Disposable absorbent articles providing a skin condition benefit

The present invention relates to absorbent articles which provide improved protection against skin overhydration. A particularly preferred embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention comprises a body contacting surface having a skin care composition thereon that, when at least a portion of the composition is transferred to a wearer's skin by normal body motion or body heat, the material is effective in providing a skin condition benefit and a liquid impermeable, breathable backsheet having a mass vapor transmission rate value (MVTR) of at least about 1300 g/m.sup.2 /24 hr and an absorbent core having a post acquisition collagen rewet method value (PACORM) with a PACORM:MVTR ratio is less than 0.05 mg/(g/m.sup.2 /24 hr).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to disposable absorbent articles such as 
diapers, incontinence articles, catamenial devices, training pants, and 
the like. In particular, the present invention relates to disposable 
absorbent articles which provide improved protection against skin 
overhydration because of a skin care composition disposed on the topsheet 
thereof at least a portion of which composition transfers to a wearer's 
skin to provide a barrier against excess environmental moisture; improved 
skin aeration, such as is provided by improved backsheet breathability; 
and superior liquid handling performance. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
Disposable absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinence articles, 
catamenial devices, training pants and the like are well known in the art. 
Typically, disposable absorbent articles comprise a liquid pervious 
topsheet that faces the wearer's body, a liquid impervious backsheet that 
faces the wearers clothing, an absorbent core disposed between the liquid 
previous topsheet and the backsheet, and means to keep the core in fixed 
relation to the wearer's body. 
In order to absorb and contain bodily exudates such as urine, feces or 
menstrual fluids, an absorbent article must cover (i.e. occlude) certain 
parts of a wearer's body. Generally, current absorbent articles cover even 
larger parts of the wearer's body than may be necessary for absorption 
alone to allow for adequate storage of the exudates and to maintain the 
absorbent article in a proper position relative to the wearers body for 
such absorption. 
While this coverage is an essential element of the functionality of the 
article, skin occlusion due to wearing the article also can, in addition 
to negatively impacting wearer comfort, cause negative changes to wearer 
skin structure. For example the pressure exerted by elastic elements in 
absorbent articles of the current art can cause red marking. Also, 
occlusion of the skin by the absorbent article can, potentially, lead to 
skin overhydration with resulting increased risk of skin irritation. 
Further, as skin becomes overhydrated, it becomes macerated. As a result, 
overhydrated skin is more susceptible to damage from abrasion due to 
rubbing caused by normal wearer movements (i.e. chafing). Such 
susceptibility to skin disorders, including diaper rash, erythema (i.e. 
redness), heat rash, abrasion, pressure marks and skin barrier loss is 
well known. For example, 21 C.F.R. 333.503 defines diaper rash "[a]n 
inflammatory skin condition in the diaper area (perineum buttocks, lower 
abdomen, and inner thighs) caused by one or more of the following factors: 
moisture, occlusion, chafing, continued contact with urine or feces or 
both, or mechanical or chemical irritation." 
Said another way, the stratum corneum is the skin layer that, almost 
exclusively, provides the water barrier properties to the skin. Thus, any 
environmental condition that can increase the hydration state of the 
stratum corneum will, in all likelihood, lead to overhydration. As noted 
above, occlusion by an absorbent article is a prime example of an 
environmental condition that can lead to overhydration. In particular, 
skin occluded by an absorbent article sees at least the following 
differences in its environment when compared to unoccluded skin: 
Available water from bodily fluids, such as urine, increases the driving 
force across the extra cellular lipid component of the stratum corneum 
(the hydrophobic component which provides the main water barrier 
properties to the stratum corneum) allowing the keratin enriched 
corneocyte component of the stratum corneum (the hydrophilic component 
which provides mechanical strength to the stratum corneum) to become 
overhydrated. Such available water can come from inadequate acquisition by 
the absorbent article, from rewet because the absorbent article falls to 
have adequate liquid retention capability or from sweat due to the 
occlusive nature of the absorbent article. 
Increased relative humidity in the void volume between the absorbent 
article and the skin can interfere with the natural transport of water 
vapor into and out of the skin. As is well known, mass transport depends 
on a concentration differential across a barrier. If the relative humidity 
on the outside of the stratum corneum becomes too high and additional 
water is delivered to the body side of the stratum corneum (e.g. due to an 
increase in ambient temperature) the water will remain in/on the skin a 
longer period of time. 
Once the skin begins to become overhydrated, the barrier properties of the 
extra cellular lipid component of the stratum corneum begin to degenerate. 
Such degeneration results in increased overhydration, leading to 
compromised skin and, even, diaper rash (diaper dermatitis). 
While the art has approached this problem in various ways (see below), it 
has failed to recognize that improving protection against skin 
overhydration due to wearing an absorbent article (i.e. maintaining the 
skin occluded by an absorbent article in a state more like the state of 
unoccluded skin) is multifunctional in nature. As is discussed in the 
various objects for the present invention, skin can best be protected 
against overhydration by addressing all (or as many as possible) of the 
sources of overhydration at one time. 
Numerous attempts have been disclosed that are directed to improving wearer 
skin condition by reducing the risk of creating overhydrated skin or by 
allowing already overhydrated skin to dehydrate to a level closer to 
unoccluded skin. For example: 
More or less breathable devices or materials are described in U.S. Pat. 
Nos. 4,627,847, 4,648,876, 4,578,069, 4,713,068, 4,758,339, 4,833,172, 
4,923,650, 5,254,111, 5,492,751, 5,599,420 and 5,628,737, in published 
European Patent applications EP 315,013 and EP 710,471, and in published 
PCT applications WO 95/16,562 and WO 95/16,746. Generally, all such 
devices or materials balance gas permeability and liquid impermeability. 
This becomes particularly apparent when considering materials having 
apertures or pores, whereby an increase in pore size will allow easier gas 
permeation, but also easier liquid permeation. The latter may be 
undesirable, in particular, when such materials are used as backsheet 
materials to cover liquid retaining regions of an absorbent article, such 
as the core region thereof In particular, for articles designed to absorb 
larger quantities of liquids, such as baby or adult incontinence devices, 
approaches aimed at keeping only part of the article breathable, such as 
by covering the liquid absorbing parts (often referred to as absorbent 
core) by a non-breathable material, but having other parts of the article 
made of breathable materials have been used. 
The art has also used "lotions" in combination with absorbent articles. 
Examples include: U.S. Pat. No. 3,585,998 to Hayford et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 
3,464,413 to Goldfarb et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 3,896,807 to Buchalter; U.S. 
Pat. No. 3,489,148 to Duncan et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,588 to Roe et 
al. While such attempts may provide a "lotion", devices of the current art 
have either failed to transfer an amount of lotion that is effective 
against overhydration or to even recognize that lotion applied to an 
absorbent article may be effective against overhydration. 
The art has also focused on providing absorbent cores that are effective in 
acquiring, distributing, and storing discharges of bodily fluids. Such 
devices are described in, for example: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,898,642 and 
4,798,603; Published European Patent applications EP 640,330 and EP 
397,110; and in many other patents and published applications. In previous 
attempts aimed at improving the interaction between absorbent articles and 
the skin of the wearer, the art has not sufficiently recognized that there 
can be cooperation between good rewet performance of the absorbent article 
and material transport through backsheet materials which can result in 
improved skin condition. 
While, as is clear from the above, the art has continually attempted to 
improve various individual aspects of absorbent articles, as such aspects 
may relate to maintaining a wearer's skin in a condition more like that of 
unoccluded skin, the art has failed to recognize that such aspects may 
cooperate to provide even further improvement in wearer skin condition. 
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide disposable 
absorbent articles that provide a skin condition benefit to a wearer's 
skin. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide 
absorbent articles that help maintain a wearer's skin at a hydration level 
that is more like the hydration level of unoccluded skin than absorbent 
articles of the current art. It is a further object of the present 
invention to provide such hydration level maintenance by providing 
absorbent articles having cores with particularly good fluid handling 
performance (in particular the rewet characteristics of such cores). It is 
still a further object of the present invention to provide such absorbent 
articles with vapor permeable backsheet materials so as to reduce the 
relative humidity in the void volume between the absorbent article and a 
wearer's skin. It is yet a further object of the present invention to 
provide such absorbent articles with a body contacting surface (e.g. a 
topsheet, a cuff, or the like) comprising a skin care composition at least 
a portion of which can transfer from the body contacting surface to a 
wearer's body to provide a skin condition benefit (e.g., providing a 
barrier to any residual moisture remaining on the wearer's skin so such 
residual moisture is less deleterious to the wearer's skin condition). It 
is still a further object of the present invention to provide a single 
absorbent article comprising such improved absorbent cores, such permeable 
backsheets, and such topsheets. These and other objects may be obtained by 
using the present invention as will be taught in the following disclosure. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
The present invention relates to absorbent articles which provide improved 
protection against skin overhydration. That is, such articles help 
maintain the skin of an individual wearing the absorbent article of the 
present invention in a condition more like unoccluded skin. A particularly 
preferred embodiment of an absorbent article of the present invention 
comprises a body contacting surface having a skin care composition thereon 
that, when at least a portion of the composition is transferred to a 
wearer's skin by contact, normal body motion, body heat, or combinations 
thereof, the material is effective in providing a skin condition benefit 
and a backsheet having a MVTR of at least about 500 g/m.sup.2 /24 hr. An 
alternative preferred embodiment of the absorbent article further 
comprises a liquid impermeable, breathable backsheet having a mass vapor 
transmission rate value (MVTR) of at least about 1300 gm.sup.2 /24 hr and 
an absorbent core having a post acquisition collagen rewet method value 
(ORM) wherein the ORM:MVTR ratio is less than 0.050 mg/(glm.sup.2 
/24 hr).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
Absorbent Articles: General Discussion 
As used herein, the term "absorbent article" refers to devices which absorb 
and contain body exudates, and, more specifically, refers to devices which 
are placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and 
contain the various exudates discharged from the body. 
The term "disposable" is used herein to describe absorbent articles which 
are not intended to be laundered or otherwise restored or reused as an 
absorbent article (i.e., they are intended to be discarded after use and, 
preferably, to be recycled, composed or otherwise disposed of in an 
environmentally compatible manner). 
As used herein, the term "skin care composition" refers to any composition 
which comprises one or more agents which, when transferred from an 
absorbent article to a wearer's skin, provide a therapeutic or protective 
skin benefit. Representative materials are discussed in detail below. 
As used herein, the term "treated article" means an absorbent article 
having a skin care composition on or migratable to at least one body 
contacting surface of that article. 
As used herein, the term "body contacting surface" of an absorbent article 
is one or more surfaces of any article components that contact the wearer 
at some time during the wear period. Body contacting surfaces include, but 
are not limited to, portions of the topsheet, leg cuffs, waist region, 
side panels, fastening tabs, etc., which contact a wearer during use. 
Other terms are defined in the specification where initially discussed. 
All percentages, ratios and proportions used herein are by weight unless 
otherwise specified. 
Within the context of the present invention and with reference to FIG. 1, a 
preferred absorbent article 20 comprises: 
a) a central region 68 (which may consist of sub-structures and/or wrapping 
materials), including on the side oriented towards the wearer a topsheet 
24, which forms the inner or body surface and which, at least in certain 
regions thereof allows bodily exudates to penetrate therethrough, and 
includes on the opposite side a backsheet 26 which forms the outer or 
garment surface of the article and which separates the absorbent core from 
the surrounding environment, such as the clothing of the wearer. 
b) a chassis region 69 comprising features such as closure elements and 
elastically extensible elements to maintain the article on the wearer. The 
chassis region 69 also comprises a topsheet 24 which forms the inner or 
body-contacting surface thereof and a backsheet 26. 
The backsheet and the topsheet materials of the central region 68 can be 
unitary with respective materials in the chassis region 69, i.e. the 
backsheet 26 can cover the absorbent core 28 and the same material or 
sheet may extend into the chassis region 69 or the topsheet 24 and the 
backsheet 26 can comprise different materials in each of the central 
region 68 and the chassis region 69. 
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a diaper embodiment of an absorbent article of the 
present invention. The diaper 20 is shown in FIG. 1 in its flat-out, 
uncontracted state (i.e. with elastic induced contraction pulled out 
except in the side panels wherein the elastic is left in its relaxed 
condition) with portions of the structure being cut-away to more clearly 
show the construction of the diaper 20 and with the portion of the diaper 
20 which faces away from the wearer, the outer surface 52, facing the 
viewer. As shown in FIG. 1, the diaper 20 comprises a liquid pervious, 
topsheet 24, a liquid impervious backsheet 26 joined with the topsheet 24, 
and an absorbent core 28 positioned between the topsheet 24 and the 
backsheet 26; elasticized side panels 30; elasticized leg cuffs 32; an 
elastic waist feature 34; and a closure system comprising a dual tension 
fastening system generally multiply designated as 36. The dual tension 
fastening system 36 preferably comprises a primary fastening system 38 and 
a waist closure system 40. The primary fastening system 38 preferably 
comprises a pair of securement members 42 and a landing member 44. The 
waist closure system 40 is shown in FIG. 1 to preferably comprise a pair 
of first attachment components 46 and a second attachment component 48. 
The diaper 20 also preferably comprises a positioning patch 50 located 
subjacent each first attachment component 46. 
The diaper 20 is shown in FIG. 1 to have an outer or garment surface 52 
(facing the viewer in FIG. 1), an inner or body contacting surface 54 
opposed to the outer surface 52, a first waist region 56, a second waist 
region 58 opposed to the first waist region 56, and a periphery 60 which 
is defined by the outer edges of the diaper 20 in which the longitudinal 
edges are designated 62 and the end edges are designated 64. The inner 
surface 54 of the diaper 20 comprises that portion of the diaper 20 which 
is positioned adjacent to the wearer's body during use (i.e. the inner 
surface 54 generally is formed by at least a portion of the topsheet 24 
and other components joined to the topsheet 24). The outer surface 52 
comprises that portion of the diaper 20 which is positioned away from the 
wearer's body (i.e. the outer surface 52 generally is formed by at least a 
portion of the backsheet 26 and other components joined to the backsheet 
26). The first waist region 56 and the second waist region 58 extend, 
respectively, from the end edges 64 of the periphery 60 to the lateral 
centerline 66 of the diaper 20. The waist regions each comprise a central 
or central region 68 and chassis region 69. The chassis region 69 
comprises a pair of laterally extending side panels 70, 72 which typically 
comprise the outer lateral portions of the waist regions 56, 58. The side 
panels positioned in the first waist region 56 are designated 70 while the 
side panels positioned in the second waist region 58 are designated 72. 
While it is not necessary that the laterally opposed pairs of side panels 
70, 72 be identical, they are preferably mirror images one of the other. 
The side panels 72 positioned in the second waist region 58 can be 
elastically extensible in the lateral direction (thus forming elasticized 
side panels 30). 
The lateral direction (x direction or width) is defined as the direction 
parallel to the lateral centerline 66 of the diaper 20. The longitudinal 
direction (y direction or length) is defined as the direction parallel to 
the longitudinal centerline 67. The axial direction (z direction or 
thickness) being defined as the direction perpendicular to the outer 
surface 52 and extending through the thickness of the diaper 20. 
FIG. 1 shows a specific execution of the diaper 20 in which the topsheet 24 
and the backsheet 26 are unitary across the core and the chassis region 
and have length and width dimensions generally larger than those of the 
absorbent core 28. The topsheet 24 and the backsheet 26 extend beyond the 
edges of the absorbent core 28 and thereby form the periphery 60 of the 
diaper 20. The periphery 60 defines the outer perimeter or, in other 
words, the edges of the diaper 20. The periphery 60 comprises the 
longitudinal edges 62 and the end edges 64. 
While each elasticized leg cuff 32 may be configured so as to be similar to 
any of the leg bands, side flaps, barrier cuffs, or elastic cuffs 
described above, it is preferred that each elasticized leg cuff 32 
comprise at least an inner barrier cuff 84 comprising a barrier flap 85 
and a spacing elastic member 86 such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 
4,909,803, which issued to Aziz, et al. on Feb. 24, 1989. In a preferred 
embodiment, the elasticized leg cuff 32 additionally comprises an elastic 
gasketing cuff 104 with one or more elastic strands 105, positioned 
outboard of the barrier cuff 84 such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 
4,695,278, which issued to Lawson on Sep. 22, 1987. 
The diaper 20 may further comprise an elastic waist feature 34 that 
provides improved fit and containment. The elastic waist feature 34 at 
least extends longitudinally outwardly from at least one of the waist 
edges 83 of the absorbent core 28 in at least the central region 68 and 
generally forms at least a portion of the end edge 64 of the diaper 20. 
Thus, the elastic waist feature 34 comprises that portion of the diaper at 
least extending from the waist edge 83 of the absorbent core 28 to the end 
edge 64 of the diaper 20 and is intended to be placed adjacent the 
wearer's waist. Disposable diapers are generally constructed so as to have 
two elastic waist features, one positioned in the first waist region and 
one positioned in the second waist region. 
The elasticized waist band 35 of the elastic waist feature 34 may comprise 
a portion of the topsheet 24, a portion of the backsheet 26 that has 
preferably been mechanically stretched and a bi-laminate material 
comprising an elastomeric member 76 positioned between the topsheet 24 and 
backsheet 26 and resilient member 77 positioned between backsheet 26 and 
elastomeric member 76. Such mechanically stretched waist features are 
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,151,092, issued to Buell, et al. on Sep. 29, 
1992, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
This as well as other components of the diaper are given in more detail in 
U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,423, issued to Buell, et al. on Aug. 10, 1993, the 
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
Absorbent Core: Core Structure 
The absorbent core 28 should be generally compressible, conformable, 
non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and 
retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body exudates. The 
absorbent core 28 may comprise a wide variety of liquid absorbent or 
liquid handling materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other 
absorbent articles such as, but not limited to, comminuted wood pulp which 
is generally referred to as airfelt; meltblown polymers including coform; 
chemically stiffened, modified or crosslinked cellulosic fibers; tissue 
including tissue wraps and tissue laminates. Alternatively the absorbent 
core 28 may comprise other porous materials, such as foams, either alone 
or in combination with such fibrous webs as may be suitable as a core 
material. 
Examples for absorbent structures are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,678, 
issued to Weisman et al. on Sep. 9, 1986; U.S. Pat. No. 4,673,402, issued 
to Weisman et al. on Jun. 16, 1987; U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,231, issued to 
Angstadt on Dec. 19, 1989; U.S. Pat. No. 5,180,622, (Berg et al.); U.S. 
Pat. No. 5,102,597 (Roe et al.); U.S. Pat. No. 5,387,207 (LaVon) and in EP 
Patent Application 640,330, published in the name of Plischke, et al. on 
Mar. 1, 1995. Such structures can be adapted to be compatible with the 
requirements outlined below to be suitable for use as an absorbent core 28 
of the present invention. 
The absorbent core can be a unitary core structure, or it can be a 
combination of several absorbent structures, which in turn can consist of 
one or more sub-structures. Each of the structures or sub-structures can 
have an essentially two-dimensional extension (i.e. be a layer) or a 
three-dimensional shape. 
The diaper 20 is preferably applied to a wearer by positioning one of the 
waist regions of the diaper, preferably the second waist region 58, under 
the wearer's back and drawing the remainder of the diaper between the 
wearer's legs so that the other waist region, preferably the first waist 
region 56, is positioned across the front of the wearer. The fastening 
system is then applied to effect a side closure. 
Absorbent Core Materials-Fibrous Materials 
The absorbent core 28 of the present invention may comprise fibrous 
materials which form a fibrous web or a fibrous matrix. Fibers useful in 
the present invention include naturally occurring fibers, such as wood or 
cotton fibers. Such natural fibers may be modified or unmodified. Also 
suitable are synthetic fibers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene 
fibers. For many absorbent cores or core structures according to the 
present invention, hydrophilic fibers are preferred. This preferred 
hydrophilicity can be obtained by using hydrophilic starting materials or 
by hydrophilicing naturally hydrophobic fibers. Naturally hydrophobic 
fibers such as thermoplastic fibers derived from polyolefins can be 
rendered hydrophilic by an appropriate treatment as is known to the art 
(i.e. such fibers may be surfactant-treated or silica-treated). 
