O.B. tampons are non-applicator tampons manufactured by Johnson & Johnson. They come in several sizes to best fit each woman's individual body and needs. Some women find them easy to use and efficient because of their size and their discreetness in a woman's purse. Since they don't contain cardboard or plastic applicators, they also are considered more environmentally friendly than other tampon brands.
Origins
O.B. tampons were designed by a female gynecologist, Dr. Judith Esser, in the 1940s. She named her brand of tampons O.B. to stand for "ohne binde," which means "without napkins" in German. She kept size in mind to make sure the product is small enough to be discreet in a woman's handbag. O.B. tampons come in four sizes to fit each woman's size, menstrual flow and comfort level.
Types
The main distinguishing feature of O.B. tampons is that they have no applicator, because applicators are typically straight and vaginas are curved, and O.B. believes that no applicator makes it easier to insert. There are many types of O.B. tampons, including regular, super, superplus, multi-pack and a to-go purse pack. Women can choose which type is best for them and use just one type all the way through their cycle, or vary the types during the course of that time span to meet each day's individual needs. O.B. tampons also are available in O.B. ProComfort with a "Silk Touch cover" for more comfort during use, according to O.B.'s website.
The Shortage
In 2010 there was a shortage of O.B. tampons. Johnson & Johnson dropped O.B.'s "Ultra" line of tampons, due to a "business decision," according to a January 19, 2001, MSNBC.com news article by Jessica Wohl. It has been speculated in other news articles and popular blogs like the "New York Times" Health blog "Prescriptions," but never confirmed, that this was due to a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) issue that involved toxic shock syndrome, a condition that can be brought on by not changing a tampon every eight hours as suggested by the FDA. However, the producers of O.B. tampons never confirmed this rumor.
Popularity
This particular tampon's brand popularity shone through the most when production was suddenly discontinued. Shortly after the Ultra products were discontinued in 2010, all types of O.B. tampons started flying off drugstore shelves. In a notice posted on O.B.'s main website dated February 16, 2011, the company acknowledged the supply shortage and the frustration of consumers because of this problem. They stated that they are working on getting the tampons back on store shelves, while also confirming that the Ultra type of tampon was discontinued.
Tags: each woman, , never confirmed, that they, types tampons