Abstract: Controlled expansion of an intravaginal device can be achieved by selectively attaching either a primary or secondary cover to the primary absorbent device having a fluid storage element. We can determine that certain portions of the tampon will expand while other portions will be restricted to substantially the compressed structure. The primary cover can be attached to the primary absorbent device either before or after the absorbent device is compressed into final tampon form. The compression may be in the axial or radial direction or a combination of both directions. The secondary cover, if used, can be attached after the tampon pledget has been compressed into the final tampon form.

Abstract: A tampon has a generally uniform fiber distribution along its length, an insertion end, a withdrawal end, and a longitudinal axis. A finger recess having a depth of at least about 5 mm is formed into the withdrawal end. Nonetheless, a column strength of at least about 10 Newtons (N) can still be achieved. The tampon can be formed by winding an absorbent fibrous web around a winding mandrel; transferring the blank into a press; inserting a forming mandrel into one end of a tampon blank while the tampon blank is positioned in the press; moving a plurality of press jaws toward a central longitudinal press axis to compress the tampon blank and to form a compressed tampon having a finger recess formed into the one end of the tampon; and ejecting the compressed tampon from the press.

Abstract: An intravaginal disposable article, e.g., useful as a sanitary protection device. The intravaginal disposable article has a primary structure and a liquid-sensitive signaling element in liquid communication with the primary structure. The liquid-sensitive signaling element is capable of expanding significantly after exposure of the signaling element to a saturating amount of 0.9 wt-% saline solution.