Nitrox is a term used to describe a type of gas mixture used in scuba diving that contains a higher proportion of oxygen than regular air. While standard air consists of about 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen, nitrox typically includes between 32% and 36% oxygen, with the remainder being nitrogen. The most commonly used nitrox mixtures are known as Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx), which can include:

• EAN32: Contains 32% oxygen and 68% nitrogen.
• EAN36: Contains 36% oxygen and 64% nitrogen.
• EAN40: Contains 40% oxygen and 60% nitrogen.

The key advantage of nitrox over regular air is that it reduces the amount of nitrogen in the breathing gas. This lower nitrogen content helps in several ways:

1. Extended Bottom Time: Because nitrogen absorption is slower with nitrox, divers can typically spend more time at depth before needing to begin decompression, compared to using standard air.

2. Reduced Decompression Risk: Lower nitrogen levels mean that the body absorbs less nitrogen during a dive. This can reduce the risk of decompression sickness, also known as "the bends," which is a condition caused by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the body as a result of rapid changes in pressure.

3. Improved Repetitive Diving: Nitrox is particularly beneficial for divers who are doing multiple dives over a short period, as it allows for shorter surface intervals between dives while maintaining similar safety margins.