11.05.02
Patented is a flexible and breathable absorbent article for use in an undergarment. The article comprises protective side flaps, a breathable backsheet with a garment facing surface, and an absorbent core. The garment facing surface contains an adhesive to adhere the article to the undergarment. The adhesive has an adhesive surface that defines a theoretical adhesion surface on the inside of an endless line, which is the shortest encircling line of the adhesive, without extending beyond the periphery of the garment facing surface. The backsheet comprises an inner and outer layer, with the inner layer closer to the absorbent core than the outer layer. The article’s outer layer comprises a hydrophobic, gas-permeable fibrous fabric layer composed of polymeric fibers. The inner layer comprises a hydrophobic, gas-permeable polymeric film with a surface ratio of the adhesive surface to the garment facing surface in the range of 0.2-0.8. The surface ratio of the theoretical adhesion surface to the garment facing surface is in the range of 0.6-1.0 for articles without the protective side flaps and in the range of 0.5-1.0 for articles with the protective side flaps. The article has a flexibility of 1300-5000 mg¥cm, when measured according to modify ASTM D1388.