, the required characteristics differ between the crotch area and the back area in terms of wearing comfort and ease of application. For example, when a wearer is wearing an absorbent item, the crotch area of the absorbent item requires high compressive deformability in the width direction to allow the wearer to easily close and move their thighs in the narrow crotch area between the thighs. From the viewpoint of free movement of the body, it has become desirable for this high compressive deformability in the width direction to be exhibited on the skin-contacting side of the absorbent item. On the other hand, on the back side of the absorbent item, from the viewpoint of minimizing the feeling of a foreign object against the wearer's skin and achieving a good wearing comfort by capturing the skin-contacting surface on the back side, compressive resistance in the width direction (shape retention in the width direction) is required so that the skin-contacting material does not bend, curl, or shrink due to friction caused by the wearer's body movements. Furthermore, for example, when a caregiver puts a diaper or similar garment (tape-type diaper or incontinence pad) on a wearer, it is necessary to fold the crotch area of the diaper or similar garment into a mountain fold or similar shape and pull it up, requiring high compressibility in the width direction of the crotch area. From the viewpoint of performing the aforementioned fitting operation more accurately and quickly, it has become desirable for high compressibility in the width direction to be exhibited on the skin-contacting side of the absorbent material. In contrast, on the back side of the absorbent material, from the viewpoint of achieving proper alignment between the skin-contacting side of the back side and the wearer's skin, the aforementioned compressibility in the width direction (shape retention in the width direction) is required for the skin-contacting side of the back side.
[0005] Furthermore, there is the problem of resolving pressure ulcers on the wearer's skin. These pressure ulcers tend to develop in the sacrum, above the tailbone, when the wearer is lying on their back or in a position where they are propped up using a nursing bed. If the dorsal side of the absorbent material, such as a diaper, is thick and soft and can deform, it can wrap around the sacrum and distribute pressure. This pressure distribution reduces the decrease in blood flow in that area and contributes to resolving pressure ulcers. It has recently become clear that the pressure-distributing effect of absorbent materials is more effective when it is exerted as close to the wearer's skin as possible, as this increases the area that is enveloped. In other words, there is a growing need to provide high pressure distribution with a large contact area to the necessary areas. In this sense, the dorsal side of the absorbent material needs to have high compressive deformability in the thickness direction on the skin-contacting side (long compression distance, deep sinking). In this regard, high compressibility in the thickness direction (deep sinking) means that the skin-contacting surface in that area is thick and plush. In the crotch area, as mentioned above, it is desirable to minimize this condition as much as possible from the standpoint of the wearer's body mobility and ease of handling during putting on.
[0006] In view of the above, the present invention relates to an absorbent article having different compression characteristics (compression characteristics in the thickness direction and width direction) on the skin-contacting surface, corresponding to the crotch area and the back area, respectively. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The present invention relates to an absorbent article having an abdominal portion positioned on the wearer's abdominal side when worn, a dorsal portion positioned on the wearer's back, and a crotch portion located between them, and having a longitudinal direction connecting the abdominal portion, the crotch portion, and the dorsal portion, and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and comprising an absorbent body for absorbing and retaining bodily fluids, and a surface material on the skin-contacting side of the absorbent body, wherein the surface material comprises a first nonwoven fabric layer distributed over the entire abdominal portion, the crotch portion, and the dorsal portion, and a second nonwoven fabric layer laminated in the thickness direction with the first nonwoven fabric at least in the dorsal portion, and the surface material has a density of 50 g / cm³ in the dorsal portion compared to the crotch portion. 2Provided is an absorbent article in which the compression distance in the thickness direction at a pressure of is long, and the bulk softness in the width direction in the crotch portion is lower than that in the back portion.
Effect of the Invention
[0008] The absorbent article according to the present invention has different compression characteristics corresponding to the crotch portion and the back portion on the skin contact surface side.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing an embodiment of an absorbent article according to the present invention from the skin contact surface side. [Figure 2] FIG. 2(A) is a perspective view schematically showing the difference in the compressive force in the thickness direction from the outside between the back portion and the crotch portion by the size of the arrow in a state where the skin contact surface side of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 is curved inward along the body. FIG. 2(B) is an explanatory view schematically showing the external force applied to the absorbent article by an arrow in a state where the wearer takes a posture of raising the upper body while leaning on the function of a nursing bed. [Figure 3] It is an explanatory view schematically showing the contact state between the laminate of the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer arranged in the back portion and the periphery of the wearer's buttocks in the surface material of the absorbent article according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4(A) is a perspective view schematically showing the difference in the compressive force in the width direction from the outside between the back portion and the crotch portion by the size of the arrow in a state where the skin contact surface side of the absorbent article shown in FIG. 1 is curved inward along the body. FIG. 4(B) is an explanatory view schematically showing the difference in the compressive force in the width direction with respect to the absorbent article by an arrow corresponding to the waist to foot circumference of the wearer's body. [Figure 5] FIG. 5(A) is a plan view schematically showing an example (first aspect) of the surface material in the absorbent article according to the present invention. FIG. 5(B) is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the laminated state in the thickness direction of the surface material shown in FIG. 5(A) together with the absorbent body and the back surface material. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a modified example of FIG. 5(B). [Figure 7] Figures 7(A) and (B) are schematic plan and perspective views of the second nonwoven fabric layer shown in Figure 5(A). Figures 7(C) and (D) are schematic plan and perspective views of modified examples of the second nonwoven fabric layer shown in Figure 5(A). [Figure 8] Figures 8(A) to 8(C) are schematic plan views showing another modified example of the second nonwoven fabric layer shown in Figure 5(A). [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing another example (second embodiment) of the surface material in the absorbent article according to the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example of the surface material shown in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing another example (third embodiment) of the surface material in the absorbent article according to the present invention. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a schematic plan view showing yet another example (fourth embodiment) of the surface material in the absorbent article according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] Preferred embodiments of the absorbent article of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this invention, unless otherwise specified, the side that comes into contact with the human body is referred to as the skin-facing side, and the opposite side is referred to as the non-skin-facing side. These terms are also used to indicate the relative positional relationship in the component structure of an absorbent article, even for components that do not have a surface that comes into contact with the human body. Furthermore, the direction that is located on the front side of the human body when worn is referred to as the front, and the direction that is located on the back side is referred to as the rear. The direction normal to the surface or back surface of the absorbent article is referred to as the thickness direction.
