MXPA00006255A - Multilayered tampon cover - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a tampon (10) having an absorbent structure (14) and a multilayered cover (12) substantially enclosing the absorbent structure. The cover has an outer layer (20) capable of retaining liquid and an inner layer (22) disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. The inner layer creates a controlled interruption of fluid flow between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. This interruption allows the outer layer retains sufficient liquid to minimize vaginal wall drying prior to saturation of the absorbent structure.

Description

MULTI-LAYER TAMPON COVER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to menstruation tampons having a multilayer cover and an absorbent core. The outer surface of the cover can be moistened to provide a wet surface against the vaginal wall, while the internal regions of the cover interrupt the flow of immediate liquid in the absorbent core. This structure decreases the possibility that the tampon will dry out the vaginal wall surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Menstruation tampons are usually used to absorb women's menstrual fluid during the menstrual cycle. Usually, menstrual flow varies during the cycle, and there are often days of relatively light flow at the beginning and end of the cycle. On days of light flow, there is little excess fluid available for a tampon to absorb into the vaginal cavity and conventional tampons can absorb a lot of fluid, drying the vaginal wall or mucosa. This can cause discomfort during the insertion and removal of these tampons. The area of the vaginal cavity of greatest concern in terms of dryness is the upper layer of cells in the vaginal mucosa, the squamous epithelium. In the absence of menstruation, the vaginal wall is lubricated by secretions that pass through the vagina: fluids and mucus that flow from the cervix and secretions controlled by hormones that originate in the uterus. The natural exfoliation of the vaginal epithelial cells also contributes to the natural moisture in the vaginal cavity and the squamous epithelium. When a conventional tampon absorbs natural moisture from the cells in the squamous epithelium on days of light flow of the menstrual cycle, the cells become more susceptible to premature detachment. This detachment is called desquamation, and may occur when the tampon is removed before saturation. First, the initial release of a conventional unsaturated buffer can be quite painful, since some of the squamous cells may have "adhered" to the conventional tampon since it absorbs natural moisture. Then, the dry and absorbent surface of the conventional tampon can drag other portions of the relatively dry squamous epithelium causing additional pain. These conventional tampons often have a cover disposed over most of the surface of the absorbent structure to contain absorbent materials therein. An example of such a cover can be seen in Friese, U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,100, which uses a non-woven cover. Several attempts have been made to improve the tampon covers. Another attempt is illustrated in Jackson, U.S. Patent. No. 4,305,391, which employs a combination of two wrapping layers to form a cover. The outer wrap has a pore size substantially larger than the inner wrap. Supposedly, this allows the fluid to pass rapidly through the outer envelope before it is partially and more slowly absorbed through the inner envelope of the cover. This disposition of a gradient of porosity or gradient of suction is used in a conventional manner to better isolate fluids within the buffer to reduce the reverse flow of the absorbent core to the surface of the cover. Another attempt to reduce pain related to the removal of tampons is described in Jackson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,335,722. This attempt employs a barrier layer that can be dispersed in water around a highly absorbent core containing superabsorbent material. This absorbent structure is then covered with a non-superabsorbent material, such as rayon. In this construction the absorbent core is used only after the outer layer is saturated. Then, the saturated cover fluid is available to disperse the barrier layer. However, once the barrier layer is dispersed, a conventional suction pressure gradient absorbs the fluid from the shell in the core. Finally, Kaczmarzyk et al., Patent of E.U.A. No. 4,056,103, discloses a fluid permeable cover with sufficient absorbent capacity and capillary suction to compete successfully with the suction pressure of a core containing superabsorbent material to maintain a soft and lubricating condition during use. Unfortunately, these three attempts provide a conventional capillary suction pressure gradient that firmly absorbs liquids in the tampon using shells that can dry the squamous epithelium sufficiently to cause pain and trauma during use. A different approach is described in Foley et al., EP 685215, which reduces the capillary suction pressure a tampon exerts on the vaginal walls to remove excessive menstrual fluid while limiting the vaginal dryness that may occur. This can be achieved by using multiple, possibly hydrophobic, cover layers to separate the absorbent core from the vaginal wall during use. Although this advance is significant, it is likely that the outer surface of the tampon is relatively dry. Therefore, what is needed is a tampon having a reduced suction pressure to avoid absorbing much of the natural moisture of the squamous epithelium and maintaining a moist external surface throughout use to provide a tampon that does not dry for use during the menstruation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Understanding the discomfort and pain associated with the insertion and removal of tampons has led to the invention of a tampon that keeps the vaginal wall naturally moist. The unique structure of this improved cover substantially reduces vaginal dryness by maintaining the natural moisture of the vaginal wall. In addition, the convenience of insertion and removal can be further increased by a smooth surface presented by the outer layer of a multilayer cover. Therefore, the present invention relates to a tampon having an absorbent structure and a multilayer cover substantially surrounding the absorbent structure. The cover has an outer layer capable of retaining liquid and an inner layer disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. The inner layer creates a controlled interruption of the fluid flow between the outer layer and the absorbent structure. This interruption allows the outer layer to retain enough fluid to minimize dryness / dryness of the vaginal wall prior to saturation of the absorbent structure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tampon according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-section along the line 2-2 of Figure 1. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross section of Figure 2. Figure 4 is an enlarged view of an embodiment alternative of the present invention employing a foam cover. Figure 5 is a side view of a tampon according to the present invention during use. Figure 6 is a diagram of the fluid flow in a tampon according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the tampon 10 includes a multilayer cover 12 substantially surrounding an absorbent structure or core 14, and a withdrawal cord 16. