A tampon having an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon includes a primary absorbent, disposed toward the insertion end, a secondary absorbent, and a withdrawal member. The secondary absorbent may have a mean length from the primary absorbent and at least three segments each having a mean segment mass. The mean segment mass may be selected such that the secondary absorbent tapers as the secondary absorbent material extends from the primary absorbent. The primary absorbent including at least one of rayon fibers and cotton fibers and having improved fluid handling due to dynamic expansion of the tampon at a relatively reduced dry tampon mass.

A tampon having an insertion end and a withdrawal end. The tampon includes a primary absorbent, disposed toward the insertion end, a secondary absorbent, and a withdrawal member. The secondary absorbent may have a mean length from the primary absorbent and at least three segments each having a mean segment mass. The mean segment mass may be selected such that the secondary absorbent tapers as the secondary absorbent material extends from the primary absorbent. The primary absorbent including at least one of rayon fibers and cotton fibers and having improved fluid handling due to dynamic expansion of the tampon at a relatively reduced dry tampon mass.

Tampons including an elongate body and a removal string extending from a removal end of the elongate body. The tampons may include an absorbent material and a spiral flow path that directs menses across the elongate body. The spiral flow path includes at least one complete turn around the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

A method is presented for forming a tampon applicator. The method includes providing an applicator comprising an outer member and an inner member. Each of the outer member and the inner member comprise cellulosic material. The method further includes loading the outer member into a compression device. The method further includes compressing the outer member to form a grip region. The grip region comprises greater than four faces that are circumferentially formed about the outer member. The method further includes unloading the outer member comprising the grip region and a barrel region from the compression device.

A tampon product and method are presented that includes an applicator including an outer member and an inner member slidably engaged with the outer member. The outer member includes an outer surface surrounding a longitudinal axis and a grip region, an intermediate region, and an insertion region. The grip region includes an inverted region such that a portion of a wall of the grip end region is adjacent to the inner surface of the cylindrical paper segment, and a pusher opening internal to the cylindrical paper segment.