Tampon and method of forming same

A catamenial tampon (40) having a protective finger sheath (42) is disclosed along with a method of forming the tampon (40). The tampon (40) includes an absorbent pledget (26) having an insertion end (30) and a trailing end (32). A cover is secured to the absorbent and at least partially encloses the pledget (26) such that it cannot be separated from it. The cover extends beyond the trailing end (32) of the pledget (26) in the form of a flexible sheath (42). The sheath is sized and configured to easily receive and encircle a finger (48) of the user and is designed to prevent soiling of the finger during insertion of the tampon into her vagina. The sheath (42) can collapse upon itself once the pledget (26) is inserted into the woman's vagina. The sheath (42) also provides a reliable means for removing the tampon from her vagina in a clean and easy manner. The method of forming the tampon is also disclosed. The method includes forming an absorbent ribbon having a predetermined width. Positioning the absorbent ribbon over a cover with a portion of the cover having a width greater than the width of the absorbent ribbon. The absorbent ribbon and the cover are then cut to a desired length and both materials are rolled into a cylindrically shaped softwind. The softwind has a portion of the cover material extending longitudinally outward from one end in the form of a flexible sheath (42). The softwind is then radially compressed into a pledget (26) and the insertion end (30) of the pledget (26) is rounded to facilitate it's insertion into a woman's vagina.