HK1068054B - Interlabial pad - Google Patents

Description

Interlabial pad

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an interlabial pad which can be inserted into the labia of a female in a sealed manner.

Background

Heretofore, sanitary napkins and tampons have been generally used as feminine hygiene products. Many studies have been made to prevent menstrual blood from leaking through a gap formed by the sanitary napkin lacking close adhesion to the vicinity of the vaginal opening. In addition, since the tampon has problems of foreign body sensation and discomfort at the time of insertion due to the product properties thereof, and difficulty in insertion into the vagina, continuous efforts have been made to solve such problems.

Under such circumstances, in recent years, an interlabial pad has come to be attracting attention as a sanitary device to be positioned between a sanitary napkin and a tampon. The interlabial pad is used by inserting a part thereof between the labia of a woman and bringing it into contact with the inner surface of the labia, and is more sanitary and sanitary because it has better adhesiveness to the body than a sanitary napkin, and it can prevent leakage of menstrual blood and prevent menstrual blood from spreading and coming into contact with the body widely. Further, it is characterized in that since the interlabial pad is smaller in volume than a sanitary napkin, it is comfortable and comfortable to use, and has less psychological resistance to insertion as compared with a tampon inserted into the vagina.

Unlike sanitary napkins that are used while being fixed to underwear or tampons that are used while being inserted into the body, interlabial pads are generally used while being fixed to the body by being inserted between the labia of a woman, which may be subjected to a left-right phase change due to body movement. Therefore, the interlabial pad must be capable of flexibly changing the right and left phases to follow the body movements of the wearer. That is, even if the labia movement is asymmetric with respect to the body movement extending forward and backward of the body such that the left foot and the right foot alternately extend forward during walking, it is necessary to be able to follow. Damage due to leakage of menstrual blood becomes a significant problem in the case where the interlabial pad is unable to follow the body movement and falls off from the wearer's labia. Left-right phase change herein refers to a broad concept encompassing left-right asymmetric or arbitrary changes (such changes include changes in position or motion).

As a conventional example, there is an absorbent interlabial device disclosed in Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2001-506168. The absorbent interlabial device comprises a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned between 2 sheets, the device having a length of about 60mm to 130mm and a width of about 25mm to 50 mm. The device preferably has a bending axis at the center line in the longitudinal direction thereof, and is folded and bent along this axis to maintain the state in which the topsheet is in contact with the labial walls of the user when inserted into the interlabial space of the user.

The absorbent interlabial device is configured to be folded into 2 folds when inserted between the labia, and is accommodated between the labia. Unlike conventional sanitary napkins, however, this absorbent interlabial device is not secured to the panties, nor is it secured by insertion as in a tampon. That is, since the absorbent interlabial device is held between the labia in a state where displacement can occur and the degree of fixation is inferior to that of a sanitary napkin or a tampon, displacement between the absorbent interlabial device (corresponding to an interlabial pad) and the labia is likely to occur due to the body motion of the wearer, and the wearer is likely to feel discomfort.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an interlabial pad which can be inserted into the woman's labia in a close contact manner, and which can reduce the discomfort felt by the wearer as much as possible even when a certain degree of force is applied to the interlabial pad and the labia by the body movement.

The present inventors have found that the discomfort felt by the wearer may be caused by the misalignment between the interlabial pad and the labial surface, or the misalignment between the interlabial pad and the labial surface may not occur, but a certain force is felt. This force is primarily due to the asymmetric left and right movement of the user. For example, in an interlabial pad inserted in 2-fold fashion, the left labia will contact the left interlabial pad, and the right labia will contact the right interlabial pad, and therefore, if the interlabial pad has sufficient flexibility, such a problem will not occur. This is because the left and right side portions of the interlabial pad can be shifted in phase to some extent about the folding line. However, there is a possibility that it is difficult to maintain the inserted state by friction of the back-side sheets that are brought into contact with each other by a change in the left-right phase of the body during movement. For example, the left and right 2 surfaces of the interlabial pad that contact the labia are left-right asymmetric due to the body left-right asymmetric motion represented by the walking motion of the user, but it is difficult to cause a left-right phase change around the folding line in the left and right portions of the interlabial pad due to the friction force of the opposite-side sheet. As a result, the user feels discomfort, and if the degree of discomfort becomes large, the left and right surfaces or either one of the surfaces of the interlabial pad in contact with the labial surface is separated from the labial surface, and the interlabial pad loses its holding force, and falls off.

Further, when the frictional resistance between the back sheet and the pants becomes large against the holding force of the labia themselves into which the interlabial pad is inserted, the interlabial pad cannot follow the body motion of the wearer, and the interlabial pad is likely to fall off while the wearer feels discomfort. That is, it is found that it is preferable to achieve low friction between the back-side sheet and other articles such as the back-side sheet and the pants. The present inventors have also found that low friction can be achieved simply and efficiently by processing the surface shape of the back side sheet.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned findings, and provides an interlabial pad that can be inserted into the labia of a female wearer in a close contact manner, and that has a structure and/or a shape that allows a left-right asymmetric motion to be freely performed even when a shearing force is applied to the interlabial pad by body movement, that is, a structure and/or a shape that is low in friction.

More specifically, the present invention provides the following:

(1) an interlabial pad having a size, weight and flexibility that enables a part or the whole of the interlabial pad to be smoothly inserted and held between the labia, characterized in that the interlabial pad has a body-side surface facing the body and a counter-body-side surface facing the clothing, and the surface shape of the counter-body-side surface is a shape (low friction shape) in which resistance generated when the surface slides against another surface having the same surface is small.

Here, "partially or completely" means that the interlabial pad is held between the labia, and thus a part of the interlabial pad is not visible from the outside or the whole pad is not visible. The term "to hold the interlabial pad smoothly" means that the interlabial pad is inserted into the wearer without hindrance, and the holding means does not fall off from the holding portion. The body-facing side of the body means that at least a portion of the surface faces the body side. In addition, the garment-facing side, the opposite-body side, refers to the side of the surface that has at least a portion facing toward the non-body side.

