An assembled intermediate is described comprising a fluid transport element proximate an absorbent material. The fluid transport element comprises a thermoplastic nonwoven web comprising a plurality of coiled filaments having an average diameter of 200 to 500 microns interengaged by means of intermittent bonds. The web preferably has certain properties such as a thickness of 3 to 20 mm, a density ranging from 0.02 to 0.10, and a work of compression of no greater than 20 kJ/m 3 . Also described are articles comprising such assembled intermediate.