| abstract |
An absorbent article includes a liquid-permeable top layer, a liquid-impermeable back layer, and a liquid-retentive absorbent member interposed between the top layer and the back layer. The absorbent member is arranged such that a pair of absorbent barrier cuffs having a prescribed width are formed at respective left and right opposing side portions of the top layer in the width-wise direction thereof, and liquid-shrinkable members, which can elastically shrink upon absorption of liquid, are disposed within the barrier cuffs and extend in the longitudinal direction of the barrier cuffs. |