Abstract: There is provided an intake/retention/transfer material for personal care products like feminine hygiene products, which is a heterogeneous composite containing between 5 and 25 weight percent of a superabsorbent or gelling material and having a density less than 0.17 g/cc. A more particular embodiment contains less than 20 weight percent and a still more particular embodiment contains 15 weight percent or less of a superabsorbent or gelling material. Also provided are absorbent articles which contain the class of intake/transfer materials mentioned above along with additional absorbent layers such that the absorption of a menses simulant provides fluid partitioning of less than 72% of fluid in the intake/transfer/retention composite. Additionally said composite should have retention capacity values greater than 2.7 g/g.

Abstract: A method of forming a catamenial tampon is disclosed wherein the tampon is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina and in providing better utilization of the absorbent during use. The method includes the steps of assembling a resilient member and an absorbent to form a structure having a central longitudinal axis X—X. The resilient member can be either aligned with or offset from the central longitudinal axis X—X. The absorbent and the resilient member are rolled or folded up into an elongated softwind which has a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is then compressed into a pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. A withdrawal string is secured to the pledget to form a tampon. The withdrawal string facilitates removal of the tampon from the woman's vagina.

Abstract: A method of forming a catamenial tampon is disclosed wherein the tampon is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina and in providing better utilization of the absorbent during use. The method includes the steps of assembling a resilient member and an absorbent to form a structure having a central longitudinal axis X--X. The resilient member can be either aligned with or offset from the central longitudinal axis X--X. The absorbent and the resilient member are rolled or folded up into an elongated softwind which has a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is then compressed into a pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. A withdrawal string is secured to the pledget to form a tampon. The withdrawal string facilitates removal of the tampon from the woman's vagina.

Abstract: There is provided a bodily fluid simulant made from red blood cells in an amount between about 10 and about 60 weight percent, egg white in an amount between 20 and 50 weight percent, and plasma.

Abstract: A tampon is disclosed which is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina especially during her menstrual period. The tampon includes an absorbent and a resilient member. The resilient member is positioned on or within the absorbent and both members are rolled or formed into an elongated softwind having a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is compressed into an elongated pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. The resilient member is capable of expanding at least a portion of the pledget so as to prevent premature leakage of body fluid when inserted into a woman's vagina. The tampon further includes a withdrawal string for removing the tampon from a woman's vagina. The withdrawal string is attached to the first and second ends of the softwind.

Abstract: A method of forming a catamenial tampon is disclosed wherein the tampon is useful in preventing premature leakage of body fluid from a woman's vagina and in providing better utilization of the absorbent during use. The method includes the steps of assembling a resilient member and an absorbent to form a structure having a central longitudinal axis X--X. The resilient member can be either aligned with or offset from the central longitudinal axis X--X. The absorbent and the resilient member are rolled or folded up into an elongated softwind which has a first end and a second end. The softwind is folded upon itself such that the first and second ends are aligned adjacent to one another and the softwind contains at least two folds therebetween. The softwind is then compressed into a pledget having an insertion end and a trailing end. A withdrawal string is secured to the pledget to form a tampon. The withdrawal string facilitates removal of the tampon from the woman's vagina.