MXPA00000045A - Faecal collector - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a faecal management device (10) with an increased level of comfort. The faecal management device (10) comprises a bag (11) having an aperture (21), and an anatomically-shaped flange (12), which surrounds the aperture (21). The flange (12) provides for adhesive attachment to the perianal area of the wearer. In particular, the bag (11) comprises a wall material having an inner surface (15) and an outer surface (30), with the outer surface (30) being provided with a hydrophobic fibrous layer, preferably a nonwoven layer. In another aspect of the present invention, the faecal management device (10) is used in combination with a disposable diaper.

Description

COLLECTOR OF FECAL H ECES FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a stool management device that has improved softness to the touch for improved user comfort and satisfaction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fecal management devices are known manufacturing items that are designed to be worn primarily by those who suffer from incontinence and infants. Said stool handling devices are fixed to the user's anal region and are intended to entrap and immediately contain fecal matter and other bodily discharges. As a consequence, these devices are functionally effective in eliminating the problem of the user's skin getting dirty; in reducing epidermal irritation; in preventing contamination of items such as clothing and bedding; and even in preventing staining of the same caregivers. However, a problem that frequently occurs during the use of said stool management devices is that the material constituting the external surface of the devices tends to cause discomfort and in some cases extreme discomfort for, for example, the user bedridden or for the infant.

Typically, the stool handling devices are made of a plastic material. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,577,989 discloses a disposable retention-disposal bag for those suffering from incontinence that includes a bag having a top opening portion, and a tab secured to the bag that is around the portion of the bag. upper opening. The disposal retention bag is made of a lightweight, thin plastic. U.S. Patent No. 4,784,656 describes a receptacle for the collection of fecal material from those suffering from incontinence. The stool collector comprises a package, conduit means and a receptacle. The receptacle and conduit means are each formed of two sheets of thermoplastic film with odor barrier that are thermally sealed along their side edges, respectively. In a further embodiment, the receptacle and the conduit means may also be made of any film or plastic impermeable to the fluid, odor barrier. British Patent 2 1 52 387 discloses a faecal collector for those suffering from incontinence comprising a collecting bag and a ring. The collecting bag is preferably formed of a single sheet of odor barrier thermoplastic film folded along a vertical midline to provide a pair of continuous panels. In another embodiment, the collection bag may be formed of any suitable thermoplastic film or film laminate. European Patent 0 245 064 discloses a stool incontinence bag having flexible front and rear walls secured together around its periphery. The front wall has a hole for the entry of matter discharged by the user. Normally, the front and rear walls are made of synthetic plastic material such as PVC or multi-layer films with high odor barrier properties. The surface of the front wall in contact with the user can be provided with what is called a "comfort layer", that is, a layer of perforated or porous plastic material to prevent the bag from sticking to the user.

