An absorbent article , comprising: a) a topsheet ; b) a backsheet ; and c) an absorbent core , the absorbent core comprising a fluid distribution layer adjacent the topsheet , the fluid distribution layer being formed of two or more sub-layers comprising: i) a first sub-layer proximal to the topsheet , wherein the first sub-layer comprises a first amount of multiple component binder fibers or crosslinked cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof; ii) a second and/or subsequent sub-layer distal from the topsheet , wherein the second and/or subsequent sub-layer comprises treated or untreated pulp and a second amount of multiple component binder fibers, crosslinked cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof, wherein the % by weight of the first sub-layer of the first amount of multicomponent binder fibers and/or crosslinked cellulose fibers is greater than the % by weight of the second and/or subsequent sub-layers of the second amount of multicomponent binder fibers and/or crosslinked cellulose fibers; and d) a fluid storage layer between the fluid distribution layer and the backsheet , wherein the fluid storage layer comprises at least 50% by weight of the fluid storage layer of a super absorbent polymer; characterised in that the surface area of the fluid storage layer is less than the surface area of the fluid distribution layer . a) a topsheet ; b) a backsheet ; and c) an absorbent core , the absorbent core comprising a fluid distribution layer adjacent the topsheet , the fluid distribution layer being formed of two or more sub-layers comprising: i) a first sub-layer proximal to the topsheet , wherein the first sub-layer comprises a first amount of multiple component binder fibers or crosslinked cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof; ii) a second and/or subsequent sub-layer distal from the topsheet , wherein the second and/or subsequent sub-layer comprises treated or untreated pulp and a second amount of multiple component binder fibers, crosslinked cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof, wherein the % by weight of the first sub-layer of the first amount of multicomponent binder fibers and/or crosslinked cellulose fibers is greater than the % by weight of the second and/or subsequent sub-layers of the second amount of multicomponent binder fibers and/or crosslinked cellulose fibers; and i) a first sub-layer proximal to the topsheet , wherein the first sub-layer comprises a first amount of multiple component binder fibers or crosslinked cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof; ii) a second and/or subsequent sub-layer distal from the topsheet , wherein the second and/or subsequent sub-layer comprises treated or untreated pulp and a second amount of multiple component binder fibers, crosslinked cellulose fibers, or a combination thereof, wherein the % by weight of the first sub-layer of the first amount of multicomponent binder fibers and/or crosslinked cellulose fibers is greater than the % by weight of the second and/or subsequent sub-layers of the second amount of multicomponent binder fibers and/or crosslinked cellulose fibers; and d) a fluid storage layer between the fluid distribution layer and the backsheet , wherein the fluid storage layer comprises at least 50% by weight of the fluid storage layer of a super absorbent polymer; characterised in that the surface area of the fluid storage layer is less than the surface area of the fluid distribution layer . <EOS>