While gas springs and hydraulic dampers, specialized types of springs that utilize gas under compression to exert force, are produced in various sizes and lengths, selecting one depends on two main factors, the required spring force and the effective stroke of the spring. Application design considerations of the gas springs involves selecting springs with the right sized cylinder and piston based on the force required for the application. For example, the trunk lid of a car is supported by two gas springs on either side of the lid, which when compressed produce a force that is roughly equivalent to the weight of the lid. Similarly for an office chair, the force produced by the gas lift should be a little higher than the weight of the chair, allowing the user to effortlessly move the chair up and down. Furthermore, to prevent buckling the buckling of the gas springs, the force produced should always be in line with its centerline, particularly for a slender gas spring device.

Another factor to consider while selecting or designing a gas spring is the ambient operating temperature, as both extreme hot and cold temperatures affect the operation. The change in temperature affects the pressure that a gas spring can exert and consequently the output force. At very high temperatures, the seal permeability increases and gas molecules may escape through the seal more easily. They are also designed based on the performance guidelines that include cold closing and opening efforts, hot closing and opening efforts, self-rise and self-close angle, hump, room temperature, and damping.

Resistance to dents, damage, and abrasion should also be ensured while designing the cylinder and the piston. Special features, such as external locking and variable damping, should also be considered. Safety is another major factor that should be considered while producing gas springs. As a part of this factor, the suitability of the spring and the mounting position strength are taken into consideration. In addition, a secondary locking mechanism may also be incorporated for safety purposes, if required.

While mounting a gas spring, care should be taken to ensure that they are mounted in an upright fashion with the piston rod pointed downwards. This is to ensure that the rod seal is kept lubricated at all times. If the spring is to be mounted at an angle, care should be taken to ensure that the level of the lubricating oil is sufficient for the rod seal to be always lubricated during the operation.