The plastic material, although functionally acceptable, is endowed with certain characteristics that are not satisfactory which are unsatisfactory and unpleasant for the user. The feeling or texture of the plastic material is particularly annoying from the point of view of skin health. Typically, the skin of those suffering from incontinence and infants is especially sensitive and needs to be treated gently and gently. It has been recognized that rubbing the plastic material of the stool management device against the user's body while being used may induce occlusion, create hot and sticky viscous conditions, redness, skin rash and perhaps, even provoke a more severe skin irritation and finally disregard the device. Therefore, a real client can be identified by a stool management device with superior softness qualities and greater softness to the touch. The present invention addresses this need by providing the outer surface of the stool management device with a fibrous hydrophobic layer, which is preferably a non-woven layer. It has been found that the presence of this fibrous hydrophobic layer is uniquely advantageous and profoundly improves softness in the stool handling device without adversely affecting its functionality. In addition, the stool management device is aesthetically pleasing, produces fewer folds during use and results in a high level for the user and satisfaction to the caregiver in relation to the health of the skin. In another aspect of the present invention, the stool management device with its outer layer of the outer surface of hydrophobic fibers can be advantageously used with a disposable diaper. In particular, the presence of the outer layer of hydrophobic fibers ensures that any fluid that can make contact with the outer surface is repelled and therefore be absorbed by the diaper and not absorbed by the same outer layer. The prior art is actually silent with respect to said combination. Japanese Patent 08-1 17,261 only teaches a diaper having a structure similar to the bag made of waterproof material in at least the portion facing the anus, in which the bag type structure has a slit or a hole which has a coated adhesive on the periphery on the contact surface with the hip. The document, however, does not disclose the two separate diaper entities that work synergistically to isolate the wearer's skin from the absorbent material of the diaper. In this form, the constituent material of the external surface of the fecal management device can be capitalized to reduce not only the problem of occlusion and epidermal irritations, but also to contribute profoundly to the improved skin health and to give advantages to the users very satisfied.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The stool management device (10) constructed in accordance with the present invention comprises a bag (11) having an opening (21) and an anatomically formed flange (12) surrounding the opening for adhesive attachment to the perianal area of the user. The anatomically formed flange is fixed to the bag. The bag (11) comprises a wall material having an outer surface (30) and an inner surface (15). The external surface (30) is provided with a hydrophobic fibrous layer, wherein said fibers have a wetting time of at least 1 hour. Preferably said layer is a nonwoven layer. The internal surface preferably comprises a layer of plastic film. The plastic film is preferably permeable to air and steam. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fibrous hydrophobic layer (30), which is preferably a non-woven layer and the plastic film layer (1 5) are in the form of a laminate. In another aspect of the present invention, the present stool management device is used in combination with a disposable diaper.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is believed that the invention will be better understood from the foregoing description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the stool handling device according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the stool management device, as shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the stool handling device in conjunction with a disposable diaper; and Figure 4 is a partially cut away perspective view of a disposable diaper embodying the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Typical stool management devices (10) comprise a bag (11) having an opening (21) and a flange (12) surrounding the opening (21) for preferably adhesive attachment to the perianal area of a user. Any stool management device (10) known in the art may be provided in accordance with the present invention. The bag (11) as used herein is a flexible receptacle for containing excreted fecal matter. The bag (11) can be provided in any shape or size depending on the intended use, ie, if the device is intended to be used for patients bedridden or for active patients suffering from incontinence or requiring of an artificial intestine or for infants. For example. Elongated pouches that are mainly tubular or rectangular can typically be used by bedridden patients and elderly people suffering from incontinence. For more active users, whether they are infants or adults, the stool management device should preferably be anatomically shaped, so that the device follows the contours of the body and can be discreetly worn by the user under normal garments. Particularly, the preferred shapes are flat circular type bags, cone shaped bags, truncated cone shaped bags and truncated pyramidal or pyramid shaped bags. