An apparatus for use in making a web of papermaking fibers, the apparatus comprising:
- a foraminous background element having a first web contacting surface at a first elevation;
- and
- a web patterning layer joined to the foraminous background element, the layer extending above the first web contacting surface of the foraminous background element to form a second web contacting surface at a second elevation different from the first elevation;
- wherein the web patterning layer inscribes a plurality of circular portions of the foraminous background element, each circular portion having a projected area of at least 50 square millimeters, whereby the first and second web contacting surfaces provide compaction of the web.