An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a sanitary napkin, a panty liner, an adult incontinence device, a bandage, or the like is provided which has: (a) a liquid pervious topsheet defining a body-facing side of the absorbent article; (b) a liquid impervious backsheet joined to the topsheet and defining a garment-facing side of the absorbent article; (c) an absorbent layer being positioned between the topsheet and the backsheet; and (d) an adhesive system located on the backsheet. The adhesive system comprises a plurality of three-dimensional protrusions which are deformable into a substantially two-dimensional configuration and an interconnected network of adhesive surrounding the protrusions which is protected from inadvertent contact with external surfaces until the three-dimensional protrusions are deformed into a substantially two-dimensional configuration. The absorbent article preferably includes a plurality of flaps which may themselves preferably include an adhesive system, and the backsheet of the absorbent article is preferably breathable.