An absorbent sanitary article (1) comprises a permeable inner layer (5) an impermeable outer layer (6) an absorbent pad (7) interposed between the permeable inner layer (5) and the impermeable outer layer (6) the pad comprises a first layer (NW1) of non woven fabric a second layer (NW2) of non woven fabric partly joined to the first layer (NW1) of non woven fabric an absorbent core (9) interposed between the first and second layers (NW1 NW2) of non woven fabric a plurality of seals (10) between the first layer (NW1) of non woven fabric and the second layer (NW2) of non woven fabric defining in the absorbent pad (7) a plurality of cells (11 12) the absorbent core (9) comprises a first absorbent material (SAP1) and a second absorbent material (SAP2) divided in the cells (11 12) the cells (11 12) comprise at least a first cell (12) containing the second absorbent material (SAP2) together with the first absorbent material (SAP1).