Abstract: A tampon applicator for at least partially separating a tampon and inserting the tampon into a body cavity is provided. The tampon applicator has a tampon holder tube having interior and exterior surfaces, a longitudinal axis, a hollow portion and an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity. The tampon holder tube has a feature for separating and spreading a tampon apart during expulsion of the tampon. A plunger may also be telescopically and slidably mounted in the tampon holder tube distal to the expulsion end and adapted to directionally expel the tampon from the tampon holder tube when a user expels the tampon from the tampon holder tube.

Abstract: A method for providing side-to-side coverage of a tampon within a female user's vaginal cavity is provided. By use of a tampon applicator designed to provide directional expulsion and suitable tampons for use in the tampon applicator, a female user may achieve side-to-side coverage of a tampon within her vaginal cavity. Such directional expulsion causes a suitable tampon to expand against the sides and/or walls of a female user's vaginal cavity.

Abstract: A suitable tampon with a tampon applicator for expelling the tampon to provide side-to-side coverage and inserting the tampon into a body cavity is provided. The tampon applicator has a tampon holder tube having interior and exterior surfaces, a longitudinal axis, a hollow portion and an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity. The tampon holder tube has a feature for separating and spreading a tampon apart during expulsion of the tampon. A plunger may also be telescopically and slidably mounted in the tampon holder tube distal to the expulsion end and adapted to directionally expel the tampon from the tampon holder tube when a user expels the tampon from the tampon holder tube.

Abstract: The invention provides a tampon insertion device comprising a tampon applicator having a first end and a second end, a tampon having a string, the tampon being positioned within the tampon applicator, and a plunger attached to the tampon applicator by the tampon string. The string is attached to the plunger at at least one connection point on the plunger. The tampon applicator with the tampon therein and the plunger are preferably positioned adjacent to one-another in a substantially parallel orientation prior to the use of the tampon insertion device. Such parallel orientation between the tampon applicator and the plunger is maintained by the tampon string connected to the plunger.