What happens to the body’s nitrogen loading when diving with EANx?

When diving with Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx), the body's nitrogen loading is reduced due to the lower nitrogen content in the gas mixture compared to air. EANx typically consists of a higher proportion of oxygen and a correspondingly lower proportion of nitrogen than regular air, which contains about 78% nitrogen. This reduction in nitrogen means that divers breathe in less nitrogen while diving, leading to decreased nitrogen absorption in the body tissues.

Reduced nitrogen loading is particularly beneficial for divers, as it can lower the risk of nitrogen narcosis and decompression sickness. As such, diving with EANx allows for longer bottom times at certain depths and shorter surface intervals due to this reduced nitrogen loading. Additionally, this aspect of EANx makes it a popular choice among divers looking to extend their dive profiles safely.