Michael Kannes
30/09/2024 • 5 min readWhether you're new to vaping or have been doing it for a while, mastering the correct inhalation technique is essential for both safety and enjoyment. Unlike smoking, which can be more instinctual, vaping requires a mindful approach to ensure a smooth experience. Understanding how to inhale properly will enhance the flavour and help you avoid common issues like coughing or dry hits. Let's explore how to inhale a vape and ensure you get the most out of each session.
Two primary inhaled vape methods are Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL). Each method suits different devices, vaping styles, and user preferences.
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) – In this method, you draw the vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs. This technique is ideal for beginners and works best with smaller, higher-resistance devices such as pod systems or vape pens. It mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette and offers a more controlled experience. DTL (Direct-to-Lung) – This method involves inhaling vapour directly into the lungs, similar to inhaling a deep breath. DTL is generally favoured by more advanced users who use high-powered mods and low-resistance coils. It produces larger clouds of vapour but can be overwhelming for beginners.
It's important to note that the type of device and nicotine strength also influence the inhalation method. Salt nicotine is more suited to MTL, providing a smoother hit with higher nicotine levels. On the other hand, freebase nicotine works well with DTL, delivering a more intense throat hit. One good tip for all vapers is to take slow, gentle puffs. Vaping requires patience—unlike smoking, which may involve quick, sharp drags, vaping needs a slower approach to allow the coil to heat up and produce vapour properly.
To vape properly, it's important to follow a few practical steps. First, ensure that your vape coil is primed before use. This involves letting the e-liquid fully saturate the coil to avoid unpleasant dry or burnt hits. It’s also useful to read and understand the composition of your e-liquid; liquids with a higher PG (Propylene Glycol) content provide a stronger throat hit, while those with more VG (Vegetable Glycerin) produce larger clouds. Adjusting your vaping method according to the PG/VG ratio can greatly impact your experience. If your device allows it, start with a lower wattage setting, especially if you're a beginner, as higher wattage can produce more vapour but might be too intense.
Lastly, vaping can cause dryness in the mouth and throat, so remember to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly. These simple adjustments will help you achieve a smoother, more enjoyable vaping experience.
When it comes to vaping, it's important to recognise that it differs significantly from smoking a cigarette. Many smokers instinctively take short, sharp drags, but vaping requires a slower, more controlled approach for the best experience. Instead of quick inhales, you should take gentle, steady breaths to allow the vapour to flow smoothly, which can help prevent coughing or discomfort. In addition, finding the right puff duration is key. Some devices perform better with shorter puffs, while others—especially those with low resistance—benefit from longer inhales. Experimenting with different techniques based on your device will help you achieve the optimal vaping experience.
For beginners, starting with the Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) method is often the best approach, as it closely mimics the sensation of smoking and provides a more controlled experience. It’s also recommended to begin with lower nicotine strength to avoid a harsh throat hit, which can be overwhelming for new users. Taking shorter, gentle draws is a good way to ease into vaping and become familiar with the sensation of inhaling vapour. As you get used to vaping, it’s important to take breaks between hits to avoid potential side effects like dizziness or throat irritation, especially when you’re just starting out. These simple steps will help you develop a more comfortable and enjoyable vaping routine.
Vaping through the nose, also known as retrohaling, is a technique where users expel smoke through their nostrils. It is employed to enhance the flavour of their e-liquid by engaging the olfactory senses. This method can provide a richer, more immersive flavour experience as the vapour passes through your nasal passages. However, while retrohaling can amplify flavour, it also has its drawbacks. Regularly exhaling vapour through the nose can cause dryness or irritation in the nasal passages, which may be uncomfortable for some users. Ultimately, this technique is optional and depends on your preference and tolerance for potential irritation.
Whether or not you should inhale a vape depends on personal preference and your vaping goals. Some users enjoy vaping without fully inhaling into their lungs, simply holding the vapour in their mouth to experience the flavour and nicotine. While many vapers choose to inhale for stronger nicotine delivery, it's not always necessary for everyone. Health considerations also play a role; although vaping is often viewed as a less harmful alternative to smoking, inhaling vapour into the lungs still carries potential risks, and ongoing research continues to explore these effects. Ultimately, whether you inhale or not is a matter of what you want from your vaping experience, be it nicotine satisfaction or pure flavour enjoyment.
Following a few key steps can allow for the best hit from your vape. Always ensure that your coil is fully saturated with e-liquid to avoid the unpleasant experience of a dry hit, which happens when the coil burns without enough liquid. For larger mods, longer, smoother pulls are often required to produce the desired vapour, while smaller pod systems work well with shorter hits. Adjusting your device’s airflow settings can also enhance your vaping experience. More open airflow creates larger vapour clouds, while a more restricted setting intensifies the flavour. Experimenting with these elements will help you find the perfect balance for a satisfying vape hit.
Learning to inhale a vape properly can provide a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned vaper, understanding the difference between Mouth-to-Lung and Direct-to-Lung techniques, knowing your device, and paying attention to factors like wattage and airflow will help you get the most out of your vape.
