WHAT IS VAPING AND HOW TO VAPE PROPERLY - TIPS FOR BEGINNERS

If you are reading this vaping guide on What is Vaping and How to Vape properly, then no doubt you are a smoker who is ready to make a change.  The motivation to quit smoking can be wide ranging and is 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 making the decision to do something about it is a huge first step.

Investigating what is vaping is generally where many people start to build their understanding on how e-cigarettes could help them to quit.  In this guide, we will answer many of your questions about the world of e-cigarettes and vaping which will help support your efforts to quit smoking cigarettes for good.

Vaping has been around for a decade and during that time millions of people around the world have used e-cigarette to help them move away from smoking harmful cigarettes and to live smoke-free.  But how does vaping work?  Essentially vaping is the process of using an electric cigarette to consume nicotine in a similar way to smoking, but without the 4,000 chemicals and 50 known carcinogens that are found in traditional cigarettes.

An e-cigarette or vape is an amazing piece of kit that creates a smoke-like vapour from a flavoured liquid which contains nicotine.  The process of vapourizing that nicotine e-liquid into a realistic vapour which you inhale is technically called vaping.

For someone new to the world of vaping, the transition can feel a bit unnatural and perhaps overwhelming due to the huge amount of advice and endless choices of vaping kits to choose from.  So finding a vaping device that mimics the habit and rewards of smoking will ensure you are successful 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 or even the social element of smoking, are all sensations that smoking a cigarette gives you.

When used properly, vaping devices can deliver a realistic “throat hit” and nicotine that smokers crave.  Switching to a vape may take a bit of patience and some slight modifications compared to smoking a normal cigarette, but many devices have been designed to look and feel like a cigarette, so the transition isn’t that hard.

For newbies to vaping, finding the right vaping kit, finding a flavoured e-liquid that you like and then understanding how it works and how to use it properly will ensure you have a great vaping experience.   Like the millions of other ex-smokers who have already achieved success in moving away from cigarettes to vaping, with a bit of will power, perseverance and finding the right device, you could also 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 and farewell to cigarettes for good!

The majority of vapers started 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 continue vaping without a lot of hassle or ongoing maintenance. 

Many vape shops tend to sell larger vaping devices as they cost a lot more and therefore the shop makes more money.  And many of the shops don’t even stock smaller cigalike devices and try to encourage 1^st time vapers to invest a lot of money at the start for something that might not be suitable for a beginner.  It’s like they are trying to sell a Ferrari to someone who only want to drive to the shops and back and a Ford Focus or VW Golf would do.  Complete overkill.

So we always recommend to a smoker looking to quit smoking using a vape to start with a small, realistic looking and easy to use cigalike.

When choosing your vape kit, it is important to check the brand has a wide range of flavours for you to select.  For many people vaping for the first time, having a choice of a few different tobacco or menthol flavours is great.  Beyond that, you may want to try some fruit or dessert flavours down the track but the majority of people are happy to have a similar flavour to that which they currently smoke.

For a first time vaper, finding a vape kit that has a similar flavour to the cigarettes you are smoking is recommended.  So if you are a menthol cigarette smoker, select a menthol or mint flavoured e-cigarette starter kit.  Similarly, if you smoke a tailor-made cigarette, select the original tobacco flavour.

To make a successful transition to vaping, we recommend you begin with the strongest nicotine level in you vape pods or refills you can get.  Whether you are a casual smoker or a heavy smoker, starting with the highest nicotine strength will ensure you get the true “throat hit” you are looking for.  If you find that it is too strong, you can always choose a lower nicotine strength on your next purchase.  However, if you are a heavy smoker and select a low nicotine vape kit, you may find it doesn’t give you the same satisfaction as your pack a day habit and you may be discouraged to continue.

 This is where we get a bit technical about the e-liquid in a vape kit.  E-liquids are 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 “cloud” than “throat hit”.  Conversely, the more PG in an e-liquid means a greater “throat hit”. 

