Method testing a light duty tampon

A tampon 308 having an absorbency of 6 grams of liquid or less has its density, width and expansion rate determined. The density may be measured by slicing the tampon into equal length sections and individually measuring their mass and volume and correcting for moisture content. A camera 301 mounted on a tripod 302 is used to take photographs of the tampon during absorbent capacity testing and image analysis software is then used to measure the change in width over time to calculate an expansion rate. Preferably, the width is measured at two or more points along the tampon. The liquid used may include a dye or can be defibrinated sheepâ s blood. Also disclosed is a light tampon in which the absorbent material has a uniform dry density of 0.2 grams/cc or less, the expansion rate is 1.7 mm/min or less and the average delta expansion is 50% or less.