Disporsable water absorbing products

A unitary disposable absorbent article such as a catamenial pad or incontinent pad is provided with an elasticized side flap by operatively associating an elastic member on both the upper surface and the lower surface of the side flap. The elastic member is preferably joined to the inner surface of the side flap as well as the outer surface of the side flap by folding it about the distal edge of the side flap. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic member comprises an elastomeric laminate of an elastomeric layer and a coverstock layer, with the coverstock layer being on the outside of the product, so that the sanitary napkin is provided with soft longitudinal edges which contact the wearer during use. In addition, the elastomeric laminate provides relatively low tension that while raising the side flaps of the product to be a barrier against lateral leakage, also maintain the product in a shape which does not encourage fluid run-off or leakage at the ends of the pad as well as providing a bunching benefit.