The "shape of the surface on the anti-body side" means a shape which the member or surface on the anti-body side has, and the member or surface does not necessarily have the shape as a whole, and at least a part thereof may be the shape. The same surface means the same surface formed by the member or surface on the anti-body side, and may be a surface at a different position. It may also refer to surfaces (locations) at different positions on the same surface of the part that are brought into contact, for example by folding the part. Other surfaces include the same surface, and may include surfaces made of disparate components. For example, including surfaces formed by garments such as pants.

The shape in which friction due to sliding is low ("low-friction shape") refers to a shape of a surface, and a shape in which friction resistance is low when the same kind of surface or a specific surface is slid under a specific condition. The shape of the engagement of the hook with the contact surface such as a ring shape (e.g., MAGIC TAPE (japanese registered trademark)) is excluded.

(2) The interlabial pad as in (1), wherein said low friction shape is formed by a shape having a small actual contact area between the sliding 2-surfaces.

Here, the "2-side surface to be slid" means a surface on the opposite side of the body, and the other surface is also a surface on the opposite side of the body, and may be other parts or other surfaces such as clothes. The actual contact area means an area obtained by collecting the areas of the portions actually in contact with each other among the 2 surfaces apparently in contact with each other. The term "contact" includes contact between solid or highly viscous liquid substances, and may be a state where a frictional force is applied to a target surface by sliding. The "shape with a small actual contact area" may be more specifically a shape with a small actual contact area between surfaces.

(3) The interlabial pad as in (1) or (2), wherein said low-friction shape is constituted by a group of minute convex shapes.

The "minute convex shape" means a shape formed by protruding from a reference surface portion of the base material on the opposite side of the body, and the size thereof may be smaller than that of the base material on the opposite side of the body. The "group" means a plurality of 1 convex shape which cannot constitute a low friction shape.

(4) The interlabial pad as in (3), wherein said minute projection is in the form of an embossed portion formed by embossing.

Here, the "embossed portion" refers to a portion protruding from the reference plane of the base material on the opposite body side, and particularly, this protruding portion is a portion much smaller than the base material on the opposite body side. The protruding portion of the protruding embossed portion is generally circular in shape when viewed from above, but may be rectangular, oval, or other shapes, and is not limited to circular.

(5) The interlabial pad as in (4), wherein the embossing rate of said minute projection shape is 1% or more, or 50% or less.

Here, the "embossing rate" refers to a ratio of a total area forming an embossed shape to a total area of the opposite side surface capable of being embossed.

(6) The interlabial pad as in (1) or (2), wherein said low friction shape is formed by an aggregate of fibers.

The term "fiber aggregate" as used herein refers to a shape formed by fixing a plurality of fibers, and includes woven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics.

(7) The interlabial pad as in (6), wherein said fiber aggregate is formed of a nonwoven fabric.

The term "nonwoven fabric" as used herein means a fabric other than a woven fabric, and includes a material produced by a production method such as a spunbond method, a spunlace method, an air-laid method, or a needle-punching method.

(8) The interlabial pad as in any one of (1) through (7), wherein said opposite body side is comprised of a low friction material.

Here, the "low friction material" includes, for example, an organic material or an inorganic material such as a polymer such as tetrafluoroethylene, and is a material having a small friction coefficient in a normal dry environment, a material having a small friction coefficient with a cloth or a nonwoven fabric made of fibers, or a material having a small friction coefficient with itself. The low friction coefficient means a value of 0.3 or less, more preferably 0.1 or less, 0.3 or less.

(9) The interlabial pad as in any one of (1) to (8), wherein a lubricant is provided on said opposite body side.

Here, the lubricant refers to a lubricant having particularly low toxicity, which is free from problems in terms of hygiene or health, such as a solid lubricant containing loose powder or a fluid lubricant containing silicone oil or the like.

(10) The interlabial pad as in any one of (1) to (9), wherein said interlabial pad has a microchip.

Here, the micro-sheet is a structure that can be attached to the outside of the interlabial pad, and forms a pocket or a bridge together with the interlabial pad.

(11) The interlabial pad as in any one of (1) to (10), wherein said interlabial pad is a urinary incontinence interlabial pad.

The interlabial pad of the present invention can be used as an absorbent pad for urinary incontinence. That is, since the vaginal opening for discharging menstrual blood and the urethral opening for discharging urine are both positioned between the labia, when the interlabial pad of the present invention is used while being held between the labia, urine can be absorbed.

According to the present invention, since urine can be absorbed between labia, particularly in the vicinity of the urethral orifice, an absorbent pad effective for urinary incontinence, particularly mild urinary incontinence can be obtained.

(12) The interlabial pad as in any one of (1) to (10), wherein said interlabial pad is an interlabial pad for absorbing secretions.

According to the interlabial pad of the present invention, the interlabial pad can be used for absorbing secretions. That is, the interlabial pad of the present invention is used by being held between the labia, and therefore can absorb secretions other than menstrual blood discharged from the vaginal opening, and thus can be used for such applications (secretion absorption).

According to the present invention, since it is possible to absorb secretions and reduce discomfort of a user, it is also effective for users other than those in a physiological period.

(13) A method for reducing discomfort to a wearer of an interlabial pad, using the interlabial pad of any one of (1) through (12).

According to this method, dissatisfaction of users of similarly used but different absorbent interlabial pads, which are complained of discomfort, can be solved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a plan view of the absorbent interlabial pad of the present embodiment as viewed from the body side.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken at X1-X2 of FIG. 1.

Fig. 3 is a front view (a) and a side view (B) of the interlabial pad folded into 2 folds as viewed from the front and from the left, respectively, in the interlabial pad of the present embodiment.

Fig. 4 is an interlabial pad as one of the embodiments of the present invention, and is a plan view showing a part of the back sheet of the pad using the fibrous laminate as an enlarged view, as viewed from below.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line a-a of fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an interlabial pad according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a portion of the device formed by folding the pad using the fibrous laminate into 2 folds.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of an interlabial pad in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, showing another absorbent pad employing a fibrous laminate.

Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an interlabial pad in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, showing a portion of the device formed by folding 2-fold another absorbent pad utilizing a fibrous laminate.

Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion B of fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of another absorbent interlabial pad using a fibrous laminate according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11 is an interlabial pad as one of the embodiments of the present invention, showing a plan view from below, with a portion of the back-side sheet of the pad using an embossed portion enlarged.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view B-B of FIG. 11, where (A) and (B) show 2 different embodiments, respectively.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an interlabial pad in accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention, showing a portion of the device formed by folding 2-fold an absorbent pad utilizing embossed portions.

Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an interlabial pad according to one embodiment of the invention, showing a portion of the device formed by folding 2-fold the other absorbent pad using the embossed portion (a), (B).

Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an interlabial pad in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, showing a portion of the device formed by folding 2-fold over another pad utilizing embossed portions.

Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an interlabial pad in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, further including a microchip.

Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an article formed by folding an interlabial pad further comprising a microchip and using a back-side sheet combined with a laminate into 2 folds, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of an article constituted by folding an interlabial pad further comprising a microchip and using a back sheet having an embossed portion, into 2 folds, an interlabial pad according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an interlabial pad as an alternative to the interlabial pad of the present invention, further including a microchip.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an interlabial pad as another embodiment of the present invention, further comprising a microchip.

Fig. 21 is a drawing intended to explain the low friction mechanism in the embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

An interlabial pad in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[ basic absorbent interlabial pad ]

Fig. 1 shows a schematic front view of an interlabial pad 10. The interlabial pad is substantially longitudinally elongated, and has a longitudinal axis (Y axis) with a front 14 and a rear 16 major axis and a transverse axis (X axis) with a right 18 and a left 20 minor axis, forming an oval shape. However, the shape of the product is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape suitable for the labial region of a female such as an oval shape, a scoop shape, and a drip shape, and it is a shape that can be changed in phase from side to side when used.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of X1-X2 of FIG. 1. The interlabial pad 10 is an adhesive type product comprising a liquid-permeable front-side sheet 26 which contacts the inner labial surface as the wearer's body side 22, a liquid-permeable or liquid-impermeable back-side sheet 30 which faces the wearer's clothing side, and an absorbent body 28, and the front-side sheet and the back-side sheet are joined together at the periphery of the absorbent body. When the front sheet 26 and the back sheet 30 are bonded, they may be bonded together with a hot-melt adhesive, in addition to being bonded by heat sealing alone. The structure of the interlabial pad 10 is not limited to the adhesive type, but may be an enclosed type in which a water-impermeable material is disposed under the absorbent body and the entire body is covered with a water-permeable sheet.

Hereinafter, the front-side sheet and the absorbent member, which are main components of the interlabial pad, will be briefly described. The relationship of the reverse-side sheet to the low friction is explained later.

[ surface-side sheet (Water-permeable sheet) ]

As described above, the front-side sheet disposed on the body side of the interlabial absorbent pad is preferably water permeable. The water-permeable sheet is made of a material that is hydrophilic to liquid and non-irritating to skin. Examples of such materials include nonwoven fabrics obtained by a production method such as a melt-blowing method, a spunbond method, a point-bonding method, an air-laid method, a needle-punching method, a wet-type spunlace method, and a foamed film method, and these nonwoven fabrics may be used alone or in combination.

As the fiber sheet, a sheet-like woven fabric formed by compounding materials composed of rayon, acetate pulp, cotton, pulp, or synthetic resin alone or in combination into a sheath-core structure alone or in a mixed fiber is exemplified.

In consideration of liquid migration from the inner labial surfaces or chemical irritation due to an active agent and adhesion to the inner labial walls, it is preferable that the artificial fibers (fineness 1.1 to 4.4dtex, fiber length 7 to 51mm) are laminated on the body surface side at a ratio of 40 to 80% by weight based on the total unit area, the artificial fibers (fineness 1.1 to 4.4dtex, fiber length 7 to 51mm) are mixed on the garment side at a ratio of 14 to 42% by weight based on the total unit area weight, and the PET (fineness 1.1 to 4.4dtex, fiber length 7 to 51mm) is mixed on the garment side at a ratio of 6 to 18% by weight based on the total unit area weight, and the laminated layers are laminated so that the total unit area weight of the 2 layers is 20 to 60g/m²After lamination, the fibers are wound by water flow interweaving treatment and dried to prepare the spunlace non-woven fabric with the thickness adjusted to be within the range of 0.13-0.50 mm. In this case, by mixing PET on the clothing surface side, even if the water-permeable sheet is in a wet state, it is easy to maintainThe volume is maintained, and therefore, the adhesion to the inner labial walls can be maintained.

< absorbent body >

As the material used for the absorbent member contained in the interlabial pad, pulp, chemical pulp, rayon, acetate pulp, natural cotton, polymeric absorbent member, fibrous polymeric absorbent member, synthetic fiber may be used alone, or the above materials may be mixed and used. The mixture prepared as necessary is rolled by embossing or wound by needling to form a sheet by a known technique, and is appropriately adjusted as necessary by adjusting the volume, stacking, folding, and the like.

The material in the form of a flake may be processed into a flake or a powder for use, and the method of use is not limited.

The absorbent body may be any one that can retain the absorption of liquid (body fluid), but is preferably a material that is bulky, hardly deformable, less chemically irritating, and highly flexible suitable for the labia. Specifically, the fabric is laminated on the garment surface side at a ratio of 50 to 150g/m²The pulp (fiber length is in the range of 1 to 10 mm) is formed on the body surface side of 50 to 250g/m according to the mixing ratio of 60 to 90% of artificial fiber (fineness is 1.1 to 4.4dtex, fiber length is 20 to 51mm) and 40 to 10% of natural cotton²The laminated structure of (1) is formed into a sheet by dot embossing, and a nonwoven fabric sheet having a bulky thickness of 2 to 10mm, preferably 3 to 5mm is produced. This facilitates the movement of liquid from the body surface side to the garment surface side, thereby improving the absorption and retention force. And a weight per unit area of 15 to 40g/m is laid on the body surface side of the pulp layer²The mesh spunlace nonwoven fabric of rayon (fineness 1.1 to 4.4dtex, fiber length 25 to 51mm) of (1) can efficiently absorb a larger amount of liquid because the liquid traveling from the body surface side is diffused through the mesh spunlace nonwoven fabric and the liquid can be introduced into almost the entire area of the pulp layer.

