A hollow-core fiber that is composed of a phthalyl substituted cellulose ester polymer having a degree of substitution of phthalyl moieties of greater than about 0.13. The hollow-core fiber is useful as an absorbent or fluid transfer member in an absorbent device such as catamenial devices, bandages, diapers, incontinence articles, training pants, bed pads, sweat absorbing pads, skin cleansing pads, hard surface cleansing pads, shoe pads, helmet liners, absorbent devices for surgical and dental purposes, air and water filtration devices, and industrial spill and leak absorbents.