Cleared Traditional

K180850 - re.t.a Reuseable Tampon Applicator (FDA 510(k) Clearance)

Class II Obstetrics & Gynecology device cleared through predicate-based substantial equivalence - typically does not require clinical trials.

K180850 · Thinx, Inc. · Obstetrics & Gynecology device
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Optimized for regulatory review, auditing and printing
Aug 2018
Decision
140d
Days
Class 2
Risk

K180850 is an FDA 510(k) clearance for the re.t.a Reuseable Tampon Applicator. Classified as Tampon, Menstrual, Unscented (product code HEB), Class II - Special Controls.

Submitted by Thinx, Inc. (New York, US). The FDA issued a Cleared decision on August 20, 2018 after a review of 140 days - within the typical 510(k) review window.

This device falls under the Obstetrics & Gynecology FDA review panel, regulated under 21 CFR 884.5470 - the FDA obstetrics and gynecology device framework. The Traditional 510(k) pathway establishes clearance through substantial equivalence to a legally marketed predicate device, without requiring clinical trial data.

Device pattern: Standard predicate-based submission. Standard predicate reliance. This clearance follows a standard predicate-based equivalence path within the Obstetrics & Gynecology review framework, consistent with the majority of Class II 510(k) submissions.

View all Thinx, Inc. devices

Submission Details

510(k) Number K180850 FDA.gov
FDA Decision Cleared Substantially Equivalent - Traditional 510(k) (SESE)
Date Received April 02, 2018
Decision Date August 20, 2018
Days to Decision 140 days
Submission Type Traditional
Review Panel Obstetrics & Gynecology (OB)
Summary Summary PDF
Third-party Review No - reviewed directly by FDA
Regulatory Context
Review time vs. panel average
20d faster than avg
Panel avg: 160d · This submission: 140d
Pathway characteristics
Predicate-based equivalence. No clinical trials required.

Device Classification

Product Code HEB Tampon, Menstrual, Unscented
Device Class Class 2 - Special Controls
CFR Regulation 21 CFR 884.5470
Definition An Unscented Menstrual Tampon Is A Plug Made Of Cellulosic Or Synthetic Material That Is Inserted Into The Vagina And Used To Absorb Menstrual Fluid Or Other Vaginal Discharge.
What this classification means

Class II devices require demonstration of substantial equivalence to a legally marketed predicate device. This pathway does not require clinical trials - it relies on engineering equivalence and performance data. Most Obstetrics & Gynecology devices follow this clearance model.

Regulatory Peers - HEB Tampon, Menstrual, Unscented

All 188
Devices cleared under the same product code (HEB) and FDA review panel - the closest regulatory comparables to K180850.
Livi Device
K252005 · Liviwell, Inc. · Mar 2026
Unscented Menstrual Long Applicator Tampon
K253719 · Unibeauty (Hubei) Technology Co., Ltd. · Dec 2025
COHITECH ORGANIC COTTON COMPACT APPLICATOR TAMPONS
K252939 · Cotton High Tech S.L. · Oct 2025
Unscented menstrual three-piece applicator tampon
K252613 · Unibeauty (Hubei) Technology Co., Ltd. · Sep 2025
Unscented menstrual long applicator tampon
K251033 · Unibeauty (Hubei) Technology Co., Ltd. · Aug 2025
SABA Tampons
K242105 · Essity Higiene Y Salud Mexico. S.A. DE C.V. · Apr 2025