The interlabial pad 10 of fig. 1 and 2 may also be folded 2-fold along a line joining the front 14 and back 16 of the X-axis, as shown in fig. 3. At this time, the front-side sheet 26 on the body-side surface 22 is upward (or outward). On the other hand, the back side 24 is positioned downward, and the back side sheet 30 is positioned inward of the fold. In such a configuration, the front-side sheet 26 is in contact with the labial surface, and the right and left sides thereof are in contact with the right and left sides of the labia. Therefore, when the right and left labia move asymmetrically, the right and left sides of the interlabial pad can follow the right and left labia, respectively, and move to some extent. That is, the interlabial pad can relatively easily follow a sheet-like article due to a change in the lateral position of the interlabial pad caused by body movement. However, it is an object of the present invention to reduce the frictional force at this time when sliding occurs between the back-side sheets.

[ Back side sheet ]

< Water impermeability >

As a material of the water-impermeable sheet used for the back sheet of the interlabial pad, a material capable of preventing menstrual blood held in the absorbent body from seeping out of the interlabial pad can be used. Further, by using a moisture-permeable material, the stuffiness feeling during use can be reduced, and the discomfort during use can be reduced.

Examples of such materials include a sheet-like film obtained by forming a synthetic resin film, a breathable film obtained by filling an inorganic filler and stretching the film, a laminate obtained by laminating paper, nonwoven fabric and film, and a breathable liquid barrier sheet (having a pore diameter of 0.1 to 0.6mm and having 10 to 30% open pores and a capillary-oriented absorbent body side).

In addition, considering the flexibility without affecting the use feeling, the density is preferably 0.900 to 0.925g/cm³The Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) resin is mainly prepared, and the weight per unit area is 15-30 g/cm²Within the range of the membrane. However, the following low friction characteristics may be satisfied by combining or changing the material composition.

< Low Friction characteristics >

The clothing side of the back sheet of the interlabial pad of the present invention has a structure that is less likely to cause close contact between the back sheets, and the frictional resistance between the back sheets is reduced, so that the interlabial pad can be easily subjected to a phase change in the right and left directions. Specifically, the contact ratio of the outermost surface of the back side sheet is reduced, so that the back side sheet is less likely to come into close contact with the surface. Further, a lubricant such as silicone oil, polyhydric alcohol such as glycerin or vinyl alcohol, paraffin oil or the like is applied to the garment side surface of the back side sheet, and the back side sheets are in contact with each other via the lubricant, so that the back side sheets are less likely to be in close contact with each other.

[ composite type of laminated fiber ]

Fig. 4 shows a front view of the back-side sheet 32 of the composite fibrous laminate of example 1 as viewed from below. The back sheet 32 is formed into an uneven shape by the fiber laminate 34 (fig. 5), so that the number of contact points on the outermost surface between the back sheets is reduced, and close contact is less likely to occur, and low friction can be achieved by such a shape. The rigidity of the back sheet 32 formed by combining the fiber laminate 34 and the film is likely to increase as shown in the section a-a in fig. 4, but appropriate flexibility can be imparted to the interlabial pad by thinning the resin film or selecting the bonding method, and the back sheet 32 can be made suitable for the interlabial pad 10.

In the embodiment of fig. 5, in particular, a thermocompression bonded nonwoven fabric 36 is used as the fiber aggregate constituting the fiber laminate 34. In addition, a polystyrene resin film 38 is used for the film 38.

Fig. 6 schematically shows a state of contact between the reverse-side sheets. As is clear from fig. 6, since the number of contact points is small and the gap 40 is formed, even when wet, moisture does not remain on the reverse surface side, and the frictional resistance does not change greatly. Therefore, the variation in the followability of the left and right portions of the interlabial pad during wetting or drying is small, and stable quality can be ensured. In the resin film 38 of this example, a resin having a density of 0.923g/cm was used³Is mainly made of low-density polyethylene, and is formed into a film of 22g/cm by a casting method²The film of (1).

As other films, a sheet-like film formed of a synthetic resin such as PP or PET may be used. In addition, considering the flexibility without affecting the use feeling, the density is preferably 0.900 to 0.925g/cm³The low density polyethylene is used as a main body, and the weight per unit area is 5-30 g/cm²Within the range of the membrane. Further, by filling inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate and barium sulfate and performing a stretching treatment, voids are formed in the film, and flexibility can be improved. In addition, since air permeability can be obtained by this method, it is possible to reduce displacement during use and reduce discomfort during use.

In the present example, the weight per unit area of the fibrous laminate was 20g/m²And a polypropylene hot-pressed nonwoven fabric having a fineness of 2.2 dtex. However, the material used for such a fiber laminate is not limited to the thermocompression bonded nonwoven fabric, and fibers such as PP, PET, PP/PE, and PET/PE (sheath-core composite synthetic fiber) can be preferably used. The fineness of these fibers is preferably 1.1 to 6.6dtex, more preferably 1.7 to 3.3 dtex. As a method for producing these fiber laminates, a spunbond method, a spunlace method, an air-laid method, a needle-punching method, and other known methods can be used. The weight per unit area of the fiber laminate is preferably 15 to 50g/m²More preferably 18 to 25g/m². If the material is within this range, the surface contact point between the back side sheets can be reduced by providing a void without impairing flexibility and a wrinkle feeling.

The method of combining the fiber laminate and the film of the present example used a method of bonding by hot melting. However, the method of bonding by hot melt is not limited to the method of bonding, and the fiber laminate may be laminated with a thermoplastic resin by extrusion. In order to prevent the increase in rigidity and the decrease in flexibility due to the compounding, the film and the fiber laminate are preferably partially bonded. This can provide the interlabial pad with appropriate flexibility and drape. More specifically, if hot melt bonding is performed, a method of bonding by partial coating such as spot, band, spiral, or the like can be selected. Further, if the bonding is performed by the push-out lamination, the bonding may be performed by forming a dot pattern or a furrow pattern on the cooling roll.

