Calling all Doctors....

[King_Neptune]

Doctors,

Do you happen to have any thoughts on or have any experince on the Pro's or Con's of using rebreathers as is mentioned in This Post Here Concerning absorbed nitrogen as it relates to DCS or to ones health?

What I mean is, that you know of, have any studies been done to show that the use of these could possibly be any more or less safe, etc?

=-)

 

[John Reinertson]

The nitrogen absorption occurs depending on depth and percentage of nitrogen in the mix, just as it does in open circuit scuba. No more, no less.

Since 100 % O2 has a real risk of seizure below 30 ft or so, you can't avoid nitrogen loading.

Heliox has its own problems, beacause it dissolves in the blood and helium can bubble out of the blood just as can nitrogen.
Unfortunately, there's no free lunch with rebreathers. They do make for more humid air to breathe, and they're quieter, but the gas laws and decompression effects on the body don't change.
( Boy, do I wish they did) wouldn't that be a dream?

Dive safe and may all your bubbles be in the ocean and not your tissues.
John Reinertson