(also known as the bends). Purpose Enriched Air Nitrox, Nitrox with an oxygen content above 21%, is mainly used in scuba diving to reduce the proportion of nitrogen in the breathing gas mixture. Reducing the proportion of nitrogen by increasing the proportion of oxygen reduces the risk of decompression sickness, allowing extended dive times without increasing the need for decompression stops. Nitrox isn't a safer gas than compressed air in all respects; although its use reduces the risk of dec… (More on Nitrox)