How to Use a Vape – Beginner’s Guide to Inhaling

Juxtaposing with traditional tobacco cigarettes, vapes are undoubtedly a better choice, both economically and health-wise. The popularity of vapes is very evident in recent consensus. If you are a smoker on a voyage to quit it or want to try vaping out of curiosity, you must know first how to use a vape proficiently. 

To learn professional-scale vaping, you must understand how the vaping device works. The mechanism and configurations can be tricky to learn. But this article is crafted to teach in the easiest way possible. You will also learn the methods of inhaling, which are crucial for vaping. 

If you are a beginner, you have landed on the perfect article. It provides the proper and simple guidelines to maximize your pleasant vaping experience. 

Significant Differences Between Traditional Cigarettes And Vape

Whether it’s vaping or smoking, none of them are short of risks and side effects. However, what binds them together is the primary mechanism. Nonetheless, there are still significant differences in mechanisms, effects, health risks, and many areas. So, in this ‘How to use a vape’ article, we will briefly go through the core differences between vape and cigarettes. 

Nicotine Strenght And Control 

Both traditional cigarettes and vapes contain nicotine. Many people start using vape to quit their nicotine addiction. But little do they know vaping can entrap them in a similar way. So where is the difference? 

In traditional cigarettes, the strength of nicotine is not in your control. In fact, you probably don’t know what amount of nicotine you are inhaling. However, vaping devices come with lots of nicotine-strength options. You can choose from zero nic to 5% nic salt. 

The Vapor Produced 

Even though both vaping devices and cigarettes produce smoke to inhale, they are substantially different from each other. The vapor of vape is an aerosol-format. It is a concoction of e-liquid droplets suspended in air. When the e-liquid is heated through the coil, it vaporizes and forms aerosol. 

Compared to aerosol particles, cigarette smoke is larger by  0.2-0.5 micrometers in size. Cigarette smoke is a concoction of solid particles produced from the tobacco burn. In addition to nicotine, cigarette smoke also contains tar and carbon monoxide. Some components of smoke are carcinogenic and toxic. 

Long-Term Impact On Health 

It would be wrong to presume that vaping has no health risk. Vaping devices indeed pose fewer health risks than cigarette smoke, but they also come with a fair share of health impacts. There have been many speculations about lung diseases associated with vaping. 

However, research on the long-term effects of vaping is still ongoing, and we are still far away from concrete proof. On the other hand, the long-term impact of tobacco smoke is very evident. In addition to lung diseases it causes, cigarette smoke is also detrimental to heart, reproductive health, and oral health. 

Addiction Potential

Cigarettes can hook you to it within a short span of time. As their nicotine delivery through the brain is very rapid, your body gets addicted to the dopamine and serotonin release. The craving makes you more hungry and desperate for the next puff. 

As the nicotine content in a vaping device is quite subdued, it has lower addiction potential. However, the potential is not totally zero, and you can get addicted to nicotine. 

Understand The Vape Mechanism

Configuring a vaping device can be pretty challenging for a beginner. It is not as easy as lighting a cigarette and taking a puff. However, I am here to help you navigate the vaping mechanism so that you can better understand its function. 

Pod/Mod 

If you go into a vape store and say that you are looking for a vape, they will ask you for a pod or mod. What are the differences? Let’s find out here. 

POD System: The pod system is comprised of two primary components. One is the Pod, or cartridge, as professionals call it. The second is the battery that powers the heating element. 

Pod devices are compact in size and easier to function. The cartridge contains the e-liquid, and the battery sends power to heat the coil. 

Pods are pre-filled with e-liquid. Depending on the model, they are either disposable or refillable. The power outputs are at the lower end, with little customization window. 

MOD System: Mod systems are more advanced and contain different functions and customization scopes. With a mod system, you will have more grip and control over your vaping experience. 

The mod consists of the battery and the device itself. A separate tank is attached to it, which we usually identify as the atomizer. The atomizer holds the e-liquid. 

You can customize the power and temperature as per your wish. You can also use different coils and wicks for a better vaping experience. 

You can fine-tune the mechanism of vapor production and throat hit. You can also control nicotine delivery with the proper adjustments. 

Flavors 

Flavors are the components that give the vaping device its groove. The manufacturers are developing a wide assortment of flavors to soothe the youth population. The flavors can be simple or complicated, but they sure do amplify the requirements of the youth. 

You can find sweet, minty, icy flavors, or a combination of these categories. You can choose your flavors from simple fruity flavors like watermelon or berry. But if you are really in the mood to explore, you can get your grip on lush ice, coastal clouds, icy apples, menthol, etc. 

