Medical articles including an absorbent layer, a backing layer and an optional liquid permeable facing layer are disclosed. The construction of the medical article is such that volumetric expansion of the absorbent layer is allowed in directions parallel to the surface of the backing layer as the absorbent layer absorbs moisture. The medical article may include a debonding agent located between the absorbent layer and the backing layer. The absorbent layer is operably attached to the backing layer. When the absorbent layer absorbs moisture, e.g., wound exudate, at least a portion of the absorbent layer detaches from the backing layer such that the absorbent layer can expand and move relative to the backing. The debonding agent facilitates this change from attachment to detachment of the absorbent layer to the backing. The medical articles of the present invention may also be constructed such that a portion of the front surface of the backing layer located directly opposite the absorbent layer is free of adhesive. The adhesive free area or areas may be provided in place of a physical debonding agent or in addition to a physical debonding agent.