Abstract: A gas generator has a gas generating combustion chamber with an igniter or fuse for igniting an ignitable charge needed for the gas generation. At least one filter housing is attached to the gas generating chamber. The generated pressurized gases enter into the filter housing in one direction, for example an axial direction, and pass out of the filter in another direction, for example in a radial direction, under the influence of a gas flow distribution member which makes sure that the filter volume is efficiently used by uniformly distributing the gas volume throughout the filter volume. The gas exiting from the filter housing inflates a safety bag for the protection of persons in a vehicle.