Vaping can be considered an alternative to cigarettes, as it involves the act of inhaling a substance. Seeing as some vaping liquids can be made without nicotine, it can be less detrimental to your health than smoking a cigarette.
With the assumed health benefits and ease of access to vapes and vaping products, many people should know more about vaping, its potential benefits, how to vape, and more.
On that note, here is your ultimate guide to vaping and everything you will want to know.
What is Vaping?
Vaping is the inhalation and exhalation of an aerosol, which closely mimics tobacco smoking. The difference with vaping is that it uses vapour as opposed to tobacco, which can and cannot include nicotine. Therefore, a vape does not create tobacco smoke but instead creates water vapour from the aerosol.
A vape is typically referred to as an e-cigarette and closely reflects an ordinary cigarette. Yet, it includes a battery to power the aerosol and e-liquids to be ready for inhalation.
Not all vapes include nicotine, but they can if you choose cartridges of e-liquids that contain it. All cartridges include flavouring and chemicals.
It has become one of the more popular ways to consume tobacco and other substances, such as marijuana. However, it is possible to vape without consuming such substances.
With it being an alternative, many wonder whether or not a vape is safer or just as risky as an actual cigarette. Therefore, we will dive deep into the pros and cons of vaping and any potential risks it can cause.
What are E-Liquids?
Speaking of e-liquids, these are the products that you put into a vape to create the vapour. These typically include flavourings and chemicals to mimic real-life smoking. Some can also contain nicotine so that regular smokers can attain the same sense of relief when inhaling and exhaling using a vape.
There are so many different flavours of e-liquids so that you can buy one depending on your preference. These flavours can be subtle or strong and choosing the right flavour and intensity will make your vaping experience satisfactory.
Likewise, e-liquids can contain different strengths of nicotine. Therefore, experimenting with different e-liquids will help you find your sweet spot.
How does a vape work?
Every vape includes a tank, where the e-liquid cartridge is stored. Then, there is an atomiser to produce heat for the vape as well as a battery and a sensor, which power the vape and command the e-liquid to transform into a vapour.
This is operation is similar to that of a car’s startup engine. It needs the battery to kickstart the atomiser to heat it up and fuel the vape to start working.
The different types of vapes
There are various types of vapes available, most of which are pocket-sized and in the shape of a rectangular, which is similar to a cigarette packet or lighter.
These include:
Vape mods
A vape mod is essentially a modified e-cigarette, whereby users can personalise their own vape to be accustomed to them and their preferences.
These are ideal for those who love to experiment with vapes and clouds of vapour. For example, you can modify the vape mod to create huge clouds of vapour.
Vape mods can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, designs, and colours. So long as you modify the vape safely, it won’t pose any threat. Those that are poorly modified and designed can explode and become dangerous.
Vape pens
A vape pen closely mimics an actual pen as is a cylinder shape. These are smaller than vape mods and much easier to carry around.
These are not the smallest vaping device, a cig-a-like is. Yet, they are more discreet than rectangular-shaped vapes. Vape pens still come with a powerful battery and are of high quality, which is suitable for any level of vaper.
Cig-a-like
A cig-a-like is the most similar vaping product that looks just like a cigarette. It makes it easier for cigarette smokers to transition from cigarettes to vaping.
They are easy to use and easily portable. Due to their size, there have smaller and less powerful batteries. Likewise, they can hold less e-liquid. Nonetheless, they are still a powerful enough and fuss-free vaporiser.
Pod mods
A pod mod is small too, just like a cig-a-like. These mimic cigarette lighters with their stumpier and small appearance.
Although they are small, users can still obtain a strong vape from them to mimic the feeling of a real cigarette. They are very portable and easy to carry around.
Choosing the right vape for you simply boils down to your experience and needs. For instance, if you are new to vaping or smoking then a cig-a-like or vape pen might be best for you as they are easier to carry around and aren’t as technical as a vape mod.
Whereas if you want to customise your vape and obtain a more advanced experience from vaping, then a vape mod will likely satisfy your needs better.
