HOW TO VAPE AND INHALE A VAPE PROPERLY
You may be motivated to quit smoking and get away from cigarette smoke for a variety of reasons, and it’s important that you find the right motivation. Maybe your current habit is getting too expensive or maybe you worry about how cigarettes are impacting your health...
Making this decision will take some courage in order to get rid of these harmful chemicals from your body. Vaping provides an effective nicotine delivery system without the harmful chemicals found in cigarettes, such as tar and carbon monoxide. Read on to learn exactly how to vape and how to inhale a vape properly.
TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
If you are reading our How to Vape and How to Inhale a vape properly guide, then no doubt you are a smoker who is ready to make a change. Motivation to quit smoking can be wide ranging and different for everyone. Maybe your current smoking habit is getting too expensive or perhaps you are beginning to worry about how the harmful chemicals in cigarettes are impacting your health, but deciding to do something about it is the first step. Many individuals have successfully quit smoking by switching to vaping, highlighting its effectiveness in promoting a smoke-free lifestyle.
Investigating 'what is vaping' is where people start to build their understanding on how E-Cigs could help them to quit. Beginners often start with a simple vape pen to ease the transition from smoking to vaping. We will answer many of your questions about the world of E-Cigs and vaping with a beginner’s guide to vaping, which will support your efforts to quit smoking for good.
WHAT IS VAPING
Vaping has been around for a decade and millions of people around the world have used vapes to help them move away from smoking harmful cigarettes and live smoke-free. But how does vaping work? Essentially, vaping is the process of using an electronic cigarette to consume nicotine in a similar way to cigarette smoke, but without the 4,000 chemicals and 50 known carcinogens found in when inhaling cigarette smoke.
E-cigarettes are an amazing piece of technology that creates a smoke-like vapour from a flavoured liquid which contains nicotine. This vapour, known as E Cigarette vapour, differs significantly from traditional cigarette smoke. E Cigarette vapour is produced at a lower temperature and contains fewer harmful chemicals compared to the smoke from traditional cigarettes. Additionally, concerns about passive exposure to E Cigarette vapour are generally considered to be much less severe than those associated with second-hand cigarette smoke. The process of vaporising e-juice into a realistic vapour which you inhale is called vaping. This vapour production is what makes E-Cigarettes a popular alternative to traditional smoking.
For someone new to the world of vaping, the transition can feel a bit unnatural and overwhelming due to the huge amount of advice and choice of vaping kits. Finding a vaping device that mimics the habit and rewards of smoking will ensure your success in switching to a vape. The hand-to-mouth action, inhaling the gratifying smoke, the feeling of calm or satisfaction from the nicotine hitting your system and the social element of smoking are all sensations that smoking traditional cigarettes give you.
When used properly, vaping devices can deliver a realistic “throat hit” and nicotine that smokers crave. Switching to a vape may require patience and adjustment compared to smoking a normal cigarette, but many devices have been designed to look and feel like a cigarette to help you switch.
For newbies, finding the right vaping kit, a flavoured e-juice that you like and understanding how it works and how to use it properly will ensure you have a great vaping experience. Like the millions of ex-smokers who have already achieved success in moving away from cigs to vaping, with a bit of will power, perseverance and finding the right device, you could become a non-smoker as well!
We hope this guide helps you to understand what is vaping and how to vape properly so you can say goodbye to cigarettes for good!
HOW TO VAPE PROPERLY
Learning how to inhale vapour properly is easier than you might think.
Most vapers start with a simple device like a cig-a-like. They look like a cigarette in the size and weight. They produce a similar amount of smoke-like vapour compared to a normal cigarette and they are incredibly easy to use. Cig-a-likes are designed for beginners but tend to be popular for people who want to vape without a lot of hassle or ongoing maintenance.
Vape shops tend to sell larger vaping devices - these cost a lot more (therefore the shop makes more money) and are much more complicated to use.
