Abstract: A low-density disposable diaper is provided with an absorbent pad comprised of an airlaid mat of relatively stiff, high yield wood pulp fibers having relatively little cohesive strength in airlaid form or a similar low-strength absorbent material preferably encapsulated by an envelope of wet strength tissue paper. The absorbent pad is preferably enclosed between a liquid-retaining backsheet and a liquid-pervious topsheet secured in superposed relation to the liquid-retaining backsheet. A wet strength tissue ply having a maximum stretch characteristic of about thirty percent, as measured at the point of rupture, is preferably located in a plane approximately midway between the outermost tissue plies which encapsulate the low strength absorbent media.