nitrox downsides

[RIHappyDiver]

How about, for the sake of the OP who has less than 50 dives, we stick to the question of whether there is a reason not to use nitrox on every dive, and steer away from subjects like the pleasures of narcosis and the use of trimix. This is the Basic Scuba forum, after all.

As far as cost, in some places it’s expensive (Bermuda) and in some places it’s free (Bonaire). In most places it’s not that much more than air.

Erik

ETA Did I use too many commas? They still confuse me.

 

[gamon]

Getting a little narcosis actually feels good so why avoid it?

You're suggesting, in the BASIC SCUBA sub forum, which is viewed and posted to by BEGINNER divers, that narcosis is a good thing and should be embraced.. because it feels good?

Seems irresponsible.

 

[gamon]

I know a lady who will not dive on Nitrox because she swears it makes her feel ill, which I thought odd as I too feel much better and less fatigued using it, but I guess everyone is a little different....

This lady feeling ill after diving nitrox seems as odd to you as you claiming you feel better and less fatigued does to me.

 

[crofrog]

In a near 40 years of diving I've never used Trimix for dives deeper than 33m. It's not necessary nor required. It's also not available in many places. Around 30% of my dives have been deeper than 30m

People use to dive 400+ft on air too, we know better now.

Density Discords: Understanding and Applying Gas Density Research

Do you know the density of your breathing gas at your planned working depth? New research conducted by Gavin Anthony and Simon J. Mitchell suggests that you better! A gas density of 6 grams/liter (g/l)—the equivalent of diving nitrox 32 at 110 ft/34 m, or trimix 18/35 at 200 ft/61...

indepthmag.com

 

[davehicks]

Consider extending your safety stop to at least 5 minutes, and even a bit longer if your air supply allows. Fatigue is a common symptom of preclinical (mild) DCS.

Oh, I usually do. I'm not talking about severe fatigue, but I can definitely tell. More tired at night, etc.

 

[davehicks]

In many places I dive nitrox is free.

On some liveaboards I've been on they only do nitrox. If you are not certified, they will certify you. They don't want to deal with people getting DCS when they don't need to.

 

[gamon]

I'm not talking about severe fatigue, but I can definitely tell. More tired at night, etc.

Are you aware that several studies have done, including one endorsed by the highly respected Divers Alert Network, which found no correlation between diving Nitrox vs Air when it comes to post dive fatigue?

There is some anecdotal evidence that if you're diving close to "the limits" that minor microbubble formation can lead to fatigue, in which case diving Nitrox might make a difference but it's a near impossibility that a diver would be experiencing microbubble formation on every single dive that is done on air.

They don't want to deal with people getting DCS when they don't need to.

When do people need to get DCS?

 

[LFMarm]

Average depth has nothing to do with Narcosis or Toxicity, no matter how many time it is said.

Disagree. Average depth gives average pO2 which is a good way to estimate where you are on you CNS clock. Planning software breaks down depth into small increments (e.g., 1min) where it will calculate average depth to estimate CNS. The calculation I did here is back of the envelope to make the point on how likely it is to get to CNS 100% on a rec dive on EAN34. While it would be more precise with intervals of 1 mins, I am sure it's close enough.

 

[MtnDiverColorado]

This lady feeling ill after diving nitrox seems as odd to you as you claiming you feel better and less fatigued does to me.

Yep, my wife doesn't notice any difference between air and nitrox either, and generally just dives air. Interesting how different things affect people differently.

 

[davehicks]

Are you aware that several studies have done, including one endorsed by the highly respected Divers Alert Network, which found no correlation between diving Nitrox vs Air when it comes to post dive fatigue?

There is some anecdotal evidence that if you're diving close to "the limits" that minor microbubble formation can lead to fatigue, in which case diving Nitrox might make a difference but it's a near impossibility that a diver would be experiencing microbubble formation on every single dive that is done on air.


When do people need to get DCS?

Yeah, yeah. Studies show a lot of things. Other studies show something different. These sort of perceptual analysis are very difficult to model or validate. Also, the Placebo Effect is a real thing and can result in significantly different perceptions of pain, fatigue, taste, etc.

In my case, I had not dove open circuit in a full year as I am normally on CCR. I just went on a trip to a few remote locations over a couple of weeks. One had nitrox, the others did not. Three days of diving on Air, followed by 3 days on Nitrox. I felt better at the end of the day on the Nitrox days.

>> When do people need to get DCS?

When they are too old and too cheap to pay for Nitrox. These operators push hundreds of senior citizens in the water 3-4 times a day, year after year, and know they will have fewer incidents if they just put everyone on Nitrox by default.