This paper presents an analysis of the influence of the kind of a friction model on the dimensioning of a branch pressure fluctuation damper. The mathematical model of the branch damper is defined by determining the damper input impedance and finding its minimum corresponding to the maximum effectiveness in reducing pressure fluctuations. Three kinds of friction for the oscillatory flow in the damper, i.e. a lossless line, steady friction and a nonstationary friction model, are considered. Experimental studies confirmed that the use of the nonstationary friction model in the calculation of branch damper length ensures the highest effectiveness in reducing the amplitude of pressure fluctuations characterized by a given frequency.