An inflator of a vehicle safety restraint system having a flow inhibitor system which forces ignition gases through a gas generant of the inflator. A housing includes a gas generant chamber and an igniter for generating an ignition gas. A gas generant is disposed within the gas generant chamber for generating an inflation gas. A shock absorbing devive supports the gas generant in the housing. The shock absorber is disposed within a region of the gas generant chamber. A flow inhibitor blocks the flow of the ignition gas into the region of the shock absorber. The flow inhibitor is disposed adjacent the shock absorber, such that the ignition gas does not enter the region of the shock absorber but passes solely through the gas generant.