The underpinning purpose of vape was to introduce a device that will not linger a sour and rotten sensation inside the mouth like tobacco does. So, the flavor industry bloomed to compete and keep up with the trend. So, if you really are an experimental person, vaping flavors will be like Charlie’s Chocolate Factory. 

Nicotine Level 

The amount of nicotine in e-liquids and e-cigarettes can vary greatly. It typically ranges from 0 mg/mL to 50 mg/mL or more in some situations.

These are the most typical nicotine strengths seen in vaping products. 

• 0 mg/mL (no nicotine)
• 3 mg/mL
• 6 mg/mL
• 12 mg/mL
• 18 mg/mL
• 24 mg/mL
• 36 mg/mL
• 50 mg/mL (or 5% nicotine)

Higher nicotine concentrations, such as 50 mg/mL, are frequently used in compact vaping devices that can deliver nicotine strength akin to conventional cigarettes.

Higher nicotine concentrations can cause side effects like nausea and dizziness. Hence, it is usually advised for users who are new to vaping or wish to gradually reduce their nicotine intake to start with lower nicotine levels, such as 3-6 mg/mL.

It’s crucial to remember that certain areas have restrictions on the highest nicotine content in vaping devices. The European Union, for instance, has set a limit of 20 mg/mL.

Airflow

Airflow is essential to the vaping experience since it directly affects the device’s overall performance. The airflow rate impacts several factors, including flavor delivery, throat hit feeling, and vapor production.

If you increase the airflow, it will produce more vapor since more oxygen is added to the vaporization process. Restricting airflow, however, might result in a more robust and concentrated taste profile. 

Furthermore, airflow influences the heating element’s temperature. Higher airflow helps to cool the coil and produces a smoother vaping experience. The lifespan of the device’s parts also depends on good airflow control, as poor airflow can lead to coil overheating and accelerated deterioration.

Learn The Basic Vape Inhalation Technique 

To find the optimum joy of vaping, you not only require an excellent vaping device but also need a suitable vaping technique. Without an inhaling technique, you might get a coarse throat hit and ruin the experience. Here, I have mentioned the two most utilized techniques that work best for beginners. 

Mouth To Lung (MTL) 

Mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhaling is highly acclaimed among vapers as it mimics the traditional cigarette experience. As the name suggests, you draw the vapor inside your mouth before inhaling and transferring it to your lungs. 

You will require a device with tight airflow and high nicotine strength. It will elevate the experience of smoking traditional cigarettes. But why should you master this technique? 

The MTL vaping will let you savor the e-liquid flavor inside your mouth to enhance your vaping experience. You will receive a more intense throat hit that will replicate traditional tobacco smoking. 

Direct Lung (DL)

Direct lung (DL) vaping, sometimes referred to as “sub-ohm,” allows the user to inhale the vapor straight into their lungs. You will require a lower resistance coil for DL vaping since it provides more power and vapor output. 

This method requires a broader airflow setup. Since the goal of DL vaping is to create dense vapor, the e-liquids used in this method often contain lower nicotine concentrations.

Experienced vapers who want to enhance their vapor output and try various e-liquid flavors prefer to use the direct lung technique. The throat hit is smoother, and the vaping experience is stronger and more enjoyable when inhaled directly into the lungs. 

A Step-By-Step Guide To Vape For Beginners

A proper guideline on how to use a vape can save you from a lot of trouble and a sour experience as a beginner. Go through this step-by-step guide to learn how it should be done like a pro. 

Opt For The Right Device

When it comes to your first device, you should not go all ballistic at the first go. Try something easy to use and configure. A pod system vape would be a preferred model to try. You don’t have to put too much effort to adjust the correct settings. You can also get used to the default pod mode settings that are suitable for various vapers. 

Choose The E-liquid

Remember, you can’t refill the pod without purchasing a disposable vape. So, finding a safe choice of flavor you like is crucial. If you have vaper friends, you can hit a few drags to check out different flavors. 

Also, take a deep dive into the nicotine strength that will suit your needs. It is better to stick to a safe range of nicotine strength, typically between 3-12 mg/mL. If you are trying to quit smoking cigarettes, give Zero Nic vapes a try. 

Prepare The Device

I understand you are excited to try out your first vape, but you must temper your excitement by preparing the device and ensuring it is appropriately assembled. Ensure the coil and pod are in the right place and the e-liquid is secure. If your device doesn’t come with the pre-filled pod, you must carefully fill the cartilage with e-liquid. 

Put The Device On Charge 

Before you use the device, you have to charge the battery fully. Depending on the model and brand, your vaping device may or may not come with a charger. However, most charging ports on these devices support USB-C cables. So, you can charge the device with any phone charger. 

