Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) is one of the most popular specialty courses for recreational divers — and for good reason. But what exactly is it, and is it worth it for the average diver?### What Is Nitrox?Nitrox is a gas mix with a higher percentage of oxygen and a lower percentage of nitrogen than regular air. The most common blend is EANx32 (32% oxygen).### Why Use It?Because Nitrox reduces the amount of nitrogen your body absorbs, it extends your no-decompression limit. This is especially helpful on repetitive dives or deep multi-day trips. You may feel less fatigued, too — though that benefit is subjective.### Is It Safer?Yes and no. Nitrox reduces nitrogen load but increases oxygen toxicity risk. That means staying within your Maximum Operating Depth (MOD) is critical. It also requires special training and understanding of your dive computer settings.### When Should You Use It?If you do multi-dive days on a liveaboard or plan deep recreational dives (e.g. 70–100 feet), Nitrox is a smart choice. If you do shallow reef dives once a year, it may not be worth the extra cost or planning.**Take the course, learn the theory, and decide when it’s right for you — Nitrox is a valuable tool, not a silver bullet.**