[0011] The absorbent articles according to the present invention may include various items that have the function of absorbing and retaining the wearer's excretions, etc. Examples include diapers, absorbent pads, sanitary napkins, urine pads, panty liners, and incontinence pads. The diapers include various forms such as tape-type and pant-type, and include adult and infant sizes. The wearer's excretions, etc. that the absorbent articles absorb include urine, as well as loose stools, menstrual blood, vaginal discharge, etc. In the following description of the embodiments, a urine pad is given as an example of the absorbent article of the present invention, but as stated above, the absorbent article to which it can be applied is not limited to this. However, from the viewpoint of more significantly expressing the function of retaining the excretory fluid in one place in the dorsal portion, rather than diffusing it in the planar direction, and allowing it to permeate in the thickness direction, it is preferable that the absorbent article is an article that absorbs highly viscous excretory fluids such as loose stool or menstrual blood.
[0012] The urine absorption pad 100 shown in Figure 1 has an abdominal portion F positioned on the wearer's abdominal side when worn, a dorsal portion R positioned on the wearer's dorsal side (buttock side), and a crotch portion C located between them. In addition, when the urine absorption pad 100 is stretched in a planar view, it has a longitudinal direction Y corresponding to the direction connecting the abdominal portion F, the crotch portion C, and the dorsal portion R, and a width direction X perpendicular to the longitudinal direction Y. The width direction X corresponds to the direction connecting the left and right legs in the wearer's crotch. The term "extended in a planar direction" refers to a state in which the expandable member of the urine absorption pad 100 is stretched, preventing the urine absorption pad 100 from curling up and spreading it out so that the skin-contacting surface is flat.
[0013] In this invention, the length Y in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent article according to the present invention is divided into three equal parts: the ventral side is designated as the ventral portion F, the central part as the crotch area C, and the dorsal side as the dorsal portion R.
[0014] The urine pad 100 is constructed by laminating a surface material 101 on the skin-contacting side, a back material 102 on the non-skin-contacting side, and an absorbent body 103 interposed between the two sheets in the thickness direction. In the urine pad 100, the wearer's bodily fluids (excretory fluids) are received by the surface material 101 on the skin-contacting side of the absorbent body 103 and permeated to the absorbent body 103, where the absorbent body 103 absorbs and retains the bodily fluids. When the urine pad 100 is used on the skin-contacting side of another absorbent article, it is preferable that the back material 102 be permeable to liquid so that the other absorbent article can absorb the bodily fluids. When the urine pad 100 is used alone, it is preferable that the back material 102 be poorly permeable to liquids or leak-proof.
[0015] The surface material 101 and the back material 102 are large enough to cover both sides of the absorbent 103 and extend outward. On the skin-contacting side of the surface material 101, a pair of side sheets 104, 104 are arranged along both side edges in the longitudinal direction Y, and are joined to the surface material 101 and the back material 102 at these positions. This joining can be carried out by various means commonly used in absorbent articles, such as hot-melt adhesives.
[0016] Each side sheet 104 has a free end on its inner side that is not joined to the surface material 101, etc., in the non-joined area other than the aforementioned joining area, and an elastic member 105 is arranged at this free end so as to be expandable and contractible along the longitudinal direction Y. More specifically, the front and rear ends of the elastic member 105 are joined and fixed in an extended state in the joining area at the front and rear ends in the longitudinal direction Y, and the elastic member 105 is expandable and contractible between them. By expanding and contracting the elastic member 105, the free end of the side sheet 104 is made expandable and contractible, forming a three-dimensional gathered portion 106. As a result, the urine pad 100 has a pair of three-dimensional gathers 106, 106 on both side edges along the longitudinal direction Y in a plan view. The three-dimensional gathers 106 stand up against the wearer's skin surface due to the contraction of the elastic member 105 when the urine pad 100 is attached, and have the function of filling the gap between the skin surface and the urine pad 100 to prevent leakage of excretory fluid from the sides. The aforementioned "inner side" refers to the central side in the width direction X of the urine absorption pad 100. The side located outside the central side in the width direction X is called the "outer side."
[0017] Furthermore, the urine pad 100 has two through holes 108, 108 in the absorbent material 103 at the crotch area C. This allows the crotch area C of the urine pad 100 to contract and deform in the width direction X in response to the compression between the wearer's thighs when worn. In addition to the basic configuration described above, the urine absorption pad 110 may also include other components.
[0018] Next, the surface material 101 will be described. As mentioned above, the surface material 101 is the component on the skin-contacting side of the urine absorption pad 100 and comes into direct contact with the wearer's skin. The surface material 101 has a first nonwoven fabric layer distributed across the entire ventral side F, crotch area C, and dorsal side R, and a second nonwoven fabric layer laminated in the thickness direction with the first nonwoven fabric layer at least in the dorsal side R. The first and second nonwoven fabric layers are integrated to form the surface material 101 that comes into direct contact with the wearer's skin. The integration of the first and second nonwoven fabric layers can be carried out by various methods. For example, the fibers constituting the second nonwoven fabric layer can be wrapped around a drum-shaped mold, molded and nonwoven with hot air, and then laminated onto the heated fibers constituting the first nonwoven fabric layer or an already heat-fused nonwoven fabric to integrate them, thus forming fusion points between fibers by heat fusion. Other methods include joining using adhesives such as hot melt type, entanglement of fibers by water flow or needle punching, and embossing.
[0019] The surface material 101 has a density of 50 gf / cm² in the dorsal portion R compared to the crotch area C. 2 The compression distance in the thickness direction is long (deep sinking) at this pressure. In addition, the surface material 101 has lower bulk softness in the width direction X at the crotch area C than at the dorsal side R (i.e., lower shape retention in the width direction X). The above compression characteristics can be provided by differentiating the arrangement of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer constituting the surface material 101 between the back side R and the crotch area C. For example, the arrangement can be made different in the crotch area C compared to the back side R by reducing the area of the second nonwoven fabric layer or shortening the length in the width direction X. An example of this is the laminated configuration of the first nonwoven fabric layer 81 and the second nonwoven fabric layer 82 shown in Figures 5, 6, 9-12 (details will be described later).
