Filter for gas generating system

1. A tubular wire mesh filter having a radially inner edge and a radially outer edge opposite and radially spaced apart from the inner edge, wherein wire forming the filter is uniform in cross-sectional area, and wherein a portion of the filter proximate the radially outer edge has an average density greater than an average density of a portion of the filter proximate the radially inner edge,

wherein the filter has a first longitudinal portion with a radially outer edge having a first diameter and a second longitudinal portion adjacent the first portion, the second longitudinal portion having a radially outer edge having a second diameter different from the first diameter,

wherein a portion of the filter proximate the first portion radially outer edge has an average density greater than an average density of a portion of the filter proximate the radially inner edge,

and wherein a portion of the filter proximate the second portion radially outer edge has an average density greater than an average density of a portion of the filter proximate the radially inner edge.

2. A gas generating system comprising a filter in accordance with claim 1 .

3. A vehicle occupant protection system comprising a filter in accordance with claim 1 .

4. A gas generating system comprising:

a housing including a wall with at least one gas exit aperture formed therein, the at least one gas exit aperture having a diameter of the aperture; and

a filter in accordance with claim 1 positioned within the housing and spaced apart from the wall of the housing,

wherein the filter outer edge is compressed such that a minimum spacing between the outer edge and the housing wall is at least equal to the diameter.

5. A gas generating system comprising a filter in accordance with claim 1 .

6. A vehicle occupant protection system comprising a filter in accordance with claim 1 .