So if you are looking for the most realistic smoking sensation, using a cigalike vape kit with a higher amount of PG (Propylene Glycol) would give you the greatest satisfaction.

It seems like a weird thing to have to consider when using a vape kit, but how you inhale your vape will have a big impact on how it works for you.  When you first open your vape kit, ensure you have followed the instructions on how to set it up.  With a closed system cigalike, this should be very straightforward.

Ensure the battery is fully charged.  Once this battery is charged and 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 inhale.  We recommend inhaling a small amount of vapour to start.  If you feel it was not quite enough, try inhaling a little longer.  Learning to inhale you 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 as you are not used to how much vapour the device may produce.  Don’t be discouraged.  Keep trying until it works for you.

Typically, we recommend 5 to 7 slow and longer draws with a pause between each inhale, should give you the same sensation as smoking a real cigarette.  Many people find that if they hold the vapour in their lungs for a few extra seconds compared to a cigarette they 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!

There is another definition which you need to consider when you are learning how to vape properly.  Most closed systems provide a Mouth To Lung (MTL) vaping experience.  Similar to a cigarette, a MTL vape requires you to draw on the device to activate the vapourizing of the e-liquid.  The harder you draw on it, the more vapour you will inhale.  So the way you inhale on an MTL vape devices is most like the way you draw on a cigarette.

The other style is Direct To Lung (DTL) vaping and this relates to open systems.  With a DTL system, you generally have to press the button on the battery which activates the vapourizing of the e-liquid.  However, with a DTL device, the vapour is “pushed” into your lungs.  Image a fog machine in a nightclub that pumps out vapour into the club.  This is the same concept of a DTL vape.  For many first-time vapours, this can feel unnatural and overwhelming.  As well, due to the increased power of the batteries found in a DTL vape, the amount of vapour can be quite a lot to swallow (pun intended). 

So if you are looking for a realistic smoking sensation, then using a Mouth To Lung closed system vape kit will be the most familiar option.

Follow these simple steps when inhaling a Mouth To Lung vape:

Slowly draw on the end of the device to activate the vapour production

Draw the vapour into you lungs like you would when inhaling a cigarette

Hold the vapour in your lungs to allow the nicotine to get absorbed into your system

When ready, exhale the vapour

Repeat the process until satisfied

Easy peasy, lemon squeezy with a closed system.

Don’t be intimidated if you are starting to vape for the first time.  Hopefully this guide has been helpful.  Once you find the right closed system with the right flavours and nicotine strength, the transition to vaping can be very straight forward and satisfying.

Vaping and quitting smoking can be a daunting process for someone looking to switch from cigarettes and tobacco products.  Once you choose the right vaping kit that is suitable for a beginner, pick the right flavour and nicotine strength, making the change can have huge benefits to your health and wellbeing. 

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 better than smoking.  Keeping these main ideas in mind will help you succeed.

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 always 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 and e-liquids and the ongoing customer service.

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 cigarettes, it is better to pay a bit more for your vape refills to ensue you get the best vape products instead of looking for the best deal. 

As well, understanding where a vape company makes their e-liquids should be an important consideration.  If a vape company doesn’t shout from the rooftops where they make their e-liquids, you can assume that they most likely use Chinese ingredients and flavours.  A vape company like SMOKO E-Cigarette use the highest quality, pharmaceutical-grade flavours and ingredients in their e-liquids that are Made in the UK.  So treat yourself and find a premium vape brand.

The majority of people who are new to vaping tend to switch to a flavour that is as similar to the flavour of cigarettes they currently smoke.  Having a choice of tobacco, virginia rolling of menthol flavoured pods or refills will be a great starting point.  It is no wonder that vaping these realistic flavours are the most popular options when you quit cigarettes as these are the flavours of the most popular cigarettes.

You may find some crazy flavours like strawberry milkshake or melon sours, but for a heavy smoker, they tend to stick with the flavours they know.

