Devices according to the invention use a metal-based material having antimicrobial, biocidal, bactericidal, virucidal and/or fungicidal effect. Metals having antimicrobial properties can be toxic to microorganisms of interest (microbes), such as bacteria and/or fungi.

A pad capable of enhancing the fitting performance to a wearer. An absorber includes a front body portion, a back body portion, and a narrowing portion, whose width dimension is reduced, provided between the front body portion and the back body portion. A first groove extending in the front-back direction is formed in a central portion in the width direction of the absorber. A third groove extending in the width direction is formed in a central portion in the front-back direction of the narrowing portion. A second groove extending in the width direction is formed in a front side portion in the front-back direction of the narrowing portion. A fourth groove extending in the width direction is formed in a back side portion in the front-back direction of the narrowing portion.

An apparatus for compressing a material such as a tampon or a pessary device, and a method of compressing a material such as a tampon or a pessary device are described. The apparatus can have a press unit support structure rotatable about a fixed axis. An axial direction press unit is associated with the press unit support structure. Second press unit is associated with the press unit support structure wherein the second press unit is one of a non-linear direction press unit or a press unit having a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression.

An apparatus for compressing a material such as a tampon or a pessary device, and a method of compressing a material such as a tampon or a pessary device are described. The apparatus can have a first press unit support structure and a second press unit support structure, and each of the first press unit support structure and the second press unit support structure is rotatable about an axis. A first press unit has a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression associated with the first press unit support structure. A second press unit is associated with the second press unit support structure, wherein the second press unit is one of an axial direction press unit, a non-linear direction press unit, or a press unit having a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression.

An apparatus for compressing a material such as a tampon or a pessary device, and a method of compressing a material such as a tampon or a pessary device are described. The apparatus can have a first press unit support structure and a second press unit support structure, and each of the first press unit support structure and the second press unit support structure is rotatable about an axis. A first press unit has a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression associated with the first press unit support structure. A second press unit is associated with the second press unit support structure, wherein the second press unit is one of an axial direction press unit, a non-linear direction press unit, or a press unit having a compression surface area which decreases with the movement of compression.

An absorbent tampon for feminine hygiene includes a radially compressed, elongate tampon pledget and a fluid transport element. The elongate tampon pledget includes a domed insertion end and a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves. At least a portion of the longitudinally extending grooves extend into the domed insertion end thereof. The fluid transport element includes an apertured polymeric film sheet disposed over the insertion end and attached to the elongate tampon pledget and a plurality of distal pleats to provide elements capable of extending away from the longitudinal surfaces of the elongate tampon pledget and a headspace between the domed insertion end and the apertured polymeric film sheet.

In the manufacture of a tampon, an absorbent structure composed of an absorbent material can be formed into a tampon blank. In various embodiments, a withdrawal element can be attached to the absorbent structure either before or after the absorbent structure is formed into a tampon blank. The tampon blank can then undergo a compression step which can result in the pledget of the tampon. The pledget, and resultant tampon, can have at least one linear channel and at least one non-linear channel.

A shaped tampon with a groove pattern and a combination of external shapes varying radially and longitudinally.

A tampon includes a membrane, an inner absorber and a support tube. The membrane mounted to the inner absorber and the support tube. The inner absorber is located at the center of the tampon and peripherally wrapped by the inner portion of the membrane. The support tube is located between the outer portion and inner portion of the membrane. The cord connected to the membrane extends beyond the tampon. The membrane contacts the vaginal wall and provides comfort when using the tampon.

In the manufacture of a tampon, an absorbent structure composed of an absorbent material can be formed into a tampon blank. In various embodiments, a withdrawal element can be attached to the absorbent structure either before or after the absorbent structure is formed into a tampon blank. The tampon blank can then undergo a compression step which can result in the pledget of the tampon. The pledget, and resultant tampon, can have at least one linear channel and at least one non-linear channel.