General Health Guide: How to Properly Inhale a Vape?

While often viewed as a less harmful alternative to traditional cigarettes, improper vaping techniques can still lead to coughing, throat irritation, or an unpleasant rush of nicotine. Understanding how to properly inhale a vape is crucial for optimizing your experience, enhancing flavor, and reducing potential discomfort, especially for new users.

Quick Summary

This guide breaks down the primary vaping inhalation techniques, mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL), detailing the step-by-step processes for each method. It explains how to match your technique to your device and provides essential safety tips to ensure a more comfortable experience.

Key Points

• Identify Your Technique: There are two main ways to inhale—Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL).

• Start Slowly: For beginners, the MTL technique with a slower puff is recommended.

• Match Device and Inhale: Ensure your inhalation style matches your device type.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps alleviate dryness caused by vaping.

• Use the Right Nicotine Strength: Match nicotine level and e-liquid type to your inhalation style.

• Practice Device Maintenance: Regular cleaning and coil changes improve flavor and prevent dry hits.

• Take Breaks: Avoid continuous vaping to prevent overheating and discomfort.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Vaping Inhalation

Vaping inhalation is not a one-size-fits-all process. The ideal technique depends heavily on your device, the e-liquid, and your personal preference. The two main inhalation techniques are Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL). Mastering the right one for your setup is key to a satisfying and less irritating experience.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Inhalation

Often recommended for beginners and former smokers, the MTL technique closely mimics the action of smoking a cigarette. It provides a tighter draw, a warmer vapor, and a more pronounced 'throat hit'.

How to perform MTL vaping:

1. Draw slowly: Take a slow, steady puff from the mouthpiece, drawing the vapor into your mouth for a few seconds. Do not inhale directly into your lungs yet.
2. Hold in your mouth: Hold the vapor in your closed mouth for a moment or two to let the flavors settle on your taste buds.
3. Inhale to lungs: Open your mouth and inhale the vapor into your lungs, following with a fresh breath of air.
4. Exhale gently: Exhale the vapor slowly through your mouth or nose.

Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Inhalation

DTL inhalation, also known as sub-ohm vaping, is favored by experienced users seeking larger vapor clouds and a more intense, full-bodied hit. This technique requires higher-powered devices with low-resistance coils and more open airflow. Trying this method with an MTL device will likely lead to coughing and discomfort.

How to perform DTL vaping:

1. Draw directly: Take a long, deep, and smooth inhale directly into your lungs, as if breathing deeply. Bypass holding the vapor in your mouth entirely.
2. Exhale immediately: Exhale the large vapor cloud almost immediately after the draw. There is no need to hold it in your lungs.

Finding the Right Technique for Your Device

The choice between MTL and DTL is often dictated by your vape device's design.

• For MTL Vaping: Choose devices with a narrow mouthpiece, restricted airflow, and high-resistance coils (1 ohm or higher). Pod systems and smaller vape pens are common MTL devices. High-nicotine e-liquids, particularly nicotine salts, are well-suited for MTL.
• For DTL Vaping: Use higher-powered mods with a wide mouthpiece and low-resistance (sub-ohm) coils. High-VG e-liquids with lower nicotine are best for DTL.

General Health Tips for Vaping

Following general best practices can help improve your experience and potentially reduce negative health impacts:

• Stay Hydrated.
• Avoid Chain Vaping.
• Clean Your Device Regularly.
• Use Quality E-Liquids.
• Listen to Your Body.

MTL vs. DTL: At a Glance

Feature	Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)	Direct-to-Lung (DTL)
Inhalation Style	Draw into mouth, then inhale to lungs. Mimics cigarette smoking.	Draw directly and deeply into lungs. Like taking a deep breath.
Ideal For	Beginners, former smokers, those prioritizing flavor and a strong throat hit.	Experienced vapers, cloud chasers, and those wanting a more intense hit.
Device Type	Small pod systems, vape pens with restricted airflow.	High-powered box mods with wide, open airflow.
Coil Resistance	Higher resistance (1.0 ohm or above).	Lower resistance (sub-ohm, less than 1.0 ohm).
Vapor Production	Discreet, smaller clouds.	Large, voluminous clouds.
E-Liquid Compatibility	Higher PG, Nicotine Salts, and higher nicotine strengths.	Higher VG and lower nicotine strengths.

Conclusion

Knowing how to properly inhale a vape is fundamental for a better experience. Beginners may find the Mouth-to-Lung method more familiar, while advanced users might prefer the Direct-to-Lung technique. Matching your technique to your device and following basic maintenance and safety are key. Vaping is not risk-free, and consulting a healthcare professional is advisable, especially with existing health conditions. Additional resources like Vaping360 can provide more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I cough when I try to vape?

Coughing is common for new vapers and often results from inhaling too harshly or using the wrong technique for your device. Starting with gentle, slow puffs using the MTL technique is recommended to avoid this.

What is a dry hit?

A dry hit is an unpleasant, burnt taste that occurs when there is not enough e-liquid on the coil's wick. This can be caused by chain vaping or not waiting long enough for the wick to saturate.

How long should I hold the vapor in my lungs?

Holding vapor for extended periods is unnecessary and may increase risks and discomfort.

Is it better to inhale through the mouth or nose?

Vapor enters through the mouth. Exhaling can be done through the mouth or nose, with some finding nasal exhale enhances flavor.

What is the difference between freebase nicotine and nicotine salts?

Freebase nicotine offers a stronger 'throat hit,' while nicotine salts are smoother at higher concentrations. Nicotine salts suit MTL, and lower-concentration freebase is better for DTL.

How do I choose the right nicotine strength?

Beginners should start with a lower nicotine level. DTL vaping uses lower strengths due to higher vapor volume, while MTL can use higher strengths.

How do I know if my device is MTL or DTL?

MTL devices have a narrow mouthpiece and restricted airflow. DTL devices have a wide mouthpiece and open airflow. Check your device's instructions.