Abstract: A discrete absorbent insert includes an absorbent core positioned between a first sheet and a second sheet. The first sheet and the second sheet extend beyond the core and are joined together to form a seal. The absorbent core has at least 40% superabsorbent. The absorbent insert has an intake layer of at least 100 gsm between the first sheet and the absorbent core. The first sheet and the second sheet are fluid permeable, spunbond webs of synthetic polymer filaments. The absorbent insert is devoid of a fluid-impervious layer and has an absorbent capacity of at least 600 g. The first end section of the absorbent core has a maximum width of at least 135 mm, the central section of the absorbent core has a maximum width of less than 90 mm, and the second end section of the absorbent core has a maximum width of at least 135 mm.

Abstract: An absorbable resin, for which a large amount of a plant-derived raw material can be used, and which has an excellent capability of absorbing an aqueous liquid, and has a good gel modulus and therefore can exhibit an excellent absorbing capability under pressurized conditions; and an absorbable composition. An absorbable resin produced by binding an oxidized polysaccharide (A1) having a carboxyl group which may be neutralized with a neutralizing agent and/or a crosslinked product thereof (A2) to a poly(meth)acrylic acid (B1) in which at least one carboxyl group may be neutralized with a neutralizing agent and/or a crosslinked product thereof (B2); or an absorbable composition produced by mixing the component (A1) and/or the component (A2) with the component (B1) and/or the component (B2). The component (A1) has a weight average molecular weight of 2,000-10,000,000. The component (A1) has an acid value of 65-850 mgKOH/g.

Abstract: A film is provided including from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of at least one polyalkylene carbonate and from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of at least one polyolefin. The film can be utilized as a packaging film, or as in the construction of an absorbent article (e.g., as the outer cover/backsheet of the article). The film can be a multi-layered film including a core layer that constitutes from about 20% to about 90% of the thickness of the film and an outer layer positioned adjacent to the core layer, with the core layer including from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of at least one polyalkylene carbonate and from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of at least one polyolefin. The outer layer can contain about 50 wt. % or more of at least one polyolefin.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent article, the absorbent core including a first absorbent layer comprising a first substrate, a layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles deposited on the first substrate on a deposition area and a fibrous layer of thermoplastic adhesive material covering the layer of first superabsorbent polymer particles, and a second absorbent layer comprising a second substrate and a mixed layer comprising a mixture of second superabsorbent particles and cellulosic fibers deposited on the second substrate. The first and second absorbent layers are combined together such that at least a portion of the fibrous thermoplastic adhesive material of the first absorbent layer contacts at least a portion of the mixed layer of the second absorbent layer.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article that includes an elastic film material. The elastic film resists the growth of a tear and include an SEEPS block copolymer having a Tm of between about 10° C. and about 20° C. The film has a time-to-fail of greater than 1 hour.

Abstract: A sheet material that includes an elastic component or material (e.g., film, nonwoven web laminated to the elastic component, etc.) is provided. The elastic component is formed from a styrenic block copolymer composition containing from about 10 wt. % to about 90 wt. % of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer; and from about 10 wt % to about 90 wt. % of styrene-isoprene/butadiene-styrene block copolymer. The styrenic block copolymer composition has good viscosity stability during extrusion and thus may be readily formed into an elastic sheet material. The elastic sheet material may be subsequently crosslinked to achieve the desired elastic and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method of making a resilient tampon includes the steps of providing binder fibers having an average fiber length of at least 35 mm; combining the binder fibers to form a loose fleece; activating the binder fibers; and compressing a portion of the loose fleece into a pledget after activating the binder fibers. A resilient tampon includes 70 wt % to 95 wt % absorbent fibers and 5 wt % to 30 wt % bicomponent binder fibers. The binder fibers have an average fiber length greater than 35 mm.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to obtain spunbonded nonwoven fabrics including thin hollow fibers which have excellent lightweight properties and uniformity as well as exhibit high strength and flexibility. An aspect of the invention is directed to a spunbonded nonwoven fabric including hollow fibers of a propylene polymer, the hollow fibers satisfying the following requirements (a) to (c): (a) the C-axis orientation is at least 0.85, (b) the average fiber diameter is 5 to 20 ?m, and (c) the hollowness is 5 to 30%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ultrathin fluid-absorbent cores comprising a substrate layer, water-absorbent polymer particles and an adhesive, wherein the wet SAP shake out of water-absorbent polymer particles out of the fluid-absorbent core is less than 10% by weight.

