HOW TO QUIT ELF BARS - REASONS AND BETTER ALTERNATIVES FOR VAPING

Addicted to Elf Bars? Want to quit Elf Bars? This guide offers clear steps on how to quit Elf Bars, find better alternatives - like the SMOKO VAPE MAX - and deal with withdrawal. Expect practical advice to make your quitting journey smoother.

Key Takeaways

• Quitting disposable vapes benefits health and the environment, as many manufacturers violate safety regulations and contribute to waste.

• Choosing a reusable vape works out to be cheaper in the long run, is more environmentally friendly, and likely to be safer if made in the UK - like SMOKO!

• Understanding and addressing nicotine withdrawal symptoms is crucial, with distractions and healthy coping strategies being effective methods for managing cravings.

Reasons for quitting disposable vapes

One of the primary reasons to quit vaping disposable vapes is the questionable practices of some manufacturers. Many disposable vapes have violated UK regulations regarding nicotine levels and e-liquid amounts (1), and some have even targeted young people and underage users through marketing tactics (2). This lack of trustworthiness should be a significant concern for anyone using these products.

Environmental impact is another compelling reason to stop smoking disposable vapes. It’s estimated that around one million disposable vapes are discarded every day (3), contributing to massive lithium battery waste and posing fire risks at waste management centers. Quitting disposable vapes in favour of rechargeable/re-usable vapes helps reduce this environmental burden.

Health risks associated with disposable vapes also make a strong case for quitting. The use of nic salt vape juice in these devices typically involves higher levels of flavouring, potentially leading to more toxic compounds compared to freebase nicotine liquids. Several users have reported severe health issues, such as pneumonia, suspected to be linked to disposable vapes. Your health is too important to risk for the sake of convenience.

Make the Decision to Quit

Making a firm decision to quit disposable vapes is the first and most crucial step. This commitment can prevent procrastination and reinforce your resolve. To strengthen your commitment, set a specific quit date - and if you can't, the disposable vape ban in the UK is due to take effect on June 1st 2025, so the decision will be made for you!

Identifying personal motivations for quitting can provide the necessary drive to see the process through. Whether it’s for health reasons, to save money, or to be a better role model for your kids, knowing your “why” can be a powerful motivator. For those looking to continue vaping at safer levels, switching to a reputable UK manufacturer like SMOKO can ensure you adhere to the highest safety standards.

Remember, the journey to quitting smoking or even switching vapes is personal, and finding what motivates you can make all the difference. Once you’ve made the decision, stick to it with determination and perseverance.

Should you be concerned about Nicotine Withdrawal Symptoms?

With nic salt providers claiming that nic salts provide a stronger nicotine hit than freebase nicotine liquids, you may be concerned about your nicotine levels when you make the switch to freebase nicotine liquids. Firstly, let's look at nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Nicotine withdrawal can be challenging, but understanding the symptoms can help you manage them effectively. Common withdrawal symptoms include cravings, irritability, headaches, and mood swings. These symptoms are your body’s way of adjusting to the absence of nicotine, and while they can be uncomfortable, they are temporary.

Common withdrawal symptoms of nicotine include:

• Cravings

• Irritability

• Headaches

• Mood swings

These withdrawal symptoms are your body’s way of adjusting to the absence of nicotine, and while they can be uncomfortable, they are temporary.

Engaging in activities that distract you from intense cravings can be highly effective. Going for a walk, talking to friends, or practicing meditation can provide the mental break you need. Developing healthier coping mechanisms, such as physical activities, can also improve your mental well-being during withdrawal.

Mindfulness practices can enhance self-awareness and help manage the urge to vape. Additionally, maintaining a consistent sleep routine and limiting demanding tasks during this period can improve your concentration and overall mood. Remember, the discomfort of withdrawal is a sign that your body is healing and adapting to a nicotine-free life.

