Jessica Smith
30/10/2024 • 5 min read
If you're trying to break away from traditional cigarettes, you’ve probably come across two popular alternatives – heated tobacco and vaping. Both are often marketed as less harmful options, but which is better? It’s time to look at how they compare, what they offer, and what might fit you.
The question of safety is often the first thing on people’s minds when they consider switching to heated tobacco or vaping. Both alternatives steer clear of burning tobacco, but how do they stack up in terms of reducing harm?
Heated tobacco products (HTPs), like IQOS, work by heating real tobacco to a lower temperature than traditional cigarettes. The result? You still get a nicotine hit along with a tobacco-like flavour but with significantly fewer harmful chemicals. Research suggests that HTPs reduce exposure to harmful substances by 90-95% compared to regular smoking. However, because they still use tobacco, some harmful chemicals remain, even if in smaller amounts.
Vaping takes a different route. Instead of using tobacco, it vaporises a liquid (commonly known as e-liquid or vape juice) that contains nicotine, flavourings, and other substances. Since no actual tobacco is involved, vaping can cut down on more harmful chemicals, making it an appealing option for many. However, there are ongoing studies about the long-term effects of some vaping ingredients, particularly flavouring agents.
Both heated tobacco and vaping are considered less harmful than traditional cigarettes, but neither is completely risk-free. Heated tobacco offers a more familiar experience for those transitioning from smoking, while vaping provides a nicotine fix without the tobacco element. The choice boils down to personal preference, but in terms of reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, vaping might have a slight edge—though more research is still needed on its long-term effects.
HEETS are small tobacco sticks designed for use with the IQOS device. Instead of burning, they’re heated to produce an aerosol that delivers nicotine and the flavour of real tobacco. The key difference here is the lack of combustion, meaning fewer harmful chemicals are released than cigarette smoking.
Since HEETS don’t burn tobacco, they produce far fewer toxicants than traditional cigarettes. This can significantly reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. Plus, they produce much less second-hand smoke and leave fewer lingering odours—a win for you and those around you.
HEETS still provide nicotine, though typically in lower amounts compared to cigarettes. For many smokers, this is enough to satisfy cravings while potentially cutting down on the risks associated with smoking. While they’re not without risk, users often report improved lung function and breathing after making the switch from traditional cigarettes to HEETS.
In short, yes—HEETS are better than smoking. They’re not risk-free, but they significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins compared to burning a cigarette. If you're looking for a way to reduce harm while still getting your nicotine fix, HEETS might be a good first step.
When it comes to choosing between heated tobacco and vaping, personal preference plays a huge role. Let’s break it down further to see how these two alternatives compare.
For many smokers, heated tobacco feels like the most natural step away from cigarettes. You’re still using real tobacco, so it closely mimics the experience of smoking, both in taste and sensation. For someone who isn’t ready to fully part with the feel of tobacco, HTPs like IQOS may feel more satisfying. On the other hand, vaping is all about customisation. Whether you want a strong hit of nicotine or you're ready to reduce your intake slowly, vaping lets you control exactly how much nicotine you get. Plus, with the huge variety of e-liquid flavours—think everything from classic tobacco to fruity, dessert-like options—vaping can cater to your personal tastes, making it an exciting choice for many.
Both products are widely considered harm-reduction tools compared to smoking, but neither is risk-free. Heated tobacco involves fewer chemicals than smoking but still uses tobacco, which comes with some inherent risks. Vaping, which eliminates tobacco altogether, may reduce those risks further, though the long-term effects of inhaling e-liquid vapour are still being studied.
Heated tobacco offers a more cigarette-like experience, making it a smoother transition for some smokers. Vaping, on the other hand, appeals to those who like variety and control. Whether you prefer sticking to the taste and feel of tobacco or enjoy experimenting with different flavours, the choice between heated tobacco and vaping depends on what you're looking for.
IQOS is designed for smokers who want to replicate the experience of smoking but with fewer harmful chemicals. Its main appeal lies in how closely it mimics the act of smoking, using real tobacco without the harsh smoke. This makes it a great option for people who struggle to let go of the sensation and taste of cigarettes. However, because it still uses tobacco, it may not be the best option for those wanting to break away from it completely.
Vaping is highly customisable with its range of flavours and nicotine levels. One of the biggest advantages of vaping is the ability to gradually reduce your nicotine intake over time, which can be helpful if you’re aiming to quit entirely. Unlike IQOS, vaping doesn’t involve tobacco, which might be a plus if you’re keen on avoiding it altogether.
Both IQOS and vaping can reduce smoking habits, and studies show they are effective in helping people transition away from cigarettes. If you're looking for a similar experience to smoking, IQOS may feel more natural. However, if your goal is to reduce nicotine dependence gradually, vaping’s customisability offers a more structured path toward quitting.
Ultimately, both heated tobacco and vaping are less harmful alternatives to smoking, but neither is entirely without risk. Heated tobacco provides a more traditional, familiar experience for smokers, while vaping offers greater control over nicotine levels and flavours, making it ideal for those wanting more flexibility. The choice between the two comes down to what you’re looking for – either a closer experience to smoking or more control over your nicotine intake. No matter which route you choose, the key takeaway is that both options offer a path towards reducing harm, making them smarter choices than continuing to smoke traditional cigarettes. If you're ready to switch, explore your options and determine which product best suits your needs. Every step you take toward quitting smoking is a step toward a smoke-free life.
