The present invention relates to an absorbent structure, preferably for use in absorbent products, such as used in the food, consumer, household, building and construction, beauty and medical industry, and as used in the personal hygiene industry. The substantially cellulose free absorbent structures continuously immobilise absorbent polymer material via initial smaller pockets and subsequently larger compartments allowing excellent fluid management of the absorbent polymer material in dry, partially and fully liquid loaded state. Preferably such absorbent structure volume increases are result of temporary secondary attachment patterns made in combination with substantially permanent primary attachment grids allowing the release of bigger volumes from the initial smaller volumes by detachment of the secondary attachments. Furthermore the absorbent structure according to an embodiment of the invention non-homogeneously swells to form a liquid-managing surface structure as a result of exposing the absorbent structure to liquid. The present invention foresees in the need for improved flexible, thin, lightweight absorbent structures which overcome the absorbency problems of the prior art during absorption, distribution and retention of liquids with optimal fit.