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the multilayer cover 12 it does not cover a rounded insertion end 18. However, it may be surrounded in other embodiments. The multilayer cover 12 has at least 2 layers, an outer layer 20 and at least one inner layer 22. The outer layer 20 preferably provides a smooth surface to aid in the insertion and removal of the tampon 10 during use. The inner layer (s) 22 is / are constructed in a manner to create a controlled interruption of the fluid flow. The controlled interruption can be achieved by creating a porosity gradient between the outer layer 20 and the inner layer (s) 22 of relatively small pores in the outer layer 20 to relatively larger pores in the layer (s) (s) internal (s) 22. It can also be achieved by a relatively more hydrophilic outer layer 20 and relatively less hydrophilic inner layer (s) 22. In a preferred embodiment, the outer layer 20 can be formed from relatively low denier fibers 24 that form pores between the relatively small fibers as shown in Figure 3. These low denier fibers 24 are hydrophilic. There are several recognized tests to determine the hydrophilic condition. One test is the contact angle with water. Preferably, the fibers have a contact angle in water of less than about 90 °. They can be synthetic, such as synthetic cellulosic fibers and polymeric fibers, or they can be natural, such as cotton, wood pulp, wool, silk, and the like. Useful synthetic cellulosic fibers include rayon and lyocell. Useful polymeric fibers include two-component fibers, polyolefin fibers, polyester fibers, polyamide (including nylon), polyacrylic, and the like. If the fibers are not hydrophilic per se, they can be made hydrophilic by appropriate treatments and / or terminations. The inner layer (s) 22 can be formed from higher denier fibers 26 which form pores between the relatively larger fibers as shown in Figure 3. These higher denier fibers 26 they are hydrophilic, and may be less hydrophilic than the denier fibers under 24 of the outer layer 20. For the inner layer (s) 22 the same general categories of fibers as those described above for the outer layer may be used. 20. Again, if the fibers are not hydrophilic per se, they can be made hydrophilic by appropriate treatments and / or terminations. If more than one inner layer 22 is employed, the additional layers must be compatible with the ability of the first inner layer 22 to interrupt "fluid connectivity" between the outer layer 20 and the absorbent structure 14 as described below. Preferably, the additional inner layers have a similar pore size or even a larger pore size than the first inner layer. The inner layer (s) 22 can also be formed of films with openings. These films with apertures can be two-dimensional films such as those generally described in Mattingly, III, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,679, but preferably, are three-dimensional films such as those generally described in Thompson, U.S. Pat. No. 3,929,135. The multilayer cover 12 of the present invention can be formed by carving a first relatively high denier fiber strip, such as polyethylene / polyester bicomponent fibers, or a mixture of said fibers with other elastic fibers such as polyester, in a band or mesh in motion. This first strip will form the inner layer 22. A second strip of lower denier fibers can then be carded on the first moving strip. This second strip will form the outer layer 22. The resulting multilayer nonwoven strip can then be thermally bonded by passing warm air through the moving strip and band. This air passage joint can occur with a second clamping band to substantially surround the multi-layer non-woven strip, a dual-band system, or in the absence of said clamping band, a single-band system. A conventional band, for example, 40x40 mesh, can be used to hold the carded strips. However, thinner webs, such as 80x80 or 100x100, can produce a softer fabric surface, and rougher webs, such as 20x20, can produce a more elastic fabric layer. Different multilayer covers can be formed by combining the inner and outer layers by lamination, thermal bonding, stitch bonding, needle piercing, hydroentangling, adhesives, and the like. This may be necessary to combine different layers such as film non-woven with openings, non-woven with foam, and the like. In an alternative embodiment, the multilayer cover 12 is formed of a multilayer or multiple zone foam structure 12 '. In this embodiment, the outer layer 20 'has relatively narrow pores 24', while the inner layer 22 'has relatively large pores 26'. Foams of this type can be created by selectively optimizing and controlling the foam components and the conditions of the foaming process such as viscosity, temperature, amount of blowing agent and surfactants. The pore size gradient in foams can be more gradual than that achieved by combining separate and discrete layers. However, multiple layers of foam material can be combined, for example by lamination. Alternatively, it is possible to employ an open-cell foam as only the layer (s) or methods (s) 22. Preferably, the foam has about 30 to about 60 pores per 2.54 cm (pp 2.54 cm). The foam material is not decisive for the invention, and a list of non-limiting examples of useful foams may include polyurethane, poly (vinyl alcohol), cellulose sponge, and the like. The polyurethane can be treated to provide the desired hydrophilic condition, whereas poly (vinyl) alcohol is inherently hydrophilic. Such foams are commercially available through suppliers such as Foamex of Eddystone, Pennsylvania, E.U.A. There are a number of useful techniques available to measure the average pore size of a nonwoven material. These techniques include the use of the liquid extrusion cell, developed at the Princeton Textile Research Institute, New Jersey, E.U.A. This technique has been described in Miller et al, "An Extended Range Liquid Extrusion Method for Determining Pore Size Distributions", Textile Research Journal, Vol. 56, pp. 35-40 (1986), which is incorporated herein by reference, and was used to deduce a mathematical model to predict the average pore size of a non-woven fabric, Cohen, "A Wet Pore-Size Model for Coverstock Fabrics", Book of Papers: The International Nonwoven Fabrics Conference, INDA-TEC90, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, pp. 317-330 (1990), which is incorporated herein by reference. Based on this model, the following equation was used in the determination of the average pore sizes reported in the specification: r = (S1x1a2 / Sxx) ((rf / xrw) -1) / t (I) where r is the average pore radius; a is the radius of the fiber; x is the fraction of a number; xi is the ratio of the dry fabric density to the wet fabric density; rf is fiber density; rw is the density of dry cloth; and t is the sinuosity parameter. Based on the work of Cohen, the relation 1.2 was selected for x, and 1.44 was selected as t. Additional means for determining the pore sizes of the cover layers include measuring the open area by the image analysis method described below in example 1 and determination of "ECD" as described in Chen et al, US Patent. No. 5,037,409, which is incorporated herein by reference. The most appropriate measurement will be influenced by the type and thickness of the layers.