[0020] As a result, the urine pad 100 has higher compressibility in the thickness direction on the skin-contacting surface side of the dorsal portion R than in the crotch area C, corresponding to the difference in body pressure of the wearer (the difference in body pressure as shown in Figures 2(A) and (B) (V1>V2)), and is thick in a soft, fluffy state. As a result, the urine pad 100 can directly and gently wrap the dorsal side of the wearer, including the area around the sacrum, and suppress pressure sores. At that time, the thickness compressibility of the surface material 101 acts directly on the wearer's skin surface, so as shown in Figure 3, the surface material 101 deforms to conform well to the curves of the wearer's buttocks W and the depressions around the anus. This increases the contact area between the surface material 101 and the wearer's skin surface, allowing for effective pressure distribution and enhancing the aforementioned pressure sore reduction effect. In addition, the urine absorption pad 100 has improved compression resistance in the width direction X (shape retention in the width direction X) on the skin-contacting surface of the dorsal portion R (increased bulk softness). As a result, the material that touches the wearer's skin on the dorsal portion R of the urine absorption pad 100 is less likely to bend, curl, or shrink. Consequently, it is possible to achieve a good wearing comfort by minimizing the feeling of a foreign object against the wearer's skin and capturing it with the skin-contacting surface of the dorsal portion. Furthermore, during the application of the urine absorption pad 100, it becomes easier for caregivers to properly align the skin-contacting surface of the dorsal portion of the lid 100 with the wearer's skin, making it easier to quickly and properly apply the pad. On the other hand, the area of plush thickness in the skin-contacting surface of the incontinence pad 100 at the crotch area C is smaller than that at the dorsal area F, making it more susceptible to compression deformation in the width direction X (low bulk softness). As a result, the material that touches the wearer's skin at the skin-contacting surface of the crotch area C deforms more directly in the width direction X than at the dorsal area R, corresponding to the difference in compression pressure in the width direction across the wearer's body Q (from the waist to the legs) (the difference in compression pressure as shown in Figures 4(A) and (B) (V4>V3)). Consequently, the mobility of the wearer's thighs is increased in the incontinence pad 100. Furthermore, caregivers can perform the fitting operation, such as adjusting the width of the crotch area C, more accurately and quickly.
[0021] Regarding the surface material 101, the 50 gf / cm² in the crotch area C. 2 The compression distance (S1) in the thickness direction under pressure is preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.3 mm or more, and even more preferably 0.4 mm or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the compressive deformability in the width direction X at the crotch area C. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing wrinkles from forming when folded during packaging, S1 is preferably 1.5 mm or less, more preferably 1.2 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or less. Regarding the surface material 101, the 50 gf / cm² in the dorsal side R. 2 The compression distance in the thickness direction (S2) under pressure is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, and even more preferably 5 mm or more, from the viewpoint of reducing pressure ulcers on the dorsal side R and improving shape retention in the width direction X. Furthermore, the S1 is preferably 12 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 8 mm or less, from the viewpoint of preventing wrinkles from forming when folded during packaging. Regarding the surface material 101, the 50 gf / cm² in the dorsal side R. 2 The compression distance (S2) in the thickness direction at the pressure of the crotch area C is 50 gf / cm². 2 The ratio (S2 / S1) of the compression distance in the thickness direction (S1) at the pressure is preferably 2 or more, more preferably 5 or more, and even more preferably 7 or more, from the viewpoint of reducing pressure ulcers in the dorsal portion R and improving shape retention in the width direction X, and further improving compressive deformability in the width direction X in the crotch area C. The ratio (S2 / S1) is preferably 40 or less, more preferably 30 or less, and even more preferably 20 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing wrinkles from forming when the product is folded during packaging.
[0022] With respect to the surface material 101, the bulk softness (T1) in the width direction X at the crotch area C is preferably 1 cN or more, more preferably 1.5 cN or more, and even more preferably 2 cN or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the free movement of the wearer's thighs at the crotch area C and the ease of putting on the garment at the crotch area C. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving transportability during product production, T1 is preferably 10 cN or less, more preferably 8 cN or less, and even more preferably 6 cN or less. Regarding the surface material 101, the bulk softness (T2) in the width direction X at the back side R is preferably 90 cN or more, more preferably 100 cN or more, and even more preferably 110 cN or more, from the viewpoint of further improving the wearing comfort at the back side R and the speed of proper positioning during the fitting operation. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of improving transportability during product production, T2 is preferably 150 cN or less, more preferably 140 cN or less, and even more preferably 130 cN or less. With respect to the surface material 101, the ratio (T2 / T1) of the bulk softness in the width direction X at the back R to the bulk softness in the width direction X at the crotch C is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 15 or more, and even more preferably 20 or more, from the viewpoint of further enhancing the free movement of the wearer's thighs at the crotch C and the ease of putting on the garment at the crotch C, as well as further improving the wearing comfort at the back R and the speed of proper positioning during putting on. The ratio (T2 / T1) is preferably 90 or less, more preferably 70 or less, and even more preferably 50 or less, from the viewpoint of improving transportability during product production.
[0023] (Method for measuring the compression distance in the thickness direction of the surface material 101 in the crotch area C and the back area R) (1) Sampling When the total length of the surface material 101 to be measured is defined as the length from the ventral side F to the dorsal side R, the total length is divided into three parts, starting from the side worn on the wearer's ventral side: the ventral side F, the crotch area C, and the dorsal side R. Mark the boundaries of each section so that the position can be identified, and use a cold spray or the like to peel off the surface material 101 in which the first non-woven fabric layer and the second non-woven fabric layer are integrated from the absorbent article (the urine pad 100 in FIG. 1). Cut out samples from the crotch part C and the dorsal part R of the surface material 101 along the marking. (2) Measurement The "compression distance" can be measured by the following method using, for example, a KES-FB-3 compression tester manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd. That is, the sample is attached to the test bench of the compression tester with the skin contact surface side up, and compressed between steel plates having a circular plane with an area of 2 cm 2 . The compression speed is 0.02 mm / sec, and the maximum compression load is 490 mN / cm 2 (50 gf / cm 2 ). Measure the thickness T0 (mm) at no load and the thickness Tm (mm) at a load of 490 mN / cm 2 (50 gf / cm 2 ). Note that the "490 mN / cm 2 (50 gf / cm 2 )" is a load corresponding to the load applied near the sacrum when gently approaching, and is a load assumed to be applied as an initial load in any body position and any situation. The "compression distance (mm)" is calculated as "T0 - Tm" obtained by subtracting the thickness Tm from the thickness T0. This compression distance is also referred to as the compression deformation amount. For each of the crotch part C and the dorsal part R, the same measurement is performed at six locations where three lines generated when equally dividing in the longitudinal direction Y and two lines generated when equally dividing in the width direction X intersect, and the average compression deformation amount is calculated.
