Disposable absorbent panel assembly

A disposable absorbent article comprising:

• a hydrophobic topsheet having a hydrophilic lateral center portion;
• a liquid impermeable backsheet;
• and
• an absorbent panel assembly interposed between said topsheet and backsheet,
• said absorbent panel assembly comprising a fibrous absorbent panel comprising fiberized wood pulp, said panel including front and rear end panel portions, spaced apart side edge panel portions extending longitudinally between said end panel portions, and a central panel portion positioned between said side edge panel portions and extending longitudinally between said end panel portions, the fiberized wood pulp of said side edge panel portions having a relatively greater density than the fiberized wood pulp of said central panel portion,
• said absorbent panel further comprising high-sorbent superabsorbent material substantially confined to said central panel portion thereof to form a zoned superabsorbent area which extends laterally approximately to said relatively denser side edge portions, which said side edge portions are relatively free of superabsorbent material, and
• a liquid transfer layer comprising resilient material positioned between said hydrophilic center portion of the topsheet and said central panel portion of the absorbent panel, and overlying at least said central panel portion said liquid transfer layer promoting wicking and distribution of liquid from said hydrophilic center portion of the topsheet into said central panel portion of the absorbent panel.