Abstract: A wound dressing system which includes an injection device, a plurality of substantially spherical hydrogel particles having a diameter ranging between 1 to 4 mm, and a cover layer being adherent to skin. The hydrogel particles are made of acrylate polymer containing sulfonate. The plurality of hydrogel particles are injected to a cavity by the injection device and the cavity is sealed by the cover layer.

Abstract: An absorbent composite comprising: a base material and water-absorbent resin particles; wherein the following conditions (1) to (4) are fulfilled: (1) the weight ratio of water-absorbent resin relative to the total weight of the base material and water-absorbent resin is 65 to 99 wt %, (2) the water-absorbent resin particles adhering directly to the base material constitute 50 wt % or more of the total water-absorbent resin particles; (3) the average absorption capacity of the water-absorbent resin particles is 50 g/g or more; and (4) the amount of residual monomers in the water-absorbent resin is 200 ppm or less.

Abstract: Bio-based glacial acrylic acid, produced from hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof and having impurities of hydroxypropionic acid, hydroxypropionic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof, is polymerized to poly(acrylic acid) or superabsorbent polymer using the same processes as petroleum-derived glacial acrylic acid.

Abstract: A device for promoting the clotting of blood comprises a clay material in particle form and a receptacle for containing the clay material. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh. Another device comprises a gauze substrate and a clay material disposed on the gauze substrate. Another device is a bandage comprising a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and particles of a clay material retained in the mesh. A hemostatic sponge comprises a substrate, a hemostatic material disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a release agent disposed on a second surface of the substrate. The release agent is disposed on the wound-contacting surface of the substrate. When treating a bleeding wound, application of the hemostatic sponge causes at least a portion of the hemostatic material to come into contact with blood through the release agent and through the substrate.

Abstract: A substantially cellulose free absorbent core comprising absorbent polymer material having a saline flow conductivity greater than about 100×10?7 cm3•sec/g and a centrifuge retention capacity of greater than about 20 g/g. A disposable absorbent article is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catamenial tampon comprises a compressed absorbent member having an exterior surface, the compressed absorbent member comprising an absorbent material. An overwrap substantially covers the exterior surface of the compressed absorbent member. The overwrap comprises a fluid pervious material.

Abstract: A bandage for covering a wound treated with an allograft can include a liquid permeable skin adherent layer having a wound facing surface with an adhesive thereon for adhering to skin proximate the wound. A compressible support section can be supported by the skin adherent layer for maintaining the allograft in place on the wound, and an absorbent section can be positioned over the compressible support section. The absorbent section can be comprised of a liquid absorbent material and can aid in keeping the allograft hydrated. The compressible support section can be positioned intermediate the skin adherent layer and the absorbent section. A liquid permeable covering layer can be positioned over the absorbent section, and attached to the skin adherent layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of water absorbent polymer particles by polymerizing drops, comprising at least one monomer in a gas phase surrounding the drops, wherein the drops are produced by surrounding a first monomer solution with a second monomer solution and polymerizing the second monomer solution to a higher cross-linked polymer than the first monomer solution.

Abstract: A wound dressing including a hydrophilic layer and a hydrophobic layer is described. The hydrophilic layer absorbs exudate from a wound and the hydrophobic layer absorbs the exudate from the hydrophilic layer and traps the exudate. Because the hydrophilic layer is used adjacent to the wound, the exudate is readily absorbed thereby reducing the risk of maceration and infection of the wound tissue by the exudate. The hydrophobic layer receives the absorbed exudate from the hydrophilic layer and traps the exudate through an interaction that in turn prevents lateral diffusion of the exudate through the bandage to healthy portions of the skin. The hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers are fabricated from polymer fibers that can be spun to include components that facilitate wound healing, such as poly(hexamethylene biguanide) and/or hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a body side liner, a back sheet, an absorbent body positioned between the body side liner and the back sheet, and a body conforming structure positioned in direct facing relation with the body side liner. The body conforming structure length is at least 50% the absorbent body length and is aligned with a longitudinal centerline of the absorbent article. The median anterior portion width of the body conforming structure is greater than the median central portion width of the body conforming structure which is greater than the median posterior portion width of the body conforming structure. The anterior portion includes a well, the central portion includes a channel, and the posterior portion includes a taper. The well transitions into the channel via a first convex transition and a concave transition. The channel transitions into the taper via a second convex transition.