Fig. 7 schematically illustrates another embodiment using the fibrous laminate. In the present example, the upper side is the body side 22, on which side, in the figure, an incomplete absorption body 28 is located. The film 38 and the fibrous laminate 42 are the same as those of the above-described embodiment. The fiber laminate includes protrusions 44 and recesses 46. Due to such a shape, the contact area can be reduced. Further, the elastic properties of the fiber laminate appropriately isolate the surface to be contacted, thereby reducing the contact area and reducing friction.

Fig. 8 shows a portion of an interlabial pad 10 to which the reverse side sheet is applied. The absorber 28 is present between the front sheet 26 and the back sheet 30, and although it is connected at the top of the head, the right and left parts of the absorber are separated on both sides by the back sheet so as to be able to move following the labia with which the front sheet is in contact. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a portion B of fig. 8. Like fig. 6, the voids 47 are provided by the shape of the irregularities (46, 44) of the fiber laminate, contributing to the stabilization and reduction of the friction coefficient.

Fig. 10 shows another embodiment. In the case of this fiber laminate 42, fibers and films are used as in example 1. In addition, the convex portion 44 is also provided. A fusion portion 49 with a film formed by thermocompression bonding is present at a portion corresponding to the recess. Thus, the desired irregularities can be formed by the composite method, and a low-friction shape can be formed.

[ surface irregularity shaped film type ]

Fig. 11 shows a front view of a reverse-side sheet 50 according to embodiment 4 of the present invention. The reverse-side sheet 50 includes a standard surface (or flat surface) 56 of a base material and a convex portion 52. The plurality of projections form a structure in which the back-side sheet is less likely to come into close contact. The resin and the shaping pattern of the back-side sheet 50 can be selected in consideration of the flexibility suitable for the interlabial pad. As such embodiments, there can be divided into 2 different schemes as shown in fig. 12(a) and (B) which are cross-sectional views B-B of fig. 11. Fig. 12(a) shows a back surface sheet 50 having a concave portion 54 on the back surface side, and a convex portion 52 is embossed by pressing a film 56 with a punch or the like. Fig. 12(B) shows a case where the back sheet 50 has only the convex portions 52, and shows the back sheet 50 having a flat back side.

Fig. 13 schematically shows the case of contact between the reverse-side sheets. Since the voids 58 are formed by the convex portions 52 of the film 56, even when wet, moisture does not stay on the contact surface between the opposite-side sheets, and the frictional resistance does not change greatly. The film 56 of the present embodiment is a polyethylene resin film. In addition, the film is not particularly limited, and a sheet-like film obtained by forming a synthetic resin such as PP or PET may be used. In addition, considering the flexibility without affecting the use feeling, the density is preferably 0.900 to 0.925g/cm³A membrane in the range of (1). Further, by filling inorganic fillers such as calcium carbonate and barium sulfate and further imparting fine irregularities, close contact can be reduced. Further, by performing the stretching treatment, voids can be formed in the film, and the rigidity can be reduced. In addition, since air permeability can be obtained by this method, it is possible to reduce displacement during use and reduce discomfort during use.

The embossing processing of the present example was performed so that the top of the embossed portion wasBottom partThe height is 0.12 mm. Further, the dot arrangement was performed in a 60 ° angle pattern (average embossing rate 5%) with a gradient of 1.0 mm. However, the embossing process can be used in a range corresponding to the interlabial pad described below. The embossing rate of the embossing is preferably 1% or more, 50% or less, and more preferably 1 to 30%. If the embossing ratio is less than 1%, the embossing area is small, and the surface contact ratio between the outermost surfaces is not reduced, and thus the shaping effect may not be obtained. On the other hand, in the case of a liquid,if the embossing rate is higher than 50%, not only the surface contact rate between the outermost surfaces but also the productivity of the embossing process may be increased.

Another embodiment of the embossing process is schematically shown in fig. 14 (a). Here, the contact between the back-side sheets 30 will be described in the same manner as in fig. 13.

Since the opposing back side sheet 30 is in contact with the embossed portion (convex portion) 52 near the vertex, the contact area is small, and the friction force due to sliding is small. In addition, the portion 58 other than the convex portion forms a void, and as described above, the friction coefficient is stabilized. Consider the case where the right side reverse side sheet 30 is slightly displaced downward, and the right side is moved upward as indicated by arrow 60 and the left side is moved downward as indicated by arrow 62. At this time, since the contact of both sheets occurs at a position lower than the vertex portion of the embossed portion 52, the contact area is not large. However, the embossed portions of the two sheets are pulled toward each other with respect to the movement of the two sheets, and a frictional force may be generated due to a factor different from the contact area. In order to avoid the frictional force due to this mechanical pulling force, the inclination may be adjusted so that the embossed portions do not engage with each other in a three-dimensional space. Fig. 15 shows a case where this example is expressed in 2 dimensions. Since the embossed portions of the two opposed sheets in fig. 15 are formed with different pitches, the engagement shown in fig. 14(B) does not occur, and the friction force can be reduced by reducing the contact area.

< microchip >

Fig. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an interlabial pad 70 with a microchip 80 mounted on the opposite side sheet.

As in the previous embodiments, the absorbent body 28 is accommodated between the front side sheet 26 and the back side sheet 30 which are present on the body side 22. The microchip 80 can be attached to the reverse-side sheet 30 by the above-described method such as heat sealing or by a known method other than the above method.

Thus, the interlabial pad can be provided with a microchip that spans both sides of the garment side of the back side sheet about the longitudinal axis thereof, without affecting the lateral phase change of the interlabial pad. When the user inserts the interlabial pad, the micro-sheet is sandwiched between the back-side sheets of the interlabial pad, so that the close contact between the back-side sheets is not affected.

The microchip preferably has extensibility so as not to affect the lateral asymmetrical movement of the interlabial pad.

Fig. 17 schematically illustrates an interlabial pad 72 with a microchip 80 as another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a composite of the fiber laminate 36 and the film is used for the back sheet 30.

The material is the same as in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the microchip 80 is sandwiched between opposing side sheets 30 that are folded 2-fold. With such a structure, the opposing back-side sheets 30 do not directly contact each other, and the surface on which shear sliding occurs increases, so that friction is further reduced.

