What are the primary benefits of using enriched air nitrox (EANx) for recreational diving?

The primary benefits of using enriched air nitrox (EANx) for recreational diving primarily relate to the extended bottom time and reduced surface intervals that it offers divers.

When divers breathe enriched air nitrox, which has a higher percentage of oxygen than regular air, they experience reduced nitrogen absorption during a dive. This is significant because the amount of nitrogen a diver absorbs is directly related to the total time spent at depth and the depth of the dive. By having a higher oxygen content, the concentration of nitrogen in the breathing gas is decreased, allowing for longer dive times on non-decompression dives without exceeding the no-decompression limits.

Furthermore, after completing a dive using nitrox, divers often benefit from shorter surface intervals before their next dive. This is because the reduced nitrogen loading leads to a lower risk of decompression sickness, allowing for a safer and more efficient dive schedule.

In contrast, while greater depth capabilities may be desired for some types of diving, nitrox is typically not used in deeper depths due to the potential for oxygen toxicity. Likewise, while improved buoyancy control and increased physical strength can contribute to a diver's experience, they are not direct benefits of using enriched air nitrox. Thus, the choice highlighting extended bottom time and reduced surface intervals