A process for producing thin absorbent planar structures which may be used in hygiene products such as diapers, incontinence products, wound contact materials or sanitary napkins to absorb body fluids, comprises the steps of: A) producing a mixture of an adhesive in dispersion form and a particulate absorbent by fluidizing the components, B) applying the mixture of adhesive and absorbent uniformly to the surface of one side of a first planar backing material, C) one side of a second planar backing material is applied to the mixture of adhesive and absorbent that is present on the surface of one side of the first planar backing material, so producing a sandwichlike intermediate, and D) the sandwichlike intermediate is processed to the end product at a temperature of at least 90° C., a pressure of from 4 to 50 bar, and a pressing time of from 0.5 to 5 min.