Damping is achieved regulating the flow of gas and/or fluid through the valved orificing of the gas damper piston. Commonly used compression gas springs when mounted in a rod down orientation achieve maximum damping when the piston reaches the oil near the point of full extension. This is shown in the animation to the right. Referred to as the oil damping zone, it provides a cushioning affect to slow the mechanism as it reaches the fully deployed position.

If consistent damping is required over the entire stroke to achieve a controlled rate of extension or compression, fully fluid gas spring dampers are used. Fully fluid gas spring dampers are manufactured with separate fluid and gas chambers. The piston always moves in the fluid chamber. The two chambers are separated by a floating piston as shown in the animation below.