MXPA98005019A - Absorbent article with back sheet with openings and super absorbent material fibr - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to breathable absorbent articles such as baby diapers, adult incontinence articles and, in particular, sanitary or panty-protective pads. According to the present invention, the articles are provided with a back sheet with breathability openings. Typically, the backsheets with openings are made substantially impervious to liquid in order to avoid staining through the backsheet of the article. The absorbent core of the absorbent article comprises in particular superabsorbent materials which transform the absorbed liquid into a solid or semi-solid form such as a gel. These superabsorbent materials are particularly desirable to benefit the breathable absorbent articles in which they are used. However, these are typically provided in granular form. In combination with a backsheet with openings, this shape is prone to a loss of particles through the openings in the backsheet. Therefore, the present invention relates to breathable absorbent articles comprising non-granular superabsorbent material, preferably fibro superabsorbent material

Description

ABSORBENT ARTICLE WITH BACK LEAF WITH OPENINGS AND SUPER FIBROUS ABSORBENT MATERIAL.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The use of the backsheets with openings for the breathability of the disposable absorbent articles is well known in the art, for example, European Patent Application No. 94203230.1 and 94203228.5 discloses back sheets of apertured film used in combination with non-woven materials. fibrous for improved performance because of spots. Both disclosures also mention the benefit of the superabsorbent material, however, without disclosing or considering the fibrous superabsorbent material. On the other hand, the fibrous superabsorbent material has been mentioned for example, in European patent EP-A-0 336 578 which relates specifically to flexible, thin sanitary napkins, optionally comprising fibrous superabsorbent materials. However, this disclosure lacks consideration of respirability or more specifically it does not disclose any opening in the subsequent sheets. WO-A-92/07534 relates to and discloses fibrous superabsorbent structures. However, it fails to consider the breathability of disposable absorbent articles such as, and in particular, does not mention backsheets with openings in combination with the use of absorbent structures in disposable absorbent articles. European patent application No. 94107422.1 entitled "Protectors against the loss of absorbent particles in absorbent products" does not address the problem of migration of particles through the aperture in a polymer film. However, this disclosure specifically relates to a top sheet with an aperture but not a back sheet with a breathable aperture. This disclosure also solves the problem of the migration of particles through a polymer film with openings including a barrier between the particles and the opening, that is, the use of a protector. Based on the above, the present invention addresses the problem of avoiding a possible loss of superabsorbent materials through the openings of a breathable backsheet in the context of the disposable absorbent articles. It is apparent that a solution to this problem will also provide the benefit of maintaining the total absorbent capacity of the absorbent structure, because there is no loss of superabsorbent particles, the removal of a need for a barrier towards the openings in the respirable backsheet and simultaneously eliminating the need for a protector against the loss of particles between the openings in the upper sheet and the superabsorbent material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an absorbent article comprising a topsheet having days of passage, a backsheet that is made breathable comprising openings and an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core comprises a superabsorbent material that is in a non-granular form in order to avoid loss of the superabsorbent material through the breathability openings. In particular, fibrous superabsorbent materials which, for example, are mixed with other hydrophilic fibers are desirable for the absorbent core according to the present invention. The hydrophilic fibers, with which the superabsorbent fibers can be mixed, include polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, polyester fibers, two-component fibers, cellulose fibers, modified cellulose fibers or combinations thereof. Typically polymer fibers such as polypropylene or polyethylene need to be made hydrophilic by a respective treatment, for example, with surfactants. It is preferred that the total fibrous structure be placed together and thermally bonded for structural integrity through a continuous air process. It is also capable of providing a stable hollow volume of liquid in the absorbent structure considering that the structures of disbonded fibers would typically collapse upon being moistened. It is particularly preferred to use the present invention if the openings in the backsheet are provided in the extensible portion of the backsheet. The extensible back sheets with openings with respirability have the disadvantages that when extending all or part of the back sheet, the size of the openings in the extension region also increases and consequently the probability of loss of superabsorbent particles would increase (if these particles were present). Particularly preferred are extensible backsheet materials that are also elastic, which return fully or partially to their original size after the extension forces are removed. Particularly preferred embodiments according to the present invention are absorbent articles in which the non-granular superabsorbent material, typically the fibrous superabsorbent material, is in direct contact with the backsheet such that there are no additional layers between the backsheet and the superabsorbent material not granular Obviously, the same is true for the contact between the non-granular superabundant material and the upper sheet. Highly preferred absorbent articles according to the present invention are sanitary napkins, incontinence inserts or panty-protectors in which breathability is highly desirable but which at the same time needs to provide sufficient absorbency and consequently is often provided with superabsorbent materials.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions As used herein, the term "aqueous body fluids" includes urine, menstruation and vaginal discharges. As used herein, the term "absorbent product" refers to articles that are capable of absorbing aqueous body fluids such as disposable diapers, baby or adult diapers, incontinence products such as inserts or sanitary napkins and pads. As used herein, the term "sanitary napkin" refers to an absorbent article that is worn by women adjacent to the pudendal region that is generally external to the genitourinary region and which is intended to absorb and contain aqueous and body fluids. Other vaginal discharges from the user's body. However, it should be understood that the present invention is also applicable to other feminine hygiene products or catamenial pads such as pantiliners or other absorbent articles such as incontinence pads and the like. As used herein, the term "granular" refers to particles of uniform size, particles having a size distribution that includes microparticles (eg, less than 0.2 mm in diameter), and agglomerated particles. The term "non-granular" excludes those materials that are granular.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION According to the present invention, the absorbent product comprises 3 main elements: a top sheet, a core and a back sheet. Typically, the topsheet is worn close to the wearer's skin while the backsheet is worn close to the wearer's undergarments with the core interposed therebetween. Each of the three main elements of the absorbent product can be selected from a wide range of alternatives and can also comprise several elements and / or layers that contribute to the individual function of each of the main elements. In the following, non-limiting modalities of the main elements of the absorbent product are described.