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bag (11) has a substantially truncated cone shape. Typically, the bags will have a portion that gives the user (16) and a portion that gives the garment (17). The portion that gives the user (16) of the stool management device (10) is disposed adjacent to the gluteus of the user. In this way, the portion that gives the user (1 6) widely covers the buttocks of the user and does not hang between the user's thighs. In addition, the bag (11) is preferably formed to allow at least the insertion and partial retention of the bag in the middle of the gluteus of the user and thus ensure good contact between the flange and the skin of the user. For example, the bag (11) can be provided with a neck portion or a conduit. The bag (11) is preferably designed to provide sufficient volume for the fecal material under a variety of conditions of use, also when it is used for a free movement, i.e., a user who is not bedridden. Sitting on the bag, for example, will result in a very small volume in some areas of the bag. In this way, the bag is preferably formed to give sufficient volume in the areas that are not subject to much pressure under conditions of use such as when sitting. The bag (11) is designed to securely contain any trapped material, this will typically be impervious to liquid, it can still be breathable. The bag (11) is designed with sufficient strength to withstand rupture when in use, also when pressure is exerted on the bag (11) under typical conditions of use, such as when sitting. According to the present invention, depending on the shape of the bag (11) required, the bag (11) can be provided from a piece of unitary material or from a number of separate pieces of material, which can be identical or different and which are sealed in their respective peripheries. In a preferred embodiment, the bags here have a portion that gives the user (16) and a portion that gives the garment (17), which comprise separate pieces of material. The portion that it gives to the user (16) and the portion that gives the garment (1 7) are sealed at the periphery of the bag (1 1), thus creating a peripheral edge (18) in the bag. As seen in Figure 1, the portion that gives the user (16) of the bag (1 1) can comprise two more sections (19), which are secured to each other by means known to the man skilled in the art, such as adhesives, thermal bonding or pressure bonding to provide the desired configuration to the bag. Said edge (1 8) can also be inside the bag (1 1), thus being coextensive with the inner surface (15) of the bag (1 1) instead of with the external surface (30) of the bag (1 1). bag (1 1). Preferably, the bag is asymmetric to the transverse axis, such that the distance measured in the longitudinal direction from the center of the opening (21) to the front end of the bag (11) is shorter than the distance (12). measured towards the back end of the bag (1 1). According to the present invention, the bag (1 1) can comprise one or multiple layers, preferably two or three layers. The layer on the inside of the bag, which typically, at least partially, will contact the fecal material is called the inner layer (15). The outermost layer of the bag, which typically, at least partially, may be in contact with the user's skin and the user's garments, is called the outer layer (30). According to the present invention, an essential feature of the bag material is that the outer layer (30) of the bag is a fibrous layer, wherein the fibers are hydrophobic such that the fibers have a wetting or wetting time of at least 1 hour, preferably of at least 6 hours and more preferably of at least 24 hours. It has surprisingly been discovered that the provision of such an outer, fibrous, hydrophobic layer gives the bag a particularly pleasant feeling to the skin and, in particular when used in conjunction with a diaper ensures that the fluid is not absorbed by the outer layer of the wall material of the stool management device, but to be absorbed into the diaper core. The hydrophobic capacity of the fibrous outer layer is determined according to the time examination of the absorption of the liquid, as per the ASTM-D 1 1 17-80 method.