Suitable naturally occurring fibers are wood pulp fibers which can be 
obtained from well-known chemical processes such as the Kraft and sulfite 
processes. Also chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers are suitable. For 
example, crosslinking agents can be applied to the fibers so that, 
subsequent to application, intrafiber chemical crosslinks which can 
increase the stiffness of the fibers are formed. While the use of such 
intrafiber crosslink bonds to chemically stiffen the fiber is preferred, 
it is not meant to exclude other types of reactions which may stiffen such 
fibers. Fibers stiffened by crosslink bonds in individualized form (i.e., 
the individualized stiffened fibers, as well as process useful for their 
preparation) are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 3,224,926; U.S. 
Pat. No. 3,440,135; U.S. Pat. No. 3,932,209; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,035,147; 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,898,642; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,537. 
Thermoplastic fibers may also be used in certain embodiments of the 
absorbent structures of the present invention. Such fibers can be made 
from any thermoplastic polymer that can be melted at temperatures that 
will not extensively damage the fibers or, alternatively, spun from a 
suitable solvent. The preferred thermoplastic fibers can be made from a 
variety of thermoplastic polymers, such as polyolefins (e.g. polyethylene 
or polypropylene). As discussed above, the surface of a hydrophobic 
thermoplastic fiber can be rendered hydrophilic by treatment with a 
surfactant. Suitable surfactants include non-ionic or anionic surfactants. 
Suitable non-ionic surfactants include surfactants such as Brij.RTM. 76 
manufactured by ICI Americas, Inc. of Wilmington, Del., and various 
surfactants sold under Pegosperse.RTM. trademark by Glyco Chemical, Inc. 
of Greenwich, Conn. As noted above, anionic surfactants can also be used. 
Such surfactants may be applied to the hydrophobic polymeric fibers using 
means known to the art (e.g., by spraying the fiber with a surfactant, by 
dipping the fiber into a surfactant or by including the surfactant as part 
of the polymer melt in producing the thermoplastic fiber). These 
surfactants can be applied to the thermoplastic fibers at levels of, for 
example, from about 0.2 to about 1 gram per square centimeter of 
thermoplastic fiber. 
Suitable thermoplastic fibers can be made from a single polymer 
(mono-component fibers), or can be made from more than one polymer (e.g., 
bi-component fibers). For example, "bi-component fibers" can refer to 
thermoplastic fibers that comprise a core fiber made from one polymer that 
is encased within a thermoplastic sheath made from a different polymer. 
The polymer comprising the sheath often melts at a different, typically 
lower, temperature than the polymer comprising the core. As a result, 
these bi-component fibers provide thermal bonding due to melting, of the 
sheath polymer, while retaining the desirable strength characteristics of 
the core polymer. Suitable bicomponent fibers can also comprise two 
different polymeric materials having other spatial relationships than the 
core and sheath relationship discussed above. For example, the polymeric 
materials could be disposed in a side by side relationship. 
In the case of thermoplastic fibers, their length can vary depending upon 
the particular melt point and other properties desired for these fibers. 
Typically, these thermoplastic fibers have a length between about 0.3 and 
about 7.5 cm, preferably between about 0.4 and about 3.0 cm. The 
properties, including melt point, of these thermoplastic fibers can also 
be adjusted by varying the diameter (caliper) of the fibers. The diameter 
of these thermoplastic fibers is typically defined in terms of either 
denier (grams per 9000 meters) or decitex (grams per 10,000 meters or 
dtex). Depending on the specific arrangement within the structure, 
suitable thermoplastic fibers can have a decitex in the range from about 
0.4 dtex to about 20 dtex. 
Such fibrous materials may be used in an individualized form when the 
absorbent article is being produced wherein an airlaid fibrous structure 
is formed on the absorbent article production line. Such fibers may also 
be used in the form of a preformed fibrous web or tissue. These preformed 
structures are then delivered to an absorbent article production line 
essentially in an effectively endless or very long form (e.g. on a roll or 
spool) and are cut to the appropriate size during production of the 
absorbent article. When multiple materials are used to form an absorbent 
structure such delivery and cutting can be done on each of such materials 
individually before these are combined with other materials to form the 
absorbent core 28. Alternatively, such materials may be delivered and 
combined before an individual core 28 is cut. Combination methods may also 
be used. There is a wide variety of methods for making such webs or 
tissues, and such processes are very well known in the art. 
Absorbent Core Materials-Superabsorbent Polymers or Hydrogels 
Optionally, and often preferably, the absorbent structures according to the 
present invention can comprise superabsorbent polymers, or hydrogels. The 
hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers useful in the present invention 
include a variety of substantially water-insoluble, but water-swellable 
polymers capable of absorbing large quantities of liquids. Such polymer 
materials are also commonly referred to as "hydrocoloids", or 
"superabsorbent" materials. These hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers 
preferably have a multiplicity of anionic, functional groups, such as 
sulfonic acid, and more typically carboxy groups. Examples of polymers 
suitable for use herein include those which are prepared from 
polymerizable, unsaturated, acid-containing monomers. 
Hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers suitable for the present invention 
contain carboxy groups. These polymers include hydrolyzed 
starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, partially neutralized 
starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymers, starch-acrylic acid graft 
copolymers, partially neutralized starch-acrylic acid graft copolymers, 
saponified vinyl acetate-acrylic ester copolymers, hydrolyzed 
acrylonitrile or acrylamide copolymers, slightly network crosslinked 
polymers of any of the foregoing copolymers, partially neutralized 
polyacrylic acid, and slightly network crosslinked polymers of partially 
neutralized polyacrylic acid. These polymers can be used either solely or 
in the form of a mixture of two or more different polymers. Examples of 
these polymer materials are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,661,875, U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,076,663, U.S. Pat. No. 4,093,776, U.S. Pat. No. 4,666,983, and 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,734,478. 
Particularly preferred polymeric materials for use in making 
hydrogel-forming particles are slightly network crosslinked polymers of 
partially neutralized polyacrylic acid and starch derivatives thereof Most 
preferably, the hydrogel-forming particles comprise from about 50 to about 
95%, preferably about 75%, neutralized, slightly network crosslinked, 
polyacrylic acid (i.e. poly sodium acrylate/acrylic acid). 
As described above, the hydrogel-forming absorbent polymers are preferably 
slightly network crosslinked. Network crosslinking serves to render the 
polymer substantially water-insoluble and, in part, determines the 
absorptive capacity and extractable polymer content characteristics of the 
precursor particles and the resultant macrostructures. Processes for 
network crosslinking the polymers and typical network crosslinking agents 
are described in greater detail in the herein before-referenced U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,076,663, and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,771, issued to Dahmen, et al. on 
Jun. 9, 1995. 
The superabsorbent materials can be used in particulate form or in fibrous 
form and may also be combined with other elements to form preformed 
structures. 
While the individual elements have been disclosed separately, an absorbent 
structure or substructure can be made by combining one or more of these 
elements. 
Design Capacity and Ultimate Storage Capacity 
In order to be able to compare absorbent articles for varying end use 
conditions, or differently sized articles, the "design capacity" of the 
article has been found to be a suitable measure. For example, babies are a 
typical user group, but even within this group the amount of urine 
loading, frequency of loading, composition of the urine will vary not only 
by age, i.e. from smaller babies (new-born babies) to toddlers on one 
side, but also among various individuals. Another user group may be larger 
children, still suffering from urinary incontinence. Also, incontinent 
adults can use such articles. Again, as with infants, there is a wide 
range of loading conditions, generally referred to as light incontinence 
ranging up to and including severe incontinence. 
While one skilled in the absorbent products art will readily be able to 
transfer the teaching to other sizes, the following discussion will focus 
on toddler sized babies (i.e. babies weighing more than about 20 pounds (9 
kg) and less than about 40 pounds (18 kg)). For such users, urine loadings 
of up to about 75 ml per voiding, with an average of four voids per 
wearing period are typical. Such a voiding pattern results in a total 
loading of up to about 300 ml. Voiding rates of 15 mlvsec have also been 
found to be representative of such wearers. As a result, absorbent 
articles, in order to be able to cope with such requirements should have 
the capability of acquiring and storing such amounts of urine, which as 
used herein with respect to the present invention will be referred to as 
the "design capacity" of the absorbent article. For purposes of applying 
the present invention to absorbent articles designed for different wearers 
which may have differing absorbency requirements, one skilled in the art 
will be able to readily adopt the appropriate design capacities for such 
user groups. 
Such amounts of bodily fluids have to be acquired and absorbed by materials 
which can ultimately store the bodily fluids, or at least the aqueous 
components thereof, such that, little, if any, fluid remains on the 
surface of the article adjacent a wearers skin. The term "ultimate" 
refers, in one aspect, to the situation seen in an absorbent article after 
long wearing times, and, in another aspect, to absorbent materials in such 
absorbent articles which reach their "ultimate" capacity (i.e. are in 
equilibrium with their environment). As many of the processes under 
consideration have asymptotic kinetic behavior, one skilled in the art 
will readily recognize that "ultimate" capacities are reached when the 
actual capacity has reached a value sufficiently close to an asymptotic 
endpoint (e.g. change in capacity with time is of the same order as 
equipment measurement accuracy). 
An absorbent article can comprise materials which are primarily designed to 
ultimately store bodily fluids. Such articles can also comprise other 
materials which are primarily designed for other functions, such as 
acquisition and/or distribution of bodily fluids, such other materials may 
still also have a certain ultimate storage capability. Suitable core 
materials according to the present invention are described without 
attempting to artificially separate such functions. Nonetheless, the 
ultimate storage capacity can be determined for the total absorbent core 
28, for regions thereof, for absorbent structures, sub-structures, and 
even materials as may be a component of an absorbent core or structure. 
In order to determine or evaluate the ultimate storage capacity of an 
absorbent article, a number of methods have been proposed. In the context 
of the present invention, it is assumed, that the ultimate storage 
capacity of an absorbent article is the sum of the ultimate capacities of 
the individual elements or material which the article comprises. For these 
individual components, various well established techniques can be applied, 
as long as they are applied consistently. For example, the Tea Bag 
Centrifuge Capacity (see TEST METHODS section), which has been developed 
and is well established for superabsorbent polymers, can be used for such 
materials. Once the capacities for the individual materials are known, the 
total article ultimate storage capacity can be calculated by multiplying 
these values (in ml/g) with the weight of the material used in the 
article. For materials having a dedicated functionality other than 
ultimate storage of fluids, such as acquisition layers and the like, the 
ultimate storage capacity can be neglected, either as such materials do in 
fact have only very low capacity values compared to the dedicated ultimate 
fluid storage materials, or as such materials are intended to not be 
loaded with fluid, and thus should release their fluid to the other 
ultimate storage materials. 
Given the discussion above, panty liners exhibit very low ultimate storage 
capacities (typically a few milliliters or less); catamenial pads have an 
ultimate storage capacity of up to about 20 ml; light urinary incontinence 
articles have an ultimate storage capacity of between about 75 ml and 
about 90 ml; medium urinary incontinence articles, and smaller size baby 
diapers can have an ultimate storage capacity of about 165 ml; toddler 
size baby diapers have ultimate storage capacities reaching 300 ml or 
more; and severe adult incontinence article have a 600 ml or more of 
ultimate storage capacity. 
Absorbent cores 28 of the present invention have the additional benefit of 
very low rewet. Such cores 28 preferably comprise an acquisition layer 
28a, an acquisition/distribution layer 28b, an a storage core 28c. The 
preferred cores 28 of the present invention are shown in FIG. 1 as having 
a structure wherein the acquisition/distribution layer 28b overlies the 
storage core 28c and the acquisition layer 28a is disposed between the 
acquisition/distribution layer 28b and the topsheet 24. The Post 
Acquisition Collagen Rewet Method (ORM) has been found to describe this 
low rewet performance well (see TEST METHODS section below). In this test, 
current art cores have ORM values of 150 mg and more; medium rewet 
performance cores have ORM values between about 110 mg and about, 150 
mg; cores with good rewet performance have ORM values between about 110 
mg and about 80 mg and cores with very good rewet performance have ORM 
values of less than 80 mg. Cores 28 having even lower ORM rewet values 
(e.g. less than 72 mg) are even more preferable. 
Breathable Backsheet Materials 
An essential element of the present invention is the use of materials which 
are sufficiently permeable to gases, such as air, water vapor, or other 
volatile materials. Apart from diffusion, gases or vapor can pass through 
a solid material by small capillary transport (slow), or convective 
transport (fast). Permeability can be assessed by the well known Mass 
Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR), expressed in units of g 24 h/m.sup.2 under 
various driving forces. For purposes of the present invention, the method, 
as is described in the TEST METHODS section below, involves calcium 
chloride which adsorbs moisture passing through the test specimen that is 
exposed to an environmental relative humidity of 75% at 40.degree. C. An 
alternative method of assessing gas permeability uses an air permeability 
test (also described in the TEST METHODS section below), whereby air is 
sucked through a test specimen under defined conditions such as a specific 
pressure drop across the sample. As the air permeability test relates to 
high penetration rates, it is more applicable to materials allowing 
convective flow (fast) rather than the diffusional or capillary transport 
dominated (slow) materials. 
A suitable material for use as a breathable backsheet for purposes of there 
present invention has a MVTR value of at least about 500 g/24 h/m.sup.2. 
Preferably, the MVTR of breathable backsheet materials of the present 
invention is at least about 900 g/24 h/m.sup.2. More preferably, the MVTR 
of the breathable backsheet material is also least 1300 g/24 h/m.sup.2. 
Examples of such materials suitable for use in the present invention 
include: 
Microporous films, for example as can be provided by Mitsui Toatsu Co., 
Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO or by EXXON Chemical Co., Bay City, 
Tex., under the designation EXXARE. Such films can be made by producing a 
polymer film (e.g. a polyethylene film which further comprises filler 
particles (e.g. calcium carbonate). After having formed a film wherein the 
filler particles are embedded into a polymer matrix, the film can be 
mechanically treated so as to permanently strain and stretch the 
polymerize. materials, thereby creating small cracks around the 
non-deforming filler particles. This deformation can be achieved by a 
number of different ways, in machine direction of the material such as by 
conventional stretching between two nip roll arrangements running at a 
differential speed, or in directions such as tentering fixing the edges of 
the material in diverging frames, or by running it through narrowly 
intermeshing rolls, or by any combination thereof. Each off these steps 
can be executed while the material is heated (i.e. at a temperature 
exceeding the ambient temperature, i.e. most often at temperature of more 
than about 40.degree. C.), or "cold", i.e. below said temperature. The 
microporosity of such materials can be imparted as an integral process 
step of the film making process, as a separate process step, or as a 
process step which is integrated into further conversion of such 
materials, such as when using such films to produce absorbent articles. 
The cracks are sufficiently large to allow gas molecules or the gas phase 
of a liquid to pass through, but small enough to prevent liquids from 
penetrating. Thus the transport mechanisms is slow flow in capillaries. 
Films or composites which comprise a mixture of (a) a block copolyether 
ester, a block copolyether amide and/or a polyurethane, (b) a 
thermoplastic homo, co or terpolymer that is incompatible with (a), and 
(c) a compatibilizer. Such materials are described in PCT application WO 
95/16746, published on Jun. 22, 1995 in the name of E. I. DuPont. 
Composite materials comprising such polymer blends are available from 
Clopay Corporation, Cincinnati, Ohio under the name HYTREL blend P18-3097. 
Suitable materials of this type are also described in greater detail in 
copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/744,487, filed on Nov. 6, 
1996 in the name of Curro, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein 
by reference. 
and 
Apertured films as are discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,989,86 issued to Sisson 
on Nov. 2, 1976 which teaches a breathable backsheet provided with tapered 
hollow bosses which prevent the passage of liquids while allowing vapors 
to readily pass. 
In order to be suitable as a backsheet 26 for the present invention, any of 
these materials must be both sufficiently permeable to gasses or vapors, 
as measured by MVTR and sufficiently impermeable to liquids such as water 
as measured by hydrostatic head (see TEST METHODS section). 
Further, when using plastic film materials, it has often been found, that 
the plastic feel thereof is not preferred by consumers. As a result, it is 
often desirable to provide an improved hand to such materials. For 
example, hand can be improved by, among other ways, combining a layer of a 
suitable fibrous material, such as a low basis weight non-woven, with the 
film to form a laminated structure. Such layers can be attached to the 
film by various methods as may be known to the art, such as using 
adhesives or by thermally joining the film and nonwoven material. 
With respect to the present invention, films manufactured or treated to be 
permeable can be classified as follows: 
TABLE 1 
______________________________________ 
MVTR 
Permeability Range 
(g/m.sup.2 /24 h) 
______________________________________ 
non-permeable up to about 200 
low permeability 
about 200-500 
medium permeability 
about 500-1000 
high permeability 
about 1000-2000 
very high permeability 
more than about 2000 
______________________________________ 
As noted above, materials with medium breathability, that is materials with 
MVTR values greater than about 500 g/m.sup.2 /24 h begin to be effective 
in allowing transport of moisture vapor from the void space between a 
wearer's body and an absorbent article. 
Alternatively, such backsheets can comprise nonwoven materials, which have 
been made liquid impermeable such as by either minimizing the non-woven 
pore size e.g. by combining spunbonded webs with meltblown layers (SMS) or 
by other treatments. Such materials often have high or very high MVTR 
values, such as about 3000 g/m.sup.2 /24 h to 6000 g/m.sup.2 /24 h for 
non-woven webs, such that they also can be meaningfully described by an 
air permeability value (see TEST METHODS). For example, air permeabilities 
of between about 1500 to 2500 l/cm.sup.2 /sec result for conventional SMS 
materials, 2000 to 2300 l/cm.sup.2 /sec for common carded webs and greater 
than 2500 l/cm.sup.2 /sec for low basis weight spunbonded webs. The 
backsheet may have two or more zones, at least a first zone having a mass 
MVTR value of at least about 1300 g/24 h/m.sup.2 and one or more of the 
remaining zones has a MVTR value greater than said MVTR value of the first 
zone. 
Absorbent articles of the present invention, such as diaper 20 shown in 
FIG. 1, may also comprise zones having differing vapor or air 
permeabilities. For example, the chassis region 69 may be provided with 
high or very high permeability in order to maximize ventilation of the 
absorbent article while providing the central region 68 with a lower 
permeability in order to minimize the risk of leakage. As is discussed in 
greater detail below, the improved cores of the present invention widen 
the range of possible permeabilities in any region because of their 
improved rewet properties. 
In addition to having satisfactory vapor or air permeability a material 
suitable for use as a backsheet 26 of the present invention must have 
sufficient liquid impermeability. Thus, in conventional diaper designs, 
using conventional materials, core region backsheet materials are 
substantially liquid impermeable. For purposes of the present invention, a 
material is considered to be impermeable if, as measured using the 
hydrostatic head test described in the TEST METHODS section below, the 
material is capable of resisting a water height of at least about 120 mm. 
Preferably, such materials are capable of resisting a water height of at 
least about 140 mm. 
Treated Topsheet 
A preferred means of providing a treated article that has a body contacting 
surface that provides a skin care benefit is to provide a topsheet. For 
example such a topsheet can be treated with a skin care composition that 
is either disposed on the body contacting surface thereof or can be 
delivered to the body contacting surface so as to provide the skin care 
benefit. For purposes of the present description, such a topsheet is 
described in terms of a topsheet that has been treated with a lotion 
composition which provides overhydration protection. One of skilled in the 
art will recognize that other skin care compositions could also be applied 
to some portion of an absorbent article which could then become available 
on a body contacting surface thereof so that effective amounts of the skin 
care composition could transfer to a wearer's skin and that such absorbent 
articles are also within the scope of the present invention. 
