This patent is for an absorbent article that has a longitudinal direction and a lateral cross-direction comprised of a liquid permeable topsheet layer, a substantially liquid impermeable backsheet layer, and an absorbent retention portion sandwiched between said topsheet and backsheet layers. The retentive portion includes a wet-formed mixture of fibers and superabsorbent material and an Edge-wise Compression value of not more than a maximum of about 9 g/gsm, and a Modified Circular Bend value of at least a minimum of about 0.3 g/gsm, and the retention portion has been mechanically softened.