Nitrox...what advantages does it have over air?

[CMH777]

I have been considering getting my Nitrox certification but was just wondering what advatages it has over air, if any. What is your thoughts on this.

[Arnaud]

Here are our toughts (http://www.scubaboard.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26683&highlight=nitrox)

[scubasean]

I think the primary benefit is extended NDL's, or rather less Nitrogen in your system for a given dive profile.

On the flip side, it is higher cost, requires special equipment considerations, etc.

I recommend the cert...I just did mine also...More training is better...

[ColdH20diving]

Enriched air (nitrox) will offer some increased bottom times as mentioned. I tend to use nitrox for dives between 40-90 feet, as I dive with 112cuft tanks I can benefit from the extended NDL times nitrox offers. Some people, myself included, "feel" better, after a dive when using enriched air. Most newer regs can handle up to 40% 02, you need to check to be sure. The other possible expense would be the tanks as they need to be 02 clean and properly marked for nitrox use. If you dive with a computer, it must be already programed (intended) for nitrox use.

[Arnaud]

ColdH20diving once bubbled...
The other possible expense would be the tanks as they need to be 02 clean and properly marked for nitrox use.

Only if the LDS uses direct partial pressure fill.

I would not mark a non-O2 clean tank for 40% or less use. Might get in trouble if you need a regular air fill.

[Dryglove]

Arnaud once bubbled...


Only if the LDS uses direct partial pressure fill.

I would not mark a non-O2 clean tank for 40% or less use. Might get in trouble if you need a regular air fill.

You will be ok if your fill shop is using a grade E or higher air.

[CMH777]

I have a uwatec aladin pro ultra which is nitrox ready. So I am ok on the cumputer side of things.

[Laser]

It really shows it's advantages when doing multiple dives in the 60-120 range or so. SI's can be shorter, therefore getting in more diving. Less N2 is a good thing.

[ColdH20diving]

Arnaud once bubbled...


Only if the LDS uses direct partial pressure fill.

I would not mark a non-O2 clean tank for 40% or less use. Might get in trouble if you need a regular air fill.


My LDS does use the partial pressure fill method. I only use enriched air blends in my nitrox marked tanks. I keep one tank set aside for reg air fills, especially when diving out of town.

[scywin]

Nitrox reduces your nitrogen load, adding to safety at appropriate depths. The disadvantage is increased risk of oxygen toxicity at inappropriate depths.

The certification class teaches you how to tailor the mix to the depths you will be diving and to use Nitrox safely. It is also your first step to learning about mixed gas diving.

The benefits that people claim range from feeling better to longer bottom times and the benefit seems to be somewhat individual in nature.

I suggest taking the class and taking a few dives to see what benefits you get. If you don't find it worth the cost to use Nitrox regularly, you will still have learned a lot and be a safer diver for the extra knowledge.

[frogfish]

Many people claim that they feel less tired when doing repetitive diving on nitrox rather than air (apparently due to the reduced nitrogen intake). Has there been any research on this ? Any views ?

[cornfed]

frogfish once bubbled...
Many people claim that they feel less tired when doing repetitive diving on nitrox rather than air (apparently due to the reduced nitrogen intake). Has there been any research on this ? Any views ?

I've heard people talk about subclinical DCS which is basically minor aches and fatigue after diving. Some people attribute it to poor profiles and/or rapid ascents. Given this I don't have trouble believing the claims by some that they feel better.

Cornfed

[CheeseWhiz]

I dive Nitrox on about 90% of my dives these days. I personally have not noticed any difference in how tired I feel after diving...I'm still ready for a nap.

Big difference in total bottom time, though.

One thing I have noticed that I've never seen mentioned or documented anywhere else...my gas consumption seems to be 20% - 30% lower when using Nitrox vs. air. (Maybe less "need to breathe" due to the extra oxygen? ¿Quién sabe?) I use LP steel 95s and, when my regular dive buddy is hitting 500psi, I'm still around 1100 - 1200. We never had this problem when I used air in my Al 80. Ah, the mysteries of life.

[cornfed]

CheeseWhiz once bubbled...
I dive Nitrox on about 90% of my dives these days. I personally have not noticed any difference in how tired I feel after diving...I'm still ready for a nap.

Your ascent rate also factors into this.

Cornfed

[tyrell]

Less nitrogen in the body, more bottom time.

;)

[spurtill]

most of these have been mentioned above but to reiterate:

Nitrox is higher O2 content, implies lower Nitrogen content, implies less narc'd at a particular depth

Less Nitrogen in the mix implies less Nitrogen to absorb into your body means you can stay down lfor longer and have absorbed the same amount of Nitrogen. Also you off-gas Nitrogen faster when deco'ing on Nitrox.

This is debatable but improved gas consumption. This seems to have more to do with not being as narc'd and hence more relaxed when diving on Nitrox than a feature of the higher O2 content. Different folks say different things about if this is true or why but it often a claim.

You are less tired after diving Nitrox. Which is GREAT as you don't have to crash out on the couch for the evening after two dives :)

As reagrds special equipment? Most modern decent regs will handle anything up to Nitrox 40 (40% O2). Depending on the fill system used to fill your bottles they MAY need to be O2 cleaned, then again they may not. Its not that dear to get done so it may be worth getting it done anyway. Other than that your standard gear will do you. A nitrox computer would be nice but you can use a table if you need to.

there is a lot of rubbish attached to Nitrox, if you or anyone is serious about using Nitrox i'd think about reading the Oxygen hackers companion http://www.airspeedpress.com/newoxyhacker.html

It deals with what O2 clean actually means and why its necessary, why its not etc. EXCELLENT book