The present invention relates to an apparatus for effectively agitating non-cellulosic fibers in a foamed medium, comprising agitating means mounted for displacement within the foamed medium and including a leading surface facing in the direction of displacement. The leading surface includes upper and lower portions converging in the direction of displacement to form a generally convex leading surface and driving means for displacing the agitating means in the direction of displacement for dispersing and mutually separating the metal fibers within the foamed medium. The present invention further relates to a method for forming a non-woven fibrous web comprised of non-cellulosic fibers which comprises forming a foam furnish by agitating the fibers in a foamed medium with the aforedescribed apparatus, and passing the foam furnish onto a screen and defoaming the furnish.