Treated Topsheet: Topsheet Substrate Material 
The topsheet 24 is preferably compliant, soft feeling, and non-irritating 
to the wearer's skin. Further, the topsheet 24 is liquid pervious, 
permitting liquids (e.g., menses and/or urine) to readily penetrate 
through its thickness. A suitable topsheet 24 may be manufactured from a 
wide range of materials such as woven and nonwoven materials (e.g., a 
nonwoven web of fibers); polymeric materials such 30 apertured formed 
thermoplastic films, apertured plastic films, and hydroformer 
thermoplastic films; porous foams; reticulated foams; reticulated 
thermoplastic films; and thermoplastic scrims. Suitable woven and nonwoven 
materials can be comprise of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers), 
synthetic fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers such as polyester, polypropylene, 
or polyethylene fibers) or from a combination of natural and synthetic 
fibers. When the topsheet comprises a nonwoven web, the web may be 
manufactured by a wide number of known techniques. For example, the web 
may be spunbonded, carded, wet-laid, melt-blown, hydroapertured, 
hydroentangled, combinations of the above, or the like. Such nonwoven webs 
may be bonded using means known to the art, such as chemical bonding, 
latex bonding, thermal bonding, and the like. 
The topsheet 24 of the present invention may comprise a single layer as is 
shown in FIG. 1 or it may comprise more than one layer or material. For 
example, structures wherein the portion of the topsheet lying in the 
central region 68 may comprise a first material and the portion of the 
topsheet 24 that lies in the chassis region 69 may comprise a second 
material. Alternatively, the topsheet 24 may comprise a compound topsheet 
having more than one layer wherein a secondary topsheet underlies a 
primary topsheet. While none of these alternative topsheet structures is 
shown herein, one of skill in the art will recognize that these, and 
similar structures, all lie with in the scope of the present invention as 
long as the body contacting surface of at least a portion of the topsheet 
24 is provided with (either by deposition thereon or migration thereto) a 
skin care composition that can transfer to a wearer's skin to provide a 
benefit, such as overhydration protection, thereto. 
A topsheet 24 material which is particularly suitable for use in the diaper 
20, is a carded nonwoven that is thermally bonded by means well known to 
those skilled in the fabrics art. A satisfactory material for the topsheet 
24 of the present invention comprises staple length polypropylene fibers 
having a denier of about 2.2 As used herein, the term "staple length 
fibers" refers to those fibers having a length of at least about 15.9 mm 
(0.625 inches). Preferably, the material has a basis weight from about 14 
to about 25 grams per square meter. A suitable material is manufactured by 
Veratec, Inc., a Division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, 
Mass. under the designation P-8. 
The topsheet 24 of diaper 20 is preferably made using a hydrophilic 
substrate to promote rapid transfer of bodily fluids (e.g., urine) through 
the topsheet 24. If the material is hydrophobic, at least the upper 
surface of the topsheet 24 is treated to be hydrophilic so that liquids 
will transfer therethrough more rapidly. This diminishes the likelihood 
that body exudates will flow off the topsheet 24 rather than being drawn 
through the topsheet 24 and being absorbed by the absorbent core 28. The 
topsheet 24 can be rendered hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant. 
Suitable methods for treating the topsheet 24 with a surfactant include 
spraying the topsheet 24 material with the surfactant and immersing the 
material into the surfactant. A more detailed discussion of such a 
treatment and hydrophilicity is contained in U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,344 which 
issued to Reising, et al on Jan. 29, 1991 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,345 
which issued to Reising on Jan. 29, 1991, the disclosure of each of which 
is incorporated by reference herein. 
Treated Topsheet: Skin Care Composition 
While the specific composition(s) delivered (referred to herein as "skin 
care composition" and "composition") in accordance with the present method 
is not the critical factor in achieving maintained skin condition of the 
diapered area, it is apparent that the composition must provide either a 
protective, nonocclusive, function (e.g., a relatively liquid impervious 
but vapor pervious barrier) to protect against skin overhydration and skin 
exposure to materials contained in body exudates, or it must contain 
agents known for delivering, either directly or indirectly skin care 
benefits. The composition may be in a variety of forms, including, but not 
limited to, emulsions, lotions, creams, ointments, salves, powders, 
suspensions, encapsulations, gels, and the like. 
As used herein, the term "effective amount of a skin care composition" 
referral to an amount of a particular composition which, when applied to 
or migratable to the body contacting surface of an absorbent article, will 
be effective in providing a protective barrier and/or delivering a skin 
care benefit when delivered via such absorbent articles over time. Of 
course, the effective amount of composition applied to the article will 
depend, to a large extent, on the particular composition used. 
Nonetheless, the quantity of the composition on a least a portion of the 
body contacting surface of the absorbent article will preferably range 
from about 0.05 mg/in.sup.2 (0.01 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 80 mg/in.sup.2 (12 
mg/cm.sup.2), more preferably from about 1 mg/in.sup.2 (0.15 mg/cm.sup.2) 
to about 40 mg/in.sup.2 (6 mg/cm.sup.2), still more preferably 4 
mg/in.sup.2 (0.6 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 26 mg/in.sup.2 (4 mg/cm.sup.2). 
These ranges are by way of illustration only and the skilled artisan will 
recognize that the nature of the composition dictate the level that must 
be applied to achieve the desired skin benefits, and that such levels are 
ascertainable by routine experimentation in light of the present 
disclosure. 
While the level of skin care composition applied to the absorbent article 
is an important aspect of the present inventions, more important is the 
amount of composition transferred to the wearer's skin during use of one 
or more treated articles. Though the requisite level delivered to the skin 
to provide the desired skin benefits will depend to some degree on the 
nature of the composition employed, Applicants have found that relatively 
low levels may be delivered while still providing the desired skin 
effects. This is particularly true for preferred compositions, such as 
that described in Example 3. Another benefit of the present invention is 
the controlled application of the skin care composition to deliver the low 
levels of composition required. This is in contrast to typical, sporadic 
manual application of skin care agents, where the caregiver/user often 
applies significantly greater levels of material than are needed. Indeed, 
for certain materials, such as petrolatum, the levels applied manually may 
actually result in an occlusive effect, thereby compromising skin. 
Excessive materials added manually may also adversely impact the fluid 
handling properties of the absorbent article, as a result of transfer from 
the skin to the article. Thus, the present inventions, which allow 
controlled composition delivery throughout the wear period, allow delivery 
of optimal levels of the composition to the skin to maintain or improve 
skin health. 
The method for determining the amount of skin care composition transferred 
to a wearer's skin after wearing one or more treated articles is described 
in the TEST METHODS section below. With regard to the level of skin care 
composition that is transferred to the wearer during use of one treated 
absorbent article worn for a period of about 3 hours (a typical daytime 
wear time), particularly for the preferred lotion composition of Example 
3, preferred is where at least about 0.01 mg/in.sup.2 (0.002 mg/cm.sup.2), 
more preferably at least about 0.05 mg/in.sup.2 (0.007 mg/cm.sup.2), still 
more preferably at least about 0.1 mg/in.sup.2 (0.015 mg/cm.sup.2), of the 
composition is transferred to the skin over a three hour period. 
Typically, the amount of composition delivered by one treated article will 
be from about 0.01 mg/in.sup.2 (0.002 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 5 mg/in.sup.2 
(0.8 mg/cm.sup.2), more preferably from about 0.05 mg/in.sup.2 (0.007 
mg/cm.sup.2) to about 3 mg/in.sup.2 (0.5 mg/cm.sup.2), still more 
preferably from about 0.1 mg/in.sup.2 (0.015 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 2 
mg/in.sup.2 (0.3 mg.sup.2). For example, the particularly preferred skin 
care composition described in Example 3 begins to provide a skin care 
benefit (i.e. begins to become effective against overhydration) at a 
transfer level of about 0.5 mg/in.sup.2 (0.07 mg/cm.sup.2). 
For continual use of treated articles (in other words, changes occur in 
accordance with normal use patterns, which typically include changes every 
3 to 4 hours during the day and a fresh article before overnight sleep) 
such as for a period of 24 hours, it will be preferred that at least about 
0.03 mg/in.sup.2 (0.004 mg/cm.sup.2), more preferably at least about 0.1 
mg/in.sup.2 (0.015 mg/cm.sup.2), still more preferably at least about 0.3 
mg/in.sup.2 (0.5 mg/cm.sup.2), of the composition is transferred to the 
wearer's skin over the 24 hour period. Typically, the amount of 
composition delivered after a period of 24 hours where treated articles 
are applied at each change, will be from about 0.03 mg/in.sup.2 (0.004 
mg/cm.sup.2) to about 18 mg/in.sup.2 (2.8 mg/cm.sup.2), more typically 
from about 0.1 mg/in.sup.2 (0.015 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 10 mg/in.sup.2 
(1.5 mg/cm.sup.2), still more typically from about 0.3 mg/in.sup.2 (0.04 
mg/cm.sup.2) to about 6 mg/cm.sup.2 (0.9 mg/cm.sup.2). 
It will be recognized that of the numerous materials useful in the skin 
care compositions delivered to skin in accordance with the present 
methods, those that have been deemed safe and effective skin care agents 
are logical materials for use herein. Such materials include Category I 
actives as defined by the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration's 
(FDA) Tentative Final Monograph on Skin Protectant Drug Products for 
Over-the-Counter Human Use (21 C.F.R. .sctn. 347), which presently 
include: alantoin, aluminum hydroxide gel, calamine, cocoa butter, 
dirnethicone, cod liver oil (in combination), glycerin, kaolin, 
petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil, shark liver oil, white petrolatum, talc, 
topical starch, zinc acetate, zinc carbonate, zinc oxide, and the like. 
Other potentially useful materials are Category III actives as defined by 
the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration's Tentative Final Monograph 
on Skin Protectant Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use (21 C.F.R. 
.sctn. 347), which presently include: live yeast cell derivatives, 
aldioxa, aluminum acetate, microporous cellulose, cholecalciferol, 
colloidal oatmeal, cysteine hydrochloride, dexpanthanol, Peruvean balsam 
oil, protein hydrolysates, racemic methionine, sodium bicarbonate, Vitamin 
A, and the like. 
Many of the FDA monographed skin care ingredients are currently utilized in 
commercially available skin care products, such as A+D.RTM. Ointment, 
Vaselinerdrzl Petroleum Jelly, Desitin.RTM. Diaper Rash Ointment, Gold 
Bond.RTM. Medicated Baby Powder, Aquaphor.RTM. Healing Ointment, Baby 
Magic.RTM. Baby Lotion, Johnson's UrltrJiL Sensitive.RTM. Baby Cream. 
These commercial products may be used in the treated articles of the 
present invention, either with or without modification to facilitate 
delivery thereof or to optimize such commercial product for use with an 
absorbent article (e.g. modify the rheology of such commercial products so 
as to minimize spreading thereof on or into an absorbent article). 
As will be discussed hereinafter, the skin care compositions useful in the 
methods of the present invention preferably, though not necessarily, have 
a melting profile such that they are relatively immobile and localized on 
the body contacting surface of the article at room temperature, are 
readily transferable to the wearer at body temperature, and yet are not 
completely liquid under extreme storage conditions. Preferably, the 
compositions are easily transferable to the skin by way of normal contact, 
wearer motion, and/or body heat. Because the composition preferably is 
substantially immobilized on the article's body contacting surface, 
relatively low levels of composition are needed to impart the desired skin 
care benefits. In addition, special barrier or wrapping materials may be 
unnecessary in packaging the treated articles of the present invention. 
In a preferred embodiment, for example, the lotion composition of Example 
3, the skin care compositions useful herein are solid, or more often 
semi-solid, at 20.degree. C., i.e. at ambient temperatures. By "semisolid" 
is meant that the composition has a rheology typical of pseudoplastic or 
plastic liquids. When no shear is applied, the compositions can have the 
appearance of a semi-solid but can be made to flow as the shear rate is 
increased. This is due to the fact that, while the composition contains 
primarily solid components, it also includes some minor liquid components. 
Preferably, the lotion compositions of the present invention have a zero 
shear viscosity between about 1.0.times.10.sup.6 centipoise and about 
1.0.times.10.sup.8 centipoise. More preferably, the zero shear viscosity 
is between about 5.0.times.10.sup.6 centipoise and about 
5.0.times.10.sup.7 centipoise. The preferred lotion composition of Example 
3 has a zero shear viscosity of about 1.0.times.10.sup.7 centipoise. As 
used herein the term "zero shear viscosity" refers to a viscosity measured 
at very low shear rates (1.0 inverse seconds) using a plate and cone 
viscometer (a suitable instrument is available from TA Instruments of New 
Castle, Del. as model number CSL 100). One of skill in the art would 
recognize that using means other than high melting point components (as 
are discussed below) can be used to provide comparable viscosities and 
that the definition of zero shear viscosity would relate to a viscosity 
measured for such compositions measured by extrapolating a plot of 
viscosity vs. shear rate for such compositions to a shear rate of zero at 
a temperature of about 20.degree. C. 
Preferred compositions are at least semi-solid at room temperature to 
minimize composition migration. In addition, the compositions preferably 
have a final melting point (100% liquid) above potential "stressful" 
storage conditions that can be greater than 45.degree. C. (e.g., warehouse 
in Arizona, car trunk in Florida, etc.). Representative compositions 
having these melt characteristics are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 
5,643,588 (Roe et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,760 (Roe et al.), U.S. Pat. 
Nos. 5,609,587, and 5,635,191, the disclosure of each of which is 
incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, preferred compositions 
will have the following melt profile shown in Table 2: 
TABLE 2 
______________________________________ 
Characteristic Preferred Range 
Most Preferred 
______________________________________ 
% liquid at room temp. (20.degree. C.) 
2-50 3-25 
% liquid at body temp. (37.degree. C.) 
25-95 30-90 
final melting point (.degree. C.) 
.gtoreq.38 .gtoreq.45 
______________________________________ 
By being solid or semisolid at ambient temperatures, preferred compositions 
do not have a tendency to flow and migrate to a significant degree to 
undesired locations of the article to which they are applied. This means 
less skin care composition is required for imparting desirable therapeutic 
or protective coating benefits. 
While lotions having a melting point greater than the temperatures 
typically encountered in "stressful" environments is one means of 
providing the desired high zero shear viscosity, other means are also 
suitable. For example, The lotion could be provided with a structure which 
has a high zero shear viscosity but, on title application of shear, such 
structure collapses with a resulting viscosity reduction. Such structures 
can be provided by certain clay materials, such as bentonite clays or 
montmorillonite clays, and by fumed silica. Particularly preferred are the 
fume silicas as are available from the Cabot corp., Cab-O-Sil Div. of 
Tuscola, Ill. as Cab-O-Sil. 
To enhance immobility of preferred compositions, the viscosity of the 
formulated compositions should be as high as possible to prevent flow to 
undesirable locations on or within the article. Unfortunately, in some 
instances, higher viscosities may inhibit transfer of composition to the 
wearers skin. Therefore, a balance should be achieved so the viscosities 
are high enough to keep the compositions localized on the surface of the 
article, but not so high as to impede transfer to the wearer's skin. 
Suitable viscosities for the compositions will typically range from about 
5 to about 500 centipoise, preferably from about 5 to about 300 
centipoise, and still more preferably from about 5 to about 100 centipoise 
as measured at 60.degree. C. using, a rotational viscometer (a suitable 
viscometer is available from Lab Line Instruments, Inc. of Merlrose Park, 
Ill. as Model 4537). The viscometer is operated at 60 rpm using a number 2 
spindle. As noted above, the zero shear viscosity of the lotion of the 
present invention is preferably between about 1.0.times.10.sup.6 
centipoise and about 1.0.times.10.sup.8 centipoise. More preferably, the 
zero shear viscosity is between about 5.0.times.10.sup.6 centipoise and 
about 5.0.times.10.sup.7 centipoise. 
For compositions designed to provide a therapeutic and/or skin protective 
benefit, a useful active ingredient in these compositions is one or more 
emollients. As used herein, an emollient is a material that softens, 
soothes, supples, coats, lubricates, moisturizes, or cleanses the skin. An 
emollient typically accomplishes several of these objectives such as 
soothing, moisturizing, and lubricating the skin. (It will be recognized 
that several of the monographed actives listed above are "emollients", as 
that term is used herein.) In a preferred embodiment, these emollients 
will have either a plastic or liquid consistency at ambient temperatures, 
i.e., 20.degree. C. This particular emollient consistency allows the 
composition to impart a soft, lubricious, lotion-like feel. 
Representative emollients useful in the present invention include, but are 
not limited to, emollients that are: petroleum-based; sucrose fatty acid 
esters; fatty acid ester type; alkyl ethoxylate type; fatty acid ester 
ethoxylates; fatty alcohol type; polysiloxane type; propylene glycol and 
derivatives thereof, polyethylene glycol and derivatives thereof, glycerin 
and derivatives thereof, including glyceride, acetoglycerides, and 
ethoxylated glycerides of C.sub.12 -C.sub.28 fatty acids; triethylene 
glycol and derivatives thereof, spermaceti or other waxes; fatty acids; 
fatty alcohol ethers, particularly those having from 12 to 28 carbon atoms 
in their fatty chain, such as stearic acid; propoxylated fatty alcohols; 
other fatty esters of polyhydroxy alcohols; lanolin and its derivatives; 
kaolin and its derivatives; humectants; any of the monographed skin care 
agents listed above; or mixtures of these emollients. Suitable 
petroleum-based emollients include those hydrocarbons, or mixtures of 
hydrocarbons, having chain lengths of from 16 to 32 carbon atoms. 
Petroleum based hydrocarbons having these chain lengths include mineral 
oil (also known as "liquid petrolatum") and petrolatum (also known as 
"mineral wax," "petroleum jelly" and "mineral jelly"). Mineral oil usually 
refers to less viscous mixtures of hydrocarbons having from 16 to 20 
carbon atoms. Petrolatum usually refers to more viscous mixtures of 
hydrocarbons having from 16 to 32 carbon atoms. Petrolatum and mineral oil 
are particularly preferred emollients for compositions of the present 
invention. 
Suitable fatty acid ester type emollients include those derived from 
C.sub.12 -C.sub.28 fatty acids, preferably C.sub.16 -C.sub.22 saturated 
fatty acids, and short chain (C.sub.1 -C.sub.8, preferably C.sub.1 
-C.sub.3) monohydric alcohols. Representative examples of such esters 
include methyl palmitate, methyl stearate, isopropyl laurate, isopropyl 
myristate, isopropyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate and mixtures thereof. 
Suitable fatty acid ester emollients can also be derived from esters of 
longer chain fatty alcohols (C.sub.12 -C.sub.28, preferably C.sub.12 
-C.sub.16) and shorter chain fatty acids e.g., lactic acid, such as lauryl 
lactate and cetyl lactate. 
Suitable alkyl ethoxylate type emollients include C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty 
alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 
2 to about 30. Preferably, the fatty alcohol ethoxylate emollient is 
selected from the group consisting of lauryl, cetyl, and stearyl 
ethoxylates, and mixtures thereof, having an average degree of 
ethoxylation ranging from about 2 to about 23. Representative examples of 
such alkyl ethoxylates include laureth-3 (a lauryl ethoxylate having an 
average degree of ethoxylation of 3), laureth-23 (a lauryl ethoxylate 
having an average degree of ethoxylation of 23), ceteth-10 (a cetyl 
alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree of ethoxylation of 10) and 
steareth-10 (a stearyl alcohol ethoxylate having an average degree of 
ethoxylation of 10). When employed, these alkyl ethoxylate emollients are 
typically used in combination with the petroleum-based emollients, such as 
petrolatum, at a weight ratio of alkyl ethoxylate emollient to 
petroleum-based emollient of from about 1:1 to about 1:5, preferably from 
about 1:2 to about 1:4. 