In accordance with the present invention, any fiber that meets the requirements of hydrophobic capacity can be usefully employed as the outer layer. Suitable fibers include fibers that meet the requirements of hydrophobic capacity per se, such as polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, polyamide fibers and mixtures thereof. Alternatively, fibers that have been treated by the use of a particular finishing treatment, for example an oil, to equip them with the required hydrophobic capacity requirements can also be effectively used here. On the other hand, mixtures of hydrophobic fibers or treated hydrophobic fibers can also be used. The fibrous outer layer may be supplied as a woven layer or as a non-woven layer, preferably as a non-woven layer. Additional layers of the bag material can be provided from any material, preferably in such a way that the bag is impermeable to the liquid. The layers may, in particular, comprise any material such as nonwovens or films. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sheet can be formed of a non-woven layer and a film. The laminate can be formed by means known to man skilled in the art. Any nonwoven layer may comprise felt fabrics, glued spun fabrics, fluid entangled fabrics, air laid fabrics, wet laid fabrics, dry laid fabrics, melt blown fabrics, cut fiber woven fabrics, knitted yarn fabrics, knit knits, knits with openings, combinations of the above or the like.

Suitable film film materials for any of said layers preferably comprise a thermoplastic material. The thermoplastic material can be chosen from among all types of thermal fusion adhesives, polyolefins especially polyethylene, polypropylene, amorphous polyolefins, and the like; materials containing components capable of melting or polymeric fibers comprising binders, including natural fibers such as cellulose, wood pulp, cotton, jute, hemp; synthetic fibers such as fiberglass, rayon, polyester, polyolefin, acrylic, polyamide, aramid, metal poliotetrafluoroetileno, polyimide, binders such as polymer bicomponent high melt / low melt polyester copolymer, polyvinyl chloride copolymer, acetate / polyvinyl chloride, polyamide copolymer, materials comprising mixtures wherein some of the constituent materials are not meltable; air and vapor permeable materials including micro porous films such as those supplied by EXXON Chemical Co., I I, USA under the designation EXXAI RE or those supplied by Mitsui Toatsu Co, Japan, under the designation ESPOIR NO; and breathable monolithic materials, such as Hytrel® available from DuPont and Pebax ® available from ELF Atochem, France. In a preferred embodiment a film, which is composed of any layer, is preferably permeable to gases such as air and vapors such as water vapor to avoid the problem of entrapment and condensation of moisture vapor released by the body of the user and in this way, of the heat, viscous and discomfort conditions after a short period of use.

