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. As you enter the vaping world, beginners often start with a simple vape pen to ease the transition from smoking to vaping. As a new vaper, you may have questions about which device to choose, how to use it, and what to expect during your first experiences. It's important to find the right vape that matches your needs and preferences, as selecting the right vape can make your transition smoother and more enjoyable. 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.

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. A vape is an electronic device that contains a battery and a tank or atomiser, and is responsible for heating the e-liquid to produce vapour. 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. Understanding your nicotine consumption and the features of your device can help you optimise your vape experience, making it safer and more satisfying. 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.

There are also different vaping styles, such as mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung inhalation techniques, which new users can explore to find what suits them best.

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!

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.

Another popular option for beginners was the disposable vape, which comes pre-charged and ready to use, requiring no setup or maintenance, but these are now banned in the UK.

Pod vapes are another convenient and user-friendly option for both beginners and experienced vapers. They feature minimal settings and are available in prefilled or refillable pod systems, making them accessible and versatile choices within the vaping device spectrum.

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. Box mods are a type of advanced vaping device in this category, offering higher power and customisation options, often used by experienced vapers who want more control over vapour production.

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, as many experts consider these among the best vape kits for those starting out.

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. The way you inhale can affect your vaping experience and how much nicotine you absorb. 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. Before taking your first puff, it's important to prime your device to ensure optimal flavour and performance.

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 inhalation' (mouth-to-lung inhalation), which mimics the way most smokers use cigarettes and is especially suitable for beginners. This inhale style is typically associated with vape pens or pod systems and uses high-resistance coils to produce a throat hit and minimal vapour. 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. Nicotine is absorbed through the mucus membranes in your mouth, throat, and lungs, so inhalation technique plays a key role in your experience. Adjusting your inhale technique can help you achieve the best results, and different devices may require different inhale styles for optimal performance.

Drawing too much vapour in the first instance may make you cough while you get used to how much your device produces. If you inhale incorrectly, especially with more advanced devices or high VG juices, it can lead to coughing or discomfort. Exhaling techniques can also impact your comfort and enjoyment, especially as you learn to control the amount of vapour. For best results, exhale slowly to enhance flavour and vapor longevity. 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 and have vaped using the proper technique, you will find it more satisfying than smoking. You will never want to light up a normal cigarette again!

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. DTL vaping is also known for producing larger clouds and delivering a more intense flavour experience, which is often preferred by experienced users. 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. RDTL devices use restricted airflow to balance vapour production and throat hit, creating a unique hybrid vaping style. Open system devices often feature a vape tank, which requires regular cleaning and refilling for optimal performance.

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.

Understanding different vaping techniques is essential for finding the most satisfying vaping experience.

Cigalikes, Vape pens, disposable vape devices and Box Mods work in a similar manner. They both have batteries, they vapourise a nicotine flavoured e-liquid into a smoke-like vapour and can help you to quit smoking.

Cigarette style e-cigarettes are ideal for those who prefer a device that closely mimics traditional cigarettes.

Cigalikes look more like cigarettes whereas vape pens come in many sizes, shapes and colours. For many ex-smokers who don’t want to make a statement with their mod vape, the familiarity and simplicity of a cigalike is usually preferred.

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.

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.

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. For stubborn grime or residue, use isopropyl alcohol to thoroughly clean the connection points between the device and the pod or tank, ensuring proper contact and preventing buildup. 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. Always use the right charger for your device to ensure safety and avoid potential hazards.

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.

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.

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. When using a new coil, it is important to prime it by saturating the wicking material with e-liquid and waiting a few minutes before use to ensure proper absorption and prevent coil burnout. Many vape mods have the ability to adjust the output power or voltage, meaning the battery is capable of producing more power which vaporizes the e-juice at a higher temperature, resulting in more vapour. Many vape mods also feature adjustable wattage settings, allowing users to customise vapour production and flavour. 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. Sub ohm vaping, which uses coils with resistance below one ohm, is popular for producing large vapour clouds and is favoured by experienced vapers. 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.

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 device that matches your preferences along 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!