Umm ok tampax compak have a plastic applicator that you kinda slide out before u use it, (so they are smaller in length to fit in ur bag/pocket or whatever), whereas normal applicator tampax are made of cardboard not plastic and the applicator bit is already extended so they are longer (not the actual tampon bit, but the applicator). When i first used them i prefered the compak because the plastic is smoother lol so they are easier to get used to,and they are more discreet, but really there is not much difference. Maybe get both and see which u prefer?