Some vape shops don’t stock smaller cigalike devices and try to encourage 1st time vapers to invest in something that might not be suitable for a beginner. It’s like trying to sell a Ferrari to someone who only wants to drive to the shops and back when a Ford Focus or VW Golf would do!
We always recommend that a smoker looking to quit traditional cigarettes with a vape should start by using a small, realistic-looking and easy-to-use cigalike over a vape mod, pod mod or customisable vape pen.
1) GET YOURSELF A VAPE STARTER KIT
Regardless of their size or power output, vapes generally do the same thing: generate a smoke-like vapour, known as E cig vapour, similar to inhaling cigarette smoke from a nicotine e-liquid to mimic the same sensation you would get from smoking. The cost of a vape starter kit can range from £5 to £100 and are classified into 2 major categories – closed systems (cigalike or pre-filled pod systems) or open systems (larger batteries, removable parts and user filled with e-juice). For a beginner, we would always recommend starting with a closed system due to the ease-of-use.
A closed vape starter kit will come with everything you need to get started: a rechargeable battery, a charging cable or USB charging device to recharge the vape battery, a number of pre-filled pods or cartridges which contain the e-liquid and full instructions. Many vape starter kits will be compatible with a range of refills in different flavours and strengths of nicotine.
If you are new to the world of vaping, a cigalike starter kit is a great first step!
2) SELECT THE RIGHT FLAVOUR
When choosing your vape kit, check if the brand has a wide range of flavours for you to select. For many people vaping for the first time, having a choice of different tobacco or menthol flavours is great. Beyond that, you may want to try some fruit or dessert flavours but the majority of people are looking for a similar flavour to when they smoke.
For a first time vaper, finding a vape that has a similar flavour to the tobacco you are smoking is recommended. If you are a menthol cigarette smoker, select a menthol or mint flavoured starter kit. Similarly, if you smoke a tailor-made cigarette, select the Original Tobacco flavour.
For first-time vapers, exploring various vape flavors can be an exciting experience. If you are a menthol cigarette smoker, select a menthol or mint flavoured starter kit. Similarly, if you smoke a tailor-made cigarette, select the Original Tobacco flavour.
3) SELECT THE RIGHT NICOTINE STRENGTH
For first time vapers we recommend finding a high strength nicotine e-cigarette starter kit.
Some people make the mistake of trying a low or zero nicotine e-cig starter kit. Choosing the right nicotine strength is crucial, and understanding nicotine levels can help you make an informed decision. Starting on a high strength nicotine kit will allow to get used to using a vape. Once you have cut out cigs completely you can then look to reduce the amount of nicotine in your vape.
4) SELECT THE RIGHT PG/VG IN YOUR E-LIQUIDS
E-juice is made up of 4 key ingredients – Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), flavouring and nicotine. Propylene Glycol is what give you the “throat hit” whereas Vegetable Glycerine (VG) creates the vapour. The more VG in an e-liquid means you get more “vape clouds” and less of a hit on the throat. Conversely, the more PG in an e-juice means a stronger throat hit.
If you are looking for the most realistic smoking sensation, using a cigalike vape kit with a higher amount of PG would give you the greatest satisfaction.
HOW TO INHALE A VAPE PROPERLY
It seems like a weird thing to consider when using a vape, but how you inhale your vape will have a big impact on how it works for you. When you open your vape kit, follow the instructions on how to set it up and use the proper vape technique. With a closed system cigalike, this should be very straightforward.
Ensure the battery is fully charged. Once this is ready to go, attach one of the pre-filled refills to the battery and then hold your device on a downward 45° angle, place it in your mouth and slowly draw on the device from your mouth before inhaling into the lungs - this technique is known as ‘MTL vaping’ and this is the inhale most smokers use with cigarettes. We recommend inhaling a small amount of vapour to start with. If you feel it was not quite enough, try inhaling a little longer. Learning to inhale your vape may take a bit of trial and error but eventually you will find the best amount to suit you.
Drawing too much vapour in the first instance may make you cough while you get used to how much your device produces. Don’t be discouraged. Keep trying until it works for you.
