New Plastic Condoms Are Made from HIV-Blocking Polyurethane: America's Leading Condom Retailer is Among The First to Sell The New Plastic Condom For Men

LOS ANGELES - January 1, 1995 - Condomania, the first condom store in the nation, has added the world's first polyurethane male condom, Avanti, to its vast assortment of condoms, lubricants and related products. The Avanti condom is made from a unique polyurethane substance, the first innovation in male condom material in 70 years.

Developed by London International, makers of Sheik and Ramses condoms, Avanti is the first and only male polyurethane condom to be marketed in the U.S. The unique properties of polyurethane give the Avanti many advantages over traditional latex condoms. According to London International, the polyurethane that is used to make Avanti is twice as strong as traditional latex, and at least twice as thin, which significantly increases sensitivity. The Avanti can also be used safely with oil-based lubricants, while latex condoms cannot. In addition, the Avanti is odorless, colorless and is a great alternative for people who are allergic to latex. Unlike latex condoms which act as an insulator, polyurethane condoms are heat conductive, warming to body temperature for a more natural feel. Most significantly, laboratory tests have shown that particles, even ones as small as sperm and HIV, cannot pass through the unique polyurethane material of Avanti.

According to the Centers For Disease Control, the number of Americans who are now HIV positive is over 1,000,000, or more than one in 100 sexually active Americans. Adam Glickman, Condomania's founder and president, states "The introduction of Avanti represents a dramatic step forward for safer sex. For the first time, we have a condom which will meet the demands of those who want to practice safer sex, but are not satisfied with the current selection of condoms."

When asked if he believes that the introduction of Avanti will inspire more people to practice safer sex, Glickman responds, "The Avanti will not only appeal to novice and seasoned condom users alike, it will have vast implications on the sociology of condom use. There are still thousands of men who know that they should be using condoms, or who may even want to use condoms, but do not because they are still bound by societal attitudes and stigmas, such as 'real men don't use condoms.' Others hide behind excuses like 'condoms don't feel good,' remembering the Trojan they used ten years ago. I believe the introduction of the high-tech Avanti will give these men a reason to use condoms, rationalizing that there may actually be something new to try, something better."

According to London International, various aspects of the Avanti were tested in user studies, and 70 percent of the participants felt that Avanti provided a more natural feeling and increased sensitivity when compared to their regular brand. In another study, 86 percent of the participants found Avanti to be more comfortable than their current brand of condom.

London International is introducing the Avanti on a regional basis, initially distributing to condom retailers west of the Rocky Mountains. National distribution will begin in the fall of 1995. Avanti is manufactured in two styles, Regular and Super Thin, and is currently available in Condomania's Los Angeles and New York locations, and through Condomania's mail order division (by calling 1-800-9CONDOM).

Established in New York in 1991, Condomania focuses on assisting customers of every age, sex, culture and sexual orientation in the purchase of condoms and safer sex products. Condomania's innovative boutiques feature over 300 condoms from around the world, merchandised by style to help the customer choose from the variety of products currently available, including extra-large and snugger fit condoms, Japanese ultra-thin condoms, flavored condoms and the recently introduced female condom, Reality.

In 1993 Condomania's Mail Order Division was established in response to the thousands of people requesting a way to order the best of Condomania's products from the comfort of their home. Today, people from all 50 states and many countries regularly call Condomania to order their favorite condoms and related products, or to find condoms that are not available in their area. All of Condomania's employees, including phone operators, are trained to take the complicated medical terminology, vague sexual innuendos and misinformation that often surround the discussion of sexually transmitted diseases, and translate these into clear and practical information that can be utilized.

All Condomania sales clerks and mail order operators have undergone special training over the past few weeks to answer questions that are likely to arise with the introduction of Avanti. Avanti is available at Condomania in three packs for $5.95 and in six packs for $10.95. For more information on Avanti, please contact London International's media contact: Edelman Medical Communications at 212-704-8246.

