An apparatus for processing a continuous web having a first side and a second side includes a plurality of rollers (60,62,64,66) are arranged for cooperative rotation. The plurality of rollers are positioned to define a corresponding plurality of nips (100,102,104,106). The continuous web is processed through at least two of the plurality of nips. At least a first roller of the plurality of rollers has at least one void formed in the cylindrical middle surface. First and second sealing panels (108,110) engage first and second circular ends of each of the plurality of rollers and define a chamber. A first pressure source (124) is fluidly coupled to the chamber to pressurize the chamber. A membrane (20) is positioned adjacent the first side of the continuous web to separate the continuous web from direct communication with the chamber. The membrane is structured and adapted to have a permeability which permits a predetermined fluid flow therethrough to the continuous web, and structured and adapted for communicating with the pressurized chamber and the at least one void to apply a mechanical pressing force to the continuous web.