A catamenial tampon in the form of a soft, conformable, hollow bag which is capable of being inserted digitally or through the use of a unique applicator. The tampon has an outer surface, an inner surface, a head portion and a trailing portion. The inner surface of the tampon defines an interior of the tampon wherein the head portion is closed and the trailing portion defines an opening into the interior of the tampon. The tampon may have a shape modulus of compression of less than 0.05 pounds force. The tampon preferably includes a removal string, which can be attached to the inside or outside surface of the tampon.