Absorbent structures containing superabsorbent material and web of wetlaid stiffened fibers

Claim 1

An absorbent article for acquisition, distribution, and storage of bodily fluids, said article comprising: (a) a fluid pervious topsheet; (b) a fluid impervious backsheet affixed to said topsheet; and (c) an absorbent core disposed between said topsheet and said backsheet, said absorbent core having: (i) a wetlaid fluid acquisition/distribution layer having an average dry density of less than about 0.30 g/cc, an average density upon saturation with 1.0% NaCl aqueous solution, on a dry weight basis, of less than about 0.20 g/cc, and an average dry basis weight of from about 0.001 to about 0.10 g/cm 2 , said acquisition/distribution layer comprising from about 50% to 100%, dry weight basis, chemically stiffened cellulosic fibers and from 0% to about 50%, dry weight basis, of a binding means; and (ii) a fluid storage layer, positioned beneath said acquisition/distribution layer relative to said topsheet, comprising at least about 15%, by weight of said storage layer, of superabsorbent material and from 0% to about 85% of a carrier means for said superabsorbent material; said fluid acquisition/distribution layer having a top surface area which is from about 15% to about 95% of the top surface area of said fluid storage layer.