Abstract:
The present invention relates to sanitary protection article that is structured and arranged to maintain menstrual fluid within the vagina and thereby prevent the menstrual fluid from excaping the body. The present invention also relates to a method of selectively maintaining menstrual fluid within the vagina by means of using such article.
Abstract:
An intravaginal device has a first structural material formed into a device frame and a second cushioning material having a thickness surrounding portions of the device frame. The first structural material includes a working portion and an anchoring portion extending therefrom. The device frame includes interconnected elongate elements having a maximum cross-section of less than about 5 mm and a longitudinal axis. The device frame has a plurality of primary bearing surfaces arranged and configured to bear on vaginal tissue during insertion and use, and the thickness of the cushioning material on the device frame is greater on the primary bearing surfaces than on surfaces of the device frame disposed toward the device interior. Preferably, the first structural material is a high modulus polymer and the second material is a thermoplastic elastomer. The intravaginal device may be included in a device delivery system including a delivery applicator.