ABSORBENT ARTICLE HAVING INFLECTED BARRIER CUFFS

An absorbent article having an inflected barrier cuff which promotes better containment and fit. The absorbent article comprises a liquid pervious topsheet; a liquid impervious backsheet; an absorbent core positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; a barrier cuff positioned adjacent each longitudinal edge of the absorbent article and having a proximal edge and a distal edge; spacing means for spacing the distal edge away from the liquid-receiving surface (topsheet) of the absorbent article; first closing means for securing the distal edges inboard of the proximal edges in a first waist region; and a second closing means for securing the distal edges outboard of the proximal edges in a second waist region. Because the distal edge is secured both inboard and outboard of the proximal edges, the barrier cuff is inflected such that the flipped out portion of the barrier cuff provides a gasketing action about the buttocks of the wearer to contain exudates and to provide a snug fit while the stand-up portion of the barrier cuff provides a channel to contain, restrain and hold body exudates.