Fig. 18 schematically illustrates an interlabial pad 74 with a microchip 80 as another embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the reverse-side sheet 30 having a plurality of embossed portions 52 is used.

The material is the same as in the above embodiment. In this embodiment, the microchip 80 is sandwiched between opposing side sheets 30 that are folded 2-fold. With such a structure, the opposing back-side sheets 30 do not directly contact each other, and the surface on which shear sliding occurs increases, so that friction is further reduced.

Fig. 19 schematically illustrates an interlabial pad 76 with a microchip 80 as another embodiment of the present invention. The space 82 enclosed by the back side sheet 30 and the micro-sheet 80 can be used for inserting a finger.

In this embodiment, since the width of the microchip (length in the transverse axis direction of the interlabial pad) is narrow, the microchip 80 is not necessarily completely separated by the opposing side sheets 30, unlike the above-described embodiment. Even in this case, since the reverse-side sheet 30 has the low-friction shape of the present invention, the frictional force between the reverse-side sheets 30 is small.

Fig. 20 schematically illustrates an interlabial pad 78 with a microchip 80 as another embodiment of the present invention.

The microchip 80 is exposed on the opposite body side and does not have a particularly large influence on friction. In this interlabial pad 78, the left side of the front side sheet 26 is in contact with the left side of the labia, and the right side of the front side sheet 26 is in contact with the right side of the labia.

Therefore, the left side of the labia 90 moves forward (in the direction of being exposed from the drawing to the near direction in fig. 20), and the right side of the labia 90 moves backward (in the direction of being advanced from the drawing to the deep side in fig. 20), and in this case, the left side of the front-side sheet 26 moves forward and the right side of the labia moves backward, and accordingly, the left side of the absorber 28 moves forward and the right side of the absorber 28 moves backward, and the left side of the back-side sheet 30 moves forward and the right side of the back-side sheet 30 moves backward.

Therefore, friction is generated at the opposite back-side sheet 30 to prevent this movement, but since the back-side sheet 30 of the present invention is used, the friction is small and the back-side sheet 30 does not move in the opposite direction to the labia but slips together.

Here, a method of using the interlabial pads 76, 78 with the microchip will be briefly described with reference to fig. 19 and 20. The interlabial pad 76 of fig. 19 and the interlabial pad 78 of fig. 20 are not identical in terms of mounting of the micro-sheets, and may be used as separate embodiments of the interlabial pad, but may be considered as the same product in the following description of the method of use.

The user can insert the interlabial pads 76, 78 into the pocket 82 formed by the back sheet 30 and the microchip 80 from the finger insertion opening, which is the opening of the pocket 82, while bringing the fingerprint surface side near the 1 st joint of the finger (near the distal end of the finger) into contact with the opposite body side surface of the back sheet 30, and can hold the interlabial pads on the fingertips.

When a finger is inserted into the pocket 82, a finger contact point corresponding to a contact point where the finger surface of the finger contacts the vaginal opening located deep in the labia is easily perceived exists. The area containing the finger contact point is composed of the following 3 areas: there are areas where the finger contact point is most appropriate for sensing the vaginal opening, areas where there is an appropriate finger contact point, and areas where there is an acceptable finger contact point.

The finger insertion port guides the inserted finger so that the fingerprint surface can enter the area where the finger contact point exists.

As a result, when the interlabial pads 76, 78 are introduced into the labia 90, while a contact point (not shown) present on the body side of the interlabial pads 76, 78 is brought into contact with the labia 90, the wearer can sense the irregularities of the labia 90 via the absorbent body 28 by the abdomen of the 1 st joint of the finger inserted into the bag 82, and the interlabial pads 76, 78 can be accurately introduced into the appropriate positions in the recessed labia 90.

After the interlabial pads 76, 78 are inserted into the labia 90 and the fingers are removed from the pockets 82, the micro-sheet 80 is relaxed in the opposite direction of the body as shown in fig. 20. Therefore, when the used interlabial pad 1 is taken out, the microchip 80 can be pulled out by pulling it. Since the microchip 80 is made of a liquid-impermeable or moisture-impermeable material, the interlabial pads 76, 78 can be removed without contaminating the fingers of the wearer even if the user pulls the microchip 80.

In general, it is preferable to use a material having extensibility or elasticity in the microchip 80. Even when the size of the user's fingertip is larger than the set finger insertion opening, the micro-sheet 80 can be extended at least in the finger width direction in accordance with the size of the finger, and the interlabial pads 76, 78 of the present invention can be used appropriately regardless of the size of the user's fingertip.

Examples of the material having elasticity per se include synthetic rubbers such as styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS), styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymer (SIS) and polyurethane, and films, open-cell foamed films and nets made of an amorphous olefin resin having a density of 0.88 to 0.900g/cm 3. In addition, a woven fabric or a cloth obtained by knitting viscose filaments made of synthetic rubber into a woven fabric may be used. A thermocompression bonded nonwoven fabric, a meltblown nonwoven fabric, or a foamed sheet mainly composed of synthetic rubber may also be used.

From the viewpoint of soft texture in use, preferable materials include those adjusted to have a thickness of 15 to 40 μm and a hole area of 0.28 to 1.77mm²And a porous foamed film made of SEBS and having an aperture ratio of 40 to 70%.

Examples of the nonwoven fabric include a so-called elongated thermocompression bonded nonwoven fabric obtained by using as a raw material a composite synthetic fiber having thermal elasticity, which is composed of a core component as a high melting point component and a sheath component as a low melting point component, such as PE/PP, PE/PET, and PP/PP, and entangling the fiber with water pressure, a shrinkable nonwoven fabric obtained by subjecting continuous long fibers to a heat air treatment to promote fiber shrinkage, and then subjecting the continuous long fibers to heat sealing and then forcibly tentering in the longitudinal direction.

More specifically, the elastic nonwoven fabric is a soft and wrinkle-rich elastic nonwoven fabric which is produced from a thermoelastic composite synthetic fiber such as PE/PP, PE/PET, PP/PP or the like having a thickness of 1.1 to 4.4dtex and a length of 7 to 51mm and comprising a core component as a high-melting-point component and a sheath component as a low-melting-point component, and has a weight per unit area adjusted to 10 to 60g/m². In addition, laminates of the above materials may also be used.

