Abstract: An ironing roller adapted for use in a heated trough mangle comprising a hollow cylindrical drum having a plurality of perforations therethrough thereby forming a generally screen-type perforated shell, a gas permeable padding layer formed of intrinsic elastic material, the padding layer being defined by a plurality of strips of material connected together in end-to-end and wrapped helically about the shell, the elastic material being thermally resistant resiliant silicon rubber having a Shore hardness generally within the range of 50 to 75, but preferably 55 to 65, a mesh-like inlay within the strips, a fabric cover covering an exterior generally cylindrical surface of the padding layer, the exterior cylindrical surface being roughened, the strips having a plurality of through holes distributed along the lengths thereof, the strips having under surfaces engaging the perforated shell with a plurality of channel-like grooves therein interconnecting the through holes, the strips having stepped ends each definin