Table of Contents
- STEALTH VAPING AND HOW TO EXHALE ZERO VAPOR
- INTRODUCTION
- WHAT IS STEALTH VAPING?
- WHY DO PEOPLE STEALTH VAPE?
- ARE THERE PLACES WHERE VAPING IS BANNED?
- HOW TO STEALTH VAPE AND EXHALE ZERO VAPOUR - WHAT IS THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR STEALTH VAPING?
- MANAGING VAPOR AND ODOUR
- HOW TO STEALTH VAPE IN PUBLIC
- WHAT ARE THE BEST TIPS FOR STEALTH VAPING?
- WHAT ARE THE BEST TECHNIQUES FOR STEALTH VAPING?
- POTENTIAL RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
- WHAT ARE THE ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE FOR STEALTH VAPING?
- STEALTH VAPING AND HOW TO EXHALE ZERO VAPOR - CONCLUSION
- REFERENCES
STEALTH VAPING AND HOW TO EXHALE ZERO VAPOR
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS STEALTH VAPING?
WHY DO PEOPLE STEALTH VAPE?
Why stealth and what is the need for it? Well, despite Public Health England’s best estimates that electronic cigarettes are 95% less harmful than actual cigarettes (1), many people are still not aware of this (2), or think that vapour from these devices is as harmful as smoke from tobacco products. Therefore vapers can sometimes be treated with the same disdain as smokers, so stealth vaping can reduce the impact vaping has on others in your immediate area.
Clandestine vaping, which involves using low-powered, discreet devices and specific inhalation methods to minimise visible vapor and noise, allows users to vape without drawing attention.
Stealth vaping is also a good way to reduce the chances of someone treating you with the same prejudice as a smoker. In a world where our personal data is the new commodity, to many people maintaining a sense of privacy is a valuable exercise. To some degree, we make quick judgments because we evolved in a dangerous world where slow reactions could be very costly, so prejudice is a part of being human. Using stealth vaping techniques will reduce the chances of people judging you on the basis of being a vaper.
Quitters may appreciate stealth vaping techniques - using the techniques, and the people who use them. Someone giving up smoking using vaping isn’t compelled to use a smoking area, avoiding subjecting themselves to being around smokers, cigarettes and tobacco smoke - all potential triggers for relapsing - but the stealth techniques may allow you to stay close to your friends who don’t smoke, instead of being relegated to a smoking area or outside!
Conversely, someone quitting tobacco may appreciate you using stealth techniques because it reduces the impact your vaping has on their quitting method!
ARE THERE PLACES WHERE VAPING IS BANNED?
Despite the lack of harmful chemicals and evidence to suggest passive 2nd hand vapour presents a danger, there are plenty of places where vaping is restricted (3). Here in the UK, train station platforms, airports and public transport have all banned vaping and the use of e-cigarettes. Workplace regulations are individual from place to place, though in Wales, e-cigarette use is now included in existing bans on smoking in workplaces and other public areas. Other businesses like restaurants and bars include vaping in their ‘no smoking’ rules, so customers and employees alike must observe them or risk being asked to leave.
One reason for these restrictions is the concern over too much visible vapor, which can draw unwanted attention and disrupt the environment.
While stealth vaping is less intrusive and less obvious, it is not a great idea to use it to get around the rules! In the UK, breaking the rules could result in a fine, being ejected from the premises and possibly earn you a ban from entry. Other countries’ rules on vaping vary enormously (4), so make sure to check the local restrictions.
UK residents might consider stealth vaping if driving in the car - while no law is being broken when you do this, the obstruction of a vapour cloud may expose you to a charge of driving without due care and attention, resulting in a fine and points on your driving licence!
HOW TO STEALTH VAPE AND EXHALE ZERO VAPOUR - WHAT IS THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT FOR STEALTH VAPING?
Exactly how do you go about stealth vaping, then? There are several things to consider to maximise the stealthiness of your vaping. Big clouds are obvious, so producing these is non-compatible with stealth vaping - a high powered device will produce more vapour (5), so low powered is the way to go. High powered devices also tend to be bigger, boxier things that don’t fit into a pocket easily, and are too big to be concealed in a hand - ultraportable vape kits, vape pens, pod systems and e-cigarettes like the SMOKO cigalike are much easier to hide from sight and are therefore a better choice for stealth vapers.
If you are looking at vape starter kits, do some research on them beforehand. Particularly when it comes to stealth vaping, staying away from a mesh pod unit might be a good idea as the mesh is designed to heat up your e-liquid quickly, giving you a fuller experience in a shorter time frame. Short puffs may not make a huge difference on a unit that uses a mesh coil. Units like the Omni Board Mini, with it’s quick charge feature, also have a power level control - so make sure to set it to the lowest power when stealth vaping!
E-liquids with a high VG content will produce more vapour (6), so a balanced e-liquid like 80/20 propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) will help keep you incognito. Flavoured vape juice also presents a problem when stealth vaping, as the aromas are very likely to draw attention. Some liquids will smell stronger than others, but the option of a flavourless e-liquid eliminates this problem altogether, whilst it may impair the overall pleasure of the vaping experience.