Suitable fatty alcohol type emollients include C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty 
alcohols, preferably C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 fatty alcohols. Representative 
examples include cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof 
When employed, these fatty alcohol emollients are typically used in 
combination with the petroleum-based emollients, such as petrolatum, at a 
weight ratio of fatty alcohol emollient to petroleum-based emollient of 
from about 1:1 to about 1:5, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:2. 
Other suitable types of emollients for use herein include polysiloxane 
compounds. In general, suitable polysiloxane materials for use in the 
present invention include those having monomeric siloxane units of the 
following structure: 
##STR1## 
wherein, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, for each independent siloxane monomeric unit 
can each independently be hydrogen or any alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkaryl 
arakyl, cycloalkyl, halogenated hydrocarbon, or other radical. Any of such 
radicals can be substituted or unsubstituted. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 radicals 
of any particular monomeric unit may differ from the corresponding 
functionalities of the next adjoining monomeric unit. Additionally, the 
polysiloxane can be either a straight chain, a branched chain or have a 
cyclic structure. The radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can additionally 
independently be other silanes functionalities such as, but not limited to 
siloxanes, polysiloxanes, silanes, and polysilanes. The radicals R.sup.1 
and R.sup.2 may contain any of a variety of organic functionalities 
including, for example, alcohol, carboxylic acid, phenyl, and amine 
functionalities. 
Exemplary alkyl radicals are methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, 
octyl, decyl, octadecyl, and the like. Exemplary alkenyl radicals are 
vinyl, allyl, and the like. Exemplary aryl radicals are phenyl, diphenyl, 
naphthyl, and the like. Exemplary alkaryl radicals are toyl, xylyl, 
ethylphenyl, and the like. Exemplary aralkyl radicals are benzyl, 
alpha-phenylethyl, beta-phenylethyl, alpha-phenylbutyl, and the like. 
Exemplary cycloalkyl radicals are cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and 
the like. Exemplary halogenated hydrocarbon radicals are chloromethyl, 
bromoethyl, tetrafluorethyl, fluorethyl, trifluorethyl, trifluorotloyl, 
hexafluoroxylyl, and the like. 
Viscosity of polysiloxanes useful may vary as widely as the viscosity of 
polysiloxanes in general vary, so long as the polysiloxane is flowable or 
can be made to be flowable for application to the diaper topsheet. This 
includes, but is not limited to, viscosity as low as 5 centistokes (at 
37.degree. C. as measured by a glass viscometer) to about 20,000,000 
centistokes. Preferably the polysiloxanes have a viscosity at 37.degree. 
C. ranging from about 5 to about 5,000 centistokes, more preferably from 
about 5 to about 2,000 centistokes, most preferably from about 100 to 
about 1000 centistokes. High viscosity polysiloxanes which themselves are 
resistant to flowing can be effectively deposited upon the diaper 
topsheets by such methods as, for example, emulsifying the polysiloxane in 
surfactant or providing the polysiloxane in solution with the aid of a 
solvent, such as hexane, listed for exemplary purposes only. Particular 
methods for applying polysiloxane emollients to diaper topsheets are 
discussed in more detail hereinafter. 
Preferred polysiloxanes compounds for use in the present invention are 
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,059,282 (Ampulski et al), issued Oct. 22, 
1991, which is incorporated herein by reference. Particularly preferred 
polysiloxane compounds for use as emollients in the compositions of the 
present invention include phenyl-functional polymethylsiloxane compounds 
(e.g., Dow Corning 556 Cosmetic-Grade Fluid: polyphenylmethylsiloxane) and 
cetyl or stearyl functionalized dimethicones such as Dow 2502 and Dow 2503 
polysiloxane liquids, respectively. In addition to such substitution with 
phenyl-functional or alkyl groups, effective substitution may be made with 
amino, carboxyl, hydroxyl, ether, polyether, aldehyde, ketone, amide, 
ester, and thiol groups. Of these effective substituent groups, the family 
of groups comprising phenyl, amino, alkyl, carboxyl, and hydroxyl groups 
are more preferred than the others; and phenyl-functional groups are most 
preferred. 
Suitable humectants include but are not limited to: glycerin, propylene 
glycol, sorbitol, trihydroxy stearin, and the like. 
When present, the amount of emollient that can be included in the 
composition will depend on a variety of factors, including the particular 
emollient involved, the lotion-like benefits desired, the other components 
in the composition and like factors. The composition will comprise from 0 
to about 100%, by total weight, of the emollient. Preferably, the 
composition will comprise from about 10 to about 95%, more preferably from 
about 20 to about 80%, and most preferably from about 40 to about 75%, by 
weight, of the emollient. 
Another optional, preferred component of the therapeutic/skin protective 
compositions useful in the present invention is an agent capable of 
immobilizing the composition (including the preferred emollient or other 
skin condition, protective, or therapeutic agents) in the desired location 
in or on the treated article. Because certain of the preferred emollients 
in the composition have a plastic or liquid consistency at 20.degree. C., 
they tend to flow or migrate, even when subjected to modest shear. When 
applied to a body contacting surface or other location of an absorbent 
article, especially in a melted or molten state, the emollient will not 
remain primarily in or on the treated region. Instead, the emollient will 
tend to migrate and flow into undesired regions of the article. 
Specifically, if the emollient migrates into the interior of the article, 
it can cause undesired effects on the absorbency of the article core due 
to the hydrophobic characteristics of many of the emollients and other 
skin conditioning agents used in the compositions useful in the methods of 
the present invention. 
This migration of the emollient into the interior of the article can cause 
undesired effects on the absorbency of the article core due to the 
hydrophobic characteristics of many of the emollients and other skin 
conditioning agents used in the compositions useful in the present 
invention. It also means that much more emollient has to be applied to the 
article to get the desired therapeutic or protective benefits. Increasing 
the level of emollient not only increases the cost, but also exacerbates 
the undesirable effect on the absorbency of the article's core and 
undesired transfer of composition during processing converting of the 
treated articles. 
The immobilizing agent counteracts this tendency of the emollient to 
migrate or flow by keeping the emollient primarily localized on the 
surface or in the region of the article to which the composition is 
applied. This is believed to be due, in part, to the fact that the 
immobilizing agent raises the melting point and/or viscosity of the 
composition above that of the emollient. Since the immobilizing agent is 
preferably miscible with the emollient (or solublized in the emollient 
with the aid of an appropriate emulsifier, or dispersed in the emollient), 
it entraps the emollient on the surface of the article's body contacting 
surface or in the region to which it is applied. 
It is also advantageous to "lock" the immobilizing agent on the body 
contacting surface or the region of the article to which it is applied. 
This can be accomplished by using immobilizing agents which quickly "set 
up" (i.e., solidify) upon application to the article. In addition, outside 
cooling of the treated article via blowers, fans, cold rolls, etc. can 
speed up crystallization of the immobilizing agent. 
In addition to being miscible with (or solubilized in) the emollient, the 
immobilizing agent will preferably have a melting profile that will 
provide a composition that is solid or semisolid at ambient temperature. 
In this regard, preferred immobilizing agents will have a melting point of 
at least about 35.degree. C. This is so the immobilizing agent itself will 
not have a tendency to migrate or flow. Preferred immobilizing agents will 
have melting points of at least about 40.degree. C. Typically, the 
immobilizing agent will have a melting point in the range of from about 
50.degree. to about 150.degree. C. 
When utilized, immobilizing agents useful herein can be selected from any 
of a number of agents, so long as the preferred properties of the skin 
care composition provide the skin benefits described herein. Preferred 
immobilizing agents will comprise a member selected from the group 
consisting of C.sub.14 -C.sub.22 fatty alcohols, C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty 
acids, and C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average 
degree of ethoxylation ranging from 2 to about 30, and mixtures thereof. 
Preferred immobilizing agents include C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 fatty alcohols, 
most preferably crystalline high melting materials selected from the group 
consisting of cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, behnyl alcohol, and mixtures 
thereof. The linear nature of these materials can speed up solidification 
on the surface of or within a treated article. Other preferred 
immobilizing agents include C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 fatty acids, most 
preferably selected from the group consisting of palmitic acid, stearic 
acid, and mixtures thereof. Mixtures of palmitic acid and stearic acid are 
particularly preferred. Still other preferred immobilizing agents include 
C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of 
ethoxylation ranging from about 5 to about 20. Preferably, the fatty 
alcohols, fatty acids and fatty alcohols are linear. Importantly, these 
preferred immobilizing agents such as the C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 fatty 
alcohols increase the rate of crystallization of the composition causing 
the composition to crystallize rapidly onto the surface of the substrate. 
Other types of immobilizing agents that may be used herein include 
polyhydroxy fatty acid esters, polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, and mixtures 
thereof. Preferred esters and amides will have three or more free hydroxy 
groups on the polyhydroxy moiety and are typically nonionic in character. 
Because of the possible skin sensitivity of those using articles to which 
the composition is applied, these esters and amides should also be 
relatively mild and non-irritating to the skin. 
Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present invention 
will have the formula: 
##STR2## 
wherein R is a C.sub.5 -C.sub.31 hydrocarbyl group, preferably straight 
chain C.sub.7 -C.sub.19 alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight chain 
C.sub.9 -C.sub.17 alkyl or alkenyl, most preferably straight chain 
C.sub.11 -C.sub.17 alkyl or alkenyl, or mixture thereof, Y is a 
polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety having a hydrocarbyl chain with at least 2 
free hydroxyls directly connected to the chain; and n is at least 1. 
Suitable Y groups can be derived from polyols such as glycerol, 
pentaerythritol; sugars such as raffinose, maltodextrose, galactose, 
sucrose, glucose, xylose, fructose, maltose, lactose, mannose and 
erythrose; sugar alcohols such as erythritol, xylitol, malitol, mannitol 
and sorbitol; and anhydrides of sugar alcohols such as sorbitan. 
One class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the present 
invention comprises certain sorbitan esters, preferably the sorbitan 
esters of C.sub.16 -C.sub.22 saturated fatty acids. Because of the manner 
in which they are typically manufactured, these sorbitan esters usually 
comprise mixtures of mono-, di-, tri-, etc. esters. Representative 
examples of suitable sorbitan esters include sorbitan palmitates (e.g., 
SPAN 40), sorbitan stearates (e.g., SPAN 60), and sorbitan behenates, that 
comprise one or more of the mono-, di- and tri-ester versions of these 
sorbitan esters, e.g., sorbitan mono-, di- and tri-palmitate, sorbitan 
mono-, di- and tri-stearate, sorbitan mono-, di and tri-behenate, as well 
as mixed tallow fatty acid, sorbitan mono-, di- and tri-esters. Mixtures 
of different sorbitan esters can also be used, such as sorbitan palmitates 
with sorbitan stearates. Particularly preferred sorbitan esters are the 
sorbitan stearates, typically as a mixture of mono-, di- and tri-esters 
(plus some tetraester) such as SPAN 60, and sorbitan stearates sold under 
the trade name GLYCOMUL-S by Lonza, Inc. Although these sorbitan esters 
typically contain mixtures of mono-, di- and tri-esters, plus some 
tetraester, the mono- and di-esters are usually the predominant species in 
these mixtures. 
Another class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the 
present invention comprises certain glyceryl monoesters, preferably 
glyceryl monoesters of C.sub.16 -C.sub.22 saturated fatty acids such as 
glyceryl monostearate, glyceryl monopalmitate, and glyceryl monobehenate. 
Again, like the sorbitan esters, glyceryl monoester mixtures will 
typically contain some di- and triester. However, such mixtures should 
contain predominantly the glyceryl monoester species to be useful in the 
present invention. 
Another class of suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid esters for use in the 
present invention comprise certain sucrose fatty acid esters, preferably 
the C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 saturated fatty acid esters of sucrose. Sucrose 
monoesters and diesters are particularly preferred and include sucrose 
mono- and di-stearate and sucrose mono- and di-laurate. 
Suitable polyhydroxy fatty acid amides for use in the present invention 
will have the formula: 
##STR3## 
wherein R.sup.1 is H, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 hydrocarbyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 
2-hydroxypropyl, methoxyethyl, methoxypropyl or a mixture thereof 
preferably C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, methoxyethyl or methoxypropyl, more 
preferably C.sub.1 or C.sub.2 alkyl or methoxypropyl, most preferably 
C.sub.1 allyl (i.e., methyl) or methoxypropyl; and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.5 
-C.sub.31 hydrocarbyl group, preferably straight chain C.sub.7 -C.sub.19 
alkyl or alkenyl, more preferably straight chain C.sub.9 -C.sub.17 alkyl 
or alkenyl, most preferably straight chain C.sub.11 -C.sub.17 alkyl or 
alkenyl, or mixture thereof; and Z is a polyhydroxyhydrocarbyl moiety 
having a linear hydrocarbyl chain with at least 3 hydroxyls directly 
connected to the chain. See U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,927 (Honsa), issued Dec. 
29, 1992 (herein incorporated by reference) which discloses these 
polyhydroxy fatty acid amides, as well as their preparation. 
The Z moiety preferably will be derived from a reducing sugar in a 
reductive amination reaction; most preferably glycityl. Suitable reducing 
sugars included glucose, fructose, maltose, lactose, galactose, mannose, 
and xylose. High dextrosie corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, and high 
maltose corn syrup can be utilized, as well as the individual sugars 
listed above. These corn syrups can yield mixtures of sugar components for 
the Z moiety. 
The Z moiety preferably will be selected from the group consisting of 
--CH.sub.2 --(CHOH).sub.n --CH.sub.2 OH, --CH(CH.sub.2 
OH)--[(CHOH).sub.n-1 [--CH.sub.2 OH, --CH.sub.2 OH--CH.sub.2 
--(CHOH).sub.2 (CHOR.sup.3)(CHOH)--CH.sub.2 OH, where n is an integer from 
3 to 5, and R.sup.3 is for or a cyclic or aliphatic monosaccharide. Most 
preferred are the glycityls where n is 4, particularly --CH.sub.2 
--(CHOH).sub.4 --CH.sub.2 OH. 
In the above formula, R.sup.1 can be, for example, N-methyl, N-ethyl, 
N-propyl, N-isopropyl, N-butyl, N-2-hydroxyethyl, N-methoxypropyl or 
N-2-hydroxypropyl R.sup.2 can be selected to provide, for example, 
cocamides, stearamides, oleamidie, lauramides, myristamides, capricamides, 
palmitamides, tallowamides, etc. The Z moiety can be 1-deoxyglucityl, 
2-deoxyfructityl, 1-deoxymaltityl, 1-deoxylactityl, 1-deoxygalactityl, 
1-deoxymannityl, 1-deoxyrmaltotriotityl, etc. 
The most preferred polyhydroxy fatty acid amides have the general formula: 
##STR4## 
wherein R.sup.1 is methyl or methoxypropyl; R.sup.2 is a C.sub.11 
-C.sub.17 straight-chain alkyl or alkenyl group. These include 
N-lauryl-N-methyl glucamide, N-lauryl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide, 
N-cocoyl-N-methyl glucamide, N-cocoyl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide, 
N-palmityl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide, N-tallowyl-N-methyl glucamide, or 
N-tallowyl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide. 
As previously noted, some of the immobilizing agents require an emulsifier 
for solubilization in the emollient. This is particularly the case for 
certain of the glucamides such as the N-alkyl-N-methoxypropyl glucamides 
having HLB values of at least about 7. Suitable emulsifiers will typically 
include those having HLB values below about 7. In this regard, the 
sorbitan esters previously described, such as the sorbitan stearates, 
having HLB values of about 4.9 or less have been found useful in 
solubilizing these glucamide immobilizing agents in petrolatum. Other 
suitable emulsifiers include steareth-2 (polyethylene glycol ethers of 
stearyl alcohol that conform to the formula CH.sub.3 (CH.sub.2).sub.17 
(OCH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n OH, where n has an average value of 2), 
sorbitan tristearate, isosorbide laurate, and glyceryl monostearate. The 
emulsifier can be included in an amount sufficient to solubilize the 
immobilizing agent in the emollient such that a substantially homogeneous 
mixture is obtained. For example, an approximately 1:1 mixture of 
N-cocoyl-N-methyl glucamide and petrolatum that will normally not melt 
into a single phase mixture, will melt into a single phase mixture upon 
the addition of 20% of a 1:1 mixture of Steareth-2 and sorbitan 
tristearate as the emulsifier. 
Other types of ingredients that can be used as immobilizing agents, either 
alone, or in combination with the above-mentioned immobilizing agents, 
include waxes such as carnauba, ozeokerite, beeswax, candelilla, paraffin, 
isoparaffin, ceresin, esparto, ouricuri, rezowax, and other known mixed 
and mineral waxes. The high melting point of these materials can help 
immobilize the composition on the desired surface of or location in the 
absorbent article. In addition, microcrystalline waxes are effective 
immobilizing agents either alone or in combination with other immobilizing 
agents. Microcrystalline waxes can also aid in "locking up" low molecular 
weight hydrocarbon materials within the skin care composition. A preferred 
alternative immobilizing agent is a paraffin wax, such as Parrafin S.P. 
434, which is available from Strahl and Pitsch Inc., West Babylon, N.Y. 
11704. 
The amount of the optional inrumobriliing agent that can be included in the 
composition will depend on a variety of factors, including the actives 
(e.g., emollients) involved, the particular immobilizing agent involved, 
the other components in the composition, whether an emulsifier is required 
to solubilize the immobilizing agent in the other components, and like 
factors. When present, the composition will typically comprise from about 
5 to about 90% of the immobilizing agent. Preferably, the composition will 
comprise from about 5 to about 50%, most preferably from about 10 to about 
40%, of the immobilizing agent. 
Of course, it is highly desirable that at least a portion of the article's 
topsheet be made of a hydrophilic material to promote rapid transfer of 
liquids (e.g., urine) through the topsheet. Similarly, it may be desirable 
that the composition be sufficiently wettable to ensure that liquids will 
transfer through the topsheet rapidly. Alternatively, hydrophobic skin 
care composition may be utilized, so long as they are applied such that 
the fluid handling properties of the topsheet are adequately maintained. 
(For example, as discussed below, nonuniform application of the 
composition to the topsheet is one means to accomplish this goal.) This 
diminishes the likelihood that body exudates will flow off the 
composition-topsheet rather than a being drawn through the topsheet and 
being absorbed by the absorbent core. Where a hydrophilic composition is 
desired, depending upon the particular components used in the composition, 
a hydrophilic surfactant (or a mixture of hydrophilic surfactants) may, or 
may not, be required to improve wettability. For example, some 
immobilizing agents, such as N-cocoyl-N-methoxypropyl glucamide have HLB: 
values of at least about 7 and are sufficiently wettable without the 
addition of hydrophilic surfactant. Other immobilizing agents such as the 
C.sub.16 -C.sub.18 fatty alcohols having HLB values below about 7 will 
require addition of hydrophilic surfactant to improve wettability when the 
composition is applied to article topsheets. Sirmnilarly, a hydrophobic 
emollient such as petrolatum will require the addition of a hydrophilic 
surfactant if hydrophilic composition is desired. Of course, the concern 
around wettability is not a factor when the body contacting surface under 
consideration is other than the article's topsheet or when fluid handling 
properties of the topsheet are adequately maintained via other means 
(e.g., nonuniform application). 
Suitable hydrophilic surfactants will preferably be miscible with the other 
components of the skin care composition so as to form homogeneous 
mixtures. Because of possible skin sensitivity of those using disposable 
absorbent products to which the composition is applied, these surfactants 
should also be relatively mild and non-irritating to the skin. Typically, 
these hydrophilic surfactants are nonionic to be not only non-irritating 
to the skin, but also to avoid other undesirable effects on any other 
structures within the treated article. For example, reductions tissue 
laminate tensile strength, adhesive bond sufficiencies, and the like. 
Suitable nonionic surfactants may be substantially nonmigratory after the 
composition is applied to the article topsheets and will typically have 
HLB values in the range of from about 4 to about 20, preferably from about 
7 to about 20. To be nonmigratory, these nonionic surfactants will 
typically have melt temperatures greater than the temperatures commonly 
encountered during storage, shipping, merchandising, and use of disposable 
absorbent products, e.g., at least about 30".degree. C. In this regard, 
these nonionic surfactants will preferably have melting points similar to 
those of the immobilizing agents previously described. 
