Absorbent core comprising a high loft central layer and channels

An absorbent core (28) for use in an absorbent article, the absorbent core extending in a transversal direction (x) and a longitudinal direction (y), the absorbent core comprising: a fluid-permeable top layer (41), a bottom layer (42), and a central layer (43) sandwiched between the top layer and the bottom layer. the central layer is a high loft fibrous nonwoven layer, in particular having a density of less than 0.200 g/cc, measured at a pressure of 4.14 kPa. Superabsorbent polymer particles (60) are blended with the fibers of the central layer, except for one, two or more longitudinally-extending channels (26) substantially free of superabsorbent polymer particles. The superabsorbent polymer particles may have a UPM of below 30×10−7 cm3·s/g, wherein the UPM is measured by the Urine Permeability Measurement Test described herein.