Abstract

The object of the invention is to provide an improved absorbent means that can be used in a catamenial device.The improved absorptive means comrpises a foam means having an absorbency improvement means at least arrayed on the surface of the foam means wherein the absorbency improvement means is adherent to the foam, hydrophilic, and has a high surface area. The foam means is preferably cut into small blocks made of hydrophilic polyester foam or hydrophilic polyurethane foam. Absorbency improvement means is preferably cellulose fibers.A tampon incorporating the improved absorbent means has overwrap 11 containing an aggregate absorbent body 12 comprising foam blocks coated with fibrous material 16 and ancillary absorbent material 17. The overwrap 11 is sealed by a side seam 13 and knotted at one end with a withdrawal string 15. The fiber coated foam blocks offer improved rate of absorbency, volume of absorbency, and retention of liquid under pressure due to more efficient utilization of the maximum absorbent capacity of the tampon. The fibrous coating of the foam blocks functions to wick liquid between a plurality of hydrophilic foam blocks and into the center of the foam blocks.