Typically, 5 to 7 slow and long draws with a pause between each inhale should give you the same sensation as smoking a real cigarette. When you breathe it in, holding the vapour in for a few seconds (longer than you would hold in cigarette smoke) can help to absorb the right amount of nicotine. Take your time, try a few different methods and savour the vapour like you would a nice glass of wine!
Once you perfect how to inhale on a vape, you will never want to light up a normal cigarette again!
DOES THE TYPE OF VAPE CHANGE HOW TO INHALE A VAPE PROPERLY
Most closed system vapes use the first of two inhalation techniques: Mouth To Lung (MTL). MTL kits activate the vaporising of the e-liquid as soon as you start sucking air. The inhale activation means the harder you draw on it, the more vapour you will inhale, making MTL vaping devices closest to how you draw on a cigarette and require a tighter draw then Direct Lung devices. MTL means you take the vapour into your mouth before then inhaling into the lungs. Cigalike vaping devices are low power mouth to lung kits designed to look and feel like a cigarette, and refills are available at a nicotine strength to suit your smoking habit.
The second of the inhalation techniques is Direct To Lung (DTL) vaping (sometimes just 'direct lung') and this relates to open systems. With DTL vapes, you have to press the button on the battery for a few seconds which activates the vaporizing of the e-juice. However, with a device designed for DTL vaping, the vapour is “pushed” into your lungs. Imagine a fog machine in a nightclub that pumps out vapour into the club. This is the same concept of a DTL vape. For first-time vapers, this can feel unnatural and overwhelming and may lead to Vaper's Cough - a common symptom of too much vaping. Due to the increased power of the batteries found in a DTL vape, the amount of vapour can be quite a lot to swallow so be sure to avoid high nicotine vape juice to prevent coughing and irritation. The increased complexity with device maintenance and features like adjustable airflow, we suggest avoiding these vape kits as a beginner vaper.
Then - as if things weren't complicated enough - RDTL vaping is a hybrid inhalation technique that combines elements of both mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, providing a smoother and more controlled experience.
So if you are looking for a realistic smoking sensation, using a Mouth To Lung closed system vape will be the most familiar option.
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS WHEN INHALING A MTL VAPE:
1) Slowly draw on the end of the device to activate the vapour production
2) Draw the vapour into you mouth like you would when inhaling a cigarette
3) Inhale and hold the vapour in your lungs to allow the nicotine to get absorbed into your system
4) When ready, exhale the vapour
5) Repeat the process until satisfied
6) Easy peasy, lemon squeezy with a closed system.
VAPING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Don’t be intimidated if you are starting to vape for the first time. Hopefully this ‘how to vape’ guide has been helpful. Once you find the right closed system with the right flavours and strength of nicotine, the transition to electronic cigarettes can be easy and satisfying. Additionally, finding the right vaping style, such as Direct-To-Lung (DTL) vaping, is crucial as different devices and techniques influence how you inhale vapour.
Vaping and quitting smoking can be a daunting process for someone looking to switch from tobacco products. Once you choose a kit that is suitable for a beginner, pick the right flavour and nicotine level. Making the switch can have huge benefits to your health, wellbeing and financial security. Seeking advice and support from the vape community can also be incredibly beneficial!
Some of the key tips for a beginner would be to stick with it, always use your vape if you have an urge instead of reaching for a cigarette and remember that vaping is much less harmful than smoking. Keeping these thoughts in mind will help you succeed.
WHICH VAPE BRAND SHOULD I TRY
With all closed systems, everything you need is already done for you. The e-liquids are pre-filled in the refills or pods and the resistance coils or atomizers (the heating elements which create the vapour) are also built in, so there is very little maintenance. It is important to find a vape brand that is established and regulated to ensure you are getting a high-quality product.
Looking at the customer reviews of a vape company will also give you a good indication of the quality of the product, the e-juice and the ongoing customer service.
