An absorbent foam composite comprising a foam layer having open slits that define apertures on at least a portion of the foam layer and an absorbent layer. A heat set film may be sandwiched between the foam layer and the absorbent layer and have opened slits that define apertures that are at least partially congruent with the apertures of the foam layer. The absorbent layer may contain apertures or be aperture free. The absorbent foam composites can be used in a variety of applications, including personal hygiene articles, medical bandages, pet pads and agricultural pads.