Suitable nonionic surfactants for use in compositions that will be applied 
to the topsheet of articles, at least in the liquid discharge region of 
the diaper, include alkylglycosides; alkylglycoside ethers as described in 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,011,389 (Langdon, et al), issued Mar. 8, 1977, which is 
incorporated by reference; alkylpolyethoxylated esters such as Pegosperse 
1000MS (available from Lonza, Inc., Fair Lawn, N.J.), ethoxylated sorbitan 
mono-, di- and/or tri-esters of C.sub.12 -C.sub.18 fatty acids having an 
average degree of ethoxylation of from about 2 to about 20, preferably 
from about 2 to about 10, such as TWEEN 60 (sorbitan esters of stearic 
acid having an average degree of ethoxylation of about 20) and TWEEN 61 
(sorbitan esters of stearic acid having an average degree of ethoxylation 
of about 4), and the condensation products of aliphatic alcohols with from 
about 1 to about 54 moles of ethylene oxide. The allyl chain of the 
aliphatic alcohol is typically in a straight chain (linear) configuration 
and contains from about 8 to about 22 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred 
are the condensation products of alcohols having an alkyl group containing 
from about 11 to about 22 carbon atoms with from about 2 to about 30 moles 
of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol. Examples of such ethoxylated 
alcohols include the condensation products of myristyl alcohol with 7 
moles of ethylene oxide per mole of alcohol, the condensation products of 
coconut alcohol, (a mixture of fatty alcohols having alkyl chains varying 
in length from 10 to 14 carbon atoms) with about 6 moles of ethylene 
oxide. A number of suitable ethoxylated alcohols are commercially 
available, including TERGITOL 15-S-9 (the condensation product of C.sub.11 
-C.sub.15 linear alcohols with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), marketed by 
Union Carbide Corporation; KYRO EOB (condensation product of C.sub.13 
-C.sub.15 linear alcohols with 9 moles of ethylene oxide), marketed by The 
Procter & Gamble Co., the NEODOL brand name surfactants marketed by Shell 
Chemical Co., in particular NEODOL 25-12 (condensation product of C.sub.12 
-C.sub.15 linear alcohols with 12 moles of ethylene oxide) and NEODOL 
23-6.5T (condensation product of C.sub.12 -C.sub.13 linear alcohols with 
6.5 moles of ethylene oxide that has been distilled (topped) to remove 
certain impurities), and especially the PLURAFAC brand name surfactants 
marketed by BASF Corp., in particular PLURAFAC A-38 (a condensation 
product of a C.sub.18 straight chain alcohol with 27 moles of ethylene 
oxide). (Certain of the hydrophilic surfactants, in particular ethoxylated 
alcohols such as NEODOL 25-12, can also, function as alkyl ethoxylate 
emollients). Other examples of preferred ethoxylated alcohol surfactants 
include ICI's class of Brij surfactants and mixtures thereorf with Brij 72 
(i.e., Steareth-2) and Brij 76 (i.e., Steareth-10) being especially 
preferred Also, mixtures of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol ethoxylated 
to an average degree of ethoxylation of from about 10 to about 20 may also 
be used as the hydrophilic surfactant. 
Another type of suitable surfactant for use in the composition includes 
Aerosol OT, a dioctyl ester of sodium sulfosuccinic acid marketed by 
American Cyanamid Company. 
Still another type of suitable surfactant for use in the composition 
includes silicone copolymers such as General Electric SF 1188 (a copolymer 
of a polydimethylsiloxane and a polyoxyalkylene ether) and General 
Electric SF 1228 (a silicone polyether copolymer). These silicone 
surfactants can be used in combination with the other types of hydrophilic 
surfactants discussed above, such as the ethoxylated alcohols. These 
silicone surfactants have been found to be effective at concentrations as 
low as 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.25 to about 1.0%, by weight of 
the composition. 
Where a hydrophilic composition is desired, the amount of hydrophilic 
surfactant required to increase the wettability of the composition to a 
desired level will depend in-part upon the HLB value and level of 
immobilizing agent, if any, used, the HLB value of the surfactant used and 
like factors. The composition can comprise from about 0.1 to about 50% of 
the hydrophilic surfactant when needed to increase the wettability 
properties of the composition. Preferably, the composition comprises from 
about 1 to about 25%, most preferably from about 10 to about 20%, of the 
hydrophilic surfactant when needed to increase wettability. 
Compositions can comprise other components typically present in emulsions, 
creams, ointments, lotions, powders, suspensions, etc. of this type. These 
components include water, viscosity modifiers, perfumes, disinfectant 
antibacterial actives, antiviral agents, pharmaceutical actives, film 
formers, deodorants, opacifiers, astringents, solvents, preservatives, 
vitamins, and the like. In particular, if a water based skin care 
composition is used, a preservative would be needed. Suitable 
preservatives include, but are not limited to: propylparaben, 
methylparaben, benzyl alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, tribasic calcium 
phosphate, butylated hydroxy toluene, or acids, such as citric, tartaric, 
malic, maleic, lactic, benzoic, salicylic, and the like. 
Suitable viscosity modifiers include: some of the items also described as 
effective immobilizing agents, alkyl galactomannen, silica, talc 
sesquioleate, modified celluloses, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose, 
magnesium aluminum silicate, zinc stearate, and other viscosity modifiers 
as may be known to the art. 
Suitable solvents include: propylene glycol, glycerin, cyclomethicone, 
polyethylene glycols, hexalene glycol, diol and multi hydroxy based 
solvents. 
Suitable vitamins include vitamins: A, D3, E, and E acetate. 
In addition, stabilizers can be added to enhance the shelf life of the 
composition such as cellulose derivatives, proteins and lecithin. All of 
these materials are well known in the art as additives for such 
formulations and can be employed in appropriate amounts in the 
compositions for use herein. 
A particularly preferred skin care composition is the lotion composition 
discussed in Example 3 and described in Table 4. As is discussed below, 
this composition has been found to be particularly effective, when used in 
conjunction with the structures of the present invention in mitigating 
skin overhydration. 
Preparing the Lotion and Treating Diaper Topsheets with the Lotion 
Composition 
The particularly preferred lotion composition of the present invention can 
be prepared by melting the individual components thereof followed by 
simple mixing. The details of such preparation are given in Example 3 
below. 
In preparing absorbent articles of the present invention, the skin care 
composition is applied such that during wear, at least some portion of the 
composition will transfer from the treated article to the wearer's skin. 
That is, skin care composition is either applied directly to one or more 
wearer contacting surfaces, or is applied to alternate locations or means 
such that the skin care composition is readily available for transfer from 
one or more wearer contacting surfaces during use without intervention by 
the user/caregiver. (For example, materials positioned beneath the wearer 
contacting surface, encapsulated compositions, etc.) Of course, to 
effectuate delivery of composition to those body regions most susceptible 
to skin disorders, it will be preferred to include the composition on the 
portion of the topsheet and cuffs that will contact the wearer's buttocks, 
genitals, intertriginous and anal regions during wear. Additionally, the 
composition may be applied to other article regions for delivery to one or 
more of the wearer's hips, abdomen, back, waist, sides, thighs, etc. 
One preferred means of preparing a treated article according to the present 
invention is to apply the preferred lotion composition of Example 3 to the 
inner surface (i.e., the body facing surface) of a diaper topsheet 
substrate. Any of a variety of application methods that evenly distribute 
lubricious materials having a having a molten or liquid consistency can be 
used. Suitable methods include spraying, printing (e.g., flexographic 
printing), coating (e.g., gravure coating), slot extrusion, or 
combinations of these application techniques, e.g. spraying the lotion 
composition on a rotating surface, such as an application roll, that then 
transfers the composition to the outer surface of the diaper topsheet. The 
composition can be applied to the article at any point during assembly. 
For example, the composition can be applied to the finished disposable 
absorbent product before it has been packaged. The composition can also be 
applied to a given component (e.g., topsheet, cuffs, sides, waists, etc.), 
at the converting site or by the material supplier, before it is combined 
with the other raw materials to form a finished disposable absorbent 
product. Again, the composition can be applied to other zones of the 
article such that the composition will migrate to one or more wearer 
contacting surfaces during use. 
The minimum level of composition to be applied to the article's 
wearer-contacting surface is an amount effective for providing the 
therapeutic and/or protective benefits when the composition is delivered 
pursuant to the present methods. The level of composition applied will 
depend on various factors, including the article component treated, the 
relative amount of surface area of the wearer-contacting surface not 
treated with the composition, the composition's content and the like. In 
general, with compositions that are relatively hydrophobic and are to be 
applied to essentially all of the topsheet, the composition is preferably 
applied to the article topsheet in an amount ranging from about 0.1 
mg/in.sup.2 (0.02 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 15 mg/in.sup.2 (2.3 mg/cm.sup.2), 
more preferably from about 1 mg/cm.sup.2 (0.2 mg/cm.sup.2) to about 10 
mg/in.sup.2 (2 mg/cm.sup.2). It will be recognized that higher levels of 
skin care composition may be applied to other article components where 
fluid handling properties are not impacted (e.g., cuffs, waist band, side 
panels, etc.). It will also be recognized that for compositions that are 
relatively hydrophilic, higher add-on levels may be used on the topsheet 
without adversely impacting liquid handling properties to an unacceptable 
degree. Conversely, higher levels of a hydrophilic composition may be 
undesired when applied to components (e.g., cuff, waist) other than the 
topsheet, to avoid wicking of exudates to the edges of the article which 
may result in leakage. 
The composition can be applied nonuniformly to the wearer contacting 
surface of the article. By "nonuniform" it is meant that the amount, 
location, pattern of distribution, etc. of the composition can vary over 
the wearer-contacting surface, and may further vary over specific regions 
of the article. For example, to maintain the liquid handling performance 
of the topsheet, it may be desired to apply the composition nonuniformly 
to the topsheet, particularly if the composition is hydrophobic in nature. 
In this regard, some portions of the treated surface of the article (and 
regions thereof) can have greater or lesser amounts of composition, 
including portions of the surface that do not have any composition on it. 
When the composition is relatively hydrophobic, in one such preferred 
embodiment the surface of the topsheet will have regions where no 
composition is applied, particularly in areas of the topsheet that 
correspond to the crotch region of the article. 
In the case of a diaper topsheet, the manner of applying the lotion 
composition to the diaper topsheet should be such that the topsheet does 
not become saturated with the lotion composition. If the topsheet becomes 
saturated with the lotion composition, there is a greater potential for 
the lotion to block the topsheet openings, reducing the ability of the 
topsheet to transmit fluid to the underlying absorbent core. Also, 
saturation of the topsheet is not required to obtain the therapeutic 
and/or protective lotion benefits. Particularly suitable application 
methods will apply the lotion composition primarily to the outer surface 
of the diaper topsheet. A preferred application method is slot extrusion 
of the melted lotion onto that portion of the topsheet 24 that lies in 
central region 68 wherein the region of application is symmetrically 
disposed about the longitudinal centerline 67 and the lateral centerline 
66. Particularly preferred is to apply such lotion in a plurality of 
spaced apart stripes (i.e. nonuniform coverage) so as to minimize the 
effect of the lotion on the absorbency properties of the diaper 20. Such 
particularly preferred application provides the central region 68 with 
open area so as to easily absorb bodily fluids as may be deposited 
thereon. As used herein, the "percent open area" of the topsheet 24 is 
determined by (i) measuring the surface area of the topsheet that overlies 
the crotch region, (ii) measuring the total surface area of the untreated 
region(s) in this portion of the topsheet and (iii) dividing the 
measurement in (ii) by the measurement in (i). As used herein, the crotch 
region of the article is the rectangle, defined below, that is centered 
longitudinally and laterally about the article's crotch point. The "crotch 
point" is determined by placing the article on a wearer in a standing 
position and then placing an extensible filament around the legs in a 
figure eight configuration. The point in the article corresponding to the 
point of intersection of the filament is deemed to be the crotch point of 
the article. It is understood that the crotch point is determined by 
placing the absorbent article on a wearer in the intended manner and 
determining where the crossed filament would contact the article. The 
length of the crotch region of an incontinence device (e.g. diapers or 
adult incontinent articles) typically corresponds to about 40% of the 
absorbent article's total length (i.e., in the y-dimension). With regards 
to sanitary napkins the length of the crotch region corresponds to about 
80% of the articles's total length. The width of the crotch region is 
equivalent to the width of the widest absorbent core component as measured 
at the crotch point. As used herein, "untreated" means a region of the 
topsheet having less than about 0.05 mg/in.sup.2 (0.1 g/in.sup.2). In this 
regard, the percent open area may be from about 1% to about 99%, from 
about 5% to about 95%, from about 10% to about 90%, from about 15% to 
about 85%, from about 20% to about 80%, from about 25% to about 75%, from 
about 30% to about 70%, or from about 35% to about 65%. The percent open 
area required to achieve the desired lotion effect and the desired fluid 
handling properties of the topsheet will be dictated largely by the 
characteristics of the lotion (in particular the lotion's composition and 
its relative hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity properties). One skilled in the 
art will appreciate that the desired percent open area will be readily 
determined through routine experimentation. 
Surprisingly, while the topsheet or other regions comprising the 
composition is preferably treated nonuniformly (e.g., microscopic or 
macroscopic regions where no composition is applied), during wear of the 
article, the composition is transferred to the wearer even in regions of 
the skin corresponding to untreated regions of the topsheet. The amount 
and uniformity of composition transferred to the skin is believed to 
depend on several factors, including, for example, contact of the wearer's 
skin to the treated article surface, friction created during wear time 
between the wearer's skin and the treated region, warmth generated from 
wearer to enhance the transfer of the composition, the composition's 
properties, the materials which constitute the composition, and the like. 
The lotion composition is typically applied from a melt thereof to the a 
substrate to form topsheet 24. Since the preferred lotion composition 
melts at a temperature significantly above ambient temperatures, it is 
usually applied as a heated coating to the topsheet. Typically, the lotion 
composition is heated to a temperature in the range from about 35.degree. 
to about 100.degree. C., preferably from 40.degree. to about 90.degree. 
C., prior to being applied to the diaper topsheet. Once the melted lotion 
composition has been applied to the diaper topsheet, it is allowed to cool 
and solidify to form solidified coating or film on the surface of the 
topsheet. The application process may also include unit operations 
designed to aid in the cooling/set up of the lotion. Such unit operations 
include, but are not limited to, external cooling of the treated article 
using blowers, fans, etc., chill rolls, and other such means as may be 
known to the art. 
The minimum level of lotion to be applied to the diaper topsheets is an 
amount effective for reducing wearer skin overhydration. The lotion 
composition is preferably applied to a substrate to form topsheet 24 of 
the present invention in an amount ranging from about 0.05 mg/in.sup.2 
(0.1 g/m.sup.2) to about 80 mg/in.sup.2 (125 g/m.sup.2) more preferably 
from about 1 mg/in.sup.2 (2 g/m.sup.2) to about 40 mg/in.sup.2 (62 
g/m.sup.2), still more preferably from about 4 mg/in.sup.2 (6 g/m.sup.2) 
to about 26 mg/in.sup.2 (40 g/m.sup.2). Because the emollient is 
substantially immobilized, less lotion of the composition is needed to 
impart the desired skin care benefits. Such relatively low application 
levels of the lotion composition are adequate to impart the desired 
therapeutic and/or protective lotion benefits to the topsheet, yet do not 
negatively affect the absorbency and/or wettability properties of the 
topsheet. Lotion application is discussed in greater detail in copending 
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/908,852, entitled Article Having A 
Lotioned Topsheet, by Roe et al., filed on Aug. 8, 1997, the disclosure of 
which is incorporated herein by reference. 
Regions of the Absorbent Article 
However, apart from the selection the appropgriate materials, the 
arrangement of the materials within the absorbent article 20 is of high 
importance. For the scope of the following description, the absorbent 
article 20 is considered to comprise two regions, namely one part of the 
article comprising the absorbent core 28 (i.e. central region 68), the 
other part comprising the remainder of the absorbent article 20. 
Thus, the central region 68 describes the region which will, in use, cover 
the body opening(s) from which bodily exudates are discharged, and will 
further longitudinally extend to a wearer's waist. 
Apart from liquid handling means and auxiliary means such as elements to 
maintain the various other elements together (e.g. adhesives), this 
central region 68 will comprise one or more materials which are intended 
to face towards the skin of the wearer during use, and which are generally 
referred to as topsheet materials, and one or more materials which are 
intended to cover the opposite surface of the article (i.e. the garment 
surface). 
The chassis region 69 comprises those elements of the article intended to 
hold the article on the wearer (i.e. fixation means), the elements 
intended to prevent bodily exudates from leaking out of the article (e.g. 
elasticized leg cuffs 34, or the waist feature 34), and means to connect 
the various elements (e.g. fastening system 36). 
The chassis region 69 also comprises one or more materials intended to face 
towards the skin of the wearer during use, and which is generally referred 
to as, topsheet 24, and one or more materials intended to cover the 
opposite surface of there article (i.e. the backsheet 26). As noted above, 
when using a breathable material for the backsheet 26 in such articles, 
the backsheet materials need to have maximum vapor breathability without 
allowing liquids to pass through. 
Breathability and Treated Topsheet 
In one aspect of the present invention the breathable backsheets 26 and the 
topsheets 24 cooperate to provide a skin care benefit (e. g. overhydration 
protection). While not being bound by theory, the Applicants believe the 
following provides an explanation of how this cooperation provides such a 
benefit. 
The preferred skin care compositions of the present invention, as delivered 
by treating the topsheet 24 as described above, serve to provide a 
additional barrier to interaction between excess environmental moisture 
and a wearer's skin. In order to provide an effective barrier, at least a 
portion of the preferred skin care composition of the present invention, 
in the form of the lotion described below, must be transferred from the 
topsheet to a wearer's skin. The Applicants have found that transferring 
as little as 0.07 mg/cm.sup.2 begins to become effective in reducing skin 
overhydration as, measured by in vivo testing (Example 4). Treated 
topsheets 24 having lotion levels in the preferred range discussed above 
are effective in transferring such effective amounts of the skin care 
composition of the present invention to a wearer after about six hours of 
wear time. (It should be recognized that the amount of time for transfer 
of an effective amount of a skin care composition depends on several 
factors, including the specific skin care composition, composition 
application level, wearer activity level, and the like.) The Applicants 
have also found further reductions in skin overhydration at lotion 
transfer levels of 0.17 mg/cm.sup.2. Methods for determining transfer 
level and overhydration are described in the TEST METHODS section below 
and discussed in greater detail with the examples. 
Excessive relative humidity in the void space between the wearer's skin and 
the absorbent article can interfere with the normal transport of water 
vapor into and out of the skin. By providing a means for transport of such 
excess moisture (breathable backsheet 26) the driving force toward 
overhydration is reduced. As noted above, backsheets having a MVTR value 
of as low as 500 g/24 h/m.sup.2 begin to become effective in providing a 
means for excess relative humidity to be transported away from the void 
space between a wearer's skin and an absorbent article. Preferably, the 
MVTR of such a breathable backsheet 26 is at least about 900 g/24 
h/m.sup.2. More preferably, the MVTR of the breathable backsheet 26 is at 
least 1300 g/24 h/m.sup.2. 
As is clearly shown in Example 5, providing a breathable backsheet 26 
reduces skin overhydration over and above the reduction provided by the 
skin care composition of the present invention alone. That is, the 
topsheet (skin care composition) and the breathable backsheet can 
co-operate to provide a meaningful skin care benefit. 
Improved Core Performance and Treated Topsheet 
Improved protection against skin overhydration can also be achieved by 
combining the improved cores 28 discussed above with the topsheet also 
discussed above. While not being bound by theory the following discussion 
may prove useful in understanding how such a combination can provide 
improved protection against skin overhydration. In simplified terms, the 
stratum corneum provides the primary barrier against overhydration of 
underlying layers of skin. As such, moisture in the stratum corneum and in 
underlying layers of skin is in equilibrium with environmental moisture. 
