Absorbent article including superabsorbent yarn

An absorbent article, such as a feminine hygiene article, comprises a fluid permeable translucent topsheet and a fluid impermeable backsheet, between which is an absorbent portion comprised of superabsorbent yarn 160 including superabsorbent and fluid permeable components for either distributing fluid within the yarn length or alternatively for retaining fluid. A transfer or surge layer 150 with perimeter openings or windows 151-154 is positioned between the topsheet and the absorbent portion, and may be opaque to shield or mask the staining of lower layers during use, with the matrix of superabsorbent yarn 160 only visible through the translucent topsheet and the surge layer 150 via the openings, providing passive visual signals to consumers of article saturation levels prior to leakage. Also disclosed is an absorbent article comprising free strand encapsulated superabsorbent yarn, and no other fluid retention layers.