What is vaping?
The definition of vaping is the inhalation of smoke-like vapor from an electronic cigarette or vaping device. Vaping simulates smoking, but in a less harmful way.
A vape contains a flavored nicotine liquid called e-liquid, but not all e-liquids contain nicotine. The user decides on the flavor and amount of nicotine they want to use, if any.
What is vape?
Vapes are handheld electronic devices for adults that produce smoke-like vapor from e-liquid, often with nicotine and various flavors.
The first retail vape was an electronic cigarette designed to look like a classic tobacco cigarette. The e-cigarette created by Hon Lik was made by the Chinese company Ruyan in the early 2000s. They came to Europe and America around 2007. Today, different types of devices differ in design, power and steam generation capabilities. The basics of their functions and usage are still the same as with the first one.
How does vaping work?
All devices work on the same premise: a battery source (MOD) powers a heating element (coilhead) that vaporizes e-liquid in a small chamber (Tank). The user then inhales the vapor through a small mouthpiece.
The vape works as a whole system. No component is a vape. A vape is what you have when it all comes together. Many experienced users buy MODs, Tanks and other parts of devices separately and assemble them in their own way. Beginners are advised to stick to ready-made kits that already contain everything needed. This ensures proper compatibility of the components.
A source of energy
A mod is a battery-powered device that typically uses lithium-ion batteries. These devices can come in different shapes and sizes. They are aptly named for their size and purpose. Among them you can find box mods, tube mods, all the way to small models, vape pen mods and pod mods. The term “mod” comes from the early days of vaping, when users modified handheld flashlights and made mods out of them.
Mods these days have a wide variety of electronic features and power limits. Some are more advanced and can be adjusted in watts (variable wattage) or even controlled by temperature (temperature control mod); others lack flexibility and require no technological understanding from the user.
The power level of a mod generally determines ease of use, as well as the experience required to use them safely.
Low power: pod devices, vape-pen, e-cigarette, AIOs (all-in-one)
- No experience is necessary
- A small rechargeable battery (unless it is a disposable e-cigarette)
- Usually without adjustable power
- Ultra portable devices
Medium power: AIOs (all-in-ones), tube mods, box mods
- It requires some experience
- Recommended battery safety knowledge
- Built-in or replaceable medium-sized battery
- Often with adjustable power (up to 100 watts)
- Pocketable (although not ultra-portable)
High power: box mods, mechanical mods
- Experience is a must
- Multiple replaceable batteries (rarely built-in)
- Requires knowledge of battery safety
- For a pocket (but more likely a bag)
- Usually with adjustable power (up to 200+ watts)
The replaceable batteries most commonly used in vapes are 18650, 20700, 21700. These cells are much more powerful than regular remote control batteries and require a thorough understanding of battery safety. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that new users purchase devices with built-in non-removable batteries that can be charged directly from the device’s USB port.
Source of steam
The vapor is created in a so-called tank, sometimes called an atomizer. It is a self-contained, closed chamber electrically connected to the mod. It contains a resistant heating element – usually a metal coil – and an absorbent wick saturated with e-liquid (containing similar basic ingredients to theater or club “smoke”). When the user inhales, the coil heats the liquid from the wick and instantly makes a vapor that looks like smoke.
All tanks use e-liquid, although some can hold more than others. Many are designed for simplicity, while others are much more complex and suitable for hobbyists and more demanding users. According to the ease of use, we divide the tanks into four main categories:
- Prefilled (for single-use, non-replaceable coilheads): Pods, cartridges, cartomizers
- Refillable (reusable, non-replaceable coilheads): Pods, cartridges, cartomizers
- Refillable with coilhead (reusable with replacement coilheads): Sub-ohm tanks, clearomizers
- Rebuildable (multi-use, where the user installs the wick and the wire himself): All tanks whose abbreviations start with “R” (RDA, RDTA, RTA…)
As with mods, there are many variations in tanks. It is important to remember that they must be compatible with the mod. Some have different connectors and don’t fit every mod, while others aren’t suitable because of the resistance of the coil and the power they need to work properly.
Coils in dispensers have different resistance ranges (ohm / Ω). Some coils produce large clouds (low resistance; less than 1.0 ohms), while others produce a more discrete vapor (high resistance; close to or greater than 1.0 ohms). Regardless of resistance or tank type, all coils (coilheads) are eventually discarded. The flavor and steam decrease after prolonged use, so replacement is necessary.