Abstract: A disposable diaper (1A) of the present invention is provided with an absorbent body (5) which includes a topsheet (2), a backsheet (3) and an absorbent member (4) as being sectioned into a front section (A), a rear section (B) and a crotch section (C). Here, the absorbent member (4) includes a laminated absorbent member (41) which is formed by sandwiching high-absorbent polymer with nonwoven (411, 412) and which is arranged over a range from the front section (A) to the rear section (B). The absorbent member (4) and the topsheet (2) are not fixed at the rear section (B) and are fixed at the front section (A) and the crotch section (C). The absorbent body (5) includes elastic members (9) across the absorbent member (4) in a stretching state between the absorbent member (4) and the topsheet (2) at the rear section (B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent structure, preferably for use in absorbent products, such as used in the food, consumer, household, building and construction, beauty and medical industry, and as used in the personal hygiene industry. The substantially cellulose free absorbent structures continuously immobilise absorbent polymer material via initial smaller pockets and subsequently larger compartments allowing excellent fluid management of the absorbent polymer material in dry, partially and fully liquid loaded state. Preferably such absorbent structure volume increases are result of temporary secondary attachment patterns made in combination with substantially permanent primary attachment grids allowing the release of bigger volumes from the initial smaller volumes by detachment of the secondary attachments.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production process by which a water-absorbent resin of excellent quality can be obtained at a low cost by reasonable steps in aqueous solution polymerization. The process for producing a water-absorbent resin comprises the step of polymerizing an aqueous solution of water-absorbent resin-forming monomers including acrylic acid and/or its sodium salt as major components, wherein: (1) the aqueous solution has a monomer component concentration of not less than 45 weight %; (2) the polymerization is carried out while water is evaporated so that the ratio (concentration ratio) between a solid component concentration in a hydropolymer as formed by the polymerization and a solid component concentration in the aqueous monomer solution will not be less than 1.10; and (3) the solid component concentration in the hydropolymer as formed by the polymerization is not more than 80 weight %.

Abstract: The illustrative systems, methods, and dressings for applying reduced pressure to a tissue site are presented that involve quickly removing fluids from the tissue site to reduce or avoid maceration of the epidermis. One dressing includes a dressing material for transferring the reduced pressure to the tissue site and a drape covering at least a portion of the dressing material. The dressing material includes a hydrophobic tissue-interface layer adapted to contact the tissue site. The dressing material also includes a manifold adapted to distribute reduced pressure. The manifold may be a hydrophobic layer. The dressing material also includes one or more absorbent layers adapted to absorb liquid from the tissue site via the tissue-interface layer and the manifold. Other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a liquid-pervious sheet, an outer covering sheet, and an absorbent structure sandwiched between the liquid-pervious sheet and the outer covering sheet. The absorbent structure includes a liquid-absorbent mixture composed of super-absorbent polymer particles and fluff pulp and nonwoven fabric sheet formed from long fibers of thermoplastic resin. The nonwoven fabric sheet is put in contact, along at least one surface thereof, with the liquid-absorbent mixture and has cross points at which the long fiber sealed together, and a nap height defined by a difference between a thickness measured before a napping test and a thickness measured after the napping test is at least 0.5 mm.

