The disclosed occupant protection device for a vehicle can include at least one airbag that protects a vehicle occupant in the event of a collision of the vehicle. The airbag can have an outflow opening through which the gas can exit the side airbag and/or has an overflow opening located inside the airbag. After the occupant protection device has been tripped, the side airbag can be inflated and be positioned laterally next to the vehicle occupant in such a manner that the outflow opening and/or the overflow opening is closed, is throttled, or remains open according to the body size of the vehicle occupant.