How to successfully quit smoking with vape?
The best chance for success is to start with a simple device. A simple device is in no way inferior to advanced devices, it’s just easier to use.
Step 1: Buy a basic vape starter kit. Regardless of appearance, they all generate steam in the same way. The prices of these devices range from approximately 20 to 60 EUR.
All kits come with instructions. Since almost all devices are made in China, the text in the user manual, despite the translation, may be a bit unclear. However, the instructions will explain clearly enough how your new kit works, and usually include photos and diagrams of how it works. In any case, we are available to help you prepare your new device.
Each device will need to be filled with e-liquid by the user. The instructions also describe filling the device with e-liquid, if you need additional information, you can contact us or watch a video that will explain how to fill the device with e-liquid.
Step 2: Find the best e-liquid for your type of device. Choose a flavor that appeals to you, then choose a nicotine level. In the beginning, we recommend that each user find a small package of liquid, preferably with a tobacco flavor. Nicotine preference depends on the user, but there are general recommendations for the best experience with different devices:
- 12 to 20 mg of nicotine – lower power devices (MTL devices)
- 6 to 12 mg of nicotine – medium power devices (MTL and RDL devices)
- 0 to 6 mg of nicotine – higher power devices (RDL and DL devices)
If you do not know which level to choose, we will be happy to help you choose the one that will be most suitable for you and will make it easier to quit smoking traditional tobacco cigarettes.
How to inhale vapor from an electronic cigarette?
When using an e-cigarette for the first time, the method of inhaling can either create a great experience or turn you off. It is extremely important to know what the device allows and what is the best way for you! If you inhale incorrectly, you may experience a cough or an unpleasant jolt of nicotine.
Basically, there are only two types of inhalation: Mouth To Lung (MTL) and Direct Lung (DL). The method of inhaling, of course, depends on your device.
MTL – Mouth to lung is the method most often used for smaller devices with high resistance heating heads (from 0.8ohm upwards). This is a method that you, as a smoker, are quite familiar with and therefore more suitable for a beginner. The pull must be tight! This type of inhalation produces less vapor and feels like smoking, the same throat sensation that many smokers crave. It’s a simple technique that smokers know well:
- Breathe the steam slowly into the mouth
- Hold the steam in your mouth for a second or two
- We open our mouths and inhale the steam into our lungs (do not “swallow”)
- We exhale when the steam is in the lungs
Sounds pretty familiar, right? Every smoker uses a classic tobacco cigarette in this way.
DL – direct inhalation into the lungs it is mostly suitable for larger devices with low resistance coilheads and low nicotine content. This type of vape device usage makes a lot of vapor. The draw is smooth and easy as it is mostly used with low or no nicotine levels:
- The steam is inhaled directly into the lungs with a quick puff
- We exhale almost immediately
This method of use is more familiar to users with more experience, and is intended for those who are no longer tempted by smoking. Direct inhalation into the lungs allows us to better taste the e-liquid.
What can you vape?
Electronic cigarettes only use liquids intended for electronic cigarettes! You can find e-liquids in different packages and in endless different flavors. Some contain nicotine, others do not. There are also those that contain CBD.
You must not use any other products, solutions or chemicals in the electronic cigarette! Nothing from the kitchen, such as cooking oils or syrups, is made for vaping. Although e-liquids feel like oil, they are not. The basic ingredients of e-liquid are soluble in water, but this does not mean that you can use drinks. The electronic cigarette is made exclusively for use with e-liquid! Even if you’ve seen someone on YouTube doing something crazy, don’t try to use products that aren’t specifically designed for use in an electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette was created with the aim of reducing the harm caused by smoking a classic tobacco cigarette – it is by no means intended for use that could negatively affect your health!
Should you start using an electronic cigarette?
The decision to start using an electronic cigarette (vaping) is a personal choice of every adult, usually to combat smoking addiction. Electronic cigarettes are not registered as a smoking cessation product, although they have helped many people live a tobacco-free life. Vaping has its pros and cons, but using an e-cigarette is considered harm reduction – especially when the only alternative is smoking.