Since 2011, vaping has only grown in popularity, as more and more people are quitting smoking and opting for a healthier and happier lifestyle. With vaping going from strength to strength and advancing over time, it can be difficult for new vapers to know where to start, so we have put together this dummies guide on how to vape to help you out. We will cover everything a beginner needs to know…
Table of Contents
Is Vaping Better Than Smoking?
Health Benefits
Smoking is very dangerous for your health. There are approximately 78,000 smoking-related deaths every year, and tens of thousands of people live with smoking-related illnesses that affect their quality of life. However, vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking (according to Public Health England).
Financial Benefits
Smoking is an expensive habit, with the average pack of cigarettes costing £12.66. This can rack up to hundreds of pounds every single year. Whilst vaping doesn’t come without its price tag, it can be up to 90% cheaper than smoking, potentially saving you up to £350.
Why Do People Vape?
- Vaping makes it easier to quit smoking
- Offers a healthier alternative to smoking
- Saves you money
- A fun hobby
- Easy way to relax
- The social aspect of the vaping community
- Better for the environment than smoking
How to Vape? You Need These Things!
1. Vape Hardware
Vape hardware is the first and foremost thing you need preparing to start off vaping. It, in the narrower sense, is a synonym for “vapes” and “vaping devices” we use more in daily lives.
Vape hardware can be divided into various types, while only some of them are a better match for beginners, such as pod systems and disposable vapes.
- Pod Systems
Pod systems are compact, lower-powered vaping devices, also known as vape pods and pod vapes. Most pod systems feature a power output lower than 100W, and fit better with nicotine salt e-juices coming with higher strength. They’re simple to navigate, requiring only easy operations like refills and coil change.
Typically, a pod system kit will provide two or three coils for replacement, so you don’t need to buy separate coils at the very start. No kit includes in e-liquids though. Get some e-liquids close at hand in advance if you opt for pod vapes to start vaping.
Traditional e-cigarettes require users to deal with coil and battery, however, there is a new device that is taking the vaping industry by storm and it is called a disposable vape. A disposable vape is a compact device that is purchased already put together (even the e-liquid is pre-filled).
Disposables use puff-to-vape design, which means no set-ups like refills is required through and through. Whilst these are great for first-time vapers due to the ease of use, they are not recommended for regular vapers as once the e-liquid has run out the device can not be reused.
2. Coil
Coils create the vapour by heating the e-liquid inside of the tank and have a limited lifespan. The average coil lasts between 3-6 months, the lifespan depends on how often you vape and the e-liquid that you use.
3. Battery
The battery powers the entire vape. Usually, batteries are charged using a USB or Type-C cable and can last up to 6 months depending on your vaping habits. A top vaping tip is to rotate two batteries to increase the lifespan and to never overcharge the battery as this can limit the lifespan. While most disposable vapes and pod systems get powered by built-in batteries, so you don’t need to buy separate ones.
Vaping Styles
Mouth To Lung (MTL)
Mouth To Lung (MTL) is the closest to the experience of smoking a cigarette. The devices for this style of vaping allow for a tight airflow and stronger nicotine intake. Providing a satisfying throat and nicotine hit. This style of vaping is recommended for smokers who are looking to switch to vaping.
Direct To Lung (DTL)
Direct To Lung (DTL) is a less common style of vaping and is typically only utilised for experienced vapers. The devices have a more open airflow and are better for lower nicotine hits. Vapers opt for this style of vaping as it can produce huge amounts of vapour (also known as sub ohm vaping) and offer a stronger flavouring.
E-Liquids
Ingredients
E-liquids are made up of two main food-grade ingredients, which are called Vegetable Glycerine (VG) and Propylene Glycol (PG). VG creates the thickness of the vapour and creates sweet undertones in vape juices. PG is a thin liquid that enhances the flavouring in the e-liquid.
Nicotine
Nicotine is an additive which can be found in e-liquids, however, you can also purchase nicotine-free vape juices, like the ones we recommended before to help people quit smoking. E-liquids will have different nicotine ratings, and the maximum amount of nicotine allowed in UK vape juices is 20 mg.
Here is a general rule of thumb for what strength of nicotine you should purchase in a vape:
- Heavy smoker (15+ cigarettes a day) = 18 mg – 20 mg rating
- Moderate smoker (10-16 cigarettes a day) = 12 mg rating
- Light smoker (Less than 10 cigarettes a day) = 3 mg – 6 mg rating
- Non-smoker = nicotine-free
Flavouring
Flavouring is added to e-liquids to enhance the experience. There are thousands of different flavours available, such as tobacco, fruit, menthol, beverage, dessert, and much more! There are also unique combinations of flavours e.g. cherry tobacco. Many vapers have stated that the best part of vaping is trying out different flavours.
Are There Any Government Regulations For Vape Products?
In the EU, there are a few key regulations that vape products must abide by to be 100% TPD compliant, and these are:
- Vape tanks have a limit of 2 ml
- E-liquids should have a maximum amount of nicotine at 20 mg/ml
- Additives such as colouring, caffeine and taurine cannot be mixed with e-liquids
- Packaging must not be marketed toward children or young people
- Clear warnings must be printed on the packaging
- E-liquids must be lab-tested by a facility
It is also important to keep in mind that you must be over the age of 18 to purchase and use vape products. While the legal vaping age varies by countries. For example, in the US, you must reach 21 to be allowed to vape.
This is a guest post from Juicemate.
