Sometimes. It depends on the dive.
Not for shallow dives.
Not for shallow dives.
Not for shallow dives.
Not for shallow dives. Even on dives for which this is true, you give up all other benefits of nitrox by doing this.
I get no such benefit and the only double blind study so far indicates it's all in their minds.
This is an excellent post.
Moreover, even on deeper dives, Dan's numbers and other studies show that using nitrox, EVEN ON AIR TABLES HAS NOT decreased the number of hits in the recreational dive community. Simply reducing the nitrogen content a few points hasn't lead to a reduction in hits eventhough we all clearly see that less nitrogen is better. Still, statistically speaking, the benefit is insignificant.
Staying hydrated, not being an idiot, slowing ascents, diving within YOUR limits, diving with your head and sticking to your plan, and training yourself to avoid panic have all been proven with numbers to decrease the number of hits.
Do I use nitrox? Yes, to extend bottom times and not as a tool to keep me safer. I use my brain for that.
Now, by typing this, someone will invariably give me the numbers to show me that nitrox is safer because you get less nitrogen and that is true and OBVIOUS so please don't waste your time with this response.
![Winking :wink: :wink:](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
I get it. Nonetheless, using nitrox has not resulted in fewer hits in the RECREATIONAL dive world YET.
Someone mentioned taking a class to learn more about nitrox. I notice most who take the class forget that on several pages in the padi nitrox manual they say exactly what I am saying. "Simply using nitrox hasn't led to a reduction..." blah blah blah and "The benefit is insignificant..." Look it up.
Nitrox is a great tool. PEOPLE use tools, so don't expect your tool (nitrox in this case) to do your job for you. You have to pick it up and decide how you are going to use it. "Nitrox makes me safer" sounds a little like "my hammer will build my house for me." You have to build it yourself. The hammer may help, but it won't do it for you.
Happy diving all!