The outer layer of the bag is preferably provided with a non-woven, hydrophobic fibrous layer. These material layers present an uneven to the wearer's skin and thereby reduces significantly the problem of occlusion and deeply improves skin health surface. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bag comprises two layers. Preferably, the outer layer (30) comprises said fibrous non-woven layer, hydrophobic, and the inner layer (1 5) comprises a film. In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bag (1 1) comprises three layers, preferably one film and two non-woven layers. In an even more preferred embodiment, the film is interposed between the two non-woven layers. This sequence of layers results in a closed fibrous structure, which has a particular pleasant sensation upon contact with the wearer's skin. In still another preferred embodiment, the inner layer comprises a film and the other two layers comprise nonwoven materials. Typically, the non-woven layer is treated with an active surface material, such as a fluorochemical or other hydrophobic finishes, to provide the requisite hydrophobic capacity. The nonwoven layer, however, can also be treated with coatings of liquid impervious materials, such as thermal fusion adhesives or with silicone coatings or other hydrophobic compounds such as vegetable and mineral waxes and waxes, or can be physically treated using nanoparticle techniques or plasma layer techniques, for example.

The non-woven layer can also be treated with agents to improve the softness perceptible to the touch of the portion that it gives to the user (16) and the portion that it gives to the garment (17). The agents include but are not limited to vegetable, animal or synthetic oils, silicone oils and the like. The presence of these agents is known to impart a silky or similar feel to the flannel to the non-woven layer without making it oily or oily to the user's feel. Additionally, surfactant materials, including anionic, non-anionic, cationic and non-cationic surfactants, can be added to further enhance smoothness and surface smoothness. In addition, the non-woven layer may be impregnated with a lotion to provide the desirable therapeutic or protective lotion coating benefits. The lotion coating in the portion that gives the user (16) and in the portion that gives the garment (17) is able to transfer to the user's skin by normal contact and by the movement of the user and / or by the heat of the body. Generally, mineral oil in the form of a lotion is recognized as being effective in imparting a comforting, protective coating to the wearer's skin. It is also possible to impregnate the nonwoven layer with a solid oil phase of cream formulation or to incorporate in the nonwoven layer an array of capsules capable of breaking by pressure, with heat or with water, containing for example, baby oil. In one embodiment of the present invention, the bag may contain absorbent material. The absorbent material can comprise any absorbent material that is capable of absorbing and retaining liquids. The absorbent material may comprise a wide variety of liquid absorbent materials commonly used in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles, such as crushed wood pulp, which is generally referred to as an air filter. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers, including coform; chemically hardened, modified or cross-linked cellulosic fibers; tissue, including tissue wraps and tissue laminates; absorbent foams; absorbent sponges; superabsorbent polymers; gelling absorbent materials; or any other known absorbent material or combinations of materials. The absorbent material can be placed in the bag (11) in any appropriate way. For example, the absorbent material can be freely arranged in the bag or can be secured in the inner layer of the bag (11). Any known technique for securing the absorbent material to the nonwoven substrates or to the film can be used to secure the absorbent material in the inner layer of the bag. The absorbent material can also be arranged to have the desired shape or configuration (eg, rectangular, oval, circular, etc.). As shown in Figure 1, the bag (11) is provided with an opening (21) through which the fecal matter is received from the body before being stored inside the pocket of the bag. The opening (21) is surrounded by a flange (12) and can be provided in any shape or size, such as circular, oblong, heart-shaped and can be symmetrical or asymmetric, preferably the aperture has an oblong configuration in, and either, the longitudinal direction or in the transverse direction, more preferably the contours of the opening are in the form of two ellipses with the respective principal axes being substantially perpendicular. The flange (12) is attached to the bag (11) according to any means known to the man skilled in the art, which can provide a permanent or detachable connection. Preferably, however, the flange is attached to the bag by adhesives. Typically, the bag will be attached to the tab, towards the outer periphery of the flange so as not to cause any obstruction to the entrance of the fecal material. and The tab can be provided in any size depending on the group of users for whom the device is directed. Similarly, the flange can be provided in any shape and preferably has a symmetrical shape preferably comprising a plurality of lobes (13). The tab comprises a portion that gives the garment (22) and a portion that gives the user (23). In a preferred embodiment, these are two large, substantially planar surfaces, however, the flange (12) may further comprise projections designed to fit the perianal or coccyx area of the user. The tab (12) should be made of soft, flexible and moldable materials to allow easy placement of the tab in the perianal area. Typical materials include non-woven materials, fabrics, open-cell thermoplastic foams, closed-cell thermoplastic foams, open cell foam composites and nonwoven stretch fabrics, and films. A closed cell polyethylene foam has been found effective, but more preferably an open cell polyurethane foam is used. Preferably, said foams have a thickness in the general range of 0.1 to 5 millimeters and a density of 5 to 250 g / m3, more preferably 50 g / m3. Other thermoplastic foam materials, or other suitable plastic sheet materials having the described properties of said foams (eg softness, flexibility, stretchability, and contractibility) could also be used. Preferably, the material of the garment-facing surface (23) of the flange (12) may extend in a defined opening area to form a skirt or fin of a material that prevents unintentional adhesion of the edges of the surface of the tab (12) that define the opening (21) to each other during use. In accordance with the present invention, the stool management device further comprises joining means for securing the device to the user. Said means include straps and more preferably comprises a body compatible pressure sensitive adhesive (20) applied to the user portion (23) of the flange (12). The adhesive (20) is preferably covered with release means (not shown) to protect the adhesive (20) such as paper with silicone. The adhesive (20) can completely cover the surface that gives the user of the flange or more preferably have at least one, preferably two to six portions without adhesive. These portions may be free of adhesive or may contain inactive or coated adhesives. As is evident from Figure 1, the adhesive is not a preferred embodiment applied to the total area of the surface that it gives to the user of the flange (12), as well as to provide lobes (13) on either side of the flange ( 12), which are not adhesive and can thus serve to facilitate the placement and separation of the device, while avoiding contact with the adhesive. These lobes are, however, preferably also covered by the detachment means. Prior to the application of the stool management device (10) to the user's skin, the detachment means are removed if present. In accordance with the present invention, any medically-approved, water-resistant pressure-sensitive adhesive may be used to attach the device to the user's perianal area, such as hydrocolloid adhesives and hydrogel adhesives. The adhesives particularly effective in providing the desired adhesive properties to secure the flange to the wearer's skin in the sensitive perianal area, while permitting a relatively painless application and separation, are formed of crosslinking polymers with a plasticizer to form a three-dimensional matrix. The adhesive (20) can be applied to the user-facing surface (23) of the flange (12) by any means known in the art such as a groove coating., spiral application or printing or account. Typically, the adhesive (20) is applied at a basis weight of 20g / m2 to 2500g / m2, more preferably 500g / m2 to 2000g / m2, most preferably 700g / m2 to 1 500g / m2 depending on the end use contemplated. For example, for fecal management devices (10) that are used by infants, the amount of adhesive (20) may be less than for stool management devices designed for active adults who suffer from incontinence.

