A device includes a shell including a proximal end and a distal end of the shell. The device also includes a plunger within the shell. The plunger can include a flexible stop at a proximal end of the plunger and a distal end. The device can further include an absorptive unit configured to absorb fluid within a vaginal cavity. The absorptive unit can be affixed to the distal end of the plunger. The absorptive unit can include an absorptive element affixed to a frame structure configurable to reversibly transition between a compressed and uncompressed configuration. The absorptive unit can also include a tether coupled to the absorptive unit via the frame structure. The tether can extend through the proximal end of the plunger. Related methods of use are also described.

An insertion end for a tampon applicator assembly. The insertion end has an insertion tip region and optionally an inflection region. The insertion end of the tampon applicator assembly is unique in one or more ways, including one or more of the following: having a unique degree of closure, an inflection region length that is different than an insertion end region length, petal slits that form a tear-drop shape, petals having multiple radii of curvature, the insertion end having a unique radius of curvature, the insertion end having a unique part thickness.

A tampon product including a tampon within an applicator assembly is disclosed. The applicator assembly includes a barrel portion joined to a gripping portion, imparted with features that improve utility and convenience for the user. In one example the gripping portion has a rearward edge defining differing first and second lengths. In another example the gripping portion has a lateral outer cross section profile that is substantially oval-shaped, ovoid-shaped, elliptical or stadium-shaped and has major and minor axes, each perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, along first and second lateral perpendicular directions, wherein following absorption of fluid the tampon will expand laterally to a first lateral dimension to a greatest extent along a first lateral direction, and to a lesser second lateral dimension along a second lateral direction 90 degrees from the first lateral direction, wherein the first lateral direction is substantially parallel to one of the major and minor axes.

An intravaginal apparatus comprising a bullet-shaped body with outer, middle mesh, and inner layers is provided. The device is configured to contain insertable materials such as tampons, absorbents, drugs, or therapeutic compounds. One or more openings, optionally fitted with mesh guards, enable fluid exchange and adsorption of pathogens and odor-causing compounds. In some embodiments, the insertable material includes activated carbon engineered to adsorb volatile amines and indoxyl sulfate and may release therapeutic agents in response to microbial presence. The apparatus may preserve vaginal pH and microbiota, support directional fluid flow, and be suitable for single-use or extended wear. Applications include treatment and prevention of vaginal infections such as bacterial vaginosis and toxic shock syndrome.

A conformable surgical tampon for disposition into and removal from an anatomical cavity of a mammalian patient by a doctor to absorb and collect bodily fluids. The tampon comprises an absorbent chassis material and a plurality of spaced apart positioning strings attached to the chassis. The spaced apart positioning strings are operative to selectively position the conformable nasopharyngeal tampon within an anatomical cavity of a patient responsive to manipulation of a positioning string by a surgeon. The tampon is particularly suited for nasopharyngeal surgery.

A polymer composition comprising an organic polymer and a mica containing effect pigment, e.g., a pearlescent pigment comprising mica, well suited for producing molded articles, in particular, for molding articles comprising thin sections and or delicate features, such as a hollow interior defined by a thin wall or structural features susceptible to tear or other damage and the like, is provided as are a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition and articles comprising the polymer composition, including, for example, an article used to deliver a medical or personal care component such as a tampon applicator, and a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition. Optionally, articles of the present disclosure have a varying translucency or opacity about a dimension of the article.

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, a grip region, an insertion region, and an intermediate region. The grip region includes an inverted region such that a portion of the grip region is adjacent to the inner surface of the cylindrical paper segment, and a pusher opening is internal to the cylindrical paper segment.

A method of forming a tampon applicator is presented. The method for forming the tampon applicator includes: providing a cylindrical paper segment having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface surrounding the longitudinal axis; pleating a first end region of the cylindrical paper segment to form at least two ridges and valleys extending about the longitudinal axis; inserting a mandrel into an opening of the first end region and forming the first end region; and forming a grip region in the first end region. A portion of the grip region has a gaussian curvature not equal to zero. The grip region includes at least one face.

A tampon product is 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 applicator axis, a barrel region, and a grip region. The grip region comprises greater than four circumferentially formed faces. One or more layers defining the applicator include cellulosic material.

An insertion end for a tampon applicator assembly. The insertion end has an insertion tip region and optionally an inflection region. The insertion end of the tampon applicator assembly is unique in one or more ways, including one or more of the following: having a unique degree of closure, an inflection region length that is different than an insertion end region length, petal slits that form a tear-drop shape, petals having multiple radii of curvature, the insertion end having a unique radius of curvature, the insertion end having a unique part thickness.