FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Fabio RiosOctober 11, 2007 General 510.229.5300

fabior@mayerlabs.com

HOW THIN IS MICROTHIN?Mayer Laboratories introduces the thinnest latex condom.

BERKELEY, CA – Mayer Laboratories Inc., announces the release of America’s thinnest latex condom: the new improved Kimono MicroThin. At 49 microns (.049 millimeters), Kimono MicroThin is the thinnest latex condom in the US. A thinness study conducted from April 2007 to September 2007 revealed Kimono MicroThin is 16% thinner than competing thin condoms.1 The condom study was conducted according to ASTM standards. (See ATTAched)

“We have been working on this condom for the past few years and have spent countless hours of research making Kimono MicroThin thinner without sacrificing reliability.” says David Mayer, President of Mayer Labs.

The new Kimono MicroThin features a new, straight-sided shape designed to fit a variety of sizes, making it easier to don, and very comfortable to wear. The thinner Kimono MicroThin has no mechanical add-ons, constricted areas, scents or colors. “It’s just very thin and that’s what consumers want,” says Mr. Mayer.

According to IRI data, in the past year, extra thin condom sales increased by over 15%, and now make up 22.3% of the $250 million condom market. 2

The thinner Kimono MicroThin aims to meet the increase in demand by maximizing sensation

through its sheerness and more comfortable shape. In a recent blind consumer study co-sponsored by condom country www.condom.com and Mayer Laboratories, 173 experienced condom users sampled the thinner Kimono MicroThin. 85% rated the MicroThin “above average” to “excellent” in terms of thinness. Over 70% of users rated the comfort level of the thinner MicroThin as above average, and 83% rated both ease of application, and removal as either “very good” or “excellent”.3 (See ATTAched)

Ivy chen, professor of contemporary Sexuality at San Francisco State University and author of Sex and Relationships: An Anthology, uses Kimono MicroThin condoms in presentations to students. “For teens touching condoms for the first time, it’s important that they are not turned off by a stinky, slimy, thick condom.” says Ms. Chen. Ms. Chen reviewed the new Kimono MicroThin condom and wrote: “Great thin condom, silky feel, no bad latex smell, great looking box…an excellent product.”

Made in Japan, Kimono MicroThin exceeds US safety standards (ASTM), and also the more strict international standards (ISO). Japanese condoms, which are often sought by condom connoisseurs, are known for their quality and attention to detail because of superior manufacturing technology and careful latex compounding techniques. Made with the highest quality latex and put through an assortment of rigorous tests, Kimono MicroThin is made to withstand intense friction while delivering the best sensitivity.

The thinner Kimono MicroThins are available at both small boutiques and major retailers throughout the United States, canada and online including duane Reade, Longs drugs, Meijer, hyVee, Raleys, Pik n’ Save, Copps, Bartells and others. Kimono MicroThin condoms are the leading brand in natural food stores including Whole Foods, Wild Oats and others, and the complete line of Kimono condoms are available at condom country www.condom.com, drugstore.com, and other e-tailers.

New MicroThin Press Announcement – Page 2

Mayer Labs is an innovative, california-based company with 20 years of experience in marketing and distributing the best quality consumer healthcare products in the United States and abroad. Mayer Labs’ products include Kimono brand condoms, Aqua Lube personal lubricants, Fc Female condom, and digitex brand examination gloves. For more information about Mayer Laboratories visit www.MayerLabs.com.

# # #

1. 2007 Study of competing “Thin” Condoms – Comparison tests performed according to ASTM standards.2. IRI FDM 52wk – August 12, 20073. 2007 Internal consumer Opinion Study.

Methods

Mayer Laboratories Inc, of Berkeley, California and Sagami Rubber Industries Company Ltd of Tokyo, Japan undertook an investigation into the thinness of US condom companies’ “extra thin” latex condoms. The investigation was conducted from April through August 2007.

Mayer Labs reviewed the marketplace and selected the thinnest condoms as identified by manufacturers. Products were purchased in the marketplace with sufficient quantities of the same lot/batch to conform to recognized standard testing. The condoms were tested for thinness according to ASTM 3492-03 (American Society for Testing Materials) standards.

According to ASTM standard protocol, prior to measuring the thinness, condoms must first be washed of any dressing (lubricants, flavors, etc) and then dried at room temperature for a minimum of 16 hours. Next, measurements are taken at three locations (see figure 1.1). Starting from the closed end (tip) the locations are: 30± 5 mm; 90 ± 5 mm; and 150 ± 5 mm respectively. The results for each lot/batch are then averaged and measurements are reported to the nearest 0.01 mm. The results are stated with the finding and the standard deviation.

Results

Below are the results of the Mayer Labs & Sagami thinness study for all the brands tested in order from thinnest to thickest.

