Abstract: A method of manufacturing an air cushion including the steps of cutting two pieces from an uncured rubber sheet, stacking the pieces, placing a stencil on the stacked pieces and punching two guide openings in the pieces, placing a stencil on each piece, the stencils having corresponding openings therein two of which are aligned with the guide holes in the pieces, applying adhesive around the periphery of the stencils and at the openings, placing the pieces together with the sides to which the adhesive has been applied in contact with each other, a paper stencil remaining between the two pieces, affixing an uncured rubber valve stem by adhesive, and curing the pieces with the valve stem attached to vulcanize the pieces to a single unit, the paper stencil preventing the pieces from adhering except for the openings in the stencil and the periphery whereby, after vulcanizing, air may be applied through the valve stem to expand the cushion.