Scuba Diving Nitrox

Have you ever wondered how it is possible for anyone to stay at great depths underwater for such a long period of time? Well, this is because of Nitrox, also known as enriched air. Simply put, it is a mix of oxygen and nitrogen, wherein oxygen is 21% greater in content. The most commonly used nitrox mixes are called EAN36 and EAN32 (EAN stands for enriched air nitrox). The number indicates the percentage of oxygen found in the mixture. There are two ways to mix nitrox. One is to add pure oxygen to standard air. Continuous mixing is done until the correct ratio is achieved. Another method involves the use of a filter, which takes out nitrogen from standard air. This is done until the appropriate Nitrox mixture is obtained. Unless you have taken a special course, you're not allowed to mix Nitrox. Always check the mixture in your own gas tank, to make sure that you have the proper breathing mixture.

Do I really have to use Nitrox?

For most experienced divers who want to traverse the depth of the underwater world beyond the operational limits of decompression, Nitrox is a requirement. Diving nitrox has a number of significant advantages. Here are some of them:
  1. Ability to stay longer underwater even beyond the operational limits of decompression. Nitrox is made up of increased oxygen levels. Since this is the case, lesser amount of nitrogen is being taken up by your body tissues. Consequently, you will be able to increase your bottom time underwater, so you can make the most out of your dive trip!
  2. Ability to do multiple dives. Again, this is due to the increased oxygen content and decreased nitrogen level in the mixture. This means that you do not need to stay on the surface for a significant amount of time before you can conduct your next dive. This is most especially important for regular divers and enthusiasts who enjoy diving as much as four times a day.
  3. Lower risk of developing decompression sickness (DCS) and nitrogen narcosis. Decompression sickness occurs when excess nitrogen builds up in your body and consequently forms bubbles in your blood and body tissues. These bubbles can be extremely painful. However, since Nitrox (EAN32: 68% nitrogen) has lower nitrogen level compared to standard air (79% nitrogen), this also means that your body absorbs lesser amount of nitrogen. Therefore, you reduce the risk of developing DCS. The same is true for nitrogen narcosis, which occurs when one dives at great depths, causing nitrogen intoxication.
  4. Reduced fatigue levels. Your fatigue level can actually be increased by nitrogen, which only means that the more dives you do, the weaker you feel. When one breathes Nitrox, it means that a lower amount of nitrogen is absorbed by the body because it has lower nitrogen levels compared to standard air. So, the lesser amount of nitrogen your body will take up from the dive, the better you will feel. So, instead of taking a nap after just one dive, you will still feel energetic and would want to go for another exhilarating dive trip.