Abstract Conventional polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) require a means of placing the series of laminar components that make up cells under mechanical compression so as to ensure effective electrical conduction, mass transport and gas-tight operation. This review describes the effect of mechanical compression and dimensional change on the components of PEFCs and reviews the range of methods used to achieve desired stack compression. The case is made for improved understanding of the mechanisms of fuel cell component compression and greater attention to the development of technological approaches for stack compression.