When the skin is occluded (e.g. by an absorbent article), the level of 
environmental moisture can change. For example, after urination, moisture 
that is absorbed by the absorbent article serves as a source of supply for 
additional environmental moisture that would not otherwise be present. 
An absorbent article comprising the improved cores and the topsheet of the 
present invention can address such potential overhydration as follows: 
If such environmental moisture is not closely held it can be redelivered to 
the skin due to wearer movement (rewet) and possibly cause skin 
overhydration. If such moisture cannot reach a wearer's skin the risk of 
overhydration is reduced. As noted above, the absorbent cores 28 of the 
present invention serve to hold absorbed bodily fluids more tightly 
(reduced rewet). 
The skin care compositions of the present invention serve to provide a 
additional barrier to interaction between excess environmental moisture 
and a wearer's skin. In order to provide an effective barrier, at least a 
portion of the preferred skin care composition of the present invention, 
in the form of the lotion described below, must be transferred from the 
topsheet to a wearer's skin. The Applicants have found that transferring 
as little as 0.07 mg/cm.sup.2 begins to become effective in reducing skin 
overhydration as measured by in vivo testing. Treated topsheets 24 having 
lotion levels in the preferred range discussed above are effective in 
transferring such effective amounts of the skin care composition of the 
present invention to a wearer after about six hours of wear time. (It 
should be recognized that the amount of time for transfer of an effective 
amount of a skin care composition depends on several factors, including 
the specific skin care composition, composition application level, wearer 
activity level, and the like.) The Applicants have also found further 
reductions in skin overhydration at lotion transfer levels of 0.17 
mg/cm.sup.2. Methods for determining transfer level and overhydration are 
described in the TEST METHODS section below and discussed in greater 
detail with the examples. 
In other words, the improved absorbent cores 28 and the topsheet 24 
cooperate to provide a skin care benefit to a wearer's diapered skin. Such 
a benefit is demonstrated by the results of Example 6. 
Improved Core Performance and Breathability 
The improved absorbent cores 28 discussed above, which have a high liquid 
retention capability (i.e. low rewet), when combined with the breathable 
backsheets 26 also discussed above can provide absorbent articles which 
improved protection against overhydration when compared to diapers of the 
present art. While not being bound by theory the following discussion may 
be useful in understanding the mechanism providing the improved 
protection. As noted above skin overhydration, when wearing an absorbent 
article such as a diaper, can be attributed to either: 
the presence of aqueous bodily fluids on the skin which can macerate the 
skin causing overhydration. 
or 
excessive relative humidity in the void space between the wearer's skin and 
the absorbent article which can interfere with the normal transport of 
water vapor into and out of the skin. 
In either case, such occlusion can cause the wearer's skin to accumulate 
excessive water (i.e. become overhydrated). Absorbent articles of the 
present invention, such as diaper 20, can counteract this imbalance by 
providing means to keep excessive moisture off a wearer's skin (reduced 
rewet) and means to minimize excessive relative humidity in the void space 
between the wearer's skin and the absorbent article (breathability). 
Further, the improved cores of the present invention not only provide 
reduced rewet but also, because they store bodily fluids more efficiently, 
they are less likely to release such bodily fluids for transport through a 
breathable backsheet. As a result, backsheets having higher MVTR 
properties have suitable for use in absorbent articles. A single measure 
reflecting both of these important properties is the ratio of the ORM 
value for an absorbent core to the MVTR value for a backsheet material. 
The ratio of ORM value and MVTR. value should be minimized in order to 
provide absorbent articles with maximum breathability and minimum rewet. 
Such minimization can be achieved either by small ORM values, and/or 
high MVTR values. For example, a diaper having an improved core of the 
present invention with a ORM value of about 65 mg could be used in a 
diaper 20 of the present invention with a breathable backsheet 26 having a 
MVTR value of 1300 g/m.sup.2 /24 h. Such a diaper having a ratio of about 
0.05 mg/(g/m.sup.2 /24 h) would be effective in reducing overhydration 
when compared to diapers of the current art. The Applicants have found 
that a ORM:MVTR ratio of about 0.05 mg/(g/m.sup.2 /24 h) or less is 
effective. Preferably, the ORM:MVTR ratio is less than about 0.04 
mg/(g/m.sup.2 /24 h). More preferably, the ratio is less than about 0.03 
mg/(g/m.sup.2 /24 h). 
As noted above, the ORM:MVTR ratio is a useful measure of the 
relationship between the absorbent core 28 and the breathable backsheet 26 
of the present invention. This means, depending on the rewet properties 
(i.e. ORM value) of a particular improved absorbent core 28, the MVTR 
of a breathable backsheet of the present invention can vary. Obviously, as 
MVTR increases cores 28 with greater rewet would still be suitable. Thus, 
for a backsheet 26 with a MVTR of about 1500 g/m.sup.2 /24 h, a core 28 
could have a ORM value of about 75 mg and still be suitable for use in 
the present invention. Similarly, the following combinations of backsheet 
MVTR and core ORM value would all be suitable: 1800 g/m.sup.2 /24 h and 
90 mg; 2000 g/m.sup.2 /24 h and 100 mg; and 2200 g/m.sup.2 /24 h and 110 
mg. 
Improved Core Performance, Breathability, and Treated Topsheet 
Clearly, if any pair of the breathable backsheet 26 and treated topsheet 
24, the improved core 28 and treated topsheet 24, or the improved core 28 
and breathable backsheet 26 can cooperate to provide improved protection 
against overhydration, an absorbent article comprising all three 
components would also be expected to be effective against overhydration. 
Thus, a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention 
comprises treated topsheet 24, the breathable backsheet 26, and the 
improved absorbent cores 28 each of which has been discussed above. 
Such an absorbent article comprises elements that serve to mitigate all 
three of the major sources of skin overhydration. That is: 
Treating the topsheet 24 serves to provide an additional barrier to 
environmental moisture between a wearer's skin and the local environment 
as defined by the portion of the wearer's skin that is occluded by the 
absorbent article. 
The breathable backsheet 26 serves to reduce moisture vapor in at least a 
portion of the void space between a wearer's body and the absorbent 
article. 
The improved cores 28 provide reduced rewet which reduces environmental 
aqueous liquids within that portion of a wearer's body that is occluded by 
the absorbent article. Because the improved cores 28 retain aqueous 
liquids more tenaciously, they also enable the use of backsheet materials 
having greater breathability (see below). 
A diaper embodiment of this particularly preferred absorbent article is 
shown as diaper 20 in FIG. 1. In this particularly preferred embodiment 
the topsheet 24 has been treated with a skin care composition as described 
above. 
In alternative embodiments of the present invention (not shown) other 
diaper components can also transfer effective amounts of a skin care 
composition to a wearer's skin. For example, the elastic leg cuffs 32 
discussed above, particularly the barrier cuff 84 or the gasketing cuff 
104 thereof could be provided with the preferred skin care composition of 
the present invention for transfer to a wearer's skin. Similarly, the 
elastic waist feature 34 could also be provided with the skin care 
composition of the present invention for transfer to a wearer's skin. 
Providing such elements of an absorbent article with the skin care 
compositions of the present invention is particularly useful because, as 
noted above, overhydrated skin becomes macerated and, as a result, more 
susceptible to mechanical damage. Because the constrictive nature of the 
elastic leg cuffs 32 and the elastic waist feature 34 can cause such 
damage, providing means to ameliorate such overhydration, such as a lotion 
or the like, disposed on such elements wherein effective amounts of the 
lotion transfer to a wearer's skin, would reduce the degree of mechanical 
damage to the skin caused by such elements. Providing lotions of the type 
described herein to such elasticized elements has the further advantage of 
providing a lubricating means between such constricting elements and a 
wearer's skin. Articles having elasticized cuffs that are treated with a 
skin care composition of the type disclosed herein are disclosed in 
copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/766,386, entitled Absorbent 
Articles Having Lotioned Leg Cuffs, by Schulte et. al., filed on Dec. 3, 
1996, and in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/840,039, 
entitled Absorbent Articles Having Lotioned Leg Cuffs Containing A 
Polysiloxane Emollient, by Schulte et. al., filed on Apr. 24, 1997, the 
disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
While the preferred embodiment of the absorbent article of the present 
invention has been discussed in terms of a diaper, it will be recognized 
by one of skill in the art that other types or absorbent articles can also 
apply the structures taught herein and that the disclosure above is merely 
for illustrative purposes. In particular, the present invention is also 
suitable for application to incontinence articles, catamenial devices, and 
training pants. 
Another disposable absorbent article for application of the structures of 
the present invention is incontinence articles. The term "incontinence 
article" refers to pads, undergarments (pads held in place by a suspension 
system of same type, such as a belt, or the like), inserts for absorbent 
articles, capacity boosters for absorbent articles, briefs, bed pads, and 
the like regardless of whether they are worn by adults or other 
incontinent persons. Suitable incontinence articles are disclosed in U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,253,461 issued to Strickland, et al. on Mar. 3, 1981; U.S. Pat. 
No. Nos. 4,597,760 and 4,597,761 issued to Buell; the above-mentioned U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,704,115; U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,802 issued to Ahr, et al.; U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,964,860 issued to Gipson, et al. on Oct. 23, 1990; and in U.S. 
patent application Ser. No. 07/637,090 filed by Noel, et al. on Jan. 3, 
1991 (PCT Publication No. WO 92/11830 published on Jul. 23, 1992). The 
disclosure of each of these references is incorporated herein. 
Also suitable for application of the structures of the present invention 
are catamenial devices, such as sanitary napkins. Suitable absorbent 
articles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,556,146, issued to Swanson, et 
al. on Dec. 3, 1985, B14589876, issued to Van Tilberg on Apr. 27, 1993, 
U.S. Pat. No. 4,687,478, issued to Varn Tilburg on Aug. 18, 1997, U.S. 
Pat. No. 4,950,264, issued to Osborn, III on Aug. 21, 1990, U.S. Pat. No. 
5,009,653, issued to Osborn, III on Apr. 23, 1991, U.S. Pat. No. 
5,267,992, issued to van Tilburg on Dec. 7, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 5,389,094, 
issued to Lavash, et al. on Feb. 14, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,413,568, issued 
to Roach, et al. on May 9, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,460,623, issued to 
Emenaker, et al. on Oct. 24, 1995, U.S. Pat. No. 5,489,283, issued to Van 
Tilburg on Feb. 6, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,231, issued to Emenaker, et 
al. on Oct. 29, 1996, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,430, issued to Bamber on 
Apr. 15, 1997, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein 
reference. 
The structures of the present invention may also be employed on training 
pants to provide skin condition benefits. The term "training pants", as 
used herein, refers to disposable garments having fixed sides and leg 
openings designed for infant or adults wearers. Training pants (also 
referred in the art as "pull on" products) are placed in position on the 
wearer by inserting the wearer's legs into the leg openings and sliding 
the training pant into position about the wearer's lower torso. Suitable 
training pants are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,433, issued to Hasse, 
et al. on Sep. 21, 1993, U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,234, issued to Buell, et al. 
on Oct. 29, 1996, U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,464, issued to Van Gompel, et al. on 
Jul. 10, 1990, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,092,861, issued to Nomura, et al. on 
Mar. 3, 1992. The disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by 
reference. 
The following examples serve to point out the particular benefits of 
various aspects of the present invention. 
EXAMPLES 
Example 1 
Samples of different baby diapers have been evaluated using the various 
test methods listed in the TEST METHODS section below. For comparability 
reasons, all were of comparable size, namely of for babies of about 9 to 
18 kg, often called SIZE 4. 
A commercially available product, PAMPERS Baby Dry Plus MAXI/MAXI PLUS size 
as marketed by Procter & Gamble in Europe was prepared with the following 
modifications: 
A) The core 28 was modified according to the present invention by the 
following steps: 
1) Chemically treated stiffened cellulosic material as is supplied by 
Weyerhaeuser Co., Tacoma, Wash. under the trade designation of "CM" 
functioning as an acquisition/distribution layer 28b overlying the storage 
core 28c and having a basis weight of about 590 g/m.sup.2. 
2) An additional acquisition layer 28a is introduced between the topsheet 
24 and the chemically treated stiffened cell loft chemically bonded 
nonwoven as supplied by PGI Nonwovens, Fibertech Group, Landisville, N.J. 
under the designation Type 6852 was used. This material is a chemically 
bonded PET fiber web having a basis weight of 42 g/m.sup.2 and arwrvdth of 
10 mm over the full length of the absorbent core. 
3) The cellulose material usage in the storage core 28c which lies beneath 
the chemically treated stiffened cellulosic 28b material is reduced to 
about 11.5 g therein. 
4) The amount of superabsorbent material in this storage core 28c is 
increased to about 16 g therein. The superabsorbent material was supplied 
by Stockhausen GmbH, Germany under the trade name FAVOR SXM type T5318. 
This diaper, modified according to the improved core of the present 
invention, has a ORM value of 72 mg. 
Example 2 
A similar diaper 20 having an absorbent core 28 as described in Example 1 
can be prepared also having a backsheet 26 comprising a microporous film 
such as supplied by EXXON Chemical Co., Bay City, Tex. under the 
designation EXXAIRE. Such a microporous film has a MVTR value of about 
4500 g/m.sup.2 /24 h. The ratio of ORM to MVTR for such a diaper 20 is 
0.016 mg/(g/m.sup.2 /24 h). 
Table 3 compares this experimental diaper 20 with the following similar 
diapers: 
Comparative diaper 1 contains the improved and modified core as in Example 
1, but has a conventional, non breathable polyethylene backsheet material. 
Comparative diaper 2 is similar to diaper 20 described above but comprises 
a very high permeability microporous backsheet, such as supplied by Mitsui 
Toatsu, Japan under the designation ESPOIR NO. 
Comparative diaper 3 is a commercially available product as marketed by 
UniCharm Corp. in Japan under the trade designation MOONEYMAN, size 4. 
This product has a very high permeably microporous film covering both the 
core and the chassis regions 
TABLE 3 
______________________________________ 
MVTR ORM:MVTR 
ORM (g/m.sup.2 /24 h) 
Ratio 
Product Tested 
(mg) core chassis 
(mg/(g/m.sup.2 /24 h) 
______________________________________ 
Diaper of Example 2 
72 4500 4500 0.016 
Comparative Diaper 1 
72 200 200 0.36 
Comparative Diaper 2 
72 3800 3800 0.019 
Comparative Diaper 3 
180 3300 3300 0.054 
______________________________________ 
Example 3 
Experimental size 4 diapers, structurally equivalent to commercially 
available PAMPERS PREMIUM (Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio) size 4 
diapers, were prepared with a topsheet having the particularly preferred 
composition described in Table4. 
TABLE 4 
______________________________________ 
Test Lotion Composition 
Component Description 
Percent by Weight 
______________________________________ 
Petrolatum.sup.1 58 
Stearyl Alcohol.sup.2 
41 
Aloe Extract.sup.3 
1 
______________________________________ 
.sup.1 Available from Witco, Corp., Greenwich, CT as White Protopet .RTM. 
IS 
.sup.2 Available from Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, OH as CO1897 
.sup.3 Available from Madis Botanicals, Inc., South Hackensack, NJ as 
Veragel Lipoid 
As noted above, the components were mixed in the melt. The melted lotion 
was applied to the topsheet of the experimental diapers as 5 spaced apart 
stripes each stripe being 0.25 inches (0.6 cm).times.11.75 inches (30 cm) 
at a lotion basis weight of 12 g/m.sup.2 in the stripes. 
Lotion transfer was measured after various wear times using the method 
described in the TEST METHODS section below. The results are given in 
Table 5. 
TABLE 5 
______________________________________ 
In vivo Lotion Transfer 
Amount of Lotion Transferred 
Wear Time (mg/cm.sup.2) 
______________________________________ 
3 Hours 0.05 
6 Hours 0.07 
18 Hours 0.10 
24 Hours 0.17 
______________________________________ 
Example 4 
This example compares the effect of lotion on skin hydration using the Skin 
Hydration Measurement Test described in the TEST METHODS section below. 
Commercially available Pampers Premium (Size 4) diapers, available from 
Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio were used to occlude subject forearms 
as described in the Skin Hydration Test. The preferred lotion described in 
Table 4 was applied to one forearm for each subject at one of two levels: 
approximately 0.07 mg/cm.sup.2 or 0.17 mg/cm.sup.2. The other forearm 
served as a non lotioned control. 
The results of this experiment are given in Table 6. The effect on skin 
hydration is measured by the ratio of the area under the curve of TEWL 
data versus time (AUC) for the lotioned arm to the AUC for the non 
lotioned arm. The calculation for AUC is given in the TEST METHODS 
section. Normalized Integrated Vapor Flux values of less than 100% mean 
that the test condition is giving up water less rapidly (lower AUC) than 
the control, an indication of reduced overhydration. 
TABLE 6 
______________________________________ 
In vivo Effect of Lotion on Skin Hydration 
Amount of Lotion Change 
Applied Normalized Integrated Vapor Flux 
from Control 
(mg/cm.sup.2) 
(Percent of Unlotioned Control 
(Percent) 
______________________________________ 
None 100 0 
0.07 94 6 
0.17 73 27 
______________________________________ 
Similarly, the immediate effect of a treatment on skin surface moisture can 
be shown by comparing the to values for TEWL, where the t.sub.0 value is 
determined as described in the TEST METHODS section below. Table 7 
compares the ratio of such values for the products of Example 4. This 
analysis of the immediate effect shows the same benefit of the lotion of 
the present invention in reducing overhydration. 
TABLE 7 
______________________________________ 
In vivo Effect of Lotion on Skin Hydration 
Amount of Lotion Applied 
t.sub.0 TEWL 
Change from Control 
(mg/cm.sup.2) (% Control) 
(Percent) 
______________________________________ 
None 100 0 
0.07 92 8 
0.17 74 26 
______________________________________ 
As can be clearly seen in Tables 6 and 7, even at lotion levels of as low 
as 0.07 mg/cm.sup.2 the preferred lotion of the present invention begins 
to become effective in reducing overhydration when compared to an 
unlotioned control. 
Example 5 
This example is similar to Example 4 with the exception that diapers having 
a breathable backsheet (MVTR=1300 g/24 h/m.sup.2)were compared to a 
control diaper having the same diaper structure without such a backsheet. 
The control diaper is available from Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio as 
PAMPERS BABY DRY. The breathable backsheet is available from Clopay, 
corp., Cincinnati, Ohio as material number 97042501. The comparison was 
made at an applied lotion level of 0.17 mg/cm.sup.2 using the preferred 
lotion described above in order to estimate the effect of breathability on 
skin hydration. 
As can be seen in Tables 8 and 9, a breathable backsheet provided an 
additional benefit in reducing forearm skin hydration when compared to a 
non breathable backsheet. 
TABLE 8 
______________________________________ 
In vivo Effect of Lotion on Skin Hydration 
Change 
Backsheet MVTR 
Normalized Integrated Vapor Flux 
from Control 
(g/24 h/m.sup.2) 
(Percent of Unlotioned Control) 
(Percent) 
______________________________________ 
.about.200 100 0 
1300 89 11 
______________________________________ 
TABLE 9 
______________________________________ 
In vivo Effect of Lotion on Skin Hydration 
Backsheet MVTR 
t.sub.0 TEWL 
Change from Control 
(g/24 h/m.sup.2) 
(% Control) 
(Percent) 
______________________________________ 
.about.200 100 0 
1300 81 19 
______________________________________ 
While not being bound by theory, the Applicants believe that Table 9, in 
particular, shows the benefits of breathability because any effect due to 
relative humidity minimization would be most apparent shortly after 
removing the occlusive diaper. 
Example 6 
The following example is intended to demonstrate the cooperation between 
the improved cores of the present invention and the topsheet of the 
present invention. 
