Abstract: A nonwoven web material made up of a composite of at least two layers is described. The at least two layers include a spunlaid continuous fiber layer and a meltblown fiber layer. The composite, in absence of any prebonding, is subjected to water jet treatment to break meltblown fibers and cause ends thereof to extend through the spunlaid layer. The ends sticking out provide a velvet-like surface to the exterior of the web material and, thus, softness to the web material. The web material has a mean flow pore size of between about 10 and about 100 microns. The mean flow pore size defines primary absorbent characteristics in the web material, e.g., absorptive capacity, absorption rate and wicking ability.

Abstract: A nonwoven web material made up of a composite of at least two layers is described. The at least two layers include a spunbond continuous fiber layer and a meltblown fiber layer. The composite is subjected to thermal calender bonding and water jet treatment. The water jet treatment serves to break meltblown fibers and cause ends thereof to extend through the spunbond layer. The ends sticking out provide a velvet-like surface to the exterior of the web material and, thus, softness to the web material. The water jet treatment does not destroy the thermal calender bonds. The web material has a mean flow pore size of between about 10 and about 100 microns. The mean flow pore size defines primary absorbent characteristics in the web material, e.g., absorptive capacity, absorption rate and wicking ability.