How to smoke a vape properly for beginners?

Recent studies show that new vapers often misuse their devices, leading to a less satisfying experience and potential issues. For those new to the practice, understanding how to smoke a vape properly for beginners is crucial for transitioning smoothly and avoiding common pitfalls, like coughing or burnt tastes.

Quick Summary

Getting started with vaping involves selecting the right beginner-friendly device, understanding the two primary inhalation methods (mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung), and mastering the slow, deliberate draw to produce vapor effectively and comfortably. A smooth experience hinges on proper technique and device preparation.

Key Points

• Start with MTL: The Mouth-to-Lung technique is best for beginners and closely mimics smoking.

• Prime Your Coil: Always saturate a new coil with e-liquid for 5-10 minutes before use to prevent a burnt taste.

• Draw Slowly: Take long, gentle puffs instead of hard, quick drags like with a cigarette.

• Choose the Right Nicotine Strength: Begin with a lower nicotine concentration to avoid harshness and dizziness.

• Stay Hydrated: Vaping can cause dry mouth, so drink plenty of water.

• Clean Your Device Regularly: Simple maintenance, like wiping down the mouthpiece, extends your vape's life and improves flavor.

Understanding the Basics: Your Device and E-Liquid

Before you can begin, it's important to understand the components of your vape and the e-liquid you'll be using. Most beginner kits are either pod systems or disposable vapes. Pod systems are refillable and rechargeable, offering more flexibility, while disposables are convenient and ready to use out of the box. E-liquids come in various nicotine strengths and flavors, with different ratios of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG). A higher PG content typically offers a stronger throat hit and more flavor, while a higher VG content produces larger vapor clouds.

Preparing Your Device

Getting your device ready is a simple but critical process for beginners. Proper setup ensures you don't get a burnt taste, also known as a 'dry hit.'

How to set up a new pod system:

1. Charge the battery: Always start with a fully charged battery. This ensures consistent power and a better experience.
2. Fill the pod: Open the designated fill port on your pod and carefully inject your e-liquid. Do not overfill. Ensure the port is sealed securely afterward.
3. Prime the coil: If your pod system has a replaceable coil, apply a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the exposed cotton wick before inserting it. For a sealed pod, simply wait 5-10 minutes after filling to let the e-liquid fully saturate the coil's wick. This is the most important step to prevent a burnt taste.
4. Assemble and wait: Reassemble the device and wait the recommended time. This ensures the wick is completely saturated.

Mastering the Inhalation Techniques

There are two main inhalation methods, and knowing which one is right for your device is essential. Mouth-to-lung (MTL) is recommended for beginners, while direct-to-lung (DTL) is for more experienced users with specific hardware.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vaping

This method is the most similar to smoking a cigarette and is ideal for those using smaller, high-resistance devices. It's best for higher nicotine strengths and focuses on flavor rather than cloud production.

The MTL technique:

1. Draw slowly: Take a long, gentle puff into your mouth, as if you were sucking on a straw. Draw for a few seconds, letting the vapor fill your mouth.
2. Hold the vapor: Keep the vapor in your mouth for a second or two to savor the flavor.
3. Inhale: Open your mouth and inhale the vapor into your lungs with a breath of fresh air.
4. Exhale: Breathe out the vapor smoothly. The cloud will be smaller than with DTL.

Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping

This technique is better suited for more powerful, low-resistance 'sub-ohm' devices and is used with lower nicotine strengths. It is designed for large vapor clouds and a direct hit to the lungs.

The DTL technique:

1. Draw deeply: Take a long, deep inhale directly into your lungs, like taking a deep breath of air. Don't let the vapor linger in your mouth.
2. Hold briefly: Hold the vapor in your lungs for a second.
3. Exhale quickly: Exhale immediately for maximum cloud production.

MTL vs. DTL Comparison Table

Feature	Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)	Direct-to-Lung (DTL)
Best For	Beginners, ex-smokers	Experienced vapers, cloud chasers
Inhalation Style	Two-step: mouth, then lungs	One-step: directly to lungs
Vapor Production	Minimal, discreet clouds	Large, dense clouds
Flavor Intensity	Stronger, allows for full flavor profile	Flavor is present but often less intense
Throat Hit	Strong, noticeable throat hit	Smooth, less harsh
Nicotine Strength	Higher nicotine strengths (e.g., 12mg+)	Lower nicotine strengths (e.g., 3mg, 6mg)
Device Type	Pod systems, vape pens	Sub-ohm mods, powerful devices

Common Vaping Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure a pleasant experience and to maintain your device, keep these pointers in mind.

• Chain vaping: Taking too many puffs in quick succession can overheat your coil and lead to a dry hit. Give your device a few seconds between draws to re-saturate the wick.
• Incorrect nicotine strength: Choosing a nicotine level that is too high can cause a harsh throat hit, dizziness, or nausea. Start with a lower strength and adjust as needed.
• Overfilling the tank: This can lead to leaks, a gurgling sound, and flooding the coil. Fill only to the recommended line.
• Ignoring a burnt taste: If you taste burnt cotton, stop vaping immediately. It means your coil is dry or burnt out and needs replacing.

Maintenance for a Consistent Vape

Regular cleaning and maintenance will prolong the life of your device and provide a better-tasting vape.

• Clean the mouthpiece: Regularly wipe down the mouthpiece to remove any condensation or residue.
• Inspect connections: Ensure that all connections, especially where the pod or tank meets the battery, are clean and free of e-liquid.
• Replace coils: Coils are consumable and will degrade over time. Replace them every 1-2 weeks, or when you notice a decline in flavor or vapor production.

A Final Word on Your Vaping Journey

Starting to vape can be an exciting transition, but it comes with a learning curve. Taking the time to understand your device, your inhalation technique, and proper maintenance will pave the way for a much better experience. Remember to start slow, be patient, and always prioritize safety. For more information on e-cigarettes and their health implications, you can consult resources from reputable health organizations like the World Health Organization at www.who.int.

With these steps, you are well-equipped to understand how to smoke a vape properly for beginners and embark on your journey with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between MTL and DTL vaping?

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) is a two-step process where you draw vapor into your mouth before inhaling into your lungs, similar to smoking. DTL (Direct-to-Lung) is a one-step, deep inhale directly into the lungs, used for bigger clouds.

Why do I keep coughing when I use my vape?

Coughing is common for new vapers and can be caused by several factors: inhaling too hard, using a nicotine strength that's too high, or an incorrect VG/PG ratio for your device. Try taking slower, gentler puffs.

How long should I hold the vapor in my lungs?

You only need to hold the vapor for a second or two before exhaling. Holding it longer doesn't increase nicotine absorption and can cause discomfort. With MTL, the absorption primarily happens in the mouth.

What does a burnt taste mean when vaping?

A burnt taste, or 'dry hit,' means your coil's wick has dried out and is burning. This is often caused by chain vaping or not priming a new coil correctly. Stop vaping immediately and replace the coil.

How do I know what nicotine strength to choose?

For beginners, it's best to start with a lower nicotine strength, especially if you are using a more powerful device. Former heavy smokers might start with a medium strength, while light smokers may prefer a lower dose. You can always adjust based on your experience.

How often should I clean my vape device?

For basic maintenance, it's a good practice to wipe down your mouthpiece and connectors daily. A more thorough cleaning of the tank or pod can be done weekly to prevent residue buildup and ensure optimal performance.

Can I inhale a vape without inhaling into my lungs?

Yes, this technique is similar to puffing on a cigar. You draw the vapor into your mouth, hold it for a moment to taste the flavor, and then simply exhale without taking it into your lungs. This is an MTL style of vaping.