As a leading consumer research company, Simmons takes very seriously the subject of consumer and respondent privacy. Simmons' ability to collect accurate information on consumer preferences and attitudes depends largely on earning the confidence of our respondents that Simmons will safeguard their identities. SIMMONS CONSIDERS THE BOND OF PRIVACY WITH ITS RESPONDENTS AS ITS MOST IMPORTANT ASSET.

In the National Consumer Survey, where the identity of the respondent is necessary for mailing purposes, all addresses and telephone numbers are kept in separate files that are apart from the data collected in the survey. These files are purged from the active survey records once the study is completed.

Telephone interviewers working on the National Consumer Survey are required to sign a confidentiality agreement in which they assure that all information provided by respondents will be kept completely confidential. Failure to abide by Simmons' strict codes of confidentiality will result in immediate termination.

Simmons takes great care to ensure that the names, addresses, phone numbers and any other identifying characteristics of our survey respondents are held in the strictest confidence. Simmons is proud of its commitment to consumer privacy.