How can you get the best life out of a gas spring

As an Engineer, how can you ensure the longest possible life for a gas spring on an application?

Orient the gas spring 'rod down', this will continually lubricate the seal and rod and reduce permeation through the seal.

Utilise the largest gas volume possible in the support. In general, use the minimum stroke required with the largest body possible. In a support with a large gas volume, small gas losses are imperceptible in the output force. The temperature of the gas spring should remain well within the temperature limits. If temperature extremes will be encountered, it should be for a short duration and the support should not be cycled while at the extremes. Utilise the highest force Gas spring possible that still provides acceptable handling loads for the application. This will allow for some force loss without the loss of function of the application.

Provide multiple mounting locations so that the support can be moved to accommodate for force loss as the support ages.