Nitrox is simply a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. Air is composed of approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Nitrox, Enriched Air, and EANx are commonly used in the diving community to refer to oxygen-nitrogen mixtures containing more oxygen than ordinary air; that is, more than 21% oxygen. There are two standard Nitrox mixtures ( originally used by NOAA scientists, ) Nitrox I with 32% oxygen and 68% nitrogen, and Nitrox II with 36% oxygen and 64% nitrogen.
Why Use Nitrox ?
The main benefit to diving with enriched air mixtures is the reduced amount of nitrogen in the breathing gas. Nitrogen absorbed in the body during a dive is what usually puts divers at risk for decompression sickness (DCS), or "the bends." Reducing the amount of nitrogen one breathes can reduce the risk of developing DCS.
Using the Nitrox mixture EAD concept, bottom times can be extended. Because no-decompression limits are based on nitrogen absorption, less nitrogen means more bottom time. Many divers also report that they feel less fatigued after diving with Nitrox ( compared to similar dives using air. )
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