As we mentioned previously in this guide to how to vape properly, the difference of PG and VG mix in your e-liquids will determine the vaping experience you have. 

The higher the Propylene Glycol (PG) content will give you a stronger and more realistic “throat hit” which new vapers will appreciate.  A higher Vegetable Glycerine (VG) content will product more clouds but will be less realistic. 

The best PG/VG mix to choose when you first start vaping would be at least a 80% PG and 20% VG as it mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette.

Part of any electrical device is to ensure you maintain the elements to keep them functioning as well as they are designed to.  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 of 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. 

Beyond keeping your battery and USB connections clean and free of residue or debris, you shouldn’t have too many issues with maintenance.  Common sense also suggests that you keep the batteries clean and dry, do not put them in the washing machine, charging your batteries on the right charging units supplied with your vape kit and use the components as they were designed to be used.

Once you have made the switch from smoking cigarettes to vaping, 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 have a few spare batteries on hand as a back-up.  If you are going out for a night out, have a 2^nd 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 normally 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 for a few extra days until some replacements arrive.  So make sure you have some extras up your sleeve so to speak.

Vaper’s Tongue is a strange thing that 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 the loss of taste for that flavour.  It generally means that you are using the vape too much and at a too high of a power level.  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 MTL system.

It is rare to experience Vaper's Tongue when using a closed system based on MTL inhalation as they operate at lower power levels and produce less vapour compared to open systems.

Unlike a vape pen, a vape mod is a more advance vaping device that some more experienced vapers may switch to down the track.  A vape mod is usually an open system that delivers a Direct To Lung vaping experience.  This means that the vape mod "pushes" the vapour further into your lungs compared to a smaller cigalike or vape pen.  For many smokers looking to quit using a vape, the vape mod can be more complicated and perhaps a bit overwhelming.

A vape mod starter kit will have a rechargeable battery, a refillable tank, a replaceable resistance coil, a mouthpiece, charging cables and possible replacement "O" rings.  To get started with a vape mod, you fill the tank of your vape mod with some vape juice (e-liquids), prime the resistance coil, attach the mouthpiece and battery.  Many vape mods have the ability to adjust the output power or voltage.  This means the battery will produce a higher amount of power which vapourizes the vape juice at a higher temperature, resulting in more vapour.

As you can see, the vape mod will take a bit more care and maintenance.  And with vape 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 the more advanced vaper.

Vape juice is a contemporary term that relates to e-liquids that are used in a vape pen or vape mod.  Vape juice is made up of the following ingredients - Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), nicotine and flavours.  Depending on the vape juice manufacturer, they can come in a range of PG/VG mixes.  

Propylene Glycol (PG) is what give you the "throat hit" in a vape juice whereas Vegetable Glycerine (VG) is what creates the "cloud".  So a vape 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 are wanting a more realistic smoking sensation, you will most likely want to use a vape pen and a vape juice with a higher PG content.  If you are looking for more "cloud" in your vaping endeavours, then you will lean towards a vape mod with a higher VG content in you vape juice.

A VAPE Pen is another term for an e-cigarette, cigalike, vapourizer or any other electronic cigarette device that allows you to vapourize e-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 are 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 smokers and should be fairly easy to use.  Using a closed system vape pen which has a pre-filled refill or pod will generally make the transition to vaping pretty natural as there is minimal maintenance of the parts and will be lower in cost to purchase your vape pen starter kit initially.

Most vape pen starter kits also 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 be able to with a vape mod.  

We would always recommend starting your vaping journey with a vape pen.

All smokers are different.  They have their favourite brand of e-cigarettes and have their smoking habits.  The same applies with vaping.  Some people only 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.  Most importantly, enjoy your vape and remember that it is much better than smoking cigarettes.

Are you ready to take the leap to quit smoking traditional cigarettes and try vaping for the first time?  

Check out our e-cigarette and vape starter kit comparison.