TTC, in case you are still wondering why the water pooled on top of the fleece: I tried this too with a bunch of new pocket nappies and found that it only went through when I put a full cup of water right next to the fleece and turned it upside down, so it was being forced through (as pee would be). If I poured from above it just sat on top like you described. Having put some on the bub now I know that they do work as they should!