Abstract: A disposable absorbent bandage such as a diaper has a nonwoven fibrous facing layer which includes side portions flanking a median portion, at least the side portions thereof being impregnated with a volatile liquid containing a binder to secure the interfiber connections to maintain the fiber superstructure and at least the side portions being heated to explosively puff at least the side portions of the web into a gossamer web in which the side portions have a density less than about 0.02 gm./cm..sup.3, and in which the median portion has a density of at least 0.04 gm./cm..sup.3. The differential in fiber densities between the median portion and the side portion results in substantially greater wickability in the median portion than in the side portions and reduces the tendency for leakage at the sides of the diaper.