Deedee, definately try the OB non-applicators. they're the best tampon out there imo.
Playtex & Tampax suck imo. I'd always have a mess, and when Id remove it, there'd be nothing on the tampon. They take a bit of getting used to, but once you get the hang of it, you won't want to go back. My best friend turned me onto those when I was 14. Haven't used any other brand since.