Nitrox is it worth it?

[Lou]

Originally Posted by zepp

oxygen narcotic?????, toxic, yes

Yes. Have a read....

There isn't really exact values or numbers to determine the ratio of oxygen's narcotic effects, but several sources claim it to be about as narcotic as nitrogen, ie.: The Physiology and Medicine of Diving" by Peter Bennett and David Elliott, 4th edition, 1993, W.B.Saunders Company Ltd, London. From here on, we use factor 1 for both nitrogen and oxygen:

http://www.deep-six.com/page74.htm

It is also a common misunderstanding to think that it causes less narcosis. This would be due the fact that it has less narcotic nitrogen. But oxygen is also narcotic, and according to some references it is maybe as narcotic than nitrogen, and together with nitrogen it could be even more narcotic (Bennett 1993, Inert Gas Narcosis, the Physiology and Medicine of Diving, 4th edition

As for feeling less tired, I guess it depends how close to "the edge" you are pushin git. If the tiredness is sub-clinical DCI then obviously by breathing nitrox you will move yourself away from that edge. If you don't get too close to it in the first place however you won't feel any benefit -s urely?

[ray]

Originally Posted by Brian of Aquanauts

The narcotic potenial of a gas is, according to "The Fundamentals of better Diving", inversly related to its solubility in lipids (fat). The following figures are the Bunsen Solubility Coefficients in Olive Oil, 22oC; ATA power -1

Helium 0.015
Hydrogen 0.042
Nitrogen 0.052
Oxygen 0.110
Argon 0.150
Krypton 0.440
CO2 1.340

As you can see O2 is apparently more narcotic than Nitrogen however as we metabolise it, it would have a lesser effect than the figure suggests.

Well there you go a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Well there you go. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

Have heard stories how breathing Argon at 9m is equivalent to a 70m narcosis hit - not too sure how true this is... have never been brave enough or stupid enough to try.

As you can see Helium is the obvious choice instead of N2 in a gas.

Nitrox is better for you, everyone feels less tired after diving it, as well as increasing bottom times, does it reduce the production of bubbles going into the blood on ascent - thereby leaving the lungs clearer and you not tired???

B

Well there you go a little knowledge is a dangerous thing.

[Tank Girl]

Working from the figures, Brian, hydrogen is less narcotic than nitrogen.

Hydrox? Now that would be fun!

Boom!!

[Brian of Aquanauts]

I think people have dived Hydrox... wouldn't want to mix that tho... BIG KABOOM

Looking at the maths the high number for CO2 could explain why over exertion and diving if unfit often causes huge panic attacks underwater/anxiety underwater. Could explain why some people sometimes want to bolt for it on deep dives, most thankfully calm themselves down again

[vid]

Originally Posted by Brian of Aquanauts

I think people have dived Hydrox... wouldn't want to mix that tho... BIG KABOOM

you can't even just breathe this stuff straight off - you have to use a "stage gas" with an O2 content of less than around 4% OR BIG KABOOM

Originally Posted by Brian of Aquanauts

.... the high number for CO2 could explain why over exertion and diving if unfit often causes huge panic attacks underwater/anxiety underwater.

CO2 build up (understandable) and O2 toxicity (what, the stuff we rely on) might just be our worst enemies in the diving world .....


ANY WAY .... agree with earlier posts - NITROX is GOOD, seems to be a differenc ein opinion as to who to train with though

vid

[Lou]

Originally Posted by Brian of Aquanauts

As you can see O2 is apparently more narcotic than Nitrogen however as we metabolise it, it would have a lesser effect than the figure suggests.

Indeed, but still some effect. I think it is potentially dangerous that people keep on having the impression that nitrox deals with narcosis so do that 40m on 28% expecting to be clear headed.

As far as I remember we were even taught on TDI basic nitrox that the redcution in narcosis from nitrox was a myth so I am suprised at the suprise expressed by others at my statement!

[Paul Oliver]

Nitrox, the way to dive. I hate going back onto air as there are just so many advantages to Nitrox.

The extra safety, less deco, quicker deco, safe drive home, not falling asleep in front of the telly as soon as i get in from a dive, less thirst during the dive (a personal view), i feel less Narked (which is good enough for me).

The Combined Nitrox Course was an outstanding investment for me.

The 25-40m range is where its at its best, and even a little squirt is better than nothing.

Costs are relative, if my diving is too expensive, the best gas for the dive is not what's gonna get cut out.

Oh in my club we pay £10 for our Air and £20 for Nitrox for a year so for me thats £30 for about 60 club fills a year

[Tonto]

I took a tip from one of Matt's posts about doing a three metre stop and I would say that it cleared my headaches after a dive, when I eventually do nitrox I'll see if it works instead of the 3 metre stop

[Gareth Burrows]

I dive Air in Wraysbury, and that's about it. I'm a useless, lazy sod at the best of times, diving on air, im usually half asleep by the time I get back in the boat.

Crack open your stage of 80-100% in the car on the way home and it perks you right up

[Janos]

Originally Posted by Brian of Aquanauts

I think people have dived Hydrox..

I have. In fact I dive in Hydrox all the time.

Janos