A description referring to fig1 there is shown a side view of an occupant protection apparatus 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention apparatus 10 is directed to assisting in the deployment and lateral support of a side impact restraint device apparatus 10 actively assists the restraint device in rapidly and accurately deploying in a direction away from a vehicle roof rail once deployed the apparatus provides lateral support to the restraint lessening the likelihood that it will be displaced or forced out through the vehicle window during a crash or rollover event and likewise reducing the risk of occupant ejection and or injury apparatus 10 includes a restraint device 12 which is preferably a conventional inflatable airbag or cushion shown in its folded stored condition as it would appear in a de activated state prior to a crash it should be appreciated that embodiments are contemplated in which a non inflatable curtain is utilized rather than an airbag in a preferred embodiment apparatus 10 is stored in the vehicle within the trim panels and the cushion u201c bursts u201d through tears or otherwise displaces the trim when it is deployed in a manner well known in the art an inflator 11 is also preferably provided and may be any suitable pyrotechnic inflator or compressed gas inflator though a pyrotechnic type is preferred an inflator tube 14 preferably connects inflator 11 to an inlet of cushion.