When the non-extensible material is used for imparting extensibility, there may be mentioned nonwoven fabrics, for example, those obtained by using as a raw material a composite synthetic fiber having thermal elasticity composed of a core component as a high-melting point component and a sheath component as a low-melting point component, such as PE/PP, PE/PET, PP/PP, and the like, and air-laid nonwoven fabrics having a bulky feeling obtained by hot air treatment, spunlace nonwoven fabrics obtained by entangling fibers by water pressure, thermocompression-bonded nonwoven fabrics obtained by laminating continuous fiber-forming sheets, needle-bonded nonwoven fabrics obtained by entangling fibers by needle punching, SMS nonwoven fabrics obtained by laminating a plurality of thermocompression-bonded nonwoven fabrics and nonwoven fabrics into a sheet, and further, those obtained by singly or compounding them, such as apertured foamed films, films containing PE resins as a main component, and the like.

Alternatively, the material may be inserted between male and female molds and given extensibility by a creping process that uses heat, temperature and pressure press forming. More specifically, the composite synthetic fiber (adjusted to a thickness of 1.1 to 4.4dtex, a weight per unit area of 10 to 60 g/m)²) The air-laid nonwoven fabric as a main body is subjected to a creping process so that it can be elongated in the transverse direction to obtain a material. The creping process can achieve at least 10% or more of extensibility, preferably the male and female molds are set to achieve extensibility in the range of 20 to 50%, more preferably the load at 30% elongation is varied in the range of 0.01 to 0.05N/25mm (test conditions: using tensilon tensile tester, speed 100mm/min, clamping interval 100 mm). As another method for imparting extensibility, a method such as cutting or punching may be used.

The above description describes the examples of the present invention using common materials, but in addition to this, the present inventors have further developed an interlabial pad to which biodegradability, water dispersibility, and water solubility are imparted. Such materials are explained below.

[ construction of interlabial pad for imparting biodegradability, water dispersibility, and water solubility ]

The interlabial pad of the present invention is more preferably made of a biodegradable material and/or a water-dispersible material and/or a water-soluble material. Since such an interlabial pad can be thrown into a toilet bowl and flushed away directly after use, disposal of the interlabial pad can be performed easily and cleanly, and the object of reducing waste in the toilet can be achieved.

In the present specification, "biodegradability" refers to degradation of a substance into a gas such as carbon dioxide or methane, water, and a biomass under anaerobic or aerobic conditions in the presence of bacteria such as actinomycetes and other microorganisms according to a natural treatment process, and is a material having a degradation ability (e.g., a biodegradation rate, a biodegradation degree) comparable to that of a naturally occurring material such as fallen leaves or a synthetic polymer having a common biodegradability in the same environment. "Water dispersibility" is the same concept as water degradability, and is not affected by the amount of water (menstrual blood) at the time of use, but allows fibers to be easily dispersed in a large amount of water or water flow into small pieces at least to the extent of not clogging water tubes of ordinary toilets. The term "water-soluble" refers to a property of being soluble in a large amount of water or a stream of water, although not affected by the quantitative amount of water (menstrual blood) at the time of use.

< front side sheet (Water permeable sheet) >

As the material that can be used for the water-permeable sheet, in addition to the spun lace nonwoven fabric, a wet spun lace nonwoven fabric having a fiber length of 1 to 15mm may be used. As the other material, a biodegradable resin utilizing hydrolysis, such as polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate, may be used. For example, polylactic acid is used as a raw material, and the weight per unit area is adjusted to 20 to 60g/m²The sprayed and melted nonwoven fabric or the weight of the sprayed and melted nonwoven fabric is adjusted to 15 to 30g/m²And the fiber thickness is 1.1 to 3.3 dtex. The nonwoven fabric may be apertured or may not be apertured.

As another material, acetate pulp or synthetic fiber may be used alone or as a continuous fiber bundle of a laminate so as to have a basis weight of 50 to 300g/m²And is used after defibering.

In addition, in view of the affinity with the inner labial surfaces, it is preferable to use a wet spunlace nonwoven fabric mainly composed of at least cellulose-based liquid hydrophilic fibers in order to prevent the wearer from feeling discomfort due to displacement between the interlabial pad and the labial surfaces.

< absorbent body >

As a material that can be used for the absorbent body, a nonwoven fabric sheet obtained by a needle punching method can be used. In view of biodegradability of the polymeric absorbent material, carboxymethyl cellulose fiber is preferably used.

< backside sheet (Water-impermeable sheet) >

As a material that can be used for the back-side sheet (water-impermeable sheet), a PVA film, a sheet film obtained by subjecting one side, both sides, or a part of the PVA film to water repellent treatment with silicone, a PVA film mixed with silicone, a starch film, a film made of polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, a biodegradable resin that is hydrolyzed by hydrolysis, a tissue paper, or the like can be used. If necessary, 0.1 to 5% of an inorganic pigment may be mixed for coloring.

In view of maintaining the leak-proof property in an excessively humid environment and avoiding an excessive load on the purification layer, the following laminated paper is preferable: the film using polylactic acid as raw material has a thickness of 10-20 microns and a unit area weight of 15-20 g/m²The thin paper sheets of (3) are laminated, and the ratio of the adhesive area at the time of lamination is set in the range of 5 to 40%.

< fiber laminate >

As a material that can be used for the fiber laminate, a wet-process thermocompression bonded nonwoven fabric having a fiber length of 1 to 15mm may be used in addition to the spunlace nonwoven fabric. As the other material, a biodegradable resin utilizing hydrolysis, such as polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate, can be used. For example, polylactic acid is used as a raw material, and the weight per unit area is adjusted to 20 to 60g/m²The sprayed and melted nonwoven fabric or the weight of the sprayed and melted nonwoven fabric is adjusted to 15 to 30g/m²And the fiber thickness is 1.1 to 3.3 dtex.

< microchip >

Examples of materials that can be used for the microchip include films, heat-press bonded nonwoven fabrics, hot-melt nonwoven fabrics, and the like, which are made of biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate, films and nonwoven fabrics, which are made of water-soluble materials such as PVA and CMC, and water-dispersible tissue paper, spun lace nonwoven fabrics, and the like, which are mainly made of cellulose fibers, regenerated cellulose fibers, and the like.

