Abstract: An absorbent system includes a packaging component and an absorbent article that is removably disposed in the packaging component. The absorbent article includes at least first and second portions, each defining a body side surface. The absorbent article is independently movable from a folded condition, wherein the body side surfaces of the first and second portions face each other in a substantially parallel relationship under an applied pressure applied to the first and second portions, to an unfolded condition, wherein no pressure is applied to the first and second portions. The body-side surfaces of the first and second portions form at least one angle greater than 90° in the unfolded condition when the absorbent article is positioned in the folded condition under 2800 psi of applied pressure for about 5 seconds and then is released to the unfolded condition for about 20 seconds. In yet another aspect, the absorbent article further includes a third portion having a body-side surface.