Which gas is primarily used in the composition of Nitrox?

In the composition of Nitrox, the primary gas is oxygen. Nitrox is a breathing gas mixture that generally consists of nitrogen and oxygen, with elevated levels of oxygen compared to regular air, which contains approximately 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. In typical Nitrox mixtures, the oxygen content can range from about 22% to 40%, depending on the specific application and depth considerations for diving.

Using higher percentages of oxygen in Nitrox reduces the amount of nitrogen in the mixture, which helps to minimize the risk of nitrogen narcosis and decreases the likelihood of decompression sickness. This is particularly beneficial in recreational diving, where extending bottom time at certain depths is a common objective.

This increased oxygen content also requires careful consideration of the maximum operating depth (MOD) due to the risk of oxygen toxicity. It is essential for divers using Nitrox to understand how the balance of these gases affects their dive profiles and safety procedures.