FLUID MANAGEMENT LAYER FOR AN ABSORBENT ARTICLE

A fluid management layer having a basis weight of between about 40 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 120 gsm is described. The fluid management layer has a plurality of absorbent fibers, a plurality of stiffening fibers and a plurality of resilient fibers, wherein the absorbent fibers are present at about 20 percent to about 75 percent by weight, and wherein the integrated, carded, staple fiber, nonwoven has a first side and a second side, and wherein there is a higher number of absorbent fibers on the second side versus the first side, wherein the first side is more proximal to the topsheet than the second side.