A tool for curing a composite layup comprises a tool body having a surface adapted to support a composite layup thereon. The tool includes an integrated breather for allowing removal of air from the layup during curing.

A hot press cushioning material includes: a first nonwoven fabric forming an inner layer; and second nonwoven fabrics placed on both surfaces of the first nonwoven fabric and forming outer layers. Copolymerized para-aramid fibers having a basis weight of 80 to 400 g/m.sup.2 are used as a material of the second nonwoven fabrics. Fibers that are more rigid than the copolymerized para-aramid fibers are used as a material of the first nonwoven fabric. Each of the first nonwoven fabric and the second nonwoven fabrics has a heat resistant temperature of 270 C. or more.