The multilayer cover 12 preferably has a basis weight of about 20 g / m2 (gsm) to about 80 gsm, preferably, about 30 gsm to about 60 gsm, and most preferably, about 35 gsm (1 oz / y2) to approximately 50 gsm. The outer layer 20 must be thick enough to provide sufficient absorbent capacity to provide a wet surface, but not so thick that it prevents the transfer of fluids into the absorbent structure 14. The inner layer (s) 22 must (n) be thick enough to provide sufficient separation between the outer layer 20 and the absorbent structure 14 to interrupt fluid connectivity, but not so thick that they prevent fluid connectivity when the outer layer 20 approaches or exceeds the saturation of fluid. Preferably, the ratio of the thickness of a fibrous outer layer to the thickness of a fibrous inner layer is between about 1: 1 to about 1: 4, preferably, between about 1: 2 to about 1: 3. As mentioned above, the cover 12 substantially surrounds the absorbent structure 14. It is preferred that the cover 12 be present on most of the surface of the absorbent structure 14 that can make contact with the vaginal wall (V) during use. This is illustrated in Figure 5 which shows a tampon 10 according to the present invention in use in an expanded state after having absorbed some menstrual fluid. It is not necessary for the cover 12 to surround the dome-shaped insertion end 18 or the withdrawal end 28, since these surfaces provide a minimum surface area for contact between the tampon 10 and the vaginal wall (V). The cover 12 can be physically attached to the absorbent structure 14 or can simply form a small bag that completely surrounds the absorbent structure 14. Examples of the above can be by thermal bonding to the outer surface of the absorbent structure 14, as described in FIG. Friese, US Patent No. 4,816,100, which is incorporated herein by reference; embedding one end of the cover 12 within the absorbent structure 14, as described in WO 95/16423 of William, which is incorporated herein by reference; bending at least a portion of the cover 12 around a twist that is wound to form the absorbent structure 14, as described in Brown, U.S. Patent No. 5,185,010, which is incorporated herein by reference; by wrapping the cover 12 around the absorbent structure 14, as described in Hinzmann et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,004,467, which is incorporated herein by reference; needle piercing the cover 12 and absorbent structure 14 together; and by any other method or structure combining the cover 12 and the absorbent structure 14 to form a tampon 10. The structure of the absorbent core 14 is not decisive for the practice of the present invention. Preferably, the absorbent core 14 is a spirally wound core as described in EP 422,660, which corresponds to the serial No. E.U.A. 07 / 596,454, filed October 12, 1990, the description of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other absorbent structures 14 that may be useful in the practice of the present invention include those buffer structures commercially available under the trademarks "TAMPAX", "PLAYTEX" and "KOTEX". Although these buffer structures are fibrous, including natural and / or synthetic fibers, it is also possible to use other materials in the absorbent structure 14. including foams, expandable materials, such as superabsorbent materials, and the like. Preferably, the absorbent structure 14 contains absorbent cellulosic fibers 30 such as cotton and / or rayon. These fibers are both absorbent and generally of low denier or fiber cross section to create small pores and / or capillary conduits between the fibers to absorb and contain the menstrual fluid. So, the absorbent structure 14 firmly contains the absorbed fluids. It is believed that the relatively small pores in the outer layer 20 provide a small deposit and the relatively large pores in the inner layer (s) 22 provide a mechanism to interrupt "fluid connectivity" between the outer layer 20 and the main fluid reservoir, the absorbent structure 14. This phenomenon is illustrated in Figure 6. This fluid disconnection allows the surface of the tampon 10 to saturate substantially rapidly with a very small amount of fluid. Because the outer layer 20 does not have a high absorbent capacity, it is not likely to dry the vaginal wall when it is used during light flow days of the menstrual cycle.