Another thing to consider is the nicotine content of the liquid you’re vaping - a higher nicotine level will increase the throat hit - any thoughts of staying low-key go out the window if you end up in a five minute coughing fit… So if you must have a high nicotine liquid, one made with nicotine salt is going to have much less of a throat hit so you should still be able to vape stealthily and satisfy your nicotine craving.
MANAGING VAPOR AND ODOUR
Managing vapor and odour is crucial for effective stealth vaping. To minimise vapor production, it’s essential to choose the right e-liquid and device. E-liquids with higher PG ratios tend to produce less vapor, making them ideal for stealth vaping. Additionally, using a low-powered device with a tight MTL draw can help reduce vapor production.
When it comes to managing odour, it’s essential to choose a flavour that is not too strong or overpowering. Fruity and floral flavours are often good options for stealth vaping, as they are mild and less likely to draw attention. It’s also important to keep your device and e-liquid clean and well-maintained to prevent any unpleasant odors.
To further minimise odour, you can use a vape device with a built-in odour filter or a separate odour filter attachment. These filters can help absorb any lingering odours and prevent them from escaping into the air.
HOW TO STEALTH VAPE IN PUBLIC
Stealth vaping in public requires a combination of technique, discretion, and awareness of your surroundings. Here are some tips for stealth vaping in public:
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Choose a discreet device: Opt for a small, ultraportable vape kit or a disposable vape pen that can be easily concealed in your hand or pocket.
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Be mindful of your surroundings: Avoid vaping in crowded areas or near people who may be sensitive to vapor or odour.
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Take short puffs: Take short, gentle puffs to minimise vapor production and prevent drawing attention to yourself.
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Hold your breath: Hold your breath for a few seconds after inhaling to allow the vapor to dissipate before exhaling.
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Exhale discreetly: Exhale slowly and quietly, avoiding any loud or visible vapor clouds.
By following these tips, you can stealth vape in public without drawing attention to yourself.
WHAT ARE THE BEST TIPS FOR STEALTH VAPING?
WHAT ARE THE BEST TECHNIQUES FOR STEALTH VAPING?
So you've got your low powered device, appropriately balanced VG/PG e-liquid with the right level of nicotine for stealth vaping - how exactly do we do this? We are trying to achieve as little vapor production as possible - so taking short puffs is a good way to make sure your device isn't vaporizing huge amounts of liquid.
If this isn't getting enough vapour for you, then a single long draw on your device can be done instead. The key is then holding in the vapour - this is where the throat hit can cause problems - then exhaling downward or away from any bystanders through tightly pursed lips.
Holding in the vapour significantly reduces the amount visibly exhaled, and so a technique aptly called ‘zero vaping' can be achieved by doing this. This is much more easily done with the e-cigs and low power devices, but the more vapour your unit makes the harder it is to eliminate all visible vapour expelled when you breathe out.
If being subtle about vaping is a big concern to you, make sure to look at starter kits for low powered devices like e-cigarettes and vape pens. Units that use refillable pods can also work here - small device means low power, so these pod-style units, with the appropriate e-liquid, are another option here.
POTENTIAL RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS
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Nicotine overdose: Taking too many puffs or holding your breath for too long and too frequently can lead to nicotine overdose, which can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches.
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Social stigma: Stealth vaping can be seen as a way to avoid social stigma, but it can also lead to feelings of guilt or shame if you’re caught vaping in public.
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Legal consequences: Vaping in public can be illegal in some areas, and stealth vaping can increase the risk of getting caught and facing legal consequences.
WHAT ARE THE ETHICS AND ETIQUETTE FOR STEALTH VAPING?
Having discussed the ‘how and why’ people stealth vape, it’s worth talking about when and where you should discreetly vape.
In enclosed spaces, like workplaces or public transport, it is understandable that restrictions may be put in place. Every individual is different, and while smokers and vapers are used to the throat agitation from vaping, even enjoy it as part of the experience, non-smokers and non-vapers may find the vapour clouds invasive. Both vegetable glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) are hygroscopic - which means they attract and are capable of holding water molecules, which can result in the drying out of the mouth and throat, causing dehydration which can lead to headaches. Subjecting people to this for your own needs does raise an ethical question of when is an appropriate time and place to get your vaping in, even if you are using stealth techniques.
Remembering that plenty of other people are trying to quit smoking is another important issue. Vaping willy-nilly with no thought to others may set them back on this journey - being tempted by seeing someone vaping, or being close enough to experience the vapour cloud could potentially have a negative effect on a smoker trying their best to give up.
Think about whether you are in an enclosed space, whether you can vape away from people, if you can exhale away from others close by, and whether there are rules for vaping where you find yourself taking a puff. Doing so should help avoid getting you in trouble with people and establishments alike!
STEALTH VAPING AND HOW TO EXHALE ZERO VAPOR - CONCLUSION
Stealth vaping is a great way for the vaping community to show respect for non-vapers. While the name suggests it is trying to hide the occurrence of vaping, which to some degree it is, it's really about ways of reducing the impact of vaping on those around us, whether family, friends, colleagues or strangers, rather than getting around rules and regulations.
If stealth vaping appeals to you, a unit like SMOKO's e-cigarette or vape starter kits are low powered devices that work very well with stealth vaping. Check online for a stealth vape starter kit deal today!
REFERENCES
(6) Effects of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine, and nicotine on emissions and dynamics of electronic cigarette aerosols
