How To Vape and How Does Vaping Work? [101 Vape Blog Series]

If you are new to vaping, or a traditional smoker who’s thinking about making the switch to vaping but still doesn’t have this vaping thing figured out yet, then you might appreciate this comprehensive guide. 

There really isn’t a ‘correct’ way to vape, certain things are straightforward enough like inhaling from the mouthpiece of your device or filling up the tank with vape juice, but other than that, vaping is something that can be adapted to your preference. After all, it’s just inhaling vapor, right?

Nevertheless:

There are a couple things that’ll behoove you to know.

Starting by the two main vaping techniques, the type of vape device you use, and the type of nicotine you pick.

Table of Contents

1. How Does Vaping Work?
2. How to Vape [A Quick Review]
3. How Do You Inhale Vape Properly?

How Does Vaping Work?

As briefly discussed above, there’s no wrong or correct technique when it comes to vaping, there definitely are different techniques to doing so, but the correct one is a synonym of the one you enjoy the most.

Other than that:

Vaping works by heating a liquid (usually containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additives) to create an aerosol, or vapor, that is inhaled. This liquid is called e-liquid or vape juice and is usually housed in a cartridge or tank. 

When you inhale it through the mouthpiece of your device, a battery-powered heating element heats the e-liquid, turning it into vapor. Some vape devices are button-activated, others are draw-activated. You will then inhale the vapor into your lungs and exhale it, producing a cloud of vapor that looks like smoke but feels a little lighter. 

Some devices may also offer adjustable settings for temperature, airflow, and wattage, allowing you to customize your vaping experience.

How to Vape [A Quick Review]

There isn’t a lot different than we can say about the actual act of vaping than what we’ve already mentioned above. So here’s a little more insight on types of vape systems, e-liquids, and nicotine types.

Types of Vapes

There are different types of vapes with different purposes. These are the most common types of vapes. 

• Pod Systems: Pod systems are low-power devices that use nicotine salts. They are small, compact, and lightweight and are perfect for stealth vaping. They are also currently the most popular vapes in the world.
• Disposables: Disposables come ready to be used and are a close second to pod systems, they may even be a step above pod systems now. Disposable vape pens come pre-charged, pre-filled with e-liquid, and ready for use. Most disposables ont he market today come pre-filled with nicotine salt.
• Box Mods: Box Mods are designed to cater to experienced vapers. They usually come with LED screens and allow the user to adjust the temperature, the wattage and even put the vape in low battery mode.

Picking the Correct E-Liquid

E-liquid is a combination of four ingredients: nicotine, natural flavorings, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin. 

Ejuice comes in various degrees of nicotine strengths, from 0mg of nicotine (yes, you can have e-liquid with zero nicotine), 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, and a lot more, but these are probably the most common levels when it comes to freebase e-liquid. Nicotine salts can bring 50mg of nicotine by volume, and sometimes even more than that.

Nicotine Salts vs. Freebase Nicotine

Freebase nicotine is the purest form of nicotine, which is commonly used in e-liquids. It is called "freebase" because it is not bonded to any other compounds. Unlike nicotine salts that are bonded to other acids, freebase nicotine is extracted from tobacco leaves and then chemically altered to create a more potent form of the substance. It is known for its fast absorption rate and ability to produce a stronger throat hit, which is the sensation of warmth and slight irritation felt in the back of the throat when inhaling nicotine. 

It is typically used in high-wattage devices, sub-ohm tanks, and drippers because it requires more heat to vaporize when compared to nic salts. However, it can also be harsher on the throat and may not be as suitable for those who are sensitive to nicotine.

Nicotine salts, on the other hand, are a form of nicotine that is chemically combined with other organic acids, such as benzoic acid, to create a smoother and more palatable form of nicotine. They were first introduced to the market as a way to deliver higher concentrations of nicotine without the harshness associated with its traditional freebase version. Nicotine salts are usually used in low-wattage devices, such as pod systems, that produce less vapor and require less power to operate. 

They are also known for their fast absorption rate, which means that they can provide a more satisfying nicotine experience with fewer puffs. Nicotine salts are generally less harsh on the throat compared to freebase nicotine, while still having a stronger nicotine concentration, making them a popular choice for people who are sensitive to nicotine or who are trying to quit smoking.

What Is the Best Vape For Me?

The best vape for you depends on your individual preferences and needs. Key factors to consider when choosing a vape include:

• Type: There are different types of vapes available, including pod systems, box mods, and pen-style vapes. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so consider what features are most important to you.

• Nicotine strength: If you are trying to quit smoking or want to reduce your nicotine intake, look for a vape that allows you to adjust the nicotine strength of your e-liquid.