Abstract: A method for treating a wound that includes incorporating a wound dressing comprising a plurality of fibers, each fiber having a length of at least two (2) inches, into a wound to cause the walls of the wound to remain apart and allow the wound to heal from the inside to the outside, and removing the wound exudate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to substituted cellulose acetates and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a diaper having an inner layer having an absorbent core having a substituted cellulose acetate having a polar substituent that has an oxygen atom covalently bonded to a nonmetal selected from the group of sulfur, phosphorus, boron, and chlorine; wherein the nonmetal is present in at least about 0.01% by weight of the substituted cellulose acetate; and an outer layer.

Abstract: Provided is a wound dressing including a wound pad of absorbent material having a first side and a second side opposite thereto, a backing layer covering the wound pad on the first side thereof an adhesive layer for attaching the dressing to skin. The backing layer has at least one conductive region and consists of plastic film.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wound dressing which can retain exudate to prevent it from spreading over a larger area while maintaining a moist environment, can be easily peeled off after use, can prevent skin redness, heat rash, or offensive smell, and can fit various shapes of wound surfaces. The wound dressing is provided with a liquid-permeable layer (1) on the surface to be used to face a wound site (15). The liquid-permeable layer (1) comprises a resin surface sheet (10). The surface sheet (10) comprises a first surface (11) which is to face the wound site (15), a second surface (12) which is the opposite surface to the first surface, and a large number of penetration pores (13) penetrating through the sheet from the first surface (11) to the second surface (12) in the thickness direction. The penetration pores (13) allow the permeation of a liquid from the first surface (11) to the second surface (12). The first surface (11) is hydrophobic.

Abstract: Object The main object of the present invention is to provide a water-absorbent resin having a suitable particle size, strong particle strength, excellent adhesion to fibers, and excellent flowability as powders as well as properties suitable for a water-absorbent material used in a hygienic material, such as excellent general absorption properties as a water-absorbent resin, and to provide a process for producing the same. Another object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent material and an absorbent article using the water-absorbent resin. Means for Achieving the Object A water-absorbent resin having an aspect ratio of 1.0 to 3.0 and a median particle size (D) of 100 to 2,000 ?m in which primary particles having an aspect ratio of 1.1 to 200 and a median particle size (d) of 50 to 600 ?m are agglomerated.

Abstract: A fluff pulp or other pulp, comprises a multivalent cationic metal ion selected from the group consisting of Al+3, B+3, Mn+2, Cu+2, Cu+3, Zn+2, Sn+2, Sn+4, water-soluble salt thereof, or combination thereof; an amine-containing anti-static agent; and pulp. Methods of making and using the pulp, as well as articles therefrom, are provided.

Abstract: Breathable and biodegradable polymeric film materials of the invention are highly suitable for use in personal care absorbent articles and other articles. The film includes a biodegradable polymer resin, a thermoplastic starch, a filler and optionally, a protein. The breathable film has a renewable natural polymer component.

Abstract: Absorbent articles comprising a low cold flow construction adhesive suitable for joining at least two absorbent article components together, wherein the adhesive comprises an ethylene-based polyolefin resin and certain crystallization enhancers, and wherein the absorbent articles have an in-bag compression opening force of less than about 0.75N. Also, a method for assembling such articles.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention include a fluid-absorbing member that can include a plurality of layers. In one embodiment, the plurality of layers can include a first layer, a second layer, and a third layer. Further, the first layer can be made from a bamboo-containing material and can be configured to be positioned immediately adjacent to a user's skin. Moreover, the third layer can be made from a fluid-impermeable material and can be configured to be positioned immediately adjacent to the user's clothing. In addition, in some embodiments, the plurality of layers can be coupled together at a position substantially adjacent to an edge of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fluid-absorbent articles, comprising a fluid-absorbent core comprising at least 60% by weight of fluid-absorbent polymer particles and not more than 40% by weight of cellulose based fibers and an acquisition-distribution layer comprising at least 90% by weight of synthetic non-cellulose based fibers and not more than 10% by weight of cellulose based fibers. The thickness deviation of the bi-folded fluid-absorbent article in longitudinal direction is less than 10%. More particularly, the present invention relates to folding and packaging of disposable fluid-absorbent articles such as diapers, training pants.

