Apparatus and method for controlling an inflatable cushion

An airbag module (14), having a housing (16); an inflatable cushion (20) being stored in an un-deployed position in the housing; an inflator (18) for inflating the inflatable cushion, the inflator being in fluid communication with the inflatable cushion; a tension device (50); a tether element (48) being secured to the inflatable cushion at one end and the tension device at the other; the tension device applies tension to the tether after the inflatable cushion is inflated to a first configuration by the inflator.