Detailed description of a diaper to be used in combination with the stool management device The stool management device (10) of the present invention has been found particularly useful and beneficial when used in conjunction with a garment, or diaper (50), preferably a disposable diaper - referred to in Figure 3. The device Fecal management device (10) is preferably first placed in the perianal area of the user before the disposable diaper (50) is applied. In particular, the diaper (50) is placed on the stool management device (10) and fastened in a conventional manner around the body of the user. It has been found that, in addition, to provide an excellent separation between urine and fecal matter, the system of the fecal handling device (10) and the currently combined diaper (50) reduces skin irritation, which can occur sometimes, especially since the typical user group includes very old users, the very young and the sick. Indeed, the presence of the stool management device (10) allows the formation of a separation layer between the user's skin and the diaper (50), that is, a part of the absorbent core (58) of the diaper (10). ). The diaper (50) may be of the conventional type (a modality of which is described below, but by no means as a limiting example) or it may be adapted to effectively and comfortably contain the stool handling device (10). ) according to the teachings of the present invention. As used herein, the term "disposable diaper" refers to articles that absorb and contain expulsions from the body; and more specifically, it relates to articles that are placed against or close to the user's body to absorb and contain the various expulsions discharged from the body and that are intended to be discarded after a single use (i.e., they are not intended to be washed). or otherwise restored or reused) and, preferably, to be recycled, composted or otherwise disposed in an environmentally compatible manner. The term "diaper", as used herein, refers to a garment generally worn by infants or by those suffering from incontinence and which is placed between the legs and secured around the wearer's waist. Figure 4 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the diaper (50) embodying the present invention before being placed on the user on the stool management device (10). As seen in Figure 3, a preferred diaper (50) comprises a body portion (52) and a restrainable mechanical fastening device (54). A preferred body portion (51) comprises a liquid permeable top sheet (56), and absorbent core (58), a liquid impermeable backsheet (60), elastically contractible leg cuffs (62); each leg fold (62) preferably comprises a side flap (64) and one or more elastic members (66). For purposes of simplification, only one elastic member (66) is shown on the side flap (64). While the top sheet (56), the absorbent core (58), the backsheet (60), the side flaps (64), and the elastic members (66) can be assembled in a variety of well-known configurations. A preferred disposable diaper configuration is shown and generally described in U.S. Patent No. 3,860,003, an even more preferred disposable diaper configuration is shown and generally described in international publication WO 93/16669. In this preferred diaper configuration, the back sheet (60) is joined to the top sheet (56); the absorbent core (58) is placed between the upper sheet (56) and the back sheet (60); the side flaps (64) extend outward from and along each side edge of the absorbent core (58); and the elastic member (66) is operatively associated with each side flap (64). Figure 3 shows the portion of the body (52) wherein the top sheet (56) and the back sheet (60) are coextensive and have length and width dimensions generally greater than those of the absorbent core (58). The upper sheet (56) is superimposed on the back sheet (60) thus forming the periphery (68) of the body portion (52). The body portion (52) has an inner surface (74) and an outer surface (76). When the backsheet (60) is used, it typically forms the outer surface (76) of the body portion (52). The internal surface (74) is that surface of the diaper (50) opposite the outer surface (76) and in the embodiment shown is typically formed by the upper sheet (56). In general, the internal surface (74) of the diaper (50) is that surface coextensive with the external surface (76) and which is for the larger part in contact with the user when the diaper (50) is used. The absorbent core (58) of the body portion (52) can be any absorbent means that is generally compressible, capable of shaping, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and capable of absorbing and retaining liquids such as urine and other certain body discharges. The absorbent core (58) can be manufactured in a variety of sizes and shapes (eg, rectangular, hourglass, "T", asymmetric, etc.) and a wide variety of commonly used absorbent liquid materials in disposable diapers and other absorbent articles such as crushed wood pulp which is generally referred to as an air filter. Examples of other suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding, meltblown polymers including coform, crosslinked cellulose fibers, tissue including tissue wraps, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, superabsorbent polymers, gelling absorbent materials, or any equivalent materials or combinations of materials. The configuration and construction of the absorbent core 58 can also be varied (e.g., the absorbent core 58 can have zones of varying gauge, hydrophilic gradients, superabsorbent gradients, or acquisition zones with lower average density and lower average basis weight, or may comprise one or more layers or structures). In addition, the size and absorbent capacity of the absorbent core (58) can be varied to encompass users ranging from infants to adults. The backsheet (60) is impervious to liquids (eg, urine) and is preferably manufactured from a thin plastic film, preferably a thermoplastic film, although other flexible liquid impervious materials may also be used. The term "flexible", as used herein, refers to materials that are docile and that will easily take on the shape and general outline of the human body. The backsheet (60) prevents the exudates absorbed and contained in the absorbent core (58) from staining the articles that are in contact with the diaper (50), such as undergarments and bedding. The backsheet (60) can thus comprise polymeric films such as polyethylene or polypropylene thermoplastic films, or composite materials such as a film-coated nonwoven material. Exemplary films are manufactured by Tredegar Industries, Inc. of Terre Haute, Ind., USA, or BP Chemical PlasTec, Rotbuchenstrasse 1, D-8000 Munich, Germany. The backsheet (60) is preferably textured to provide a more fabric-like appearance. In addition, the backsheet (60) can also allow the vapors to escape from the absorbent core (58) while still preventing the exudates from passing through the backsheet (60), for example, being supplied with micro-openings. The size of the backsheet (60) is dictated by the size of the absorbent core (58) and the exact design of the selected diaper. The upper sheet (56) of the diaper is docile, soft to the touch and non-irritating to the user's skin. In addition, the topsheet (56) is permeable to liquids, allowing liquids (eg, urine) to easily penetrate through its thickness. An appropriate top sheet (56) can be manufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams, cross-linked foams, films with openings; or woven or nonwoven webs of natural fibers (e.g., wood or cotton fibers) or from a combination of natural or synthetic fibers. Preferably, it is made of a material that isolates the wearer's skin from liquids retained in the absorbent core (58). There are a number of manufacturing techniques that can be used to manufacture the top sheet (56). For example, the topsheet (56) may be a non-woven web of fibers. An exemplary top sheet (56) is carded and thermally bonded by means well known to those skilled in the art of fabrics. A suitable top sheet (56) is manufactured by, for example, Veratec Inc., a division of International Paper Company, of Walpole, Mass., USA. A particularly preferred top sheet (56) for incontinence garments comprises a formed thermoplastic film.

