Method of forming a superthin absorbent product

A method for forming a disposable absorbent compressed composite comprising forming a fibrous web having a dry bulk recovery of at least about 60 percent, an initial dry bulk of at least about 20 cc/gm, and a weight of less than about 2 oz/yd.sup.2, interspersing therein superabsorbent material arranged so as not to gel block and present in an amount between about 200 percent and about 1,500 percent dry weight basis based on said fibrous web dry weight basis to form an absorbing layer, contacting a wicking layer comprised of particles selected from the group consisting of cellulosic fibers, peat moss, and mixtures thereof with one surface of said absorbing layer and, compressing said layers sufficiently to reduce the thickness thereof by at least 50 percent and in the presence of at least about 10 percent moisture so that at least some of the particles of the wicking layer extend into and become integral with the fibrous web and wherein upon contact with liquid the compressed composite regains at least 75 percent of its thickness in uncompressed form.