• Battery life: Consider how often you will be using your vape and how long the battery will last. Some devices have longer battery life than others, and some have replaceable batteries that can be swapped out for a fresh one.

• Vapor production: If you enjoy producing large clouds of vapor, look for a device with adjustable airflow and wattage settings.

• Price: Vapes can range in price from very affordable to very expensive. Determine your budget and look for a device that offers the features you want at a price you can afford.

Ultimately, the best vape for you will be one that meets your specific needs and preferences. Do your research, read reviews, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations from experienced vapers.

How Do You Inhale Vape Properly?

Remember to take slow and steady puffs to avoid inhaling too much vapor at once, and to exhale slowly to enjoy the full flavor of the e-liquid, regardless of which of the following vaping techniques you decide to use:

How To MTL Vape

MTL (mouth-to-lung) vaping is a technique that mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette. To learn how to vape using MTL vaping techniques, follow these steps:

1. Fill the tank: Fill your tank with your desired e-liquid, making sure not to overfill it.
2. Prime the coil: If you are using a new coil, prime it by adding a few drops of e-liquid to the cotton wick before filling the tank with e-liquid. Learn how to prime a coil.
3. Adjust the wattage: Set your wattage to a lower level, usually between 8 and 15 watts, to create a cooler and smoother vapor.
4. Inhale: Take a slow drag of the vapor into your mouth, similar to sipping on a straw.
5. Hold it in: Hold the vapor in your mouth for a few seconds to allow the flavor to develop.
6. Inhale again: Inhale the vapor into your lungs, taking a gentle breath.
7. Exhale: Exhale the vapor slowly and steadily.

Repeat these steps as desired, taking breaks between puffs to avoid overusing the device or inhaling too much nicotine.

MTL vaping is typically done with devices that have a tight airflow, which mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette. It's important to use a device and e-liquid that are designed for MTL vaping to ensure the best experience.

How To Direct-To-Lung Vape

Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping is a technique where you inhale the vapor directly into your lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. To learn how to vape using DTL vaping techniques, follow these steps:

1. Fill the tank: Fill your tank with your desired e-liquid, making sure not to overfill it.
2. Prime the coil: If you are using a new coil, prime it by adding a few drops of e-liquid to the cotton wick before filling the tank with e-liquid. Learn how to prime a coil.
3. Adjust the wattage: Set your wattage to a higher level, usually between 30 and 50 watts, to produce more vapor.
4. Inhale: Take a deep and steady breath, inhaling the vapor directly into your lungs.
5. Exhale: Exhale the vapor slowly and steadily.

Repeat these steps as desired, taking breaks between puffs to avoid overusing the device or inhaling too much nicotine.

DTL vaping is typically done with devices that have an open airflow, which allows for more vapor production. It's important to use a device and e-liquid that are designed for DTL vaping to ensure the best experience. Additionally, because DTL vaping produces more vapor, it's important to monitor your nicotine intake and adjust your nicotine strength accordingly.

Easy Vape Tricks

Here are some easy vape tricks that you can try when learning how to vape:

• The O-ring: Take a drag of your vape and form your lips into an "O" shape. Then, push a small amount of vapor out of your mouth using the back of your throat. This should create a ring of vapor.

• How to Ghost inhale: Take a drag of your vape and inhale the vapor into your mouth without inhaling it into your lungs. Then, use your tongue to push the vapor out and then inhale it back in quickly

• The Dragon: Take a drag of your vape and hold the vapor in your mouth. Then, exhale the vapor through your nose and mouth simultaneously, creating a "dragon" effect.

• The French Inhale: Take a drag of your vape and inhale the vapor into your mouth. Then, push the vapor out of your mouth with your tongue and inhale it back in through your nose.

• The Waterfall: Fill a large glass with water and blow vapor into it from your mouth. Then, quickly pour the water out of the glass, creating a "waterfall" effect with the vapor.

Remember to always practice these tricks in a safe and responsible manner, and avoid inhaling too much vapor at once.

Conclusion

Vaping is a popular alternative to smoking that involves inhaling and exhaling vapor from an electronic device. The process of vaping involves heating e-liquid to create vapor that can be inhaled. If you’re learning how to vape, there are two primary methods you can use to vape: mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL), each with its own techniques and recommended devices. E-liquid contains various ingredients, including nicotine, flavorings, and a base solution, and comes in a wide range of flavors and strengths. Vaping can offer an enjoyable and customizable experience, but it's important to use devices and e-liquids that are designed for vaping and to practice safe and responsible vaping habits.