LOS ANGELES - January 1, 1995 - Condomania, the first condom store in the nation, has added the world's first polyurethane male condom, Avanti, to its vast assortment of condoms, lubricants and related products. The Avanti condom is made from a unique polyurethane substance, the first innovation in male condom material in 70 years.

Developed by London International, makers of Sheik and Ramses condoms, Avanti is the first and only male polyurethane condom to be marketed in the U.S. The unique properties of polyurethane give the Avanti many advantages over traditional latex condoms. According to London International, the polyurethane that is used to make Avanti is twice as strong as traditional latex, and at least twice as thin, which significantly increases sensitivity. The Avanti can also be used safely with oil-based lubricants, while latex condoms cannot. In addition, the Avanti is odorless, colorless and is a great alternative for people who are allergic to latex. Unlike latex condoms which act as an insulator, polyurethane condoms are heat conductive, warming to body temperature for a more natural feel. Most significantly, laboratory tests have shown that particles, even ones as small as sperm and HIV, cannot pass through the unique polyurethane material of Avanti.

According to the Centers For Disease Control, the number of Americans who are now HIV positive is over 1,000,000, or more than one in 100 sexually active Americans. Adam Glickman, Condomania's founder and president, states "The introduction of Avanti represents a dramatic step forward for safer sex. For the first time, we have a condom which will meet the demands of those who want to practice safer sex, but are not satisfied with the current selection of condoms."

When asked if he believes that the introduction of Avanti will inspire more people to practice safer sex, Glickman responds, "The Avanti will not only appeal to novice and seasoned condom users alike, it will have vast implications on the sociology of condom use. There are still thousands of men who know that they should be using condoms, or who may even want to use condoms, but do not because they are still bound by societal attitudes and stigmas, such as 'real men don't use condoms.' Others hide behind excuses like 'condoms don't feel good,' remembering the Trojan they used ten years ago. I believe the introduction of the high-tech Avanti will give these men a reason to use condoms, rationalizing that there may actually be something new to try, something better."

According to London International, various aspects of the Avanti were tested in user studies, and 70 percent of the participants felt that Avanti provided a more natural feeling and increased sensitivity when compared to their regular brand. In another study, 86 percent of the participants found Avanti to be more comfortable than their current brand of condom.

London International is introducing the Avanti on a regional basis, initially distributing to condom retailers west of the Rocky Mountains. National distribution will begin in the fall of 1995. Avanti is manufactured in two styles, Regular and Super Thin, and is currently available in Condomania's Los Angeles and New York locations, and through Condomania's mail order division (by calling 1-800-9CONDOM).

Established in New York in 1991, Condomania focuses on assisting customers of every age, sex, culture and sexual orientation in the purchase of condoms and safer sex products. Condomania's innovative boutiques feature over 300 condoms from around the world, merchandised by style to help the customer choose from the variety of products currently available, including extra-large and snugger fit condoms, Japanese ultra-thin condoms, flavored condoms and the recently introduced female condom, Reality.

In 1993 Condomania's Mail Order Division was established in response to the thousands of people requesting a way to order the best of Condomania's products from the comfort of their home. Today, people from all 50 states and many countries regularly call Condomania to order their favorite condoms and related products, or to find condoms that are not available in their area. All of Condomania's employees, including phone operators, are trained to take the complicated medical terminology, vague sexual innuendos and misinformation that often surround the discussion of sexually transmitted diseases, and translate these into clear and practical information that can be utilized.

All Condomania sales clerks and mail order operators have undergone special training over the past few weeks to answer questions that are likely to arise with the introduction of Avanti. Avanti is available at Condomania in three packs for $5.95 and in six packs for $10.95. For more information on Avanti, please contact London International's media contact: Edelman Medical Communications at 212-704-8246.

[Press Releases] Posted by filchyboy at January 1, 1995 12:00 PM