The bottom collagen sheet 510 of the ORM test (see TEST METHODS section 
and FIG. 3) was treated with the preferred lotion composition of the 
present invention to apply an amount of lotion in the range of transfer 
weights shown to be effective in vivo (.about.0.13 mg/cm.sup.2). This 
lotion-modified collagen is intended to simulate the barrier effect of 
lotion transfer to a wearer's skin from wearing an absorbent article of 
the present invention. Lotion was applied to the bottom collagen sheet 510 
by the following procedure: 
1) Melt the lotion in a petri dish and allow to resolidify (cool to room 
temperature) so as to form a smooth surface. 
2) Preweigh a collagen sheet 510 an place carefully onto the smooth lotion 
surface. 
3) Using a petri dish with a smaller diameter than used to melt and 
resolidify the lotion, gently rub the collagen sheet 510 as it rests on 
the lotion surface. 
4) Reweigh the collagen sheet 510 to determine lotion transfer. 
5) Using the lotion-modified collagen sheet 510, conduct the) ORM test: 
as described in the TEST METHODS section below. 
ORM values for each of the following diaper structures using the 
lotion-modified collagen are listed in Table 10. 
TABLE 10 
______________________________________ 
Lotion Barrier Effect on ORM 
ORM 
Condition (mg/cm.sup.2) 
______________________________________ 
Current Art Diaper Core 1.sup.1 
No Lotion 170 
0.13 mg/cm.sup.2 Lotion 
135 
Difference 35 
Currert Art Diaper Core 2.sup.2 
No Lotion 185 
0.12 mg/cm.sup.2 Lotion 
121 
Difference 64 
Improved Diaper Core.sup.3 
No Lotion 65 
0.13 mg/cm.sup.2 Lotion 
24 
Difference 41 
______________________________________ 
.sup.1 Available from Procter & Gamble Cincinnati, OH as PAMPERS PREMIUM 
.sup.2 Available from Kimberly Clark in Europe as HUGGIES 
.sup.3 Improved core 28 of the present invention as described in Example 
As can be seen from the data in Table 10, both the improved diaper cores o 
the present invention (compare improved diaper core results to current art 
core results) and the lotion of the present invention (compare lotion/no 
lotion results for each core) clearly reduce transport of excess moisture 
into the skin analog of the ORM test. 
TEST METHODS 
Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate 
The Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR) determines the amount of 
moisture adsorbed by calcium chloride in a "up" like container that is 
covered by a test specimen where the moisture source is a controlled 
temperature/humidity environment (40.+-.3.degree. C./75.+-.3% relative 
humidity) separated from the calcium chloride by the test specimen. 
The sample holding a cup is a cylinder with an inner diameter of 30 mm and 
an inside height from bottom to top flange of 49 mm. A flange having a 
circular opening to match the opening of the cylinder can be fixed by 
screws, and a silicone rubber sealing ring with an opening matching the 
inner diameter of the cup, fits between the top flange and the cylinder. 
The test specimen is positioned such that it covers the cylinder opening. 
The specimen is tightly fixed between the silicone rubber sealing and the 
upper flange of the cylinder so it acts as a barrier to moisture 
transport. 
The equipment as well as the test specimen should be equilibrated to the 
temperature of the controlled environment prior to testing. 
The absorbent desiccant material is CaCl.sub.2, such as can be purchased 
from Wako Pure Chermical Industries Ltd., Richmond, Va. under the product 
designation 030-00525. If kept in a sealed bottle, it can be used 
directly. It also can be sieved to remove lumps, or excessive amounts of 
fines, if existing. It also can be dried at 200.degree. C. for about 4 
hours. 
The CaCl.sub.2 is weighed (15.0.+-.0.02 g) into the cup, and tapped lightly 
so as to level it out, such that the surface is about 1 cm from the top of 
the cup. 
A test sample, cut to about 3.2 cm by 6.25 cm, is placed flat and 
overlapping with the seal over the opening, and the seal and the top 
flange are affixed by the screws without over tightening. The total weight 
of the cup assembly is accurately recorded to four decimal places, and the 
assembly is placed into the constant temperature/humidity chamber. 
After 5 hours exposure to the test humidity (without opening of chamber), 
the sample is removed and immediately covered tightly with a non-vapor 
permeable plastic film such as SARAN WRAP. After cooling about 30 minutes 
to allow for temperature equilibration, the plastic film is removed and 
the assembly is reweighed. 
The MVTR value is then calculated by determining the moisture increase over 
5 hours due to transport through the 3 cm circular opening and converting 
the result to units of "g24 h/mrz". 
For each test, three replicates should be run, the resulting values will be 
averaged, and the result rounded to the nearest 100 value. 
Overall, this method is applicable to thin films, multi layer laminates and 
that like. Experience has shown, that typical standard deviations range 
between 50 and 250 g/24 h/m.sup.2 for averaged values of up to about 5000 
g/24 h/m.sup.2. 
Air Permeability 
The air permeability is determined by measuring the time in which a 
standard volume of air is drawn through the test specimen at a constant 
pressure and temperature. This test is particularly suited to materials 
having relatively high permeability to gases, such as nonwovens, apertured 
films and the like. 
The test is operated in a temperature and humidity controlled environment, 
at 22.+-.2.degree. C. and 50.+-.2% relative humidity. The test specimen 
has to be conditioned for at least 2 hours. 
Suitable test equipment is manufactured by Hoppe & Schneider GmbH, 
Heidelberg, Germany, under the designation "Textiluhr nach Kretschmar". 
The apparatus is essentially a bellows in a vertical arrangement, with its 
upper end being mounted in a fixed position, and the lower end being 
releasably held at its upper position, which can be loosened by means of a 
release handle to slide under controlled conditions to the lower position, 
thereby increasing the volume inside the bellows by pulling air through 
the test specimen which covers the air inlet opening at the upper end of 
the bellows. The test specimen is firmly held to cover the air inlet 
opening by means of a fastening ring having an area of either 5 cm.sup.2 
or 10 cm.sup.2 (allows for different samples sizes and/or different 
permeability ranges). If the 10 cm.sup.2 ring is used, the sample should 
be at least 55 mm wide, for the 5 cm.sup.2 ring a sample width of at least 
35 mm is required. For both, the samples should have a length of about 150 
mm. 
Optionally, the sample holding device can comprise a stretching element, 
such as to enable measurement of elastic materials under stretched 
conditions. 
The equipment comprises a stopwatch (1/100 sec increments) which 
automatically measures the time between the operation of the release 
handle, which starts the sliding of the bellows, and the bottom of the 
bellows reaching its lower or stop position. 
The air permeability of the material can then be calculated by dividing a 
constant (provided by the supplier for each individual test apparatus; K 
is about 200.000 for a tested area of 5 cm.sup.2, and about 400.000 for an 
area of 10 cm.sup.2) by the time as measured in seconds, resulting in 
units of: liters/cm.sup.2 /sec. 
The test is repeated once for each test sample, and should be repeated on 
10 samples to provide a representative value for a material. 
Hydrostatic Head 
In this test an adjustable head of distilled water on the top side of a 
sample having an area of about 64 cm.sup.2 is increased until visible 
water appears on the opposite side of the sample. The hydrostatic head 
where water first appears to transfer through the sample is recorded as 
the hydrostatic head for that sample. 
A test specimen is cut to about 10 cm by 10 cm and placed over a sample 
plate having dimensions of about of 10 cm by 10 cm with a centered O-ring 
seal having a diameter of about 8 cm. The sample plate has a centered 
opening having a diameter of about 7.6 cm to allow observation of the 
bottom side of the sample during the test. The sample plate is carefully 
positioned under a 7.6 cm inner diameter Perspex column that is about 1 m 
tall, with a mounting flange so as to conveniently allow tightening of the 
sample plate carrying the sample underneath by means of screws. 
Optionally, a mirror may be positioned under the opening in the sample 
plate to ease the observation. 
The cylinder has an sideways oriented opening with a diameter of about 1 cm 
to allow connection with a pump. The opening enters the column about 1 cm 
above where the sample is mounted. Optionally, a three-way-valve can be 
mounted in this connection to allow easier emptying of the column after 
the test. 
The pump is set to raise the liquid head in the cylinder to a height of 
25.4 cm within 60.+-.2 seconds after the pump is turned on. 
After starting of the pump the condition of the bottom surface of the test 
specimen is monitored. When the first drop falls off the test specimen, 
the pump is immediately stopped, and the height in the column is recorded 
in millimeters. 
For each material, five tests should be repeated and the results should be 
averaged. 
Acquisition Test 
This test should be carried out at about 22.+-.2.degree. C. and at 
35.+-.15% relative humidity. The synthetic urine used in these test 
methods is commonly known as Jayco SynUrine and is available from Jayco 
Pharmaceuticals Company of Camp Hill, Pa. The formula for the synthetic 
urine is: 2.0 g/l of KCl; 2.0 g/l of Na.sub.2 SO.sub.4 ; 0.85 g/l of 
(NH.sub.4)H.sub.2 PO.sub.4 ; 0.15 g/l (NH.sub.4).sub.2 HPO.sub.4 ; 0.19 
g/l of CaCl.sub.2 ; and 0.23 g/l of MgCl.sub.2. All of the chemicals are 
of reagent grade. The pH of the synthetic Urine is between bout 6.0 and 
6.4. 
Referring to FIG. 3, an absorbent structure (410) is loaded with a 75 ml 
gush, of synthetic urine at a rate of 15 ml/s using a pump (Model 7520-00, 
supplied by Cole Palmer Instruments., Chicago, U.S.A.), from a height of 5 
cm above the sample surface. The time to absorb the urine is recorded by a 
timer. The gush is repeated at precisely 5 minute gush intervals until the 
article is sufficiently loaded. Current test data are generated by loading 
four times. 
The test sample, which can be a complete absorbent article or an absorbent 
structure comprising an absorbent core, a topsheet, and a backsheet, is 
arranged to lie flat on a foam platform 411 within a Perspex box (only 
base 412 of which is shown). A Perspex plate 413 having a 5 cm diameter 
opening in its middle is placed on top of the sample on the loading zone 
of the structure. Synthetic urine is introduced to the sample through a 
cylinder 414 fitted, and glued into the opening. Electrodes 415 are 
located on the lowest surface of the plate, in contact with the surface of 
the absorbent structure 410. The electrodes are connected to the timer. 
Loads 416 are placed on top of the plate to simulate, for example a baby's 
weight. A pressure of about 50 g cm-2 (0.7 psi) is achieved by positioning 
weights 416, e.g. for the commonly available MAXI size 20 kg. 
As test fluid is introduced into the cylinder it typically builds up on top 
of the absorbent structure thereby completing an electrical circuit 
between the electrodes. The test fluid is transported from the pump to the 
test assembly by means of a tubing of about 8 mm diameter, which is kept 
filled with test fluid. Thus the fluid starts to leave the tubing 
essentially at the same time the pump starts operating. At this time, also 
the timer is started, and the timer is stopped when the absorbent 
structure has absorbed the gush of urine, and the electrical contact 
between the electrodes is broken. 
The acquisition rate is defined as the gush volume absorbed (ml) per unit 
time(s). The acquisition rate is calculated for each gush introduced into 
the sample. Of particular interest in view of the current invention are 
the first and the last of the four gushes. 
This test is primarily designed to evaluate products generally referred to 
as MAXI size products for a design capacity of about 300 ml, and having a 
respective Ultimate Storage Capacity of about 300 ml to 400 ml. If 
products with significantly different capacities should be evaluated (such 
as can be envisaged for adult incontinence products or for smaller 
babies), the settings in particular of the fluid volume per gush should be 
adjusted appropriately to about 20% of the total article design capacity, 
and the deviation from the standard test protocol should be recorded. 
Post Acquisition Collagen Rewet Method 
Overview 
The Post Acquisition Rewet Method (ORM test) uses a material analogous 
to skin (collagen) to approximate the effect of rewet on skin. The test is 
shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5 
Materials 
Collagen Film Available form NATURIN GmbH, Weinhein, Germany, under the 
designation of COFFI. Film with a basis weight of about 28 g/m.sup.2 is 
used. 
Method 
1) Cut the film into sheets with a diameter of 90 mm diameter (e.g. by 
using a sample cutter device) (tweezers are to be used for all handling of 
the collagen film). 
2) Equilibrate the film in the controlled environment (22.+-.2.degree. C. 
and at 35.+-.15% relative humidity) for at least 12 hours. 
3) At least 5 minutes, but not more than 6 minutes after the last gush of 
the above acquisition test is absorbed, the cover plate and weights are 
removed, and the test sample (520) is carefully placed flat on a lab 
bench. 
4) Four sheets of the precut and equilibrated collagen material (510) are 
weighed with at least one milligram accuracy, and then positioned centered 
onto the loading point of the article, and covered by Perspex plate (530) 
of 90 mm diameter, and about 20 mm thickness. 
5) A weight (540) of 15 kg is carefully added (also centered). 
6) After 30.+-.2 seconds the weight and Perspex plate are carefully removed 
again, and the collagen films are reweighed. 
The Post Acquisition Collagen Rewet Method value is the moisture pick up of 
the collagen film, expressed in mg. 
It should be noted further, that this testing protocol can be adjusted 
easily according to specific product types, such as different diaper 
sizes, for use with other types of absorbent articles, such as adult 
incontinence devices, or catamenial devices. The type and amount of 
loading fluid, the amount and size of the absorbent material, or the 
applied pressure may also be varied to suit individual product needs. Such 
modifications will be obvious to one skilled in the art. 
Teabag Centrifuge Capacity Test 
While the Teabag Centrifuge Capacity Test (TCC test) has been developed 
specifically for superabsorbent materials, it can readily be applied to 
other absorbent materials. 
The TCC test provides values, which are a measure of the retention of 
liquids in the absorbent materials. 
The absorbent material is placed within a "teabag", immersed in a 0.9% by 
weight sodium chloride solution for 20 minutes, and then centrifuged for 3 
minutes. The ratio of the retained liquid weight to the initial weight of 
the dry material is the absorptive capacity of the absorbent material. 
Two liters of 0.9% by weight sodium chloride in distilled water is poured 
into a tray having dimensions 24 cm.times.30 cm.times.5 cm. The liquid 
filling height should be about 3 cm. 
The teabag pouch has dimensions 6.5 cm.times.6.5 cm and is available from 
Teekanne in Dusseldorf, Germany. The pouch is heat sealable with a 
standard kitchen plastic bag sealing device (e.g. VACUK2 PLUS from 
Krups, Germany). 
The teabag is opened by carefully cutting it partially, and is then 
weighed. About 0.200 g of the sample of the absorbent material, accurately 
weighed to .+-.0.005 g, is placed in the teabag. The teabag is then closed 
with a heat sealer. This is called the sample teabag. An empty teabag is 
sealed and used as a blank. 
The sample teabag and the blank teabag are then laid on the surface of the 
saline solution, and submerged for about 5 seconds using a spatula to 
allow complete wetting (the teabags will float on the surface of the 
saline solution but are then completely wetted). The timer is started 
immediately. 
After 20 minutes soaking time the sample teabag and the blank teabag are 
removed from the saline solution, and placed in a Bauknecht WS130, Bosch 
772 NZK096 or equivalent centrifuge (230 mm diameter), so that each bag 
sticks to the outer wall of the centrifuge basket. The centrifuge lid is 
closed, the centrifuge is started, and the speed increased quickly to 
1,400 rpm. Once the centrifuge has been stabilized at 1,400 rpm the timer 
is started. After 3 minutes, the centrifuge is stopped. 
The sample teabag and the blank teabag are removed and weighed separately. 
The Teabag Centrifuge Capacity (TCC) for the sample of absorbent material 
is calculated as follows: 
EQU TCC =[(sample teabag weight after centrifuging), (blank teabag weight after 
centrifuging)-(dry absorbent material weight)].div.(dry absorbent material 
weight)]. 
Also, specific parts of the structures or the total absorbent articles can 
be measured, such as "sectional" cut outs, i.e. looking at parts of the 
structure or the total article, whereby the cutting is done across the 
full width of the article at determined points of the longitudinal axis of 
the article. In particular, the definition of the "crotch region" as 
described above allows to determine the "crotch region capacity". Other 
cut-outs can be used to determine a "basis capacity" (i.e. the amount of 
capacity contained in a unit area of the specific region of the article. 
Depending on the size of the unit area (preferably 2 cm by 2 cm) the 
defines show how much averaging is taking place, naturally, the smaller 
the sample size, the less averaging will occur. 
Lotion Transfer Measurement 
Overview 
This method uses a removable skin analog material that is placed on a 
wearer's skin for a controlled period of time. After the skin analog has 
been removed, it is extracted using an appropriate solvent and the amount 
of skin care composition deposited thereon is determined using known 
analytical methods. The method is described for use with lotioned infant 
diapers. One of skill in the art will recognize the appropriate changes 
for other skin care compositions, absorbent articles, or wearer types. 
Subjects 
Approximately equal numbers of male and female infants should be selected 
using the following inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sufficient infants 
should be selected to ensure that there are at least fifteen subjects per 
condition and transfer time who complete all aspects of the test. 
Inclusion Criteria 
a. Healthy infant 
b. Caregiver willing to not use lotions, creams, powders or other skin 
preparations in the diaper area for the duration of the test. 
c. Infants who wear disposable diapers full time 
d. Caregiver willing to give child bath the evening before the study and 
not again until after completion of the study 
e. Caregiver will to have child refrain from swimming from the evening 
before the study until after completion of the study. 
f. Preferably, infants who have infrequent bowel movements 
Exclusion Criteria 
a. The infant has been ill within the last four days 
b. Diarrhea (soft stool) any time during the four days before the test 
c. Medication which might increase frequency of bowel movements (e.g., oral 
antibiotics, anti fungal agents, corticosteroids) 
d. Damaged skin in or around the test site (e.g., from sunburn, active 
dermal lesions, or the like) 
e. Known allergies or irritation from adhesive or skin care ingredients 
Materials 
In Vivo Transfer 
Skin Analog: Dermatological Tape--TEGADERM Tape No. 1622W available from 3M 
Health Cares, St. Paul, Minn. 
Sample Container Glass jar with closure available from VWR Scientific, West 
Chester, Pa. as catalog Number 15900-242 
Tape Release Powder Baby powder (comprising only talc and fragrance) 
available from Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, N.J. 
Surgical Gloves Available from Best Manufacturing Co., Menlo Ga., as 
product 6005PFM. 
Extraction and Analysis 
Extraction Solvent Dichloromethane, available from Sigma-Aldrich of St. 
Louis, Mo. as 27056-3 
Steary alcohol Aldrich 25876-8 
1-Hexadecanol Aldrich 25874-1 
Dispensing Flask 10 ml 
Gas Chromatograph Flame ionization Detector, Hewlett Packard Model 5890 is 
suitable. 
Column Capillary column: Chrompack CP Sil-5 CB, 2 meters.times.0.25 mm id, 
0.12 micron film thickness fused silica capillary (no substitutions) 
Instrumental Data Must be able to reproducibly determine areas of peaks of 
System interest. 
Method 
In Vivo Transfer 
A. Confirm from the subject's caregiver that the subject has been bathed 
within the last 24 hours and that no lotions, powders, etc. have been 
applied to the diapered region of the subject's skin since bathing. 
B. Wearing the surgical gloves, place the subject on the table and remove 
his/her diaper. 
C. Turn the subject on his/her stomach. 
D. Remove the release liner from a TEGADERM tape and lightly brush J&J Baby 
Powder over the adhesive surface (Wear surgical gloves, or the like, 
during application to prevent contamination of the tape). Provide 
sufficient powder such that there is a light coat of powder over all of 
the tape except the edges. (This step is done to keep the tape from 
adhering too aggressively to the child's skin.). 
E. FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate placement location for the TEGADERM tape, 
shown in those figures as tape 700. Apply the tape 700 to the child's 
right buttock. The tape 700 is to be applied to the highest point on the 
child's buttock immediately adjacent to, but not in, the child's gluteal 
groove. A second tape 700 may be applied to measure transfer at two time 
increments or the effect of an additional diaper. If a second tape is 
used, apply the tape 700 on the left buttock using the procedure described 
above. 
