Nonwovens having low-density and resilience have a chemical formulation applied on one surface (e.g., a top surface) by any of various application methods. Then, the chemical formulation is forced to move toward the opposite surface of the nonwoven (e.g., move downward through the nonwoven from top to bottom). The chemical-treated nonwoven is dried to fix the chemical on the nonwovens. Movement through the nonwoven is performed in a controlled fashion so that after drying the distribution of a chemical formulation throughout the nonwoven (e.g., from the top surface to the bottom surface of a nonwoven) is controlled.