Abstract: The invention provides an improved tampon, particularly suited for use as a digital tampon, having a portion of fibers at a withdrawal end of the tampon displaced towards an insertion end, causing a fiber density in the vicinity of the withdrawal end to be lower than an average fiber density of the tampon. The tampon also includes an indentation in the withdrawal end. In combination, the lower fiber density of the withdrawal end and the indentation in the withdrawal end cause the withdrawal end to be soft and readily flareable. When the tampon is provided with an overwrap the indentation also allows excess overwrap at the withdrawal end to be tucked into the tampon, improving the aesthetic qualities of the tampon and facilitating digital insertion.

Abstract: An insertion device is provided for inserting material having an enlarged head portion into a body cavity.

Abstract: An insertion device is provided for inserting material into a body cavity is, the material having an enlarged head portion, including an elongate, tubular holder, shaped for insertion into the body cavity and having an expulsion end which is dimensioned to fit over the head portion of the material and adapted to open to allow the material to be expelled therethrough; an elongate, tubular plunger, adapted to hold telescopically at least a portion of the material to be inserted, dimensioned to fit telescopically and slidably within the holder and to be movable from a telescoped position within the holder to an extended position in which one distal end of the plunger is withdrawn from the distal holder, and adapted, in the extended position, to expel the material from the device when pushed manually into the holder; and a retaining structure, interposed between the plunger and the holder and disposed at the expulsion end to engage the head portion of the material and prevent it from moving with the plunger when