Vehicle door structure and armrest

There is disclosed a vehicle door structure for an automotive vehicle comprising a door including an outer panel and an inner panel attached together to define a door cavity therebetween. An armrest secured to the door inner panel includes an inner cavity and is collapsible against the door inner panel upon the imposition of a predetermined level of force against the armrest. The armrest also includes an inflatable airpad in the inner cavity for receiving and venting a volume of air therein. The airpad includes an outlet aperture in fluid communication with the door cavity and an inlet aperture in fluid communication with a source of compressed air disposed remotely from the door. The armrest is collapsibly and retractably secured to the door such that the armrest projects into the vehicle when the door is closed and is retracted against the door when the door is open.