## What is Used with O2 in Scuba Diving?
– [Nitrox](#nitrox)
– [Trimix](#trimix)
– [Heliox](#heliox)
– [Hydreliox](#hydreliox)
– [Alternative Gases](#alternative-gases)
Scuba diving involves breathing compressed air underwater. However, for certain diving applications, divers may use different gas mixtures that contain oxygen (O2) in addition to nitrogen (N2) or helium (He). These gas mixtures are known as enriched air nitrox (EAN), trimix, heliox, and hydreliox.
### Nitrox
Nitrox is a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. It is used by recreational divers to extend their bottom times and reduce the risk of decompression sickness (DCS). Nitrox typically contains 32%-40% oxygen, with the remainder being nitrogen. The higher the oxygen content, the shorter the diver’s bottom time, but the less risk of DCS.
Advantages of Nitrox:
Extends bottom times
Reduces the risk of DCS
Improves buoyancy control
Can be used with standard scuba equipment
Disadvantages of Nitrox:
Requires specialized training
Can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity
Should not be used by divers with a history of seizures
### Trimix
Trimix is a mixture of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium. It is used by technical divers to dive deeper than 130 feet (40 meters). Trimix typically contains 18%-21% oxygen, 50%-60% nitrogen, and 20%-30% helium. The helium helps to reduce the risk of nitrogen narcosis, which can occur at depths greater than 100 feet (30 meters).
Advantages of Trimix:
Allows divers to dive deeper
Reduces the risk of nitrogen narcosis
Can be used with standard scuba equipment (with modifications)
Disadvantages of Trimix:
Requires specialized training
Can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity
Can be expensive
May require a closed-circuit rebreather
### Heliox
Heliox is a mixture of oxygen and helium. It is used by deep-sea divers to dive to depths greater than 1,000 feet (300 meters). Heliox typically contains 20%-30% oxygen and 80%-90% helium. The helium helps to reduce the risk of nitrogen narcosis and high-pressure nervous syndrome (HPNS), which can occur at depths greater than 200 feet (60 meters).
Advantages of Heliox:
Allows divers to dive to extreme depths
Reduces the risk of nitrogen narcosis and HPNS
Can be used with closed-circuit rebreathers
Disadvantages of Heliox:
Requires specialized training
Can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity
Can be expensive
Requires a closed-circuit rebreather
### Hydreliox
Hydreliox is a mixture of oxygen, helium, and hydrogen. It is used by experimental divers to dive to depths greater than 2,000 feet (600 meters). Hydreliox typically contains 5%-10% oxygen, 50%-60% helium, and 30%-40% hydrogen. The hydrogen helps to reduce the risk of helium tremors, which can occur at depths greater than 1,000 feet (300 meters).
Advantages of Hydreliox:
Allows divers to dive to extreme depths
Reduces the risk of helium tremors
Can be used with closed-circuit rebreathers
Disadvantages of Hydreliox:
Requires specialized training
Can increase the risk of oxygen toxicity
Can be expensive
Requires a closed-circuit rebreather
### Alternative Gases
In addition to the four main gas mixtures described above, there are a number of other alternative gases that can be used in scuba diving. These gases include:
Argon: Argon is a noble gas that is used to dilute oxygen in nitrox mixtures. It is also used in some trimix mixtures.
Carbon dioxide: Carbon dioxide is a trace gas that is added to nitrox and trimix mixtures to help improve breathing.
Hydrogen: Hydrogen is a light gas that is used to reduce the risk of helium tremors in hydreliox mixtures.
Nitrous oxide: Nitrous oxide is a laughing gas that is used as a pain reliever in some diving applications.
The use of alternative gases in scuba diving requires specialized training and equipment. Divers should only use these gases under the supervision of a qualified diving instructor.