However, it is believed that as an area of outer layer 20 becomes saturated and substantially all of the pores in this area are filled with fluid, a critical point of penetration is reached, illustrated by the arrows in (a) and (b) in Figure 6. Right after the critical penetration, the fluid "overflows" into the inner layer (s). The fluid can travel faster in the larger pores of the inner layer (s) 22, and can be transported directly to the absorbent structure 14 to provide fluid connectivity between the outer layer 20 of the cover 12 and the absorbent structure 14, as shown by the down arrows in (c). In addition, if the immediate volume of the absorbent structure 14 has already absorbed fluid, the newly received fluid can travel along the inner layer (s) 22 of the cover 12, as shown by the arrows more horizontal in (c), to a relatively unused volume of the absorbent structure 14. When the fluid reaches the absorbent fibers 30 of the core with its small interference pores or fine capillary passages, the fluid remains substantially "enclosed" in the absorbent structure 14 in (d) in Figure 6. As the absorbent structure 14 removes fluid from the targeted layer (s) 22, the fluid connectivity may be interrupted, and the capillary suction provided by the absorbent structure 14 acts directly on the vaginal wall (V). This method of establishing and after interrupting the fluid connectivity between the outer layer 20 and the absorbent structure 14 can be repeated many times during the use of the tampon 10. Therefore, it is believed that the interaction of the outer layer 20, layer (s) item (s) 22 and the absorbent structure 14 keeps the vaginal wall (V) naturally wet functioning as a pump with a check valve. When the "pump" is primed with a column or continuous stream of liquid between the outer layer 20 and the absorbent structure 14, the liquid will flow into the absorbent structure 14. However, when this process substantially drains the layer (s) ) internal (s) 22, there is a fluid disconnection. No matter how much additional capacity the absorbent structure 14 can have, because there is no fluid connectivity with the outer layer 20, the structure 14 can not pull fluid inwardly. The buffers of the present invention can be used with an applicator or an insertion device, or they can be inserted with the fingers, without an applicator.