Abstract: Novel surgical sponge-pad devices that are highly absorbent, durable, and reusable are presented. The technical features of the surgical sponge-pad devices make possible unique surgical sponge-pad systems and methods that take advantage of the use, conditioning, and reuse of a single surgical sponge device again and again during a surgical procedure. The invention provides surgical-sponge-pad devices, systems, and methods that make possible a significant reduction in the number of surgical sponges needed for a given surgical procedure. In addition this multifunctional surgical sponge-pad will have significant and brand new applications in surgery for the protection and hydration of tissues, transmission of antibiotics and antimicrobials and other solutions, barriers in surgery and even use in transfer of transplanted organs as well as many other future medical and surgical uses as yet undefined and undiscovered.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent composite material and a absorbent article including such absorbent composite material. More particularly, the present invention relates to an absorbent composite material for use in sanitary absorbent products such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, diapers, adult incontinence products, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbent composite material and an absorbent article including such absorbent composite material. More particularly, the present invention relates to an absorbent composite material for use in sanitary absorbent products such as sanitary napkins, pantiliners, diapers, adult incontinence products, and the like.

Abstract: A disposable menstrual panty and method thereof. The disposable menstrual panty comprises a front part, a back part, a crotch part positioned between the front part and the back part, a waist portion located at upper peripheral ends of the front part and the back part, a pair of leg openings to receive a person's legs, and an absorbent material attached to the disposable menstrual panty such that the absorbent material is longitudinally disposed on an interior surface of the crotch part and extends rearward in the back part. The disposable menstrual panty is made of a material that is stretchable laterally only in a direction perpendicular to a length of a person's body but not vertically in a direction parallel to the length of a person's body when the disposable menstrual panty is worn by the person.

Abstract: An absorbent material including a fibrous material having a plurality of individual fibers forming a fiber matrix, a plurality of absorbent fibers, wherein the plurality of absorbent fibers are impregnated within the fiber matrix by means of a needlepunch process.

Abstract: A combined compression and absorption dressing/bandage, which includes a short stretch compression bandage and at least one absorptive wound dressing comprising at least one absorbent layer of a non-woven fabric of any one or more of cotton, viscose and polyester fibres, the absorbent layer having an operative inner face and an operative outer face, the at least one wound dressing being bonded to the short stretch compression bandage with its inner face towards the bandage and the outer face facing away from the bandage.

Abstract: Wound dressings including activated carbon cloth or a fabric, cloth, or other flexible material containing activated carbon and methods for manufacturing and using such wound dressings to effectuate healing of wounds on humans or other animals are described herein.

Abstract: A water-absorbent sheet structure comprising a structure in which an absorbent layer containing a water-absorbent resin and an adhesive is sandwiched with nonwoven fabrics from an upper side and a lower side of the absorbent layer, wherein the water-absorbent sheet structure has a structure in which the absorbent layer is separated in divided parts of a primary absorbent layer and a secondary absorbent layer with a fibrous substrate having a void ratio of from 91 to 99%, and wherein the water-absorbent resin is contained in an amount of from 100 to 1,000 g/m2, and wherein the adhesive is contained in a proportion of 0.05 to 2.0 times the amount of the water-absorbent resin contained (mass basis).

Abstract: A biocompatible, biodegradable, macromolecular water-absorbent hybrid material (WAHM), having a three-dimensional configuration with intermolecular covalent bonds and containing free functional groups, said polymer being formed by polymer-polymer intercoupling reaction between a natural water-soluble polymer A or its derivatives having a molecular weight between 20,000 and 300,000 Da, and a synthetic polymer B in an adequate ratio wherein the natural polymer A is selected from amphoteric reactants, partially denatured or chemically modified natural polymer, that dissociates in water to form both anions and cations, and which can undergo polymer-polymer intercoupling reactions, and wherein synthetic polymer B s a linear or branched reactive synthetic copolymer having a molecular weight of 50,000-500,000 Da derived from a vinyl monomer and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, having a backbone with polymeric subunits covalently bonded to the polymer backbone, the subunits comprising ones with non-reactive and

