A sanitary napkin capable of controlled deformation when in use.

摘要

The present invention provides a sanitary napkin that is thin (less than 5 mm in thickness), highly absorbent and has a lateral flexibility allowing for controlled deformation when in use, namely the assumption of a "W" pattern (good for absorption performance) or a "M" pattern (which enhances comfort). This controlled deformation provides a good comfort potential and simultaneously reduces the likelihood of bunching due to compression forces exerted laterally against the napkin by the thighs of the wearer. In a specific example, the sanitary napkin is characterized by a lateral stiffness of not less than about 400 g and comprises a cover layer, a barrier layer and an second absorbent layer having at least one preferential bending zone which allows the napkin to adopt a certain three-dimensional deformation profile in response to lateral compression.