ONLY BUY PREMIUM VAPE PRODUCTS
Read the customer reviews for a vape company, do some research and ensure that you pick quality above price. There are a lot of inferior vaping products on the market and price should not be your major consideration. Bearing in mind that vaping can be up to 80% cheaper than smoking, it is better to pay a bit more for your vape refills to ensure you get the best vape products instead of looking for the best deal.
Understanding where a vape company makes their e-juice is another important consideration. If a vape company doesn’t shout from the rooftops where they make their e-juice, you can assume that they most likely use Chinese ingredients and flavours. Most disposable vapes sold in mobile phone repair shops or convenience stores use Chinese-made e-juice.
A vape company like SMOKO E-Cigarette use the highest quality, pharmaceutical-grade flavours and ingredients in their e-juice that is Made in the UK. So treat yourself and find a premium vape brand.
When choosing a vape product, prioritize vape quality over price. This ensures you get a superior experience and avoid the pitfalls of cheaper, lower-quality options.
FIND THE RIGHT FLAVOUR TO VAPE
New vapers tend to vape with a flavour that is similar to the flavour of cigarettes they smoked. Having a choice of tobacco, Virginia rolling or menthol flavoured refills will be a great starting point. It is no wonder that these realistic flavours are the most popular options when you quit cigarettes as these are the flavours of the most popular cigarettes.
When considering vape preferences, you may find some crazy flavours like strawberry milkshake or melon sours, but heavy smokers tend to stick with the flavours they know.
SELECT THE RIGHT PG/VG RATIO IN THE E-LIQUIDS
As mentioned previously in this guide on to how to vape properly, the balance of PG and VG mix in your e-juice will determine much of the experience.
The higher the PG content will give you a stronger and more realistic vape sensation on the throat which ex-smokers will appreciate, and typically produces less vapour. A higher Vegetable Glycerine (VG) content produces more clouds but will feel less realistic.
The best PG/VG mix to choose when you first start vaping would be 80% PG and 20% VG as it mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT NICOTINE CONTENT
The nicotine content in your vape is essential for tackling cravings when you stop smoking. Social and casual smokers will be fine with a lower nicotine level, anywhere from 0.3 up to 1.1mg/ml. Regular light or medium smokers should look at 1.1mg/ml to 1/8mg/ml, with heavy smokers likely needing 1.8mg/ml to 2mg/ml. Choosing a stronger nicotine liquid than you need may result in an unpleasant rush to the head, and coughing and/or throat irritation.
Heavy smokers often seek a stronger nicotine hit on the throat so they get a sensation similar to smoking. The hit on the throat is impacted by the level of PG in the vape juice as well as the amount of nicotine. This means you can reduce the harshness on your throat by using a low nicotine liquid, or one that uses less PG.
CLEAN YOUR VAPE ACCESSORIES REGULARLY
With a closed vape system, ongoing maintenance is really easy. Cleaning the connections between the rechargeable batteries and USB chargers on a regular basis should keep your vape performing well. Using a tissue to clean the connector on the battery should remove any residue that may build up over time. This residue can affect the connection between the refill and the battery and cause a slight variation in taste.
Vape maintenance is crucial for keeping your battery and USB connections clean and free of residue or debris, ensuring optimal performance. Common sense also suggests that you keep the batteries clean and dry, do not put them in the washing machine, charge your batteries using charging units supplied with your vape starter kit and use the components as they were designed to be used.
For vape mods and pens, the coil may need replacing, and your tank should be cleaned when you change liquid flavours or at regular intervals.
ALWAYS HAVE EXTRA E-CIGARETTE BATTERIES
Once you have made the switch from smoking to electronic cigarettes, you will want to stick with it. Losing a battery or running out of charge while you are out and about could mean you are without your trusty vape until you get home or can get back to the shop to pick up a replacement. We always suggest having a few spare batteries on hand as a back-up to ensure you don't run out and to maintain good vape battery life. If you are going for a night out, take a 2nd fully charged battery and an extra refill in your pocket so you don’t run out.