ABSORBENT NUCLEUS This absorbent core may be a single entity or preferably comprise several layers. This may include the following components: (a) a primary layer of fluid distribution, optionally; (b) a secondary fluid distribution layer, optional, but preferable; (c) a fluid storage layer; (d) an optional fibrous layer underlying the storage layer; and (e) other optional components. to. Primary layer of Fluid Distribution An optional component of the absorbent cores according to the present invention is the primary fluid distribution layer. This primary distribution layer is typically below the top sheet and is in fluid communication with it. The top sheet transfers the obtained menstrual fluid to this primary distribution layer for the final distribution to the storage layer. This transfer of fluid through the primary distribution layer not only occurs in the thickness, but also along the length and width directions of the absorbent product. b. Optional Secondary Fluid Distribution Layer Also the preferred but optional component of the absorbent cores according to the present invention is a secondary layer of fluid distribution. This secondary layer of fluid distribution is typically below the primary distribution layer and is in fluid communication with it. The purpose of this secondary distribution layer is to easily obtain the menstrual fluid from the primary distribution layer and transfer it rapidly to the underlying storage layer. This helps the fluid capacity of the underlying storage layer to be fully utilized. c. Fluid Storage Layer Positioned in fluid communication with, and typically underlying the primary and secondary distribution layers, is a fluid storage layer comprising gelling absorbent materials usually referred to as "hydrogel", "superabsorbent", "hydrocolloid" materials. The absorbent gelling materials are those materials which, upon contact with aqueous fluids, especially aqueous body fluids, imbibe said liquids and thus form hydrogel. These absorbent gelling materials are typically capable of absorbing large quantities of aqueous body fluids, and are further capable of retaining said absorbed fluids under moderate pressure. In the state of the art these absorbent gelling materials are also typically in the form of discrete, non-fibrous particles. However, according to the present invention, these absorbent gelling materials are provided in non-granular form, perferably in a fibrous form. This fluid storage layer may comprise only absorbent gelling materials, or these gelling absorbent materials may be homogeneously or non-homogeneously dispersed in an appropriate carrier material. Suitable carrier materials include cellulose fibers, in the form of a sponge, tissue or paper as is conventionally used in absorbent cores. Modified cellulose fibers, such as hardened cellulose fibers, can also be used. Also, synthetic fibers can be used and include those made of cellulose acetate, polyvinyl fluoride, polyvinyldene chloride, acrylics (such as Orion), polyvinyl acetate, non-soluble polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamides (such as nylon) , polyesters, fibers of two components, fibers of three components, mixtures thereof and the like. Preferred synthetic fibers have a denier of about 3 denier per filament to about 25 denier per filament, more preferably from about one denier of 5 per filament to about one denier of 16 per filament. Also preferably, the surfaces of the fiber are hydrophilic or are treated to be hydrophilic. The storage layer may also include filling materials, such as phonolite, diatomaceous earth, vermiculite, etc., which reduce the problems of rewetting. If it is dispersed in a non-homogeneous manner in a carrier material, the storage layer can be locally homogeneous, that is, have a distribution gradient in one or more directions within the dimensions of the storage layer. Also, the inhomogeneous distribution can be referred to laminates of carrier materials that partially or completely enclose the gelling absorbent materials. Generally, the storage layer comprises approximately to 100% absorber absorbent materials, and from 0 to about 85% carrier material. Preferably, the storage layer comprises from about 30 to 100%, most preferably from about 60 to 100% of gelling absorbent materials, and from 0 to about 70%, most preferably from 0 to about 40%, of the carrier material. The gelling absorbent materials suitable for use herein will very often comprise a polymeric gelling material, substantially insoluble in water, partially neutralized, lightly crosslinked. This material forms a hydrogel upon contact with water. Said polymeric materials can be prepared from acid-containing, polymerizable, unsaturated monomers. Suitable unsaturated acidic monomers for use in the preparation of the