EXAMPLES The present invention will be better understood by reference to the following specific examples that illustrate the composition, form and method for producing the multilayer coating of the present invention. It should be understood that many variations of the composition, shape and method to produce the cover will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The following examples, wherein the parts and percentages are by weight unless otherwise indicated, are for illustrative purposes only.

EXAMPLE 1 A commercially available superabsorbent ob ™ buffer having a 8.5-denier, 3-component, two-component cover, a buffer constructed in a similar manner according to the present invention having a 40 gsm multilayer cover ("Buffer A"), and a similarly constructed buffer having a 2-dense 40 gsm two-component cover were tested to compare performance differences ("Buffer B"). The 40 gsm multilayer covers had an outer layer (approximately 55% by weight of the cover) of two components of 3 deniers and 100% by weight (polyethylene on polyethylene terephthalate (PE / PET)) and an inner layer ( about 45% by weight of the shell) of PET two-component fibers of 15 denier and 66% by weight and PE / PET of 10 denier and 34% by weight and formed in a bonding process with bandpass double. The% open area can be used to calculate the relative porosity of the two layers of Buffer A. The percentage of open area of each layer was determined with a higher light, photomicrography team, and the ImagePro ™ Plus computer analysis program. Each side was analyzed focusing on the layer of interest and adjusting the conditions to minimize the interference of the other layer. The results for the open area of the inner layer and outer layer were 17.9% (standard deviation 3.2%) and 59.3% (standard deviation 5.0%), respectively.

First, the cross sections of the tampons were mounted on a smear support leaving about 1 mm of the exposed buffer and examined at a magnification of 75X while the synthetic menstrual fluid was added using a ten microliter capillary supply system from Drummond Wiretral. 2-3 drops of fluid were added to each sample (each drop was approximately 2 microliters) and the equilibrium was reached within the sample. After 5 minutes, fluid was seen in the outer layer of the Buffer A cover, and the inner shell layer was relatively clean. In contrast, the commercial buffer and Buffer B had some fluid absorbed into the absorbent core. In a light flow absorption simulation, blotting paper was wrapped around the cross sections of a new buffer (20 mm long) and fixed with a rubber band of number 8, approximately 2 mm from the top of the sections of the tampon. The top edge of the blotting paper extended just above the buffer section to prevent fluid overflow. Synthetic menstrual fluid was added to the blotting paper using a 20 microliter capillary tube. First, 20 microliters were added and allowed to absorb. A second addition of 20 microliters of fluid was made to saturate the blotting paper. The blotting paper was pressed to determine if the fluid would penetrate from the cover to the core. Finally, an additional 20 microliters was added to oversaturate the blotting paper. The observations of the procedure were recorded. Neither Buffer A and B, nor the commercial buffer absorbed blotting fluid in the core without external pressure. With external pressure, the commercial tampon cover and Buffer B absorbed fluid in the absorbent core. In contrast, the outer layer of Buffer A was filled with fluid, but the inner layer prevented the fluid from being absorbed immediately into the absorbent core. Only after the inner layer was filled with fluid was the latter absorbed into the core. More pressure was required to induce fluid to be absorbed in the nucleus. During the higher fluid addition levels, all three buffers exhibited similar rapid fluid uptake through the shell in the core.

