A fluid management layer having an integrated, carded nonwoven is described. The fluid management layer has a basis weight of between about 40 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 75 gsm, and a plurality of absorbent fibers, a plurality of stiffening fibers and a plurality of resilient fibers. The fluid management layer may have a compression distance of at least 0.60 mm.

A disposable absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and a fluid management layer disposed between the topsheet and the absorbent core is disclosed. The disposable absorbent article provides improved fluid acquisition, improved stain size control, and improved performance when wet.

A washable integrated absorbent assembly for a washable absorbent undergarment, the assembly extending in a longitudinal direction and having a transverse direction. The assembly includes an absorbent core layer of knitted or woven material connected to one or more further layers and the core layer is provided with one or more stress-release zones to facilitate stretching of the core layer.