Editing Nitrox (section)

===Decompression benefits===
{{See also|Decompression (diving)|Decompression theory|Decompression practice}}
Reducing the proportion of nitrogen by increasing the proportion of oxygen reduces the risk of decompression sickness for the same dive profile, or allows extended dive times without increasing the need for [[decompression stop]]s for the same risk.<ref name="Lang 2006" /> The significant aspect of extended no-stop time when using nitrox mixtures is reduced risk in a situation where breathing gas supply is compromised, as the diver can make a direct ascent to the surface with an acceptably low risk of decompression sickness. The exact values of the extended no-stop times vary depending on the decompression model used to derive the tables, but as an approximation, it is based on the partial pressure of nitrogen at the dive depth. This principle can be used to calculate an equivalent air depth (EAD) with the same partial pressure of nitrogen as the mix to be used, and this depth is less than the actual dive depth for oxygen enriched mixtures. The equivalent air depth is used with air decompression tables to calculate decompression obligation and no-stop times.<ref name="Lang 2006" /> The [[Decompression theory#Goldman Interconnected Compartment Model|Goldman decompression model]] predicts a significant risk reduction by using nitrox (more so than the PADI tables suggest).<ref name="Goldman 2013" />