polymeric gelling absorbent material used in this invention include those listed in United States Patent 4, 654,039 and the reissue as RE 32,649. Preferred monomers include acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propanic acid. The acrylic acid itself is especially preferred for the preparation of the polymeric gelling material. The polymeric component formed of acid-containing, unsaturated monomers can be grafted to other types of polymer portions, such as starch or cellulose. Especially preferred are polyacrylate grafted starch materials of this type. Preferred polymeric, gelling absorbent materials that can be prepared from conventional types of monomers include hydrolyzed starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymer, starch-polyacrylate graft copolymer, polyacrylates, maleic anhydride-based copolymers and combinations of same. Polyacrylates and polyacrylate grafted starch are especially preferred. Whatever the nature of the basic components of the polymer of hydrogel-forming polymeric absorbent gelling materials, these materials are generally slightly crosslinked. The crosslinking serves to render the gelling materials of the hydrogel-forming polymer substantially insoluble in water, and thus cross-linking in part determines the gel volume and extractable characteristics of the polymer of the hydrogels formed from these polymeric gelling materials. Suitable crosslinking agents are well known in the art and include, for example, those described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 4,076,663 (Masuda et al.), Issued February 28, 1978. Crosslinking agents preferred are di- or polyesters of unsaturated mono- or polycarboxylic acids with polyols, bis-acrylamides and di- or triallylamines. Other preferred crosslinking agents are N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide, trimethylol propane, triacrylate and triallyl amine. The crosslinking agents can generally constitute from about 0.001 mole percent to 5 mole percent of the hydrogel forming polymer material. More preferably, the crosslinking agent will constitute from about 0.01 mole percent to 3 mole percent of the hydrogel forming polymeric gelation material. The hydrogel-forming, lightly cross-linked polymeric gelling materials are generally employed in their partially neutralized form. For purposes of the present invention, these materials are considered partially neutralized when at least 25 mole percent, preferably at least 50 mole percent of the monomers used to form the polymer are monomers containing acid groups that have been neutralized with a salt-forming cation. Suitable salt-forming cations include alkali metal, ammonium, substituted ammonium and amines. This percentage of the total monomers used which are monomers containing neutralized acid groups is referred to herein as the "degree of neutralization". Although these absorbent gelling materials have been disclosed in the prior art in granular form, it is required by the present invention that the absorbent gelling material be in a non-granular form, for example, as mcro-structures such as fibers, sheets or strips. These macrostructures can be prepared by forming the particulate gelling absorbent material in an aggregate, treating the aggregate material with a cross-linking agent, compacting the treated aggregate to densify it and forming a coherent mass, and then curing the compacted aggregate to cause the crosslinking agent reacts with the absorbent gelling material, in particles, to form an absorbent, mixed porous macrostructure. These absorbent, porous macrostructures are described, for example, in the Patent of the United States 5,102,597 (Roe et al.), Issued April 7, 1992. More generally, any superabsorbent fiber known in the art can be used as a super absorbent fiber in the absorbent core. The super absorbent fibers can be made by forming a water-absorbing super-absorbent polymer in water-soluble filaments, contacting the filaments with a primary air stream having an effective rate to attenuate and partially dry the filaments, and put into contact the attenuated filaments with a secondary air stream having an effective speed to fragment the filaments into fibers. Particularly suitable super absorbent polymers are polymers comprising a mixture of a copolymer of at least one alpha.beta-unsaturated carboxylic monomer and at least one monomer capable of polymerizing therein, and a crosslinking agent having a crosslinking functionality. comprising hydroxyl or heterocyclic carbonate groups. Preferred are maleic anhydride / isobutylene copolymers crosslinked with propylene carbonate or a mixture of pentaerythriol and butanediol. An example of a super absorbent fiber embodiment of the present invention is Fibersorb, a commercially available superabsorbent fiber from Arco.

