A disposable article, e.g. a diaper, having a backing layer (5) formed of soluble material constructed so that when in contact with a relatively large volume of liquid, e.g. that produced by flushing a lavatory, the backing layer (5) dissolves and loses its integrity but when in contact with a relatively small volume of liquid, e.g. when handled with wet hands, dissolution is restricted so that the backing layer (5) maintains its integrity. The backing layer may have variable solubility across its thickness, e.g. one side of the backing layer may comprise a relatively soluble material (4), whereas the other side comprises a less soluble material (6). Alternatively, the backing layer may comprise a soluble membrane (5) having a discontinuous layer (14, 16) of relatively insoluble material applied to at least one surface thereof.