Preferably, the thickness of the hot-pressed bonded nonwoven fabric or the spray-melted nonwoven fabric mainly composed of a biodegradable material is adjusted to 0.1 to 3.3dtex, and the weight per unit area is adjusted to 15 to 40g/m²The sheet of (4) is obtained by performing the above mechanical creping.

Fig. 21 tries to schematically illustrate the principle of the friction force reduction by the contact area reduction. The present description is intended to illustrate the above results obtained in tests and the present invention does not require the reduction of friction in this principle. The opposing back side sheet 30 has the concave-convex shapes 100, and does not contact the entire surface. The actual contact site is site (A)₁、S₁)102, part (A)₂、S₂)104, site (A)₃、S₃)106, site (A)₄、S₄)108, site (A)₅、S₅)110, site (A)₆、S₆)112 having voids 122, 124, 126, 128, 130, 132. Here, A_kFor actual contact area, S_kThe shear resistance is the area of a substance (dirt on the surface, etc. in many cases) present therein. Therefore, the frictional force f (60) due to shearing is (A)₁×S₁)+(A₂×S₂)+(A₃×S₃)+(A₄×S₄)+(A₅×S₅)+(A₆×S₆). Due to the consideration of S_kSince the frictional force f (60) is S, which corresponds to the physical property value and is usually a constant value_k×(A₁+A₂+A₃+A₄+A₅+A₆). Due to (A)₁+A₂+A₃+A₄+A₅+A₆) Corresponding to the actual contact area between the opposite side sheets, and therefore if the actual contact area is reduced, the frictional force is reduced.

As is clear from the results of the above-described examples or the above description, not only the shape that reduces the 2-plane friction of sliding but also an appropriate material is more preferable. For example, synthetic resins such as a sliding polymer like tetrafluoroethylene or known self-lubricating materials may be used to form the low-friction shape. Further, if an appropriate lubricant such as a solid lubricant or a liquid lubricant is used, a friction reducing effect other than the friction reduction by the shape can be obtained.

In the above description, the friction between the back-side sheets is described in detail, but the same can be considered when the back-side sheets are made of different materials from clothes and the like. For example, if the friction between the pants and the wearer is considered, the friction force is reduced when the contact area is similarly small, and therefore, the low-friction shape is considered to be similar.

As described above, according to the present invention, the interlabial pad capable of shifting in phase to the left and right during use can be easily shifted in phase to the left and right by providing the structure and/or shape of the back sheet on the garment side surface of the back sheet, which is less likely to cause close contact between the back sheets, and by reducing the frictional resistance between the back sheets. Therefore, discomfort during use can be reduced, and frictional resistance exceeding the holding force of the labia themselves to the interlabial pad due to body movement of the wearer is not applied to the back sheet of the interlabial pad.

Further, by forming the fiber laminate and the film into a structure and/or a shape that hardly causes close contact between the back-side sheets, the number of contact points of contact between the back-side sheets is reduced, and the frictional resistance is reduced. Further, since the voids are formed, even when wet, moisture does not stay on the contact surface between the opposite surfaces, and the frictional resistance does not change greatly.

Further, by forming the structure in which close contact between the back-side sheets is unlikely to occur into the surface uneven shaped structure (or the surface convex shaped structure), the number of contact points of contact between the back-side sheets is reduced, and the frictional resistance is reduced. Further, a gap is formed, and even when wet, water does not stay on the contact surface between the opposite surfaces, and the frictional resistance does not change greatly. In addition, since secondary processing is present, the manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

Further, by providing the micro-sheet having both side portions extending around the longitudinal axis on the clothing side of the back sheet within a range not affecting the right-left phase change of the interlabial pad, the micro-sheet can be sandwiched between the back sheets of the interlabial pad after the user inserts the interlabial pad, and the close contact between the back sheets can be prevented.

According to the present invention, the shearing force in the vicinity of the center in the longitudinal direction of the interlabial pad held between the labia is increased by the laterally asymmetrical motion of the body represented by the walking motion of the user, but the lateral phase change of the interlabial pad becomes easy by suppressing the frictional resistance between the garment side surfaces of the back sheet.

Therefore, when the frictional resistance between the back-side sheets is low with respect to the holding force of the labia themselves against the inserted interlabial pad, the interlabial pad is likely to follow the body movement of the wearer, and the possibility of falling off can be significantly reduced.

Claims (11)

1. An interlabial pad having a size, weight and flexibility that enables a part or the whole of the pad to be smoothly inserted between the labia, wherein the interlabial pad has a body side surface facing the body side and an opposite body side surface facing the clothing side, the opposite body side surface being folded during use to form a folded structure, the opposite body side surface having a surface shape that is a low friction shape with a small resistance generated when the opposite body side surface slides against another surface having the same surface, that is, when the opposite body side surface is folded during use and comes into contact with the other surface, and the low friction shape being formed of a shape with a small actual contact area between the surface of the opposite body side surface that slides and the other surface having the same surface.

2. The interlabial pad of claim 1 wherein said low friction shape is comprised of a pattern of minute convex shapes.

3. The interlabial pad as in claim 2, wherein said minute projection is in the form of an embossed portion obtained by embossing.

4. The interlabial pad as in claim 3, wherein said embossing rate of said micro-projection shape is 1% or more, 50% or less, or 1% or more, or 50% or less.

5. The interlabial pad as in claim 1, wherein said low friction shape is formed from an assemblage of fibers.

6. The interlabial pad as in claim 5, wherein said fiber aggregate is formed of a nonwoven fabric.

7. The interlabial pad as in claim 1, wherein said opposite body side is comprised of a low friction material.

8. The interlabial pad as in claim 1, wherein a lubricant is imparted to said opposite body side.

9. The interlabial pad as in claim 1, wherein said interlabial pad comprises a microchip.

10. The interlabial pad as in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said interlabial pad is a urinary incontinence interlabial pad.

11. The interlabial pad as in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said interlabial pad is a secretion-absorbing interlabial pad.