Air and Nitrox with same regulator

[circusoflife]

Not sure if this thread has been beaten to death elsewhere, but I'm in the market for my first regulator (Just rented up to now - 30 dives in warm tropical - Bali,Aus, Palau and cold waters - PNW) that I will be traveling to various places with (Philippines, Red Sea, etc...). While I'm not Nitrox certified, I will be in the coming year.

So I've checked compatibility for Nitrox in all the gear I am spec'ing. I came across this:

--

Atomic Aquatics FAQ

Can I switch back and forth between air and Nitrox?

No, we do not recommend it. There are different cleaning and purity standards for air and Nitrox. Using standard compressed air with your regulator could introduce dirt or hydrocarbon contaminants into your regulator that could possibly initiate an ignition (fire) in your system. Oxygen enriched mixes can be highly combustible under the right conditions. It is always better to be safe then sorry.


--

I've read a few threads on the subject. But, I ended up calling Atomic Aquatics this morning and the rep claimed that no special consideration is needed as long as one stays under 40% Nitrox blend. I stated that this could be clarified on their website FAQ (Somewhat hidden - link in CONTACT US section) and she agreed.

Any comments?


On this note...I'm considering the Genesis Sidekick Octopus, but my download of the manual indicates that it is NOT Nitrox compatible. I can't seem to get a good phone # (or email) for Genesis Scuba either to ask. (Making me wonder, why I would want to ever buy any of their products now....)

 

[Scubaguy62]

Nearly every regulator (and octo) in the market can be used with EANx blends up to 40%, except for titanium regs (titanium just does not work very well with high O2 mixes...greater risk of FIRE).

Only when if you use EAN greater than 40% will you need a different reg, and then one that is approved for up to 100% O2.

 

[Wendy]

All regs are good for nitrox mixes below 40%.

 

[Kestrell]

Almost any reg will be fine with either 32% or 36% EAN. Companies are either reluctant to say so for liability reasons, or they want you to buy two sets of regs.

Since you were checking out Atomic, get an M1. They (according to the company) are good for up to 50% EAN with not cleaning what so ever. They also have a good warantee too. Two year service interval and you don't void the warranty if you skip a service visit.

 

[Dan Gibson]

Sounds like a liabilty statement as well as someone trying to sell more gear. I use the same regs whether using air or nitrox. There is nothing special about them. No dedicated regs other than my O2 reg.

Not sure if this thread has been beaten to death elsewhere, but I'm in the market for my first regulator (Just rented up to now - 30 dives in warm tropical - Bali,Aus, Palau and cold waters - PNW) that I will be traveling to various places with (Philippines, Red Sea, etc...). While I'm not Nitrox certified, I will be in the coming year.

So I've checked compatibility for Nitrox in all the gear I am spec'ing. I came across this:

--

Atomic Aquatics FAQ

Can I switch back and forth between air and Nitrox?

No, we do not recommend it. There are different cleaning and purity standards for air and Nitrox. Using standard compressed air with your regulator could introduce dirt or hydrocarbon contaminants into your regulator that could possibly initiate an ignition (fire) in your system. Oxygen enriched mixes can be highly combustible under the right conditions. It is always better to be safe then sorry.


--

I've read a few threads on the subject. But, I ended up calling Atomic Aquatics this morning and the rep claimed that no special consideration is needed as long as one stays under 40% Nitrox blend. I stated that this could be clarified on their website FAQ (Somewhat hidden - link in CONTACT US section) and she agreed.

Any comments?


On this note...I'm considering the Genesis Sidekick Octopus, but my download of the manual indicates that it is NOT Nitrox compatible. I can't seem to get a good phone # (or email) for Genesis Scuba either to ask. (Making me wonder, why I would want to ever buy any of their products now....)

 

[Dan Gibson]

Actually, I believe they state 80% from what I recall. It's been a couple of years since I bought my M1.

Last time I checked, Atomic maintenance kits were not free like on ScubaPro regs.

Almost any reg will be fine with either 32% or 36% EAN. Companies are either reluctant to say so for liability reasons, or they want you to buy two sets of regs.

Since you were checking out Atomic, get an M1. They (according to the company) are good for up to 50% EAN with not cleaning what so ever. They also have a good warantee too. Two year service interval and you don't void the warranty if you skip a service visit.

 

[ShakaZulu]

Understand what happens when you mix air/nitrox, then it all makes sense.

 

[Rick Inman]

No air, but 21% nitrox is ok.

 

[JeffG]

Understand what happens when you mix air/nitrox, then it all makes sense.

ThermoNuclear Explosion

 

[MikeFerrara]

The real question to be asked here is...how often do you need to get your lips O2 cleaned in order to use nitrox?

and...can you switch between air and nitrox and still consider your lips O2 cleaned?