The present invention is an absorbent mat, such as a bed pad or a change mat, e.g. for protecting an underlying support from soiling, with a perimeter seal to prevent side-way leakage, as well as method for the formation of such a pad or mat. The mat 1000 comprises a first surface 1010 of a first cover web 1300 adapted for being oriented towards a user during the intended use, and a second surface 1020 of a second cover web 1400, opposite the first surface 1010 and adapted to be orientated towards a support during the intended use, and an absorbent core 1100 there in between. The core 1100 may comprise superabsorbent polymer (SAP). Characterised in that the absorbent mat 1000 further comprises a perimeter seal 1200 comprising superabsorbent polymer (SAP) at a local basis weight concentration of at least 60% of the combined basis weight of fibers.
