| abstract |
An absorbent article having a topsheet formed of nonwoven web material having favorable skin- feel qualities associated with nonwovens, and including hydrophilic fibers, is disclosed. Tendency of the topsheet material to absorb and retain discharged menstrual fluid, resulting from presence of hydrophilic fibers, is mitigated by inclusion of an absorbent core structure including suitable absorbent, open-celled foam material disposed directly beneath the topsheet in closely maintained, direct face-to-face contact with the outward-facing surface thereof. The absorbent foam may be suitably manufactured so as to have the ability to effectively draw fluid from the topsheet and retain it away from the topsheet. In such configuration, growth of microorganisms that might by supported by fluid retained by the topsheet, proximate the wearer's skin surfaces, is reduced or prevented. Accordingly, a method for isolating microorganisms from areas external and proximate a menstruating user's genital area is also disclosed, utilizing the disclosed article. |