Chemical Company of Newton Square, Pennsylvania. These fibers are more fully disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,855,179, issued August 8, 1989, to Bourland et al. d. Optional Fiber Coat ("Dustproof") An optional component for inclusion in the absorbent cores according to the present invention is a fibrous layer adjacent to, and typically, underlying the storage layer. This underlying fibrous layer is typically referred to as a "dedusting" layer, as it provides a substrate on which the absorbent gelling material is deposited in the storage layer during the manufacture of the absorbent core. In a preferred embodiment, this fibrous "dedusting" layer need not be included because the gelling absorbent material is in the form of macrostructures such as fibers, sheets or strips. and. Other Optional Components The absorbent cores according to the present invention can include other optional components normally present in absorbent webs. For example, a reinforcing fabric may be placed within the respective layers, or between the respective layers, of the absorbent cores. Said reinforcing sheets should be of such configuration as they do not form interfacial barriers for fluid transfer, especially if they are placed between the respective layers of the absorbent core. Given the structural integrity that usually occurs as a result of thermal bonding, usually the reinforcement canvases are not required by the absorbent structures according to the present invention. Another component that can be included in the absorbent core according to the present invention, and preferably is provided close to or as part of the primary or secondary fluid distribution layer are the odor control agents. Typically activated carbon coated with or in addition to other odor control agents, in particular suitable zeolite or clay materials, are optionally incorporated in the absorbent core. These components can be incorporated in any desired form, but are often included as discrete, non-fibrous particles.

