Abstract: A packaging for a sanitary napkin (1) or like article, wherein the outer surface of the sanitary napkin is at least partially adhesive and the napkin is folded so that the adhesive outer surface thereof faces towards the packaging material. The packaging material presents a relatively small surface area for contact with the outer surface of the sanitary napkin.

Abstract: An automatic needle-retracting syringe (2,80), intended for single use applications, includes a barrel (4), having a needle end (6), a plunger end (8) and a bore (10), and a plunger (12) at the plunger end. A needle gasket (16) is slidably mounted within the bore to define a near region (18) and a far region (20). A hollow needle (28) is mounted to the needle gasket. A path (26) through the needle gasket connects the near region to the needle. A coil spring (40,82) biases the needle gasket from an extended position to a retracted position, the needle fully housed within the barrel at the latter. The extended position is maintained by a retaining capsule (44) wedged between a narrowed bore portion (42) and the needle gasket.