VAPE GUIDE

What Is Vaping and How Does It Work?

Vaping refers to the use of a vape or e-cigarette. These devices allow you to inhale nicotine in a vapor created by heating an e-liquid, which typically contains propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), nicotine, and flavorings. Unlike traditional cigarettes, vaping does not involve burning tobacco, eliminating tar and carbon monoxide, two of the most harmful compounds in tobacco smoke. This is why vaping can be an effective tool for quitting smoking.

The first modern vape was designed by Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist and entrepreneur, and was released in China in the early 2000s before being distributed in Europe and the US around 2007. Since then, vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, with a wide range of vapes and e-cigarettes now available. Despite the variety, the basic functions of e-cigarettes remain similar to Hon Lik’s original design.

The Components of a Vape

All vapes consist of several core components, although they can vary significantly in design and features:

  • Battery: Vape batteries range from 180mAh to 2500mAh and can be built-in or replaceable. Disposable vapes have single-use batteries, while reusable vapes typically use rechargeable ones.
  • E-Liquid Tank: This reservoir holds the e-liquid. Disposable vapes have pre-filled, sealed tanks, while pod vapes have replaceable tanks. More advanced vapes have refillable and replaceable tanks, limited to 2ml in the UK and EU.
  • Atomiser Coil: This heating element, also known as the resistance coil, heats the e-liquid to create vapor. Coils generally last up to two weeks before needing to be replaced.
  • Wicking Material: This cotton material delivers e-liquid to the coil. If the tank is low on e-liquid, the dry cotton can produce a burnt flavor.
  • E-Liquid: Available in various flavors, nicotine strengths, and compositions (PG and VG), e-liquids can contain freebase nicotine or nicotine salts.
  • Mouthpiece: Also known as the drip tip, the mouthpiece comes in different shapes and sizes for a comfortable vaping experience.
  • Charging Point and Charger: Most vapes use USB-C chargers, and it's recommended to use the charger that comes with your vape to avoid battery issues. Disposable vapes are not rechargeable.

Advanced vapes may have removable batteries, LED screens, indicator lights, various coil resistances, bubble glass extension tanks, adjustable airflow, and more. However, beginners often find simple vape kits to be more affordable and user-friendly.

How to Vape

Vaping techniques vary based on the device and style but generally involve inhaling, holding, and exhaling.

  • Mouth to Lung (MTL): Similar to smoking a cigarette, you draw vapor into your mouth, hold it, then inhale it into your lungs before exhaling. This method provides a strong nicotine hit and a pleasant throat sensation.
  • Direct to Lung (DTL): Requires deeper inhales with more airflow, using a low-nicotine, high-VG e-liquid for large vapor clouds.

MTL vs. DTL Vaping

  • Mouth to Lung (MTL) Vaping: Ideal for beginners, MTL vaping mimics the sensation of smoking. You draw vapor into your mouth and then into your lungs. This method is suitable for devices with limited airflow, such as disposables like Elf Bars and Geek Bars, and provides a familiar experience for ex-smokers.

  • Direct to Lung (DTL) Vaping: Popular among experienced vapers or "cloud-chasers" who enjoy producing large vapor clouds. This method involves drawing vapor directly into the lungs, requiring more airflow and specific e-liquids, coils, and inhaling techniques. DTL devices often have wider mouthpieces for this inhaling style, while MTL vapes typically have narrower or circular mouthpieces.

Understanding these basics can help you choose the right vaping style and device for your needs. Whether you're starting with a simple kit or exploring more advanced options, vaping offers a customizable experience to suit your preferences