Vaping might seem to be the trend nowadays. If you’re planning on trying it out for the first time, it can be intimidating. Luckily, with a few helpful vaping tips, you’ll be on your way to vaping with ease in no time.
Some individuals might decide to try vaping as an alternative to smoking. Although vaping might be able to help a person eventually stamp out cigarettes, some find the transition a challenge. (1)
If you want a good start with vaping, here are several tips and tricks to know how it’s done properly.
- Look for a complete starter kit
Consider getting a vape starter kit if you’re going to try out vaping for the first time. These kits perform the same function of producing vapor, regardless of shape or design. There are four main classes to choose from: e-cigarettes, fume disposable vapes or pod vapes, all-in-one vapes, and disposable e-cigarettes. (2)
Generally, these vape starter kits include instructions clearly explaining how best to use them. You can refill your e-cigarette with your favorite e-liquid if you don’t want to use the pre-filled kits. Expect your kit to, at least, contain a battery, coil, mouthpiece, and tank.
- Invest in high-quality e-liquids
If you’re new to vaping, invest in a high-quality e-liquid with your favorite flavor and the appropriate nicotine level. Consider starting with a max VG vape juice, especially if you prefer smoother and thicker clouds. Max VG, or maximum vegetable glycerin, e-liquids are known for their high vapor production and are often favored by cloud chasers. It would be best to avoid low-priced e-liquids as you could put your health at risk. The majority of low-quality e-liquids are likely to contain impurities that are hazardous to your health.
In most cases, e-liquids with a high level of nicotine come in small-sized bottles, while those with low nicotine levels come in larger containers. Make it a priority to invest in e-liquids from reputable brands. Premium vapor juices contain pure, medical-grade nicotine along with food-grade components. (3)
- Pick your favorite flavor
If you’ve read about some people’s vaping experiences, you’ll know that flavor is crucial. Today, there are a plethora of physical and online stores that offer a variety of sample packs for you to try.
You can select from different categories of flavors, including tobacco, food, desserts, beverages, fruits, and many more. If you want to try combining flavors, you can mix and match them to create a unique combination. You have an almost limitless number of flavor combinations to choose from.
- Select the PG/VG ratio that you prefer
You should know about the propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) ratios. Both are food-safe liquids that make up the majority of e-liquids. Almost all vape juices contain a ratio of both ingredients. (4)
The e-liquids on the market have varying levels of PG and VG. The different ratios influence the throat hit, flavor strength, and amount of cloud. Today, you can find mixes displayed in percentages such as 80/20 PG/VG.
An e-liquid with high VG content generates thicker smoke with a smoother hit. A low VG juice produces smaller clouds with a deeper throat hit. Depending on the cloud and flavor you prefer, you can decide on a higher or lower VG ratio. A high VG ratio is preferred because it’s intrinsically sweet, reduces allergy risk, lacks throat hit, and produces dense clouds.
- Recognize the different types of inhaling
If you’re new to vaping, be mindful of your inhalation technique because it can significantly affect your experience.
A mistake can trigger a coughing fit or an unsatisfying nicotine rush. Mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping are the two most common ways to inhale e-liquid vapor. The vaping device you’ll be using will dictate how you inhale.
A hit from mouth-to-lung vaping works best if you use small-sized vapes with high nicotine levels, such as a vape pen. This vaping method allows you to draw a small amount of vapor and simulates smoking.
Direct-to-lung vaping works best for big-sized vapes with a low level of nicotine. This vaping technique produces the most vapor, similar to a bong hit but with a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
- Keep your e-liquids in good shape
Aside from buying e-liquids and knowing how to vape, the maintenance aspect is also important. To ensure a high-quality vaping experience, shake the e-liquid before each use to mix up the PG/VG and nicotine levels.
You should also avoid exposing your e-liquid to direct sunlight as it can diminish nicotine levels. Additionally, it would be best if you didn’t leave your e-liquid bottles open. Leaving it open for longer than 30 minutes can negatively affect the flavor of the e-liquid.
Final thoughts
If you want to get off to a good start with your first vaping experience, these helpful hints and tips will help you do just that. Get the starter kit you need; invest in high quality e-liquids; and learn about flavors, ratios, and inhaling techniques.
References:
- “Daily e-cigarette use shows ‘clear benefit’ in helping smokers to quit, study finds”, Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/03/210310122600.htm
- “Vaping versus Smoking: A Quest for Efficacy and Safety of E-cigarette”, Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29485005/
- “E-cigarettes: Impact of E-liquid Components and Device Characteristics on Nicotine Exposure”, Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6018193/
- “The Impact of E-liquid Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerin Ratio on Ratings of Subjective Effects, Reinforcement Value, and Use in Current Smokers”, Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7171278/
