Which is a key benefit of diving with Nitrox compared to air?

Diving with Nitrox offers a key benefit in that it results in less nitrogen absorption compared to breathing regular air during dives. This is primarily due to the higher oxygen content in Nitrox, which allows divers to reduce the proportion of nitrogen they inhale. When divers utilize Nitrox mixtures, especially those with a higher oxygen percentage, they experience lower nitrogen loading in their bodies, which can lead to a reduced risk of decompression sickness, given that nitrogen is primarily what contributes to this condition.

Furthermore, less nitrogen absorption means that divers can potentially extend their bottom times at certain depths without incurring the same level of nitrogen saturation as with regular air. This can allow for longer dives within the no-decompression limits and can enhance the overall diving experience.

In contrast, shorter dive times and greater depth capability are not directly associated benefits of diving with Nitrox. While it can extend no-decompression limits, it does not inherently enable deeper diving than air, and divers must still adhere to depth limits based on the specific Nitrox mixture used. Additionally, diving with Nitrox does not increase the risk of decompression sickness; instead, it typically provides a lower risk due to reduced nitrogen absorption.