Abstract: A nonwoven fabric useful as a component in a personal hygiene product and a nonwoven personal hygiene component, which is substantially free or free of non-ribbon shaped (e.g., round-shaped) spunbond fibers and includes a meltblown layer between and in direct contact with ribbon-shaped spunbond layers. The meltblown layer has a basis weight of at least about 0.008 gsm and not greater than about 5 gsm, and the nonwoven fabric or component has a basis weight of at least about 8 gsm and not greater than about 40 gsm, a pore size of less than or equal to about 27 microns when measured at 10% of cumulative filter flow. The nonwoven fabric also can have a low surface tension liquid strike through flow of less than 0.9 ml per second, a ratio of low surface tension liquid strike through flow to air permeability of greater than or equal to about 0.016, or both. Personal hygiene articles can incorporate the nonwoven fabric or component.

Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing said device, the device comprising an applicator member and a flexible retention web (1) intended to be introduced into a vaginal cavity (17), said web being equipped with a means (7) for removal and being made from an atraumatic material whereof the dimensions are adapted so as to be able to retain and/or slow down bodily discharges of small quantity, characterized in that: the applicator member comprises a body (8) that is at least partially hollow defining an internal storage volume (9), said body having a proximal end (10) on the one hand, and on the other hand, a distal end (11) intended to be inserted into the vaginal cavity of a user, said distal end having an open section emerging in the internal volume, the web comprises a central zone (13) housed in the internal volume, and at least one peripheral zone (14) protruding from the body so as to cover at least the distal end of the body.

Abstract: A method of forming a film resistant to blocking including the steps of providing a polymeric film having a first and second surface; applying the anti-blocking agent in a fluid or molten state to at least the first surface of the polymeric film; and gathering the treated film. The anti-blocking agent may be substantially acrylic free.

Abstract: Provided is a further improved wound dressing suitable for a method for treating a wound while maintaining a moist environment created by exudate oozing from the wound. The wound dressing (5) comprises at least three layers including a first layer, a second layer and a third layer in order from the side used in contact with a wound site, which layers are integrally stacked together. The first layer (1) comprises a resin sheet material having a number of pores penetrating in a thickness direction. The second layer (2) comprises a sheet material of which the surface is water-repellent and becomes water-permeable when pressure is applied. The third layer (3) comprises a sheet material capable of absorbing and holding water. The wound dressing optionally comprises a fourth layer comprising a resin film, a fabric or a nonwoven.

Abstract: The present invention provides bicomponent fibers, a method of producing bicomponent fibers, nonwoven materials comprising one or more such bicomponent fibers, and a method for making such nonwoven materials. The bicomponent fibers according to the present invention comprise (a) a first component comprising a polymeric material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyester, and polyamide; and (b) a second component comprising a polyethylene composition comprising less than or equal to 100 percent by weight of the units derived from ethylene; and less than 20 percent by weight of units derived from one or more ?-olefin comonomers; wherein the polyethylene composition has a density in the range of from 0.945 to 0. 965 g/cm3, a molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) in the range of from 1.70 to 3.5, a melt index (I2) in the range of from 0.2 to 150 g/10 minutes, a molecular weight distribution (Mz/Mw) in the range of from less than 2.5, vinyl unsaturation in the range of from less than 0.

Abstract: A laminate polymer composite wound dressing and a process of making and using the same are provided. The laminate polymer composite wound dressing includes, a contact layer, an absorbent layer, and, optionally, a backsheet, an adhesive layer, and a moisture vapor transmission rate control layer, wherein the contact layer includes non-woven polymer fibers, the absorbent layer includes a fibrous web and super absorbent polymer particles. The contact layer can be melt blown onto the absorbent layer to entangle the nonwoven polymer fibers of the contact layer with the fibrous web of the absorbent layer to adhere the contact layer to the absorbent layer. Alternatively, a non-water soluble melt adhesive is used to adhere the contact and absorbent layers. The laminate polymer composite wound dressing can find application in the medical field, such as the treatment of high exuding wounds and dry wounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon pledget with one or more of the following properties: increased absorbency rate; high absorbent capacity and fluid retention; rapid expansion potential; and ease of ejection of the pledget from the applicator. Surprisingly, the one or more properties are achieved by using a modified dual cross-pad, folded, compressed tampon pledget design.