The dynamic and static compression experiment methods and the cushioning properties of paper honeycomb sandwich structures with different structure factors were analyzed. Experiments express the plateau stress is the power exponent function of the thickness to length ratio of honeycomb cell-wall. The evaluation equation of compressive densification strain of paper honeycombs is modeled by introducing the instantaneous and relative density of paper honeycombs. The compressive stress–strain curve is simplified into three sections: linear elasticity, plateau and densification. Considering the factors associated with the structure of paper honeycombs, the energy absorption model is obtained and characterized by the thickness-to-length ratio of the honeycomb cell wall. The 2D energy absorption figure of paper honeycomb sandwich structure is also constructed. The future research direction is indicated.