Physical Characteristics of Absorbent Cores Absorbent cores are normally non-stretchable and non-elastic, however, these can be made extensible and depending on the selected materials, they can also be made to have elastic characteristics. The term "extensible" as used hereinafter refers to a structure that under external forces such as those found during the use of the disposable absorbent article., in particular a sanitary towel, extends in the direction of the forces or in the direction of a component of the forces in cases where only mono-directional extensibility is provided. The term "elastic" as used hereinafter refers to extensible structures that return at least partially to their initial state after the forces causing the extension grip are exerted. The absorbent structures may be grooved or folded in one or several directions to provide a certain extensibility while the selection of the elastic fibers for the structure may provide elasticity. The absorbent cores should preferably be thin. In the case of sanitary napkins, a thickness of less than 12 mm, preferably less than 5 mm is desirable, while the panty liners should have a thickness of preferably less than 3 mm.

TOP SHEET The upper sheet is deformable, soft feeling and non-irritating to the wearer's skin. As indicated above, the top sheet can also be stretchable elastically in one or two directions. In addition, the top sheet is permeable to fluids allowing fluids (eg, menstruation and / or urine) to easily penetrate through their thickness. A suitable top sheet can be manufactured from a wide variety of materials such as woven and non-woven materials, polymeric materials such as thermoplastic films formed with openings, apertured plastic films, and hydroformed thermoplastic films, porous foams, cross-linked foams, cross-linked thermoplastic films, and thermoplastic films. Suitable woven and nonwoven materials may be composed of natural fibers (eg, wood or cotton fibers), synthetic natural fibers (e.g., polymeric fibers, such as polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, and fibers). polyethylene), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The preferred top sheets for use in the present invention are selected from top non-woven top sheets and top sheets of aperture formed film. Especially preferred are films formed with openings for the topsheet, since these are permeable to body exudates and, still non-absorbent and have a reduced tendency to allow liquids to pass through and re-moisten the user's skin . In this way, the surface of the formed film that is in contact with the body remains dry, thereby reducing staining and creating a more comfortable feeling for the wearer. Films formed with apertures, suitable, are described in United States Patent 3,929,135; U.S. Patent 4,324,426; U.S. Patent 4,342,314; U.S. Patent 4,463,045; and United States Patent 5,006,394. Top sheets of film formed with particularly preferred micro apertures are described in U.S. Patent 4,609,518 and U.S. Patent 4,629,643. The preferred top sheet for the present invention is the formed film described in one or more of the above patents and marketed in sanitary napkins as "DRI-WEAVE", by The Procter & Gamble Company of Cincinnati. Also contemplated by the present invention are the upper sheets which do not have a homogeneous distribution of liquid passageways, but only a part of the upper sheet comprises liquid passageways. Typically, said upper sheets would have the liquid passageways oriented, such that they result in a centrally permeable upper sheet and peripherally impermeable for liquids.

The body surface of the formed film top sheet can be hydrophilic to help the liquid to be transferred through the upper sheet faster than if the body surface were not hydrophilic. In a preferred embodiment, the surfactant is incorporated into the polymeric materials of the formed film topsheet as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 07 / 794,745, filed November 19, 1991 by Azis. and others. Alternatively, the body surface of the topsheet can be made hydrophilic by treating it with a surfactant such as is described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent 4,950,254.

BACK SHEET The backsheet prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core from moistening the articles that are in contact with the sanitary napkin, such as pants, pajamas and underwear. The backsheet is impermeable to liquids (eg, menstruation and / or urine), and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials can also be used. The back sheet needs to be docile and will easily conform to the general shape and contour of the human body. Also, the backsheet may have characteristics that allow it to stretch elastically in one or two directions. The backsheet may comprise a woven or non-woven material, polymeric films, such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or mixed materials such as nonwoven material coated with a film. Preferably, the backsheet is a thin plastic film, such as a polyethylene film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051 mm.

Exemplary polyethylene films are manufactured by Clopay Corporation of Cíncinnati, Ohio, under the designation P18-1401 and by Ethyl Corporation, Visqueen Division, of Terre Haute, Indiana, under the designation XP-39385. The backsheet is preferably engraved and / or finished in matt to provide an appearance more of the type of fabric. The articles according to the present invention have a breathable back sheet comprising openings. The backsheet may also comprise more than one breathable layer to replace the single breathable backsheet layer of at least two layers of a different or similar material. In particular, two breathable layers are preferred which together form the breathable backsheet. In one embodiment of the present invention, the breathable backsheet comprises a hydrophobic, gas-permeable fibrous fabric layer composed of polymeric fibers. These fibrous layers have inherently breathable openings but can also be provided with openings, such as the film described below. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the breathable backsheet comprises a hydrophobic, gas-permeable, apertured polymeric film. This film preferably has a first liquid transport direction and a second liquid transport direction opposite to the first liquid transport direction and is oriented such that the first direction is from the backsheet to the absorbent core. This film with directional openings allows a liquid transport in the first direction of liquid transport that is greater than the transport of liquid in the second direction of liquid transport under a pressure drop through the film with openings. Most preferably, the film comprises funnel-shaped openings in which the direction from the larger funnel opening to the smaller funnel opening is parallel to the first liquid transport direction.