The results in table 2.1 are an expression of the thickness at the 90 mm location of the condom which is approximately half way down the length of the condom. This point of measurement was selected for the comparison point as it is a distance at which all consumers would be able to feel the condoms’ thinness during use.

Conclusion

According to randomly purchased products, the new Kimono MicroThin and Kimono MicroThin with Aqua Lube are the thinnest condoms in the U.S measuring 6-16% thinner than competing thin condoms. While many manufacturers have claimed thinner specifications as stated in various publications and websites, our study reveals the thinness of products in the marketplace according to ASTM protocols. As stated in our results, we selected the 90 mm point of comparison because it is the point at which consumers can feel the condoms thinness; it is, however, common for a condom to be thinner at the base which may be used as the point of comparison by other manufacturers.

30mm

90mm

150mm

Kimono MicroThin

Trojan Ultra Thin

Crown Skinless Skin

Durex Extra Sensitive

Lifestyles UltraThin

Millimeters .04 .05 .06

Kimono Micro Thin 0.049 ± .001 mmTrojan Ultra Thin 0.052 ± .001 mmDurex Extra Sesitive 0.055 ± .001 mmCrown Skinless Skin 0.055 ± .003 mmLifestyles Ultra Thin 0.057 ± .003 mm

Figure 1.1 Points of Measurment

Figure 2.1 Results Table of All Tested Condom Brands Figure 2.2 Results Chart of All Tested Condom Brands

Brands tested Thickness Std. Dev

Condom Thinness Study

Consumer Opinion Study

Abstract

Prior to launching the new, re-designed thinner Kimono MicroThin which features a new shape, Mayer Laboratories wanted to evaluate how experienced condom users would judge the new condom. 88% of respondents thought the new condoms thinness was very good to excellent. 74% said condom comfort was very good to excellent.

Methods

Mayer Laboratories Inc, of Berkeley, California and Condom Country www.Condom.com, a Seattle, Washington e-tailer conducted a blind study to test consumers’ opinions of a re-designed and thinner Kimono MicroThin condom.

Condom Country randomly selected over 900 “experienced condom users” from its database. Experienced condom users were identified as persons with three or more purchases from Condom Country. An email was sent out by Condom Country to the identified users informing them about the opportunity to try and evaluate a new, un-released condom (no mention of brand or company was made). 173 experienced users responded.

Each respondent received an unmarked package containing two non-branded condoms, two questionnaires (one for the user and one for the partner), and a return envelope. Users were given approximately two weeks to evaluate the condoms. Users who returned the questionnaires prior to a specific date were promised a free 12 pack of premium condoms. No other incentive was provided.

Results

Mayer Laboratories evaluated a number of qualitative criteria for condom preference. Below are the results of the most critical aspects. Of the users participating, 91% reported using condoms a majority of the time to every time.

There was critical feedback regarding the amount of lubricant. 57% of users felt there should be more lubricant.

Conclusion

The thinner Kimono MicroThin proved to be a favorable condom among the experienced condom users. Two main characteristics, thinness and comfort, received “very good” to “excellent” ratings of 88% and 74% respectively. Consumers also included general comments about the condom. Two very popular comments were: 1) The condom felt great; very thin. 2) The condom needed a bit more lubricant. The amount of lubricant has been adjusted in the final product.

9%9%

37%45%

3%

23%

40%

34%

Ease of ApplicationThinness

Excellent

Very Good

Average

Not Good

Very Bad

Comfort Thinness compared to most commonly used condom

Look and Appearance

3% 9%

37%51%

14%

46%

40%

Slightly Thicker9%

Same23%

Much Thinner20%

Slightly Thinner48%

40%

43%

11%

Ease of Removal

3% 3%

How often do you use condoms?

Majority of Times60%

Sometimes6%

Every Time31%

Never3%

There are many tests performed on Kimono MicroThin Condoms to ensure reliability. Airburst, tensile test, rapid aging test, water leak test, pin hole test, and water burst test.

The Thinner Kimono MicroThin measures only 49 microns thin, making it the thinnest latex condom on the shelf.

The latex is tested to make sure it is of premium quality, as only the best, purest latex can be used to produce a MicroThin condom.

What are Kimono Condoms?

In 1987 Mayer Laboratories introduced Kimono brand condoms. Manufactured in Japan, Kimono condoms are made of the finest natural rubber latex. Kimono provides for a remarkably sensitive and sensual experience. Kimono established the premium condom category in the US, creating a niche brand focused on quality and sheerness to compete in the sea of Trojans and Durex. After 20 years of product excellence and innovation Kimono condoms are still the thinnest condoms available to consumers in the US. Kimono brand condoms continue to receive the highest ratings in consumer tests for strength, sensitivity, and reliability.

What is Kimono MicroThin and what makes it different?