The benefits of vaping
With there being a lot of surrounding discussions as to whether vaping is good or bad for you, here are some of the benefits of vaping to know about.
Free of toxins
Most cigarettes contain over 7,000 toxic chemicals, which can cause all kinds of health issues. Whereas vapes have a much-reduced capacity of toxins, which makes them a lot less harmless than cigarettes.
Reduced risk of cardiovascular issues
Smoking heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease. For example, long-term tobacco users can be at heightened risk of heart attacks.
Therefore, by reducing your tobacco use and nicotine consumption, you can slowly reduce your risk of cardiovascular issues. Although your health will not restore back to normal immediately, you will be less at risk of severe cardiovascular issues.
Reduces the risk of cancer
Research shows that long-term smoking of tobacco can increase the risk of cancer.
Therefore, choosing vaping over smoking cigarettes may reduce the risk of cancer. This will especially be the case if you choose e-liquids that do not contain nicotine.
Can help people quit smoking
Transitioning from cigarettes to vaping can ultimately help people quit smoking for good. With vaping, you can control how much nicotine you consume. You could choose to vape e-liquids that contain zero nicotine, which means you can enjoy the sensation of inhaling and exhaling without consuming nicotine.
Therefore, smokers can slowly reduce their nicotine consumption until they give it up. Or, reduce it so that they consume less nicotine than smoking a cigarette.
Less expensive
Cigarettes are very expensive, especially if you smoke to higher price points brands. Whereas, vaping can be considered a lot less expensive as you purchase one vape and batch of e-liquids, which could cost less in the long run.
Buying higher-end vaping products can, of course, cost you more money. However, there will be less need for re-purchasing products due to smoking them away. Therefore, vaping could cost you a lot less money.
Does vaping cause any risks?
Vaping does not offer just benefits, there are some risks that come with it, which people should be aware of.
For instance, if you are not a smoker then taking up vaping can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 34%. Likewise, your body will be exposed to chemicals that you can avoid should you not take up vaping. E-liquids are formulated with chemicals, which cannot be avoided if you choose to inhale them.
There is also a heightened risk of lung diseases with vaping, especially if the product you choose contains a thickening agent called Vitamin E acetate, which can cause lung issues.
Although there are far more benefits of vaping than smoking, it is important to be aware of the potential risks.
What you need to vape
Vaping entails a few products, which you will need to obtain in order to have a successful vaping experience.
- A vape: first, you will need to choose your vape. You can choose from vape mods, vape pens, cig-a-likes, and vape pods.
- A battery: depending on which vape you choose, you will need a battery to power your vape.
- An atomizer: an atomizer products heat, which transforms the e-liquid into water vapor.
- A mouthpiece: a mouthpiece makes it safe and easy to inhale the vapor from the device.
- A charger: vapes are battery-powered and will, therefore, need charging when the battery runs low.
- An e-liquid: to produce a flavour and the sensation of inhalation and exhalation of a substance, you will require an e-liquid. There are many in the market to choose from, which contain flavourings, chemicals, and nicotine. You can find plenty of e-liquids without nicotine if you wish to vape without.
How to vape
With the vaping essentials ready, you might want some advice on how to vape, especially if you are new to it.
Once you have selected your chosen vape and e-liquid, it is time to vape. Here are the steps to follow to vape properly:
- Set up your vape. Make sure your vape is charged, the mouthpiece is attached, and the e-liquid is inserted. Turn on your vape and practice inhalation.
- There are two types of inhalation. Mouth to lung (MTL) involves dragging air from within the vape and holding it within your mouth before exhaling. Then there is direct to lung inhalation (DTL), which involves inhaling the substance straight to your lungs. This method doesn’t involve holding the air in your mouth for any period of time. MTL delivers a weaker hit than DTL, and it is ideal for those who are looking to quit smoking. DTL offers more smoke, which helps users create bigger clouds and have more control over the airflow.
- Exhaling. The final step is exhaling, before repeating the process.
Vaping is pretty straightforward. It can just take time trial and error, and practice