The anal sphincters, along with the pelvic muscles that surround the end of the digestive tract, ensure controlled movement of digestive tract contents. There are many possible causes of fecal incontinence; in most cases, incontinence results from some combination of these causes. Critical to normal bowel function are:
Oilcloth is a tightly woven fabric, usually cotton or linen, which is then treated on one side to give it a waterproof finish. The coating traditionally was linseed oil, but is now more commercially sold with a PVC coating.
Mineral oil (petroleum). This is a moisturizing agent (used to lock moisture against skin) and is also part of the formulation for perfume in cosmetics. It is a byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Mineral oil is the leftover liquid.