EXAMPLE 2 A spill test was performed at a 45 ° angle with a piece of blotting paper on which a cover material was placed. A saline fluid was introduced at a constant rate of a specimen into the test sample until the fluid spilled. The following samples were tested: two-component cover of 3 deniers and 8.5 gsm (control), single-band cover of 40 gsm with two-component PE / PET fibers of 3 denier and 100% by weight in the outer layer and with two-component PET fibers of 15 denier and 50% by weight and PE / PET of 10 denier and 50% by weight in the inner layer, double-band cover of 40 gsm with two PE / PET components of 3 denier and 100 % by weight in the outer layer and with two-component PET fibers of 15 denier and 66% by weight and PE / PET of 10 denier and 34% by weight in the inner layer. The last two materials are examples of the present invention. The results are shown below: A review of the results shows a significant increase in spillage time and improved fluid holding capacity by the covers according to the present invention. The above specification and examples are presented to assist in the complete and non-limiting understanding of the invention described herein. Because many variations and embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, the invention resides in the appended claims.

Claims (17)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A tampon comprising an absorbent structure and a multilayer cover substantially surrounding the absorbent structure; the cover comprises an outer layer capable of retaining liquid and an inner layer disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure; further characterized in that the inner layer creates a controlled interruption of the fluid flow between the outer layer and the absorbent structure by means of which the outer layer retains sufficient liquid to minimize the dryness of the vaginal wall prior to saturation of the structure absorbent.

2. The tampon according to claim 1, further characterized in that the outer layer has a first average pore size, the inner layer has a second average pore size, and the second average pore size is larger than the first average pore size.

3. The tampon according to claim 2, further characterized in that the absorbent structure has a third average pore size that is smaller than the second average pore size.

4. The tampon according to claim 1, further characterized in that the outer layer comprises materials that are more hydrophilic than the inner layer.

5. The tampon according to claim 4, further characterized in that the absorbent structure comprises materials that are more hydrophilic than the inner layer.

6. The tampon according to claim 4, further characterized in that the inner layer has a contact angle with water of less than about 90 °.

7. The tampon according to claim 1, further characterized in that the outer layer comprises a fibrous nonwoven strip having a first average denier, the inner layer comprising a fibrous nonwoven strip having a second average denier, and the second The average denier is greater than the first average denier.

8. The tampon according to claim 7, further characterized in that the outer layer has a thickness, the inner layer has a thickness, and a thickness ratio of the outer layer with respect to the thickness of the inner layer is between about 1 : 1 to approximately 1: 4

9. The tampon according to claim 2, further characterized in that the multilayer cover comprises foam material.

10. The tampon according to claim 1, further characterized in that the inner layer comprises a film with openings.

11. A tampon comprising an absorbent structure and a multilayer cover substantially surrounding the absorbent structure; the cover comprises an outer layer capable of retaining liquid and an inner layer disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure; further characterized in that the inner layer creates a separator to interrupt the flow of fluid between the outer layer and the absorbent structure under conditions of low fluid availability by means of which the outer layer retains sufficient liquid to minimize the dryness of the wall vaginal before saturation of the absorbent structure.

12. A tampon comprising an absorbent structure and a multilayer cover substantially surrounding the absorbent structure; the cover comprises (a) a fibrous outer layer having a first average pore size and being capable of retaining liquid and (b) a fibrous inner layer having a second average pore size disposed between the outer layer and the absorbent structure; further characterized in that the second average pore size is larger than the first average pore size and the inner layer creates a controlled interruption of the fluid flow between the outer layer and the absorbent structure by means of which the outer layer retains sufficient liquid to minimize the dryness of the vaginal wall before saturation of the absorbent structure.

13. The buffer according to claim 12, further characterized in that the absorbent structure has a third average pore size that is smaller than the second average pore size.

14. The tampon according to claim 12, further characterized in that the outer layer comprises a fibrous nonwoven strip having a first average denier, the inner layer comprising a fibrous nonwoven strip having a second average denier, and the second The average denier is greater than the first average denier.

15. The tampon according to claim 12, further characterized in that the outer layer has a thickness, the inner layer has a thickness, and a ratio of the thickness of the outer layer to the thickness of the inner layer is between about 1. : 1 to about 1: 4.

16. The tampon according to claim 1, further comprising an additional layer disposed between the inner layer and the absorbent structure.

17. The tampon according to claim 1, further comprising an additional layer disposed between the inner layer and the absorbent structure.