An inflator and cushion retaining device for mounting an airbag inflator and an airbag cushion within a motor vehicle. The inflator and cushion retaining device includes an elongated trough for receiving and supporting a sidewall of the airbag inflator. The trough extends from an endwall to an open end, and the endwall defines an opening for receiving a mounting stud extending from an end of the airbag inflator. At least one tooth extends into the opening from the endwall for catching the mounting stud and securing the mounting stud within the opening. A pair of arms extends from the trough adjacent the open end for wrapping around the inflator and securing the inflator within the trough. At least one rib protrudes inwardly from the trough adjacent the open end for spacing the sidewall of the inflator away from the trough. The inflation and cushion retaining device and the inflator are contained within an airbag cushion. Studs extend transversely to and outwardly from the outside of the trough and through openings in the airbag cushion for mounting the airbag cushion together with the inflator and cushion retention device and the airbag inflator, as part of an airbag module within a motor vehicle.