| abstract |
An absorbent article comprises a topsheet joined to a backsheet and has an absorbent core material disposed therebetween, the absorbent core material being a fibrous absorbent material exhibiting on one side thereof discrete raised portions or out-of-plane deformations. In one aspect, the raised portions define a continuous network of channels, the channels defining a void region adjacent the topsheet of the sanitary napkin. In another aspect, the absorbent core material comprises a fibrous airlaid nonwoven web comprising cellulosic fibers and having a first density, and a plurality of discrete out-of-plane deformations having a second density which is less than the first density. The invention further relates to a method of making an absorbent core material. |