A fluid management layer having an integrated, carded, nonwoven is described. The fluid management layer has a basis weight of between about 115 grams per square meter (gsm) and about 200 gsm； a plurality of absorbent fibers； a plurality of stiffening fibers； and a plurality of resilient fibers. The absorbent fibers make up from about 20 percent to about 60 percent by weight of the fluid management layer. The stiffening fibers have a dtex of between 4 and 10, and the resilient fibers have a dtex of between 3 and 12.
