layers can be combined the cross lapping process improves final product strength absorbancy and speed of absorbance the various fiber layers of the web are then consolidated in a preferred embodiment the fibers are mechanically bonded in a needle punch process barbed needles arranged on a plate or cylinder are pressed into the web from both sides penetrate into the multilayered web and then recede leaving the fibers entangled and consolidating the web somewhat this process improves the fabric strength appearance and abrasion resistance and absorbance the degree of fibrous entanglement is manipulated by varying the needle configuration length barb shape and density of needle punches which depends in part upon the web advance rate in the preferred embodiments the needle configuration is random the needle type is g b 15 u00d7 18 u00d7 38 u00d7 3 m222 g3017 and the number of needle punches per square meter from the top is 170 190 while the number of needle punches per square meter from the bottom is 88 the resulting web can be used directly for an absorbent layer in medical products or may 5 be subjected to further finishing treatments for example the fleece may be point bonded in a preferred embodiment the polyester portion of a preferred blend may be formed from.