[0024] (Method for measuring the bulk softness in the width direction of the surface material 101 in the crotch part C and the dorsal part R) (1) Sampling When taking the entire length in the longitudinal direction Y from the ventral part F to the dorsal part C of the surface material 101 to be measured, divide the entire length into three parts and divide it into the ventral part F, the crotch part C, and the dorsal part R from the side worn on the ventral side of the wearer. Markings are made at the boundaries of each section to indicate their location, and the surface material 101, which integrates the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer, is peeled off the absorbent material (urine pad 100 in Figure 1) using a cold spray or the like. Along the markings, the crotch area C and the back area R of the surface 101 are cut out, and for each, a sample is cut out parallel to the width of the absorbent article, with a width from end to end of the nonwoven fabric layer whichever of the first or second nonwoven fabric layers is longer (a constant amount of width is cut out). (2) Measurement (2-1) When the sample cut out using the method described above is divided in two equal parts along the longitudinal direction Y, one line is formed, and when it is divided in three equal parts along the width direction, two lines are formed. The sample is then cut again at the two points where these lines intersect, with each piece measuring 75 mm in the longitudinal direction Y and 30 mm in the width direction X, to obtain two test pieces. Two cut test pieces are joined together along the longitudinal direction Y to form a 150 mm long test piece in the longitudinal direction Y. This piece is then wrapped around a 45 mm diameter cylinder, rolled up along the longitudinal direction Y, and the overlapping portion is secured with staples. After that, the cylinder is removed to form a ring. If the thickness is too great and there is a difference between the inner and outer diameters making it impossible to create an overlap, the nonwoven fabrics may be fastened together without creating an overlap. Using a tensile testing machine (for example, the Tensilon tensile testing machine "RTA-100" manufactured by Orientec Co., Ltd.), the ring is placed in a cylindrical shape on the sample stage, and the maximum load is measured when it is compressed from above with a flat plate approximately parallel to the stage at a compression speed of 10 mm / min. This is taken as the bulk thickness in the width direction X.
[0025] The second nonwoven fabric layer constituting the surface material 101 is configured to provide the surface material 101 with the above-mentioned compression characteristics, with a compression strength of 50 gf / cm². 2 Preferably, the compression distance in the thickness direction (S21) at the pressure is 3 mm or more and 12 mm or less, and the bulk softness in the width direction X (T21) is 90 cN or more and 150 cN or less. As a result, the second nonwoven fabric layer imparts a soft, plush thickness to the surface material 101, and the compression distance in the thickness direction can be increased.
[0026] In the arrangement configuration of the second nonwoven fabric layer on the surface material 101, it is preferable that the length in the width direction X of the second nonwoven fabric layer is longer in the back portion R than in the crotch portion C. In this case, the length in the width direction X of the second nonwoven fabric layer in the crotch portion C may include zero. This allows the compression distance in the thickness direction to be increased in the dorsal portion R. In addition, the shape retention in the width direction X can be improved in the dorsal portion R, and the bulk softness in the width direction X can be reduced in the crotch area C.
[0027] The 50 gf / cm² of the second nonwoven fabric layer 2 The compression distance (S21) in the thickness direction of the first nonwoven fabric layer at the pressure is 50 gf / cm². 2 The ratio (S21 / S11) to the compression distance in the thickness direction at pressure (S11) is preferably 3 or higher, more preferably 5 or higher, and even more preferably 7 or higher, from the viewpoint of making the difference in compression distance in the thickness direction between the crotch area C and the dorsal area R clearer, improving the free movement of the wearer's thighs in the crotch area C and the ease of fitting in the crotch area C, and further improving the reduction of pressure ulcers in the dorsal area R, the wearing comfort, and the speed of proper positioning during fitting. The ratio (S21 / S11) is preferably 30 or less, more preferably 20 or less, and even more preferably 10 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing twisting and slippage.
[0028] The ratio (T21 / T11) of the bulk softness (T21) of the second nonwoven fabric layer in the width direction X to the bulk softness (T11) of the first nonwoven fabric layer in the width direction X is preferably 10 or more, more preferably 15 or more, and even more preferably 20 or more, from the viewpoint of making the difference in bulk softness in the width direction X between the crotch area C and the back area R clearer, improving the free movement of the wearer's thighs in the crotch area C and the ease of putting on the garment in the crotch area C, and further improving the wearing comfort in the back area R and the speed of proper positioning during putting on. The ratio (T21 / T11) is preferably 90 or less, more preferably 70 or less, and even more preferably 50 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing bending during use.
[0029] The 50 gf / cm² of the second nonwoven fabric layer2 The compression distance in the thickness direction (S21) at the pressure is preferably 3 mm or more, more preferably 4 mm or more, and even more preferably 5 mm or more, from the same viewpoint as above. From the same viewpoint as above, the compression distance (S21) is preferably 12 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 8 mm or less.
[0030] The 50 gf / cm² of the first nonwoven fabric layer 2 From the same viewpoint as above, the compression distance in the thickness direction (S11) at the pressure is preferably 1.5 mm or less, more preferably 1.2 mm or less, and even more preferably 1.0 mm or less. From the same viewpoint as above, the compression distance (S11) is preferably 0.2 mm or more, more preferably 0.3 m or more, and even more preferably 0.5 mm or more.
[0031] From the same viewpoint as above, the bulk softness (T11) of the first nonwoven fabric layer in the width direction X is preferably 1 cN or more, more preferably 1.5 cN or more, and even more preferably 2 cN or more. From the same viewpoint as above, the bulk softness (T11) is preferably 10 cN or less, more preferably 8 cN or less, and even more preferably 6 cN or less.
[0032] From the same viewpoint as above, the bulk softness (T21) of the second nonwoven fabric layer in the width direction X is preferably 200 cN or less, more preferably 150 cN or less, and even more preferably 140 cN or less. From the same viewpoint as above, the bulk softness (T21) is preferably 80 cN or more, more preferably 90 cN or more, and even more preferably 100 cN or more.
[0033] The 50 gf / cm² of the second nonwoven fabric and the first nonwoven fabric layer, respectively. 2 The compression distance in the thickness direction at the pressure, the aforementioned 50 gf / cm 2The bulk softness in the width direction X at the given pressure can be measured by applying the (method for measuring the compression distance in the thickness direction of the surface material 101 in the crotch area R and the back area R) and the (method for measuring the bulk softness in the width direction X of the surface material 101 in the crotch area R and the back area R). The items to be measured are as follows: Compression distance: The above measurement is performed at three points where the three lines created when dividing the length Y into four equal parts intersect with the one line created when dividing the width X into two equal parts. Bulk softness: When the material is divided in the longitudinal direction Y into two equal parts, one line is formed. When the material is divided in the width direction into three equal parts, two lines intersect at two points. The material is then cut further at these points, with dimensions of 75 mm in the longitudinal direction Y and 30 mm in the width direction X, to create two test specimens. The two cut test specimens are joined together along the longitudinal direction Y to create a 150 mm long test specimen, and the above measurements are performed on this specimen. Furthermore, during the measurement described above, the second nonwoven fabric and the first nonwoven fabric layer can be separated by the following method: that is, the interface is found by observing it from a cross-section in the thickness direction, and then peeled off using a cold spray or dryer.
