Nitrox Myths?

The February 2004 Undercurrent carried a report by Lynn Taylor, PhD, from Dive New Zealand magazine, casting doubt on the claim that Nitrox keeps divers warmer. After examining the issue, she concluded, “There is no clear reason why that should be the case and, as far as I am aware, there are no published studies on the effect of Nitrox on thermoregulation.”

Now other researchers have cast doubt on another supposed advantage of Nitrox: that you won’t be as tired after a dive or two.

Researchers conducted a double blind, randomized controlled study using 11 divers who breathed either air or Enriched Air Nitrox 36% (oxygen 36%, nitrogen 64%) during an 18 m dry chamber dive for a bottom time of 40 minutes. They had two periods of exercise during the dive. Divers were assessed before and after each dive using a test called the “Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory” as well as other tests.

The researchers found no measurable difference in fatigue, attention levels, or ability to concentrate following dives using either compressed air or Nitrox.

–Harris RJD, Doolette DJ, Wilkinson DC,Williams DJ. In the Journal of Undersea Hyperb Med. 2003.