Having additional batteries at home is also a good idea. If you order your vapes online and have them delivered, you may have to wait for a few days. This can be very stressful if there is a long weekend and you have to wait extra days until replacements arrive. So make sure you have some extras up your sleeve!
HOW TO AVOID VAPER'S TONGUE
Vaper’s Tongue can happen to some vapers over time. This usually occurs when using more powerful open systems that create a lot of cloud and can cause vape flavour fatigue, leading to the loss of taste for that flavour. It generally means that you are using the vape too much and at a power level that is too high. If you experience Vaper’s Tongue, we would suggest turning down the power on your open system, switching flavours for a period of time or even consider switching to a Mouth To Lung vape device.
It is rare to experience Vaper’s Tongue when using a closed system based on Mouth to Lung inhalation as they operate at lower power levels and generate less vapour compared to open systems. So smaller devices help you to vape safely.
WHAT IS A VAPE MOD?
Importantly, not all vapes are the same! Unlike a vape pen, a vape mod is a more advanced device that some more experienced vapers may use. These are usually an open system that delivers a Direct To Lung, or ‘direct lung’, experience. This means that it “pushes” the vapour directly into your lungs compared to a smaller cigalike or vape pen. For many smokers looking to quit using a vape, a DTL kit can be overwhelming in their complexity.
A mod starter kit will have a rechargeable battery, a refillable tank, a replaceable resistance coil, a mouthpiece, charging cables and possibly replacement “O” rings. To get started, you fill the tank of your vape mod with some e-juice, prime the resistance coil, attach the mouthpiece and battery. Many vape mods have the ability to adjust the output power or voltage, meaning the battery is capable of producing more power which vaporises the e-juice at a higher temperature, resulting in more vapour. Vape coil resistance is another variable for mods - low resistance coils are renowned for producing high volumes of vapour, where high resistance coils make cooler, smaller clouds of vapour - it just may take a bit longer to produce the vapour compared to a low resistance coil.
Vape customisation is a key feature of vape mods, allowing users to adjust settings like output power and coil resistance to suit their preferences. As you can see, the mod vapes take a bit more care and maintenance. With mods, the amount of extra vapour being produced and being “pushed” into your lungs can be a bit much for a newbie. This is why vape mods are predominately used by more advanced vapers.
We believe Mouth To Lung vape devices are easier to use and help you to vape safely.
WHAT IS IN VAPE JUICE?
Vape juice is a contemporary term that relates to e-liquids that are used in a refillable vapes. E-juice is made up of the following ingredients - Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), nicotine and flavours. Depending on the e liquid manufacturer, they can come in a range of PG/VG mixes.
When discussing vape ingredients, PG contributes to the hit on the throat in e liquid whereas Vegetable Glycerine (VG) creates the “cloud”. So a e juice with a higher PG content will feel more like a tobacco product.
Vape juice with a higher VG content will create more “cloud” or vapour. Typically, if you want a more realistic smoking sensation, you will most likely want to use a vape pen and a nicotine liquid with a higher PG content. If you are looking for more “cloud” in your vaping endeavours, then you will lean towards a mod or pod vape with a higher VG content in you vape juice.
Our liquids are made in the UK, avoiding harmful chemicals found in e-liquids elsewhere!
Vape juice with a higher VG content will create more “cloud” or vapour. Typically, if you want a more realistic smoking sensation, you will most likely want to use a vape pen and a nicotine liquid with a higher PG content. If you are looking for more “cloud” in your vaping endeavours, then you will lean towards a mod or pod vape with a higher VG content in you vape juice.
Our liquids are made in the UK, avoiding harmful chemicals found in e-liquids elsewhere!
WHAT IS A VAPE PEN
A vape pen is another term for vapes, cigalike, vapourizer or any other electronic cigarette device that allows you to vaporise vape liquid into a smoke-like vapour similar to smoking tobacco products. The majority of vape pens tend to be smaller in size, with a built in resistance coil and small chamber for e-juice, and are typically classified as Mouth To Lung. They do what they say on the tin - help you to replace the harmful chemicals found in traditional tobacco products, with a realistic smoking sensation.
