Abstract: The process comprises the steps of gripping top and bottom boundaries of the face portion of the main panel of the cushion and pulling it so that the front face portion is generally planar and the side panels extend generally outward from the canister. First and second folding combs move inward from the opposite sides of the cushion. From the front a third folding comb moves rearward. Plates of the combs interdigitate with portions of the cushion inbetween, thus creating accordion folds. Fourth and fifth folding combs move in from the sides and their plates interdigitate with the plates of the other three combs, tucking excess portions of the cushion inbetween the accordion folds already formed. The package thus formed is compressed and then moved into the canister. A dust cover is slid over the front of the canister.