[0034] The bulk softness can be adjusted by changing the length of the second nonwoven layer in the width direction X. In this case, the second nonwoven layer may not be placed in the crotch area C, or it may be placed in the crotch area C, and the length of the second nonwoven layer in the width direction X may be shorter than that of the back side R. In the latter case, it is preferable that the second nonwoven layer be placed symmetrically on both sides of the crotch area C around the center line in the width direction X to form a laminate with the first nonwoven layer, with the sides being single layers of the first nonwoven layer.
[0035] From the viewpoint of increasing the compression distance in the thickness direction of the second nonwoven fabric layer (deeper sinking) and increasing the bulk softness in the width direction X (higher shape retention in the width direction X), the thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer is preferably 1.5 mm or more, more preferably 2 mm or more, and even more preferably 2.5 mm or more. The thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer is preferably 10 mm or less, more preferably 8 mm or less, and even more preferably 6 mm or less, from the viewpoint of preventing any impairment of wearing comfort.
[0036] The ratio of the thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer to the thickness of the first nonwoven fabric layer (thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer / thickness of the first nonwoven fabric layer) is preferably 1.1 or higher, more preferably 2 or higher, and even more preferably 3 or higher, from the viewpoint of making the difference in compression distance in the thickness direction between the crotch area C and the dorsal area R clearer, improving the free movement of the wearer's thighs in the crotch area C and the ease of putting on the garment in the crotch area C, and further improving pressure ulcer reduction in the dorsal area R, wearing comfort, and the speed of proper positioning during putting on the garment. The ratio of the thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer to the thickness of the first nonwoven fabric layer is preferably 10 or less, more preferably 7 or less, and even more preferably 6 or less, from the viewpoint of increasing the compression distance in the thickness direction (deeper sinking).
[0037] From the viewpoint of making the second nonwoven fabric layer bulkier and more clearly soft and sinking, the basis weight of the second nonwoven fabric layer is 30 g / m². 2 The above is preferable, and 35 g / m 2 The above is more preferable: 40 g / m 2 The above is even more preferable. The basis weight of the second nonwoven fabric layer is 90 g / m², from the viewpoint of preventing stiffness for the wearer. 2 The following is preferable: 80 g / m 2 The following is more preferable: 70g / m 2 The following is even more preferable.
[0038] The ratio of the basis weight of the second nonwoven fabric layer to the basis weight of the first nonwoven fabric layer (basis weight of the second nonwoven fabric layer / basis weight of the first nonwoven fabric layer) is preferably 1.4 or higher, more preferably 2.5 or higher, and even more preferably 3 or higher, from the viewpoint of making the difference in compression distance in the thickness direction between the crotch area C and the dorsal area R clearer, improving the free movement of the wearer's thighs in the crotch area C and the ease of putting on the garment in the crotch area C, and further improving pressure ulcer reduction in the dorsal area R, wearing comfort, and the speed of proper positioning during putting on. The ratio of the basis weight of the second nonwoven fabric layer to the basis weight of the first nonwoven fabric layer is preferably 5 or less, more preferably 4.5 or less, and even more preferably 4 or less, from the viewpoint of preventing the creation of steps due to the difference in basis weight that impair the wearing comfort.
[0039] The first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer can be made of various nonwoven fabrics capable of achieving the above-mentioned compression distance in the thickness direction and bulk softness in the width direction. From the viewpoint of making the surface material softer and more pleasant to the touch, the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer are preferably made of air-through nonwoven fabric or spunbond nonwoven fabric, and more preferably made of air-through nonwoven fabric. In particular, by making the second nonwoven fabric layer of air-through nonwoven fabric, the thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer can be increased and the basis weight can be increased.
[0040] The second nonwoven fabric layer has the aforementioned compression characteristics, and preferably has the aforementioned thickness and basis weight, and more preferably has the following configuration. Specifically, the fiber diameter is preferably 1.8d to 5.6dtex, and more preferably 2.2dtex to 4.4dtex, from the viewpoint of improving the feel against the skin and reducing pilling. The fiber material is preferably a polyester-polyethylene composite fiber. It is preferable that the fiber contains an inorganic filler.
[0041] The first nonwoven fabric layer has the aforementioned compression characteristics, and it is preferable that it has the aforementioned thickness ratio and basis weight ratio with respect to the second nonwoven fabric layer, and it is more preferable that it has the following configuration. In other words, the fiber diameter is preferably 1.8d to 5.6dtex, and more preferably 2.2dtex to 4.4dtex, from the viewpoint of improving the feel against the skin and reducing pilling. The fiber material is preferably a polyester-polyethylene composite fiber. The basis weight is 18g / m² in order to provide the aforementioned bulk softness and compressible properties in the back side R and crotch area C. 2 More than 50g / m 2 The following is preferable: 18g / m2 More than 40g / m 2 The following are more preferable, and 20 gsm to 30 gsm is even more preferable. The fibers preferably contain inorganic fillers.
[0042] The surface material 101 preferably has openings in at least one of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer that make it up. This allows the excretory fluid to be separated from the skin and the amount that adheres to the skin to be reduced. Furthermore, the compressible properties and bulk softness can be altered by changing the size, shape, and area ratio of the openings. When inorganic fillers are included, the presence of openings increases the surface area and enhances the effect. From the above viewpoint, it is preferable that the opening is made toward the skin-contacting surface of the surface material 101. The opening is preferably located in the second nonwoven fabric layer, of the first and second nonwoven fabric layers. This allows for the customization of absorbent articles to wearers with different body types by changing the shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer. The opening is preferably located on the dorsal side R of the surface material 101, more preferably from the dorsal side R to the crotch area C, and even more preferably from the dorsal side R to the ventral side F. In particular, having the opening on the dorsal side R allows it to capture the wearer's loose stool, etc., and allow it to pass through in the thickness direction, enabling rapid absorption of the liquid components. As a result, the amount of excretory fluid adhering to the skin can be reduced, and moisture around the buttocks can be reduced, potentially increasing the chances of reducing pressure ulcers in the wearer.
[0043] For reducing the amount of skin adhesion, it is preferable that the openings are arranged in a regular, evenly spaced pattern at regular intervals within the area where they are located. In this case, the size of the openings as observed in a plan view is preferably between 2 mm and 5 mm in diameter. Above the lower limit, it is possible to quickly absorb and separate even soft or solid stools from the skin, while below the upper limit, it is possible to provide excellent compression characteristics while maintaining strength that can withstand transportation during production.
[0044] Next, specific examples of the lamination configuration of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer in the surface material 101 will be described below. Note that the lamination of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer may be such that the second nonwoven fabric layer is in contact with the skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer, or the second nonwoven fabric layer is in contact with the non-skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer.
