An individually wrapped absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin which is simple, compact, sanitary, and easy to unwrap for use and to dispose of after use. The absorbent article avoids the need for a separate peel strip and pouch because it is provided with a wrapper that can be folded into a pouch. Substantially the entire backsheet of the absorbent article directly faces the wrapper and is secured to it to form an assembly. In the case of a winged or tabbed type absorbent article, this configuration obviates the need for a separate peel strip to cover the garment adhesive located on the wings or tabs. The assembly is wrapped by folding the lateral flaps thereof longitudinally over one another to enclose the article to prevent the garment adhesive from becoming contaminated. The package is then tri-folded laterally to form an e-shaped pouch. Wrapping and folding can be performed by an in-line process that uses simple equipment and that does not require reversal in the direction of article conveyance.

An absorbent article such as a sanitary napkin or a guard for mildly incontinent persons, comprising an elongated absorbent pad (3) enclosed between a liquid-permeable casing sheet (1) facing the wearer in use of the article and a liquid-impermeable casing sheet (2). At least one of the casing sheets extends laterally beyond the absorbent pad forming an outwardly projecting, longitudinally extending edge. Flexible side-flaps (5, 6) are arranged at the long side edges of the absorbent pad (3) and are intended, when the article is used, to be folded around the edges of the wearer's underpants or like garment (9) in the crotch part thereof and attached to the outside of the underpants. Uplifted liquid barrier devices (10, 11) are provided on that side of the article which faces the wearer in use on both sides of the absorbent pad (3) along at least parts of the long side edges thereof between the absorbent pad and the flexible side-flaps. An end portion (12, 13) of each side-flap (5, 6) is attached to the corresponding outwardly projecting edge of the casing sheet(s) on that side thereof which, when the side-flaps are folded against the side of the article distal from the wearer in use, is facing away from the wearer. This end portion (12, 13) has an extent corresponding to the height desired for the respective liquid barrier device (10, 11).

A method for providing bag-like packaging units (4) for receiving absorbent disposable articles, such as incontinence guards, sanitary napkins and diapers, with bags (5) in which used articles can be kept temporarily. According to the invention, the packaging unit is provided with a pocket (7, 9) into which the bags (5) are inserted prior to filling the packaging unit with absorbent particles. The present invention also relates to a packaging unit with which the method can be carried out.

A sanitary item disposal unit is formed by a disposable bag having an accordion pleated collapsible wall which unfolds in a longitudinal extending action of the bag as the sanitary item is withdrawn from a cavity, through a central aperture in a support panel, into the bag. Respective end portions of the bag support panel are pressure tape sealed for closing the bag and disposal of the sanitary item with its bag container.

A pre-wrapped sanitary napkin is disclosed having an elongated wrapping sheet that is extended around a folded portion of the napkin and adhered to itself to keep the napkin in a folded position using pressure-sensitive adhesive. This invention provides for individual wrapping of sanitary napkins without the added expense of an outer paper wrapper.