They can come in a range of colours, sizes and shapes but vape pens usually are designed for first-time vapers and should be fairly easy to use. Using a closed system which has pre-filled refills or pods will make the transition to electronic cigarettes pretty natural as there is minimal maintenance of the parts, while being lower in cost to purchase than a vape mod starter kit.
Most pen starter kits have a fixed power output so you won't be able to increase or decease the amount of power that your device produces like you would with a vape mod. Some open system pens do feature adjustable airflow and power output options, though nothing as flexible as a mod device.
We would always recommend starting your vaping journey with a vape pen.
CONCLUSION
All smokers are different. They have their favourite brand of e-cigs and have their smoking habits. The same applies with vaping. Some vapers use a tobacco flavoured pod or would never switch from menthol. Once you find the perfect vape device with the right flavour and nicotine strength that keeps you happy and satisfied, then stick to it.
It is also important to remember your motivation to kick the habit in the first place. For some ex smokers, they want to save more money or want to lead a healthier life. There are many people who also use nicotine to help manage their weight and some studies even suggest that vaping helps you lose weight.
So whatever your motivation, enjoy your vape journey and remember that it is much better than smoking cigarettes!
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VAPING FAQs
HOW VAPES WORK
Vapes work by heating a liquid solution, known as e-liquid or vape juice, to produce a vapour that can be inhaled. This e-liquid typically consists of a blend of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, and nicotine. When you take a puff from your vape device, the battery powers the coil, which heats the e-liquid, turning it into vapour. This vapour is then inhaled and exhaled, providing a sensation similar to smoking traditional cigarettes but without the harmful chemicals like tar or carbon monoxide.
The process involves several key components: the vape device, the coil, and the e-liquid. The vape device is the battery-powered unit that houses the coil and e-liquid. The coil is the heating element responsible for vaporizing the e-liquid, and the e-liquid is the liquid solution that gets vaporised and inhaled. Understanding how these components work together can help you vape properly and enjoy a satisfying experience.
VAPE SAFETY
Vape safety is paramount for anyone using a vape device. While vaping is generally considered a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, it’s important to follow some basic guidelines to ensure you vape safely.
First and foremost, always use high-quality vape devices and e-liquids from reputable manufacturers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance of your device. Never leave your vape device unattended or within reach of children or pets.
When using your vape, inhale slowly and smoothly, avoiding long, deep drags. This helps prevent the coil from overheating and reduces the risk of burns or other injuries. Additionally, be aware of the potential risks associated with vaping, such as nicotine addiction and respiratory issues. If you experience symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath, stop using your vape device and consult a doctor.
By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your vaping experience while minimising potential risks.
COMMON VAPING TERMS
Here are some common vaping terms that you may come across:
- MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) Vaping: This style involves inhaling the vapour into your mouth first and then into your lungs, similar to smoking a traditional cigarette. It’s often preferred by beginners for its familiar sensation.
- Direct Lung (DL) Vaping: In this style, you inhale the vapour directly into your lungs. It’s favoured by experienced vapers seeking a more intense experience.
- Coil Resistance: This measures how much resistance a coil has to the flow of electricity. Lower resistance coils produce more vapour, while higher resistance coils produce less.
- Adjustable Airflow: This feature allows you to customise the airflow on your vape device, enhancing flavour and vapour production.
- E-Liquid: Also known as vape juice, this is the liquid solution vaporized and inhaled when using a vape device. It typically contains propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings, and nicotine.
- Vape Kit: A complete vaping system that includes a vape device, coil, and e-liquid. Vape kits are ideal for beginners seeking a hassle-free experience.
- Ghost Vape: A popular vape trick where you inhale vapour and then exhale it slowly, creating a “ghostly” effect.
- Vape Properly: Using a vape device in a safe and responsible manner. This involves following the manufacturer’s instructions, using high-quality e-liquid, and being aware of potential risks.
Understanding these terms can help you navigate the world of vaping with confidence and ensure you vape properly.