I used the plastic applicators before switching to OB. To start out, I think the the pearls or sports are good idea to help with placement and to get a feel of where they should be in the beginning. The cardboard ones are annoying as there is nothing to hold onto and the cardboard is not as smooth.

I switched to OB because there are no dies or perfumes to irritate, if sensitive to these things. I found I have better coverage with these, no leakage and the I feel better environmentally not having the applicator to throw away. Besides they are more discreet to carry around. However, they take some getting used to for insertion.

Just remember to take them out. Use the recommended time period indicated by the instructions. You may involuntarily tense when going to remove it, just need to relax the muscles to ease its removal.

The reminder sounds silly, but I can't tell you how many times working in the ER someone weekly has come in with pains days after their period from a tampon they've forgotten. That's how comfortable they can be, you can forget they're there.

I definitely appreciate them.