The reality is that, for the same concentration of nicotine, evidence indicates freebase nicotine is more able to achieve and maintain higher levels of nicotine in the blood. In the UK, the maximum legal limit for retail nicotine liquids is 2%, or 20mg/ml, whether it is freebase nicotine or nic salt. So, while outside the UK you may see nicotine levels of 5%, or 50mg/ml - these would provide a stronger nicotine hit than a 2% freebase nicotine liquid - in the UK you would have to mix vape juice that strong yourself!

Find Healthier Substitutes

Healthier substitutes play a crucial role in managing cravings when quitting single use vapes. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) options like patches and gum can provide an alternative to inhaling nicotine, especially if disposable vapes have caused breathing issues for you. This approach allows you to gradually reduce nicotine intake without the harmful effects of smoking or vaping.

Switching to a trustworthy brand like SMOKO, where the UK-made e-liquids and devices meet the standards set by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), can help manage cravings while continuing to vape. This ensures you’re using safer products as you transition away from disposable vapes.

Adjusting the PG:VG ratio in your e-liquids can also make a significant difference. If you have a sensitivity to propylene glycol (PG), switching to a high vegetable glycerine (VG) liquid may improve your vaping experience. Conversely, if you have a severe allergy to vegetable oils, opting for a high PG liquid could be beneficial. Always consult a doctor if you have specific health concerns.

Is switching to freebase nicotine liquids a reduction in nicotine levels?

There’s a common misconception that nicotine salt e liquid provides a stronger nicotine hit than freebase nicotine - this may be due to the knowledge that cigarettes contain nicotine in its salt form. However, the science doesn’t necessarily support this claim. Nic salt particles are larger and ionically charged, making it harder for them to cross from the lungs into the blood. This can lead to increased inflammation and fluid in the lungs, which could explain why some disposable vape users may develop pneumonia. At SMOKO, we have had several customers switch to us after this experience.

Studies have shown that experienced vapers can achieve similar blood nicotine levels to smoking with a low-powered device. Animal studies also support this, with research indicating that freebase nicotine can reach and maintain higher blood nicotine concentrations than nicotine salt. (4)

The difference in absorption rates means that freebase nicotine might be more effective for those looking to reduce their nicotine intake gradually. Understanding the nuances between nic salt and freebase nicotine can help you make informed decisions about your vaping habits and choose the most effective method for quitting.

Check Your Vaping Gear

When transitioning away from disposable vapes, checking your vaping gear is crucial. Disposable vapes are convenient and easy to use, but they come with risks and a negative environmental impact. Switching to a prefilled device means you’ll need to ensure you’re always stocked up on refills to avoid being caught without nicotine when you need it most.

If you opt for a refillable device, be prepared to carry e-liquid bottles and spare parts like extra vape tanks and coils. This ensures you can continue vaping even if you run out of liquid, your coil burns out, or your tank cracks.

With the upcoming disposable vape ban set for June 2025, making the switch now will help you adjust and be better prepared for the changes ahead, instead of having your hand forced. Investing in reliable vaping gear and planning for contingencies can make your transition away from disposable vapes smoother and more manageable.

Seek Support from Friends and Family

Seeking support from friends and family can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and provide much-needed accountability, and if you spend time with non-smokers and non-vapers, this can help you to put away your vape for a prolonged period of time. Quitting vaping alone can be challenging, especially when you encounter life triggers that may tempt you to revert to old habits, and being around other single use vape users could be tempting with the incredible array of flavours available.

Talking about your quitting journey with friends and family can offer crucial motivation and encouragement. They can be your cheerleaders, providing emotional support and celebrating your milestones along the way, especially if you decide to quit cold turkey.

Additionally, replacing vaping or adding new hobbies or interests can provide a sense of achievement and distract you from cravings. Don’t hesitate to lean on your loved ones during this process. 

