A method to reduce compression force requirements was developed and tested to either retrofit or replace existing platens on bale presses. Several versions of the device were tested and found to reduce compression forces for a gin universal density cotton bale by 20 to 35%. The device can also be used to provide additional compression using the existing bale press and to substantially reduce the resilient forces exerted on bale ties. A patent application has been filed and the devices will be available to the public in the near future.