Thermal comfort properties of simulated multilayered diaper structures in dry and wet conditions

The objective of this research is to study the thermal comfort of simulated multilayered diaper structures in dry and wet conditions. To that end, a back sheet, breathable films, a superabsorbent core, and top sheets were provided and diaper structures were generated. In order to reveal their possible effects on thermal comfort, five different types of breathable films and two different types of top sheet layers were selected. Relative water vapor permeability, water vapor resistance, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and thermal absorptivity characteristics were analyzed and the results were evaluated statistically using analysis of variance tests. The test results indicated that the breathable film type and the top sheet type used showed significant changes on the breathability and thermal comfort of the diaper structures in dry state. Nevertheless, no statistically significant effects were observed in wet state.