The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for making an absorbent structure for an absorbent article, comprising a supporting sheet and thereon an absorbent layer, the absorbent layer comprising an absorbent material. According to the present invention a first endless moving surface is provided which has one or more substantially longitudinally extending first mating strips, and the second endless moving surface is provided which has corresponding longitudinally extending second mating strips. Pressure is applied to the first and second supporting sheets, between the first and second mating strips, at least within a part of the area of the channels, so as to adhere together the first and second supporting sheets and form channels that are free of absorbent material.
