Abstract: A catamenial device such as a tampon which comprises a segment of a rapidly re-expandable hydrophilic polymeric foam held in compression to less than 50 percent of its original dry volume and a constraining means holding said segment in compression which is adapted to provide lubrication for insertion of said segment into an animal's body cavity and to thereafter rapidly disintegrate, wherein said constraining means comprises a coating material comprising a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. Said coating material may be provided by the application of a solution to the surface of said foam segment, or by full impregnation. In a further embodiment, said coating material may be introduced into said foam in particulate form to serve as a novel release agent in a segment which is subsequently constrained within a gelatin capsule.