An inflatable active bolster for a vehicle occupant, the active bolster comprising a front wall and a rear wall, the front and rear walls being interconnected to form a hollow chamber. The front wall has deformable features that permit the hollow chamber to volumetrically expand upon inflation of the hollow chamber by an inflator. The active bolster further includes a reaction plate for attachment of the active bolster to a suitable vehicle mount structure. The hollow chamber is attached to the reaction plate through a releasable engagement mechanism. The active bolster provides for snap-in installation, and easier detachment for servicing.