Airbag release aid

The present invention relates generally to gas inflators for automotive passenger restraint systems, and more specifically, to an inflator having an improved restraint performance, a reduction in toxic gases, and an improved airbag release. A solid propellant gas generator contains a bed of agglomerated or beaded hydrated gelatin. The gelatin/water bed is oriented such that at least substantially filtered combustion products are humidified by the water vapor as the filtered combustion products pass over the bed. Relative thereto, a method of improving the release and inflation of an airbag of a vehicle occupant protection system is also described. Humidification of at least substantially filtered combustion products results in a reduced pressure requirement to open and inflate a stored airbag in fluid communication with the gas generator.