[0045] In a first embodiment of the surface material 101, as shown in Figures 5(A) and (B), the dorsal portion R includes a laminate 73 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 and the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72A), and the crotch area C and ventral portion F include a single layer 74 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71. As mentioned above, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is in contact with the skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 (the outermost surface of the urine pad 100), but may also be configured in which the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is in contact with the non-skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 (see Figure 6).
[0046] In the first embodiment, by positioning the laminate 73 while avoiding the crotch area C of the urine absorption pad 100, a clearer difference in compression distance in the thickness direction and bulk softness in the width direction X can be suitably set and controlled between the crotch area C and the dorsal area R. This makes it possible to directly and simultaneously express the aforementioned different required characteristics for the crotch area C and the dorsal area R at the point where they come into contact with the wearer's skin. In other words, the free movement of the wearer's thighs and ease of attachment in the crotch area C can be enhanced, while pressure ulcer reduction, wearing comfort, and speed of proper positioning during attachment can be improved in the dorsal area R.
[0047] Furthermore, in the dorsal portion R, the surface material 101 includes a laminate 73 of a first nonwoven fabric layer 71 and a second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72A), which results in a thicker fiber mesh structure that can capture and absorb the wearer's excretory fluids and separate them from the skin. In particular, the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72A) having the aforementioned thickness and basis weight makes it bulkier and thicker (for example, Figures 7(A) and (B)), thereby improving the absorbency of the excretory fluid. That is, by making the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 bulkier and thicker, even if the material itself does not have absorbency, it structurally acquires absorbency (the ability to draw in and retain liquid components inside). As a result, the surface material 101 on the dorsal side R has the function of retaining excretory fluid in one place without diffusing it in the planar direction and allowing it to permeate in the thickness direction. The surface material 101 on the dorsal side R can quickly absorb liquid components in a narrow area without diffusing highly viscous excretory fluids such as loose stools or menstrual blood, and transfer them from the surface material 101 to the absorbent material 103. As a result, the amount of excretory fluid adhering to the skin on the dorsal side R is effectively reduced, effectively eliminating the damp condition of the wearer's buttocks, and further enhancing the aforementioned effect of reducing pressure ulcers.
[0048] From the viewpoint of further enhancing the effect of the surface material 101 on the dorsal side R on the excretory fluid, it is preferable that the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 has a configuration in which a plurality of openings are scattered in the planar direction. For example, in the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72B) shown in Figures 7(C) and (D), a plurality of recessed openings 8 are regularly dispersed at regular intervals in the planar direction, and each recessed opening 8 has a bottom 81. The recessed openings 8 may have a bottom 81, or they may be through holes without a bottom 81. From the viewpoint of preventing the surface material 101 from floating away from the absorbent 103 and assisting in the smooth transfer of liquid to the absorbent 103, it is preferable that the recessed openings 8 have a bottom 81. The size of the recessed opening 8 observed in a plan view is preferably the equivalent diameter of the circle described above.
[0049] The openings (recessed openings 8) shown in Figures 7(C) and (D) are not limited to those located in the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72B), but may also be located in the first nonwoven fabric layer 71, either in lieu of or in addition to the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72B).
[0050] The effect of the surface material 101, including the laminate 73 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 and the second nonwoven fabric layer 72, on the back side R described above also applies to the second to fourth embodiments described later. From this viewpoint, it is preferable to include openings in the second to fourth embodiments described later.
[0051] In the first embodiment, the surface material 101 in the crotch area C and the abdominal area F is made of a single layer 74 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71. This enhances the mobility of the front area from the wearer's crotch to the lower abdomen, making it easier to move various movements such as the movement of both legs and improving the wearing comfort. In addition, the appearance tends to be relatively neat, reducing the wearer's resistance to use. Furthermore, the absence of the fluffy thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 in the abdominal area F reduces the feeling of heat and discomfort in the abdominal area F, which tends to absorb moisture from urine and become stuffy.
[0052] The planar shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72A) in the first embodiment is not limited to a rectangle as shown in Figure 5(A), but can be various shapes. Preferably, the planar shape has an area that covers at least the sacrum of the wearer. In this case, the planar shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 may correspond to a part of the planar shape of the absorbent material 103 placed on the dorsal side R, or it may correspond to the entire planar shape of the absorbent material 103 placed on the dorsal side R. The latter is preferable because it makes it easier to reduce pressure ulcers on the dorsal side R, improve wearing comfort, and enable quick and appropriate positioning during application, even if there are some changes in the wearer's posture.
[0053] In the first embodiment, if the planar shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72A) is part of the planar shape of the absorbent 103 arranged on the back side R, it may be in a form such as that shown in Figures 8(A) to (C). The second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72C) shown in Figure 8(A) has a trapezoidal shape in plan view, and its length in the width direction X gradually decreases in a tapered manner towards the crotch area C. As a result, the portion closer to the crotch area C is reduced, thereby reducing the feeling of pressure in the area closer to the crotch that tends to bunch up and impair the comfort of use, and making it less likely to hinder the range of motion of the hip joint. The second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72D), shown in Figure 8(B), has a circular planar shape. This allows for treatment of only the area surrounding a healed pressure ulcer without compromising comfort, even for individuals with existing pressure ulcers. The second nonwoven fabric layer 72(72E) shown in Figure 8(C) has a planar shape that combines a rectangular section 721 with a tapered section 722. The tapered section 722 is positioned on the crotch area C side of the rectangular section 721, and its length in the width direction X gradually decreases towards the crotch area C. This allows even people who have a fast excretion rate and are prone to leakage to quickly transfer excretions to the absorbent material, and by reducing the area close to the crotch area C, it reduces pressure on the area that is closer to the crotch and can be bulky, thus reducing the range of motion of the hip joint.