Kimono MicroThin created the super thin condom category in 1991. Now even thinner, Kimono MicroThins are the thinnest latex condoms available in the US market, offering increased sensa-tion. Ultra thin, yet strong, Kimono MicroThin condoms are a mere 49 microns thin, making them 38% thinner than average condoms and 6-16% thinner than any major competitors “thin” condoms.

How reliable are Kimono condoms?

Mayer Laboratories is committed to producing the finest condoms available in North America. Complete factory testing, independent laboratory analysis, and regular FDA inspections combine to form a comprehensive quality assurance program designed to provide maximum protection and product reliability to our customers. In addition, Kimono condoms are measured against (and surpass) international standards (ISO). Every Mayer Labs’ condom is individually electronically tested.

Why are Japanese condoms the best?

Kimono’s sensitivity and superior strength are a hallmark of Japanese condom technology. Since over 75% of Japanese couples rely on condoms for contraception (birth control pills were banned until recently), Japanese manufacturers have paid a great deal of attention to product quality to meet the demand of consumers. It starts with special latex formulations combined with state-of-the-art technology. Through advanced engineering and technology, Kimono condoms combine sheer thinness and exceptional strength.

Are condoms from Japan smaller?

This is a common myth. Japanese-made Kimono condoms are not smaller than other regular size condoms. Kimono condoms are shipped all over the world and are made for the US market. The average width of condoms is 2 inches. Kimono MicroThin condoms measure 2.05 inches wide. Kimono MicroThin LARGE is designed with a larger width at the head and added length.

Why does condom shape matter?

Different condom shapes create different feelings and can impact ease of application. Different personal preferences when it comes to the shape of a condom are based on consumer experience. Some prefer a form fit condom that indents below the head of the penis while others prefer a flared fit condom which may feel less restrictive on the penis. Comfort plays a big role in the consistent use of condoms, therefore it is essential for users to try various types to find the condom that is best for them. In a recent consumer study, 74% of users said the new Kimono MicroThin was very good to excellent in terms of comfort.

Kimono MicroThinTrojan Ultra Thin Crown Skinless

Durex Extra SensitiveLifestyles UltraThin

Millimeters .04 .05 .06 *

*Internal study according to ASTM Standards April - August 2007

Frequently Asked Questions

The thinner Kimono MicroThin features a new shape that allows a comfortable fit and easy application (left). Kimono MicroThin LARGE features a flared head offering extra room (right).

The crane, koi, and dragon featured on the new packaging of Kimono condoms each have a special significance of life, health, and beauty.

How did Mayer Labs create its exquisite package designs?

Made in Japan, Mayer Labs wanted the new packaging to transmit and evoke some of the fine aspects of Japanese culture and beliefs. Each design carries purpose and special significance communicating life, health, strength, and sensuality.

The Crane (Kimono MicroThin)

The crane is a majestic bird recognized through generations for its gracefulness and beauty. Always loyal, the crane mates throughout its entire life. The crane is known for its strength, as they are able to fly thousands of miles during migration.

The Dragon (Kimono MicroThin LARGE)

Dragons in Japan are not feared but revered with much respect and honor. Japanese dragons are known for their strength, size and virility. Dragons are very trustworthy and known to bring good luck.

The Koi (Kimono MicroThin with Aqua Lube)

Koi represent love and affection. Koi are sensual, and display their elegance and color through their fluid motion.

The new shiny and colorful packaging for the Kimono MicroThins attract the attention of shoppers as it appears elegant in the purse or on the night stand.

Are Kimono condoms natural?

Made from natural rubber, all Kimono condoms provide effective contraception and disease prevention without the use of chemicals and spermicides. Use of Kimono condoms instead of oral contraceptives means no exposure to or side effects from artificial hormones. Kimono condoms are free of casein, and any other animal derived components. Kimono is vegan friendly.

How much do Kimono MicroThin condoms cost?

Kimono MicroThin brand condoms are available at average retail prices of $4.50 (3-pack); $13.00 (12-pack); $20.00 (24-pack).

Where are Kimono MicroThin condoms available?

Kimono MicroThin condoms are the best selling Kimono style and are sold by major retailers throughout the United States, Canada and online including Duane Reade, Longs Drugs, Kerr Drugs, Meijer, HyVee, Raleys, Save Mart, Pik n’ Save, Copps, Bartells and others. Kimono MicroThin condoms are the leading condom brand in natural food stores including Whole Foods, Wild Oats and others.

What should a consumer do if they don’t have a retailer near them?

Consumers who do not know where to find Kimono brand condoms can order online through a variety of online retailers including Condom.com, DrugStore.com and Walgreens.com.

MicroThin Ultra Thin, MicroThin Ultra Lubricated, and MicroThin LARGE all feature new exquisite package design.

Frequently Asked Questions