The Miniox self-contained breathing apparatus is specifically engineered for operations in IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) or otherwise irrespirable atmospheres, providing a service life of up to 40 minutes.
The system architecture consists of a high-pressure oxygen cylinder mounted on a dedicated backplate for ergonomic weight distribution. This cylinder is equipped with a comprehensive manifold assembly, featuring a primary shut-off valve and a high-precision pressure-reducing valve. To ensure constant monitoring of the remaining gas supply, a pressure gauge is connected via a reinforced flexible high-pressure hose; this is routed to a tubular extension at the wearer’s side, placing the gauge in a direct line of sight and within easy reach for manual adjustment.
The front-mounted components include a flexible breathing bag (counter-lung) and a high-capacity, rechargeable carbon dioxide absorbent canister to facilitate a closed-circuit breathing cycle. The assembly is completed by heavy-duty corrugated inhalation and exhalation hoses fitted with unidirectional valves to prevent rebreathing of exhaled air before it is scrubbed, along with a secure nose clip to ensure total respiratory isolation.
Therebreathersite was founded by Jan Willem Bech in 1999. After a diving career of many years, he decided to start technical diving in 1999. He immediately noticed that at that time there was almost no website that contained the history of closed breathing systems. The start for the website led to a huge collection that offered about 1,300 pages of information until 2019. In 2019, a fresh start was made with the website now freely available online for everyone. Therebreathersite is a source of information for divers, researchers, technicians and students. I hope you enjoy browsing the content!