Absorbent article having a hydrophilic flow-modulating layer

An absorbent article, said article comprising:

• an absorbent body capable of absorbing a liquid, said absorbent body having an average pore size therein;
• a liquid-permeable body-side liner superposed in facing relation with said absorbent body;
• and
• a fibrous flow-modulating layer for modulating the flow of said liquid, said flow-modulating layer being in liquid communication with said absorbent body, being located between said absorbent body and said body-side liner and consisting essentially of hydrophilic meltblown fibers having an average diameter of from about 20 to about 60 microns, said flow-modulating layer having an average pore size of from about 90 to about 300 microns and a basis weight of from about 50 to about 600 grams per square meter, wherein the average pore size of said absorbent body is less than the average pore size of said flow-modulating layer.