Claims (9)

REIVI NDICATIONS

1 . A stool management device (10) comprising a bag (11), said bag (11) having an opening and an anatomically formed flange (12) surrounding said opening for adhesive attachment to the perianal area of the user , said anatomically formed flange (12) being fixed to said bag (1 1), said bag (1 1) comprising a wall material, said wall material having an outer surface (30) and an outer surface (15) characterized because said outer surface (30) is provided with a fibrous layer, wherein said fibers are hydrophobic and have a moistening time of at least one hour.

2. A stool management device according to claim 1, further characterized in that said fibers have a moistening time of at least 6 hours.

3. A stool management device (10) according to claims 1 and 2, further characterized in that said outer surface (30) comprises a non-woven layer.

4. A stool management device (10) according to claim 1, further characterized in that said internal surface (15) comprises a layer of plastic film.

5. A stool management device (10) according to claim 4, further characterized in that said layer of plastic film is permeable to air and vapors.

6. A stool management device (10) according to claims 3 and 4, further characterized in that said non-woven layer and said plastic film layer are in the form of a laminate.

7. A stool management device (10) according to claim 1, further characterized in that said wall material comprises 3 layers, wherein said internal surface is a non-woven layer, said external surface is said fibrophobic fibrous layer. and wherein a plastic film is interposed between said inner surface and said outer surface.

8. A stool management device (10) according to claim 7, further characterized in that said non-woven layer of the inner surface (15) is hydrophobic.

9. A stool management device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said hydrophobic fibrous layer (30) is smoothed with agents to increase softness. 1 0. A stool management device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that said non-woven layer is impregnated with a lotion. eleven . The use of a stool management device (10) according to any of the preceding claims in combination with a disposable diaper (50). 12. The use of a stool management device (10) according to claim 1, by means of which said stool management device (10) is first placed in the perianal area of the user and then said diaper. disposable (50) is placed on said stool management device (10) and fastened in a conventional manner around the body of said user. 13. The use of the stool management device (10) according to claims 1 and 12, further characterized in that said stool management device (10) provides a separation layer between the skin of said user and said disposable diaper (50).