[0054] In a second embodiment of the surface material 101, as shown in Figure 9, the dorsal portion R and the crotch portion C include a laminate 73 of a first nonwoven fabric layer 71 and a second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72F). In a part of the crotch portion C and the ventral portion F, the surface material 101 is a single layer 74 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71. In Figure 9, the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72F) is arranged on the skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric 71, but as mentioned above, the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72F) may be arranged on the non-skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric 71. This also applies to the embodiments shown in Figures 10 to 12 described later. In the dorsal portion R, the length of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72F) in the width direction X is preferably 0.8 to 1.5 times, more preferably 0.9 to 1.5 times, the length of the absorbent body 103 in the width direction X. In the crotch area C, the length of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72F) in the width direction X is preferably 0.5 to 1.3 times, more preferably 0.6 to 1.0 times, the length of the absorbent body 103 in the width direction X. Note that if the absorbent body 103 is composed of an absorbent core and a core wrap sheet covering the absorbent core, each length of the absorbent body 103 refers to the length of the core wrap sheet. As a result, even if the laminate 73 is positioned in the crotch area C, the area of the laminate 73 with thickness in the crotch area C is smaller than that in the dorsal area R, so that the compression distance in the thickness direction and the bulk softness in the width direction X can be suitably set and controlled between the crotch area C and the dorsal area R. In addition, in the crotch area C, although the laminated body 73 is smaller than that in the dorsal area R, it can even provide a soft, plush fit to the area from the wearer's crotch to the anal area. This provides the required characteristics for the crotch area C (free movement of the wearer's thighs and ease of attachment in the crotch area C) while also providing the crotch area C with the ability to capture, prevent diffusion of, and absorb highly viscous excretory fluids. This prevents highly viscous excretory fluids from diffusing into the ventral area F and allows them to be absorbed in the area from the crotch area C to the dorsal area R.
[0055] In the second embodiment, the planar shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72F) is a combination of a rectangular portion 721 of constant width, a tapered portion 722, and a vertically elongated strip portion 723. The tapered portion 722 is located on the crotch area C side of the rectangular portion 721, and its length in the width direction X gradually decreases toward the crotch area C. The strip portion 723 extends in the longitudinal direction Y with the reduced length in the width direction X. Part of the tapered portion 722 and the strip portion 723 are located in the crotch area C. By adopting such a planar shape, the required characteristics for the crotch area C can be realized, while at the same time, the capture ability, liquid diffusion prevention, and liquid absorption of the aforementioned high-viscosity excretory fluid can be easily improved in the crotch area C.
[0056] In the second embodiment shown in Figure 9, the surface material 101 in the ventral portion F was a single layer 74 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71, but the invention is not limited to this, and modified versions such as those shown in Figure 10 may also be used. In the modified example shown in Figure 10, the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72F) is joined together in a planar shape with two layers symmetrically aligned with the center line M of the length in the longitudinal direction Y (referred to as the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72G)). This allows the laminate 73 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 and the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 to be distributed across the entire back side R, crotch area C, and front side F, and the length in the width direction X of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72G) in the crotch area C is shortened within the aforementioned range. The compression distance in the thickness direction and the compressive deformability in the width direction X can be suitably set and controlled between the crotch area C and the back side R. Furthermore, with respect to the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72G) distributed in the front side F, the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72G) can be suitably set and controlled from the viewpoint of improving diffusion prevention and liquid absorption in the crotch area C.
[0057] In the second embodiment, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is placed on the skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 (the outermost surface of the urine pad 100), but may also be configured (not shown) in which the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is in contact with the non-skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71. Furthermore, the second embodiment may include the aforementioned opening portion.
[0058] In the second embodiment, the planar shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is not limited to that shown in Figure 9, but can be various planar shapes that satisfy the range of the ratio of the length in the width direction X described above.
[0059] In a third aspect of the surface material 101, as shown in Figure 11, the back portion R and the crotch area C include a laminate 73 of a first nonwoven fabric layer 71 and a second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72H), with the length in the width direction X of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72H) gradually decreasing from the back portion R towards the crotch area C. In this way, the entire planar shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is tapered, so that there is no step at the connection between the back portion R and the crotch area C that could cause discomfort to the wearer, and it can accommodate individual differences in body shape. In the third embodiment, the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72H) has a planar shape that is symmetrical with respect to the center line M (Figure 1) of the length in the longitudinal direction Y. That is, not only in the dorsal side R but also in the ventral side F, it includes a laminate 73 in which the length in the width direction X of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72H) gradually decreases toward the crotch area C. By arranging the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72H) in this way over the entire longitudinal direction Y of the dorsal side R, crotch area C, and ventral side F of the surface material 101, and making it narrower only in the crotch area C, the laminate 73 in which the length in the width direction X of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72H) gradually decreases toward the crotch area C is included not only in the dorsal side R but also in the ventral side F, resulting in good compressible properties in the width direction even in the ventral side F. This makes it less likely to fold when worn, and provides desirable compressible properties to the ventral side, dorsal side, and crotch area. Furthermore, even if the wearer is male and urine tends to spray forward, the liquid will not concentrate at the front but will be distributed and absorbed towards the back.
[0060] In the third embodiment, it is preferable to satisfy the requirement of the range of the ratio of the length X in the width direction shown in the second embodiment.
[0061] In the third embodiment, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is placed on the skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 (the outermost surface of the urine pad 100), but may also be configured (not shown) in which the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is in contact with the non-skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71. Furthermore, the third embodiment may also include the aforementioned opening portion.
[0062] In the third embodiment, the planar shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is not limited to that shown in Figure 11, and can be various planar shapes. For example, the tapered shape may be made steeper to shorten the length of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 in the width direction X at the crotch area C. Alternatively, the planar shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 may be a tapered shape from the dorsal side R to the crotch area C, and the ventral side F may be a single layer 74 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 (not shown). In any embodiment, it is preferable to satisfy the requirement of the range of the length ratio in the width direction X shown in the second embodiment.
[0063] As a fourth aspect of the surface material 101, as shown in Figure 12, the dorsal portion R and the ventral portion F include a laminate 73 of a first nonwoven fabric layer 71 and a second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72I), and the crotch area C includes a single layer 74 of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71. In the laminate 73, the length in the width direction X of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72I) gradually decreases toward the crotch area C. By positioning the laminate 73 while avoiding the crotch area C of the urine pad 100, a clearer difference in compression distance in the thickness direction and bulk softness in the width direction X can be suitably set and controlled between the crotch area C and the dorsal portion R. Furthermore, by including a laminate 73 in the ventral portion F in which the length in the width direction X of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 (72I) gradually decreases toward the crotch area C, it is possible to accommodate, for example, people with a large build or large thighs, by not hindering the movement of the hip joint in a part closer to the crotch.
[0064] In the fourth embodiment, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is placed on the skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 (the outermost surface of the urine pad 100), but may also be configured (not shown) in which the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is in contact with the non-skin-contacting side of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71. Furthermore, the fourth embodiment may also include the aforementioned opening.
[0065] In the fourth embodiment, the planar shape of the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 is not limited to that shown in Figure 12, but can be various planar shapes.