F. Change diapers according to the following protocol: 3 hour transfer 
time--1 diaper; 6 hour transfer time--2 diapers (change at 3 hours); 24 
hour transfer times ad lib by caregiver. For 24 hour transfer times the 
following additional instructions are to be followed: 
1. Use only water and a washcloth for cleaning the diapered area for the 
duration of the test. Do not use baby wipes. Avoid touching the area 
around the tapes with hands or any cleaning implement. 
2. Do not use skin care products (lotions, ointments, creams, soap, etc.) 
for the duration of the test. 
3. Do not bathe the subject for the duration of the test. 
4. Use only the test diapers. Record the time of each diaper change. 
5. Record the time of any bowel movement and clean the subject with water 
and a wash cloth. 
G. Record the time each diaper was applied for all test diapers. 
H. Recall the subject near the end of the predetermined transfer time. 
I. Remove the test diaper. If the child has had a bowel movement, the study 
personnel should remove the tape 700 and discard it (the subject has then 
completed the test and data from that subject are not included in the 
analysis). If the subject has urinated, the tape 700 will be acceptable 
for analysis as described below. 
J. Test facility personnel should wear surgical gloves and remove the tape 
700 by grasping the edge of the tape 700 with tweezers and gently peeling 
the remaining portion of the tape 700 from the skin. 
K. Place the used tape 700 in one of the glass jars and close the lid. Make 
sure the jar is properly labeled for subsequent sample identification. 
L. At the completion of the test collect all of the samples in the jars for 
analysis as described below. 
Extraction and Analysis 
This method is designed for use with the preferred skin care composition, 
the skin care composition of Example 3. One of ordinary skill in the art 
will recognize what adaptations may be necessary to extract and analyze 
the level of other skin care compositions. In principle: 1) one of the 
major ingredients of the composition is extracted from the skin analog 
using an appropriate solvent; 2) gas chromatographic or other appropriate 
quantitative analytical techniques are then used to determine the level of 
the major ingredient in the extract; 3) amount of skin care composition is 
calculated per unit area based on amount of major ingredient in extract 
and the area of the tape. 
Internal Standard/Extraction Solvent 
Prepare an internal standard/extraction solvent by accurately weighing 
100.+-.2 mg of 1-hexadecanol into a small beaker. Dissolve the 
1-hexadecanol in dichloromethane and transfer to a 1 liter volumetric 
flask. Rinse the beaker 3 more times with dichloromethane transferring 
each rinse portion to the volumetric flask. Fill the volumetric flask to 
volume and mix well. This solution will be used to deliver the internal 
standard and extract skin care composition from the tapes. When not being 
used, this container should be kept tightly capped to prevent evaporation 
of solvent. 
Calibration Standard 
Prepare a calibration standard of known concentration by accurately 
weighing (.+-.0.1 mg) 10.+-.1 mg of the stearyl alcohol into a 100 ml 
volumetric flask. Record the weight of stearyl alcohol used. Add the 
internal standard/extraction solvent to the flask and mix to dissolve. 
Fill to volume and mix well. When not being used, this container should be 
kept tightly capped to prevent evaporation of solvent. This solution will 
be used to determine the relative response of the stearyl alcohol to the 
hexadecanol internal standard for calibration of the instrument. 
Preparation and Calibration of the Gas Chromatograph 
All equipment should be installed, operated and maintained according to 
manufacturer's recommendations. 
Install the column and check all the gas flows with the column oven at 
100.degree. C. and the injection port and detector at operating 
temperatures. The GC will be operated under the following conditions: 
Carrier Gas: Hydrogen (Helium may be used); flow rate 1.5 ml/min 
Injection Port: 325.degree. C.; Split vent flow 30 ml/min; Septum purge 2 
ml/min; straight through liner with glass wool plug; Merlin microseal. 
Injection volume: 2 .mu.l split 
FID Detector: 350.degree. C.; set gas flows according to manufacturer 
suggestions. Typical gas flows are 400 ml/minute for air, 30 ml/minute for 
hydrogen and 30 ml/minute for the auxiliary (make up) gas. 
Column Oven: 100.degree. C. ramped at 15.degree. C./minute to 325.degree. 
C.; hold for 10 minutes 
Insure that all connections are tight and leak free. Ignite the detector 
and allow it to stabilize. Condition the column at 325.degree. C. for 30 
minutes. Clean the syringe with dichloromethane as needed. The syringe 
should also be rinsed with dichloromethane several times after each 
injection. Make several blank runs with injections of dichloromethane to 
ensure that a good baseline is obtained and that no extraneous peaks are 
present in the chromatogram. If extraneous peaks are present or baseline 
is not suitable, trouble shoot and correct problem(s). 
Calibrate the instrument using the calibration standard prepared 
previously. Consult the data system manufacturer's instructions for the 
proper sequence of operations. Calculations should be performed in a 
manner similar to that described in CALCULATIONS below in order to provide 
the desired result. 
Sample Analysis Procedure 
1) Remove the lid from the sample jar and add 10 ml of the extraction 
solvent/internal standard solution using the dispensing flask. Replace the 
cap and swirl the contents to insure that the tape 700 is not adhering to 
the sides of the jar and is totally submersed in solvent. Repeat for all 
samples. 
2) Allow the samples to sit 16 hours (typically done overnight). 
3) Swirl the contents of the jar to mix. Using a transfer pipette, transfer 
an aliquot of the sample extract to a properly labeled autosampler vial. 
Cap the vial. Replace jar lid and retain until analyses are complete. 
Repeat for all samples. 
4) Place the vials in the autosampler in random order and start the 
analyses using the GC conditions described above. The first vial should be 
a dichloromethane blank. Several "check" standards should be placed (about 
every 20th sample) through out the run to verify correct operation. 
5) At the completion of the run, check each chromatogram to insure proper 
analysis. If a problem is suspected, trouble shoot and correct. Reanalyze 
samples as needed. 
Calculations 
The total micrograms of stearyl alcohol in each sample extract is 
calculated based on the relative response of the stearyl alcohol peak to 
that of the 1-hexadecanol internal standard. The ratio of the peak areas 
is multiplied by the relative response factor (determined at time of 
instrument calibration) and the micrograms of internal standard in the 
extract to yield the total .mu.g of stearyl alcohol in a sample. 
Instrument Calibration 
Determine the instrumental relative response factor for the stearyl alcohol 
and the internal standard based on the areas of the stearyl alcohol and 
1-hexadecanol peaks in the calibration standard chromatogram. 
##EQU1## 
where Area.sub.inst GC peak area for the internal standard in the 
calibration standard 
Area.sub.sa GC peak area for the stearyl alcohol in the calibration 
standard 
weight.sub.inst actual micrograms of the internal standard used to prepare 
internal standard/extraction solvent 
weight.sub.sa micrograms of the stearyl alcohol used to prepare the 
calibration standard 
Test Sample Calculations 
Calculate the total micrograms of stearyl alcohol in each test sample using 
the peak areas from the test sample chromatogram in the following 
equation: 
##EQU2## 
where Area.sub.inst GC peak area for the internal standard in the test 
sample 
Area.sub.sa GC peak area for the stearyl alcohol in the test sample 
weight.sub.inst actual micrograms of the internal standard used to prepare 
internal standard/extraction solvent 
Report amount of skin care composition transferred in mg/cm.sup.2 where: 
##EQU3## 
For the method described above the concentration of stearyl alcohol in the 
composition is 41% and the tape patch measures 4.4 centimeters.times.4.4 
centimeters. 
Therefore 
EQU Composition Transferred=(0.001.times..mu.g of stearyl 
alcohol)/(0.41.times.4.4 cm.times.4.4 cm) 
0.000126.times..mu.g of stearyl alcohol (mg/cm.sup.2) 
Skin Hydration Measurement Test 
Overview 
This method is suitable for technical investigation of the effect of diaper 
products on skin hydration. The test measures hydration of adult skin that 
has been occluded using a diaper product for a controlled amount of time 
as an in vivo model of similar effects on infant skin. The test is based 
on methodology that is broadly used by the art to measure skin hydration. 
Adult subjects are used rather than infants because: 1) adult subjects can 
be instructed and 2) adult subjects are better able to control their 
movement during the test with a resulting reduction in test variability. 
This test is a randomized, paired comparison test where each subject serves 
as her own internal control. Eighteen (18) qualified female subjects per 
test condition receive an application of a test diaper product to each 
volar forearm for two hours. For evaluation of the effect of a topsheet, 
prior to diaper product application, one arm may receive an application of 
a test lotion at a predetermined level. The diaper product will then be 
loaded three times during the two hour period, followed by a 20-minute 
measurement period. Such testing should be conducted at a qualified 
clinical research organization (CRO) and should comply with good clinical 
practices (GCPs). 
Method 
General Discussion 
Subjects will enter and remain for the duration of the test in an 
environmentally controlled room with a temperature of 20-25.degree. C. and 
a relative humidity (% RH) of 40%.+-.5%. Records of temperature and 
humidity are maintained at the research site. 
Depending on the test products being considered, female subjects who 
qualify to receive the test materials may receive an application of a 
diaper product on one volar forearm, on both volar forearms, lotion to one 
volar forearm 600 and a diaper product to both volar forearms, or other 
combination as may be required for comparison of skin hydration. When 
lotion is used, it is pre-measured and applied by a technician to the 
center of the test area 610 which is located about halfway between a 
subject's wrist and elbow 620 as shown in FIG. 4 and spread using a 
circular motion until the entire area 620 is covered. Each diaper is 
loaded with approximately 70 mls of a sterile saline solution on initial 
application and again at 40 80-minute intervals during a 120-minute 
application period. Diapers are worn for the entire two hour period. Water 
evaporation rates are measured at several time points before and after 
diaper treatment on each volar forearm. Water evaporation rates (TEWL) are 
measured using a ServoMed Evaporimeter. 
All equipment should be calibrated prior to starting the test. Between 
readings, allow the ServoMed Evaporimeters to calibrate on their own. 
Pumps should be calibrated following each subject to be sure they are 
delivering the required 70 ml. The warm bath should be turned on and 
filled with the sterile saline solution at least 30 minutes prior to the 
first loading each day so the temperature can be brought up to the 
required setting (37.+-.0.2 degrees Celsius). In addition, the saline 
should be changed daily. 
Pre-Wrap Procedures 
Each volar forearm will serve as a test area. The forearm should be marked 
using a template indelible markers prior to application of the test 
article (FIG. 5). The area to be marked should be 2 inches.times.2 inches 
(5 centimeters.times.5 centimeters). A 0.5 inch (1.25 centimeter) circle 
should be marked in the center of this area. The template for marking 
measurement area is centered on the forearm by using the midpoint 630 
between the elbow and wrist as the midpoint of the marking template. 
Each subject will have a 30-minute equilibration period in the 
temperature/humidity controlled room prior to being treated. At the end of 
the equilibration period, baseline TEWL measurements are obtained from 
each subject by placing the evaporimeter probe within the marked circle on 
each arm prior to application of the test material(s). The evaporimeter 
probe is left on the skin for 60 seconds with data being collected after 
the first 20 seconds. See FIG. 5. 
Lotion 
When lotions are one of the test conditions, one test area is coated with a 
pre-weighed amount of lotion product, prior to application of the diaper 
product to the volar forearms. Lotion is weighed out using a four place 
scientific balance. The amount of lotion as weighed should yield the 
desired dose level (mg/in.sup.2 or mg/cm.sup.2) when applied to the entire 
test area 620. Lotion is weighed separately for each subject and the 
actual weight recorded on the data collection form. 
Lotion is applied by a technician at the center 610 of the pre-marked 
template and applied in a circular motion until the entire square test 
area 620 is evenly coated. Gloves (latex or vinyl type) should be used for 
applying lotion to avoid contamination of the lotion product. Post-lotion 
baseline measurements are taken 5 minutes.+-.30 seconds following lotion 
application (immediately prior to application of the diaper product) by 
placing the evaporimeter probe within the marked circle. The evaporimeter 
probe is left on the skin for 60 seconds with data being collected after 
the first 20 seconds. The "post-lotioned" baseline measurement is done 
approximately five minutes after the initial baseline measurement on the 
non-lotioned arm to maintain consistency in timing for both arms. 
Arm Wrap Procedures 
This procedure involves application of diaper product to each test area. 
Weigh each diaper before wrapping and loading. Diapers have been pre-marked 
inside and outside with 2 inch by 2 inch (6 cm by 6 cm) squares. These 
will correspond to the loading area and are wrapped directly over a 
similar mark on the forearm. Place the end of the dispensing tube on the 
mid-forearm (approx. center of the premarked area) Then, place the armband 
on the subject with the target loading zone, marked on the outer side of 
the diaper, directly over the end of the dispensing tube. NOTE: Both arms 
are wrapped with diapers (one diaper per arm), one at a time, always 
starting with the left arm. The diapers are wrapped with consistent 
pressure for each panelist. Products codes are randomized for each 
panelist. The eye of the dispensing tube should be facing the diaper. Hold 
armband in place by fastening the tapes on the diaper to the diaper, then 
securing with additional adhesive tape as necessary. The end of the 
diapers are folded so they do not overlap the loading and measurement 
areas. 
Diaper application is staggered over time to insure that removal times are 
sufficiently separated from each other to allow timely execution of all 
subsequent evaluations. Time zero for arm band application is defined as 
the moment when taping of the arm band to the skin is complete. 
Loading Procedures 
The diaper is loaded with approximately 70 mls of a sterile saline (0.9% 
sodium chloride) solution three times during the course of a 2 hour period 
(120 minutes). The saline is kept in a warm water bath to ensure it is 
warmed to body temperature (37.+-.0.2 degrees C.). The test articles are 
loaded using a Masterflex pump set to deliver 10 ml solution per second. 
Each pump is fitted with plastic tubing with a dispensing nozzle to direct 
the saline into the test article attached. Loading is done immediately 
after application of the test article, at 40 minutes and again at 80 
minutes. During loading, the loading area should be turned so the volar 
part of the forearm is facing the floor. The nozzle is inserted and 
positioned directly between the skin and the diaper in the demarcated 
areas. The nozzle is oriented so the stream delivers the solution into the 
diaper surface. The nozzle is removed and reinserted for the next loading. 
At the end of the 2-hour period the diapers are removed and TEWL 
measurements made at the designated site within the test area 620. 
TEWL Procedures 
Immediately following diaper removal, place the probe of the Servo Med 
Evaporimeter (See Observations and Measurements section below) on the 
subject's forearm at the same sites where the baseline readings were taken 
and begin data collection. The evaporimeter probe is left on the skin for 
60 seconds with data being collected after the first 20 seconds. 
Measurements are taken at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes following armband 
removal. 
Data Analysis 
TEWL values collected serially over time can be analyzed by evaluating the 
total area defined by the TEWL decay curve (AUC). This calculation is 
based on the assumption that TEWL values will eventually decay to a 
baseline level (as estimated by the post-lotion baseline reading) 
approximately following an exponential decay curve: 
EQU f(t)=c.times.e.sup.dt 
where: c represents the initial height of the curve at time 0 and d 
represents the rate of decay. The total area (AUC) between the x axis and 
such a curve (extrapolated to infinity) is an approximation of the total 
hydration. These factors and the corresponding AUC can be determined for 
each treatment site and subject as follows: 
1) Subtract the baseline value from each of the TEWL measurements taken at 
0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes. If any TEWL value is smaller than its 
corresponding baseline value, then use a modified baseline value 
calculated as 0.99 multiplied times the smallest of the 0, 5, 10, 15, and 
20 minute TEWL values. 
2) Calculate the natural log for each difference. 
3) Fit a regression line utilizing known mathematical techniques, such as 
least squares, using each time point as an x value and the log transformed 
difference in TEWL value at this time point as a y value. 
4) Calculate AUC in g/m.sup.2 as: 
EQU AUC=-60.times.(e.sup.a)/b 
where a is the intercept and b the slope determined by step 3. 
5) Calculate the difference in AUC between the test treatment site and the 
control treatment site. 
The test minus control site AUC differences may be analyzed using a paired 
t-test or, if the AUC differences do not appear to be normally 
distributed, a nonparametric test (e.g., Wilcoxon's Signed Rank Test) may 
be used. 
To evaluate the immediate effect of a treatment on skin surface moisture, 
t.sub.0 TEWL values (where t.sub.0 is the TEWL measurement made 
immediately after removing the diaper) corrected for baseline (i.e., 
t.sub.0 --post-lotion baseline) also may be compared between treatments by 
paired t-test. 
An alternate means to compare treatment differences on skin hydration is 
Normalized Integrated Vapor Flux which shows the relative hydration of 
test and control conditions. Normalized Integrated Vapor Flux may be 
calculated as follows: 
1) Determine an AUC value for each test condition (forearm) and each 
control condition (opposed forearm) and determine the average AUC for the 
test (AUC.sub.test) and control (AUC.sub.ctl) conditions. 
2) Calculate the Normalized Integrated Vapor Flux as: 
EQU (AUC.sub.test)/(AUC.sub.ctl).times.100 
Test Population 
Eighteen (18) healthy adult female subjects per test condition are used. 
During testing, a subject's hand and arm movement is limited to low or no 
movement activities such as reading. Activities such as writing and 
knitting will not be permitted. 
Inclusion Criteria 
a. Healthy adult female ages 18 to 55. 
b. Subjects should wear short sleeves or sleeveless clothing. 
c. Subjects are willing to rest in the Evaporimeter measurement room for 
approx. 30 minutes before the baseline measurements are taken and for the 
required testing period. 
d. Subject agrees to refrain from using body washes or soaps which contain 
moisturizers beginning the evening prior to the test. 
e. Subject agrees to refrain from using lotions, creams or skin 
moisturizers beginning the evening prior to the test. 
Exclusion Criteria 
a. History of atopy or other chronic dermatological conditions. 
b. Damaged skin in or around the test site, including sunburn, active 
dermal lesions or scars. 
c. Smoking within two hours of the baseline TEWL readings and/or before the 
last evaporimeter measurement is finished. 
d. Bathing, washing or swimming within two hours of the baseline TEWL 
reading and/or during the test period before the last evaporimeter 
measurement is finished. 
e. Caffeine within two hours of the baseline TEWL reading and/or during the 
test period before the last evaporimeter measurement is finished. 
f. Perfume or cream/lotion applied on either forearm during the test period 
and/or before the last evaporimeter measurement is finished. 
g. Medication which might influence the skin condition, e.g. 
corticosteroids taken orally or topically applied on the measurement site. 
h. Physical work after diaper armband application which might cause 
sweating. Subjects will remain at the test center under the direct 
supervision of the test staff throughout the test. Subjects are confined 
to a chair in order to keep movement and exertion to a minimum. 
Test Materials 
Specific test materials are defined by the experimental conditions. 
Observations and/or Measurements 
Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL) 
The primary measurement method is TEWL measurement using the ServoMed 
Evaporimeter (suitable apparatus is available from Servomed AB, Stockholm, 
Sweden as Model EP1). The apparatus should be calibrated and operated 
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Measurements are taken at 
baseline (prior to armband application), 5 minutes after lotion 
application (for tests where a lotion is one of the conditions), 0 minutes 
after armband removal, and then again at 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes after 
armband removal. These measurements are taken for 60 seconds with data 
being collected after the first 20 seconds. The remaining 40 seconds of 
data are averaged by the evaporimeter software to give a mean TEWL value 
(gm/m.sup.2 /hr). If data are manually collected, an average of the 40, 50 
and 60 second readings should be used. 
The disclosures of all patents, patent applications (and any patents which 
issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreign patent 
applications), and publications mentioned throughout this description are 
hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is expressly not admitted, 
however, that any of the documents incorporated by reference herein teach 
or disclose the present invention. 
While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated 
and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that 
various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from 
the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover 
in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within 
the scope of this invention.