Prime The Coil 

Before using a new vape coil, it is imperative to prime the coil. To ensure the best flavor and vapor production, saturate the coil’s wicking material by pouring a few drops of e-liquid immediately on top of it. This also prevents dry hits and helps the coil last longer. Proper priming guarantees a smoother vaping experience from the first puff.

Adjust The Settings

Your device may have some adjustments that you can navigate. Most vaping devices have power or wattage settings. Some advanced devices also have temperature control, airflow control, etc. As a beginner, I would suggest using the standard settings and then moving on with customization. 

Take A hit 

Now that your device is ready, you can take the first hit. But don’t overdo it at the first blow. Inhale slowly and let the vapor sit inside the mouth for a brief moment. Your first draw should be short and simple to avoid potential brain freeze. 

Maintain The Device

A vaping device, whether disposable or reusable, requires essential maintenance. You must clean the pod regularly, replace the coil, and clean the gunk out of it. The battery should always be sufficiently charged while using. Also, ensure that the device is stored correctly. 

How To Inhale Properly As A Beginner 

A proper inhaling technique can take you a long way as a beginner. If you genuinely want to learn how to use a vape, you must know how to inhale first. The following are detailed tips on how to correctly inhale as a novice vaper:

Inhaling With Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) Technique

• Take a quick, gentle drag from your vape pen. The draw should not be overly strong or deep. It should be like sipping a drink.
• Hold the vapor in your mouth briefly to let the flavor dance around.
• Breathe in the vapor from your mouth into your lungs slowly and gradually. Take your time doing this task.
• Let the smoke out of your lungs.

Inhaling With Direct-Lung (DL) Technique

• Draw on your vaping device for a longer, more direct pull. Take a single, steady breath of the vapor directly into your lungs.
• Keep the vapor out of your mouth. Take in the vapor through your nose instead of your mouth.
• Let the smoke out of your lungs.

Tips And Tricks For Safe Vaping

When it comes to vaping, safety should be more prioritized than pleasure. The vaping device contains a heating element and coil, which are susceptible to bursting without proper care. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure a safe and enjoyable vaping experience. 

Make Use Of The Appropriate Tools 

Choosing reliable, premium items is crucial when picking an e-liquid and vaping device. It is very unsafe to use any equipment that has been altered or damaged. As counterfeit and low-grade products are highly available in the market, you must purchase the device from a reliable source. 

Keep An Eye On Battery Safety

Before using, carefully check your batteries for any signs of damage. Make sure you never overcharge your batteries and that you always use the right kind of charger. Keep your batteries out of your pockets at all times. They can cause short circuits and other possible safety hazards.

Safely Store E-Liquids 

Ensure no e-liquid pod is within reach of your pets or youth. Your e-liquids should be kept out of direct sunlight, which can deteriorate the chemicals over time, and kept in a cold, dry location.

Pay Attention To Your Nicotine Intake 

If necessary, progressively raise the nicotine concentration from a lower starting point. It’s essential to keep high-nicotine e-liquids out of your mouth and prevent them from spilling since this may be pretty harmful.

Vape In A Place With Good Ventilation

Do not use your vaporizer in closeted areas with inadequate ventilation. Pay attention to secondhand vapor exposure. Also, you must show consideration for others around you.

What Should Be Your First Vape Device?

As a beginner, you may struggle to select the best vape device. There are an abundance of various vapes and models available on the market, ranging from simple pod kits to sophisticated vape mods. The following are some popular kinds of vaping devices that are suitable for beginners. 

Cig-A-Likes 

These disposable, first-generation electronic cigarettes are inexpensive, easy to use, and mimic regular cigarettes. Cig-a-likes are becoming less and less common, but they’re still an excellent option for smokers who want to switch to vaping.

Pod Vapes 

If you’re a smoker looking to switch to vaping, pod vapes are a terrific alternative. They’re small, easy-to-use devices that employ nicotine salts. These lightweight devices come in eye-catching, vibrant colors. Prices of pod mods are pretty reasonable for beginners and provide excellent performance and extended battery life.

Vape Pens

Vape pens are reusable devices with an e-liquid tank and a rechargeable battery. They are usually simple to use and have three to five temperature settings. They look super classic in the hand. For new users willing to try a device like a cig-a-like, vape pens can be a viable option.

Conclusion 

When we see excellent and innovative videos about vaping and many tricks with vapor, we get really excited to try them all. Our excitement often casts a shadow on the basic mechanisms. We are all eager to try those advanced tricks without learning how to use a vape as a beginner. I hope this article will kickstart your vaping journey with a boost.