[0066] In the urine pad 100, it is preferable to include an agent that has various effects on the wearer's skin in the surface material 101. As the surface material 101 conforms to the contours of the wearer's skin, the effect of the agent on the skin becomes more effective, especially on the back side R or from the back side R to the crotch area C. For example, it is preferable that the surface material 101 contains an inorganic filler. This allows different compressible properties and bulk softness to act, making the effect of the inorganic filler more effective. Specific examples of the inorganic filler include at least one selected from zinc oxide, silver oxide, copper oxide, and silver zeolite. The antibacterial action of these can reduce skin irritation. In particular, on the skin-contacting side of the dorsal portion R, the surface material 101 has high compressibility in the thickness direction, and the surface material 101 deforms to conform well to the curves of the wearer's buttocks and the depressions around the anus. This deformation and resulting fit allows the antibacterial action of zinc oxide in the surface material 101 to reach the area around the anus. Furthermore, some of these inorganic fillers have anti-inflammatory properties, which further enhances the pressure ulcer prevention effect on the wearer's buttocks.
[0067] It is preferable that the above-mentioned agent is kneaded into the fibers constituting the surface material 101. This allows the agent to be effective while preventing shedding from the fibers due to physical contact such as rubbing or urination. Furthermore, it is preferable that the above-mentioned agent is contained in the nonwoven fabric layer that is placed on the surface of the first nonwoven fabric layer 71 and the second nonwoven fabric layer 72 constituting the surface material 101, as this increases contact with the surface.
[0068] The absorbent article according to the present invention has the basic structure described above (surface material, back material, absorbent, side sheet, and elastic member), and each member constituting the basic structure may be made of various materials commonly used in absorbent articles.
[0069] For example, the backing material is not particularly limited as long as it prevents liquid permeation and has moisture permeability, but examples include a porous film obtained by melt-kneading a hydrophobic thermoplastic resin with a minute inorganic filler such as calcium carbonate or an immiscible organic polymer to form a film, and then uniaxially or biaxially stretching the film. Examples of the thermoplastic resin include polyolefins. Examples of polyolefins include high- to low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutene, etc., and these can be used alone or in mixtures.
[0070] Examples of absorbents include a mixture of hydrophilic fibers and superabsorbent polymer particles, a mixture of hydrophilic fibers, superabsorbent polymer particles, and thermoplastic synthetic resin fibers, or an absorbent sheet in which superabsorbent polymer particles are sandwiched between multiple fiber sheets. The hydrophilic fibers can be fibers having a hydrophilic surface, such as cellulose fibers or synthetic fibers that have been hydrophilized as needed with surfactants. In the case of the mixture, the entire mixture is covered with a permeable sheet such as tissue paper or a hydrophilic fiber nonwoven fabric to prevent deformation and shedding of polymer particles. The polymer particles can be starch-based, cellulose-based, or synthetic polymer-based.
[0071] As the side sheet, a water-repellent nonwoven fabric is preferred, and various water-repellent or water-repellent treated nonwoven fabrics can be used from among spunbond nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, heat-rolled nonwoven fabrics, needle-punched nonwoven fabrics, etc. Particularly preferred are, for example, spunbond nonwoven fabric, spunbond-meltblown (SM) nonwoven fabric, spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS), spunbond-meltblown-meltblown-spunbond (SMMS), spunbond-spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SSMS) nonwoven fabric, etc.
[0072] As the elastic component, ordinary materials used in this type of article can be used. For example, materials such as synthetic rubbers like styrene-butadiene, butadiene, isoprene, and neoprene, natural rubber, EVA, stretchable polyolefin, and polyurethane can be used. In terms of form, thread-like or string-like materials (flat rubber, etc.) with a rectangular, square, circular, or polygonal cross-section can be used, or multifilament-type thread-like materials can be used. Specifically for thread-like rubber, those with the fineness described above can be used. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0073] 100 urine pads 101 Surface material 102 Backing material 103 Absorbent 71 1st nonwoven layer 72 Second nonwoven layer 73 Laminate of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer 74 Single layer of the first nonwoven fabric
Claims
1. An absorbent article having an abdominal portion positioned on the wearer's abdominal side when worn, a dorsal portion positioned on the wearer's back, and a crotch portion located between them, and having a longitudinal direction connecting the abdominal portion, the crotch portion, and the dorsal portion, and a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and an absorbent body that absorbs and retains bodily fluids, and an absorbent body having a surface material on the skin-contacting side of the absorbent body, The surface material comprises a first nonwoven fabric layer arranged over the entire ventral, crotch, and dorsal portions, and a second nonwoven fabric layer laminated in the thickness direction with the first nonwoven fabric at least in the dorsal portion. The surface material has a density of 50 gf / cm² in the dorsal portion compared to the crotch portion. ２ An absorbent article having a long compression distance in the thickness direction at a given pressure, and lower bulk softness in the width direction in the crotch area than in the dorsal area.
2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the surface material has a ratio of the bulk softness in the width direction at the back to the bulk softness in the width direction at the crotch area (bulk softness in the width direction at the back / bulk softness in the width direction at the crotch area) of 10 or more and 90 or less.
3. The surface material has a density of 50 gf / cm² on its back side. ２ The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the compression distance in the thickness direction at the pressure is 3 mm or more and 12 mm or less.
4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface material includes a laminate of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer in the dorsal portion and a single layer of the first nonwoven fabric layer in the crotch area and the ventral portion.
5. The surface material includes a laminate of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer in the back portion and the crotch portion, In the dorsal portion, the length of the second nonwoven fabric layer in the width direction is 0.8 times or more and 1.5 times or less the length of the absorbent in the width direction. In the crotch area, the length of the second nonwoven fabric layer in the width direction is 0.5 times or more and 1.3 times or less the length of the absorbent material in the width direction. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
6. The surface material includes a laminate of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer in the back portion and the crotch portion, The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length of the second nonwoven fabric layer in the width direction gradually decreases from the back side towards the crotch area.
7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface material includes a laminate of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer in the dorsal and ventral portions, and a single layer of the first nonwoven fabric layer in the crotch area.
8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the first nonwoven fabric layer and the second nonwoven fabric layer has an opening.
9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer is 1.5 mm or more.
10. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer to the thickness of the first nonwoven fabric layer (thickness of the second nonwoven fabric layer / thickness of the first nonwoven fabric layer) is 1.1 or more and 10 or less.
11. The basis weight of the second nonwoven fabric layer is 30 g / m². ２ The absorbent article described in any one of claims 1 to 3.
12. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the basis weight of the second nonwoven fabric layer to the basis weight of the first nonwoven fabric layer (basis weight of the second nonwoven fabric layer / basis weight of the first nonwoven fabric layer) is 1.4 or more and 5 or less.
13. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the surface material contains an inorganic filler.
14. The absorbent article according to claim 13, wherein the inorganic filler comprises at least one selected from zinc oxide, silver oxide, copper oxide, and silver zeolite.
15. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which is an article for absorbing loose stools.