Abstract: Disclosed is an absorbent structure having wet integrity higher than about 4.0 kN/gsm, softness higher than 8.0/J, pliability higher than about 70/N, and providing a substantially dry liquid-accepting surface after receiving a quantity of liquid. The structure includes an upper ply having an upper fluid receiving surface and a lower surface and including (i) a top stratum including synthetic matrix fibers bonded with a binder, the matrix fibers having length from about 2 to about 15 mm; (ii) a middle stratum in fluid communication with the top stratum, the middle stratum including natural fibers, superabsorbent particles and a binder; and (iii) a bottom stratum in fluid communication with the middle stratum, the bottom stratum including natural fibers and a binder.

Abstract: A composite absorbent structure and method are disclosed including providing a first wicking layer having preferred liquid transport properties in a preferred contact with a second absorbent retention layer. The composite absorbent structure of the present invention provides preferred liquid transport and liquid retention properties. The composite absorbent structure has a first wicking layer in a preferred contact with the second retention layer by a novel intimate contact means effective to achieve a Contact Intimacy Ratio providing the preferred liquid transport and liquid retention functions when the first wicking layer and the second absorbent retention layer are combined together in accordance with the present invention.