Design/methodology/approach A gas-elastic coupling lubrication model for compliant foil face gas seal is developed using gas lubrication and elastic mechanics theories. The finite difference method is applied to calculate film pressure, deformation and flow rate variations under varying gap spiral angles. What’s more, the impacts of equilibrium film thickness, rotational speed and medium pressure on sealing performances are researched, and the flexibility coefficients α1 (dynamic pressure area) and α2 (sealing area) are optimized. Findings This design significantly reduces leakage rates while maintaining the adaptive operation capability of compliant foil face gas seals. When α1 takes values from 0.10 to 0.15, α2 takes values from 0.5 to 0.6 and φ (gap spiral angle) is equal to 30°, the comprehensive performance of sealing in steady and transient states is better. Originality/value Integrating the design concept of upstream pumping dry gas seals and the adaptive structure of compliant foil face gas seals, a novel foil face gas seal structure with upstream pumping function is proposed. Peer review The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2024-0434/