The fibrous fabric layer useful in the present invention preferably has a basis weight of 10 to 100 g / m2, preferably 15 to 30 g / nt. The fibers can be made from any hydrophobic polymer material usual in the art for making fabric layers. fibrous. Depending on the circumstances of the end use in the manufacture of two fibers of the breathable absorbent article of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, polyacetate or combinations thereof (combinations of intra and inter fibers) have been found useful. The fibers are preferably spunbond, carded or blown in the molten state. The fabric layer most preferably comprises a matrix of spunbonded fibers, covered one or both sides with melt blown fibers, but may also be provided by any other typical technology used in the art. If two or more fibrous fabric layers of different basis weights are used, it is highly preferred that they have one with the highest basis weight on the outer side of the absorbent article. The apertured film also useful for the embodiments of the present invention can be any of those well known in the art. These include in particular, but are not limited to those films disclosed in U.S. Patent 3,929,135, U.S. Patent 4,151, 240, U.S. Patent 4,319,868, U.S. Patent 4,324,426, U.S. Patent 4,342,314, U.S. Patent 4,591,523 and U.S. Patent 4,609,518, U.S. Patent 4,629,643, U.S. Patent ,158,819, United States Patent 4,772,444. The apertured film comprised in the inner layer of the breathable backsheet, preferably has funnel-shaped apertures similar to those described, for example, in U.S. Patent 3,929,135. The openings may be circular or non-circular but must have a cross-sectional dimension at one end of the funnel that is wider than the opening at the other end of the funnel. The direction from the larger funnel opening, towards the smaller opening is of course parallel to the first liquid transport direction. The open area of the apertured film is typically greater than 5%, preferably in the range of 10% to 35% of the total surface area of the film. The apertured films may be made of any material typical in the art, but preferably made of a polymer similar to those used for the fibrous web layer. The minimum hydraulic diameter of the openings in the film should be as small as possible, while still providing sufficient gas permeability without hydraulic blocking of the openings. A hydraulic diameter as small as 0.1 mm preferably 0.2 to 0.7 mm has been found possible in the context of the present invention. The hydraulic diameter for non-circular openings is the diameter that a circular opening with the same cross section would have. The diameter is always determined in the plane of the smallest cross section of the opening. The present invention as indicated above can be used beneficially in the context of many absorbent articles. However, sanitary napkins and especially thin panty liners are particularly susceptible according to the present invention. Sanitary napkins or panty liners having a thickness of 3 mm or less, and preferably 2 mm or less, especially benefit from the breathable backsheet of the present invention.

Optional components of the absorbent products Optionally, the absorbent product of the present invention may comprise all those typical components for the use of the particularly intended product. For example, catamenial products, pantiliners, and sanitary napkins often comprise components such as wings, or panty fasteners for the purpose of improving their placement and protective performance against staining. Baby diapers comprise adhesives or mechanical closure systems such as ribbons and dedicated fastening surfaces or sail systems. Stretch waistbands and waist belts and other waist features are also common in baby diapers or adult incontinence products. Elasticizing of the leg by one or more elastic filaments is also common in the technique of absorbent products. In general, all components typically used in absorbent products may also be comprised in the absorbent products according to the present invention as long as the article comprises a breathable backsheet with openings and a non-granulated superabsorbent material.

Claims (10)

1. - An absorbent article comprising: a top sheet having liquid passage guides; a back sheet, said back sheet being made breathable by comprising openings with breathability; and an absorbent core interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the core comprising a superabsorbent material; said article being characterized in that, the superabsorbent material is non-granular to prevent loss of the superabsorbent material through the breathability openings.

2. An absorbent article according to claim 1, characterized in that the superabsorbent material is fibrous.

3. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the absorbent core further comprises hydrophilic fibers mixed with the superabsorbent material.

4. An absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that the hydrophilic fibers comprise polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, polyester fibers, two-component fibers, cellulose fibers, modified cellulose fibers or combinations thereof. .

5. An absorbent article according to claim 3, characterized in that the superabsorbent material is fibrous, said hydrophilic fibers and said superabsorbent fibers are placed together and are thermally bonded together by a continuous air process.

6. It is an absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the breathability openings through the backsheet are located in an extensible portion of the backsheet.

7. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backsheet comprises an elastically extensible material.

8. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the non-granular superabsorbent material is in direct contact with the backsheet.

9. An absorbent article according to claim 8, characterized in that the non-granular superabsorbent material is in direct contact with the upper sheet.

10. An absorbent article according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the article is a sanitary napkin, an insert for incontinence or a pantiprotector.