What effect does using Nitrox have on a diver's ascent profile?

Using Nitrox can indeed influence a diver's ascent profile by potentially allowing for reduced ascent rates and additional safety stops. The main reason for this is that Nitrox, being a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen with a higher proportion of oxygen than regular air, helps in reducing the nitrogen load on the diver. Since nitrogen is the gas that contributes to the bends and other decompression sickness issues, divers using Nitrox generally experience lower nitrogen absorption during their dives.

As a result, this lower nitrogen uptake means that a diver might have more leeway in their ascent profiles. They can ascend more slowly and take safety stops, which further enhances safety by allowing any nitrogen that has been absorbed into the tissues to be safely released back into the blood and exhaled. This practice helps reduce the risk of decompression sickness, making safety stops an important part of a Nitrox diving plan.

In contrast, while some may think Nitrox allows for faster ascents, the best practice emphasizes a gradual ascent to mitigate risks, especially when increasing oxygen levels could introduce other concerns if not managed correctly, thus validating the choice supporting slower and safer ascent practices.