Stay Committed

Staying committed to quitting vaping requires preparation and determination. Having nicotine replacement products on hand can prevent you from reverting to disposable vapes if you find yourself without nicotine. Bulk ordering refills or e-liquids can also be more cost-effective than buying individual disposable vapes, allowing you to enjoy the extra cash - so be sure to stock up and order in plenty of time before you run out of refills or e liquid bottles.

Using a prefilled vape, like those offered by SMOKO, gives you the flexibility to change flavours and nicotine strengths as needed, without the waste associated with disposable vapes like Elf Bar. Recognise that the vaping experience is different with freebase nicotine – the increased throat hit can help prevent over-vaping by causing coughing, signaling you to put the vape down. This is in contrast to nic salts, which provide a smooth throat hit, but you can always reduce the nicotine strength for your freebase nicotine liquid to make the inhale smoother.

If you know someone else who wants to quit, starting with the same brand of E-Cigarettes can provide mutual support. Helping each other out with refills or e-liquid can strengthen your commitment and make the switching process more manageable.

Summary

Quitting Elf Bars and other disposable vapes is a journey worth taking for your health, the environment, and your overall well-being. By understanding the reasons to quit, making a firm decision, managing withdrawal symptoms, finding healthier substitutes, checking your vaping gear, seeking support, and staying committed, you can transition to a healthier way to vape.

At SMOKO, we offer the perfect replacement for people switching from Elf Bars - the SMOKO VAPE MAX! This re-usable vape features mesh coil technology for a flavourful vape experience, utilises pre filled pods so you don't have to worry about filling, cleaning tanks and changing coils, and matches the size and feel of Elf Bars to help disposable vapers make the switch.

The best part? You can get the starter kit FREE* when you buy a box of SMOKO VAPE MAX refills - so get started with the equivalent to two Elf Bars today for less than they would cost you!

*(One per customer) 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common nicotine withdrawal symptoms?

Nicotine withdrawal can really be a struggle, bringing on cravings, irritability, headaches, and even mood swings. Just remember, these symptoms are temporary and you can get through it - or start vaping with SMOKO and reduce your nicotine cravings gradually, and eventually go nicotine free!

How can I manage cravings while quitting smoking?

To manage cravings while quitting vaping, try keeping yourself busy with activities like walking in nature, chatting with friends, or meditating. Developing healthier habits like exercising can really help, too!

Are there healthier substitutes for disposable vapes?

Absolutely, healthier substitutes for disposable vapes include nicotine replacement therapies like patches and gum, which can help you quit smoking. It's also wise to consider switching to reputable brands with safer e-liquids and devices - it is worth noting that low powered vapes produce less toxicants (5), so switching to freebase nicotine and a low powered vape - like ours at SMOKO - looks less harmful that nic salt and high powered vapes.

Is switching to freebase nicotine liquids a reduction in nicotine levels?

Switching to freebase nicotine liquids doesn't automatically mean you're reducing nicotine levels; in fact, they can deliver and maintain higher nicotine levels in the blood than nic salts, for the same level nicotine liquid!

REFERENCES

(1) Leaked BAT testing data claims nearly all major disposable vaping brands contain illegal levels of e-liquid

(2) Mail Online: Vapes are becoming the new alcopops: How ruthless firms are targeting youngsters with cartoon characters and bubble-gum flavours

(3) The UK Throws Away 1 Million Vapes Each Day, Causing ‘Environmental Nightmare’

(4) Pharmacokinetics of freebase nicotine and nicotine salts following subcutaneous administration in male rats

(5) Sub-ohm vaping increases the levels of carbonyls, is cytotoxic, and alters gene expression in human bronchial epithelial cells exposed at the air–liquid interface

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Written by Dan Overgage

Dan Overgage is a former smoker of 10 years until he became a client of SMOKO E-Cigarettes. Dan started working with SMOKO 5 years ago after successfully quitting using our e-cigarettes and works across our Customer Service and heads up our content creation and research with a strong focus on all things quitting smoking. During his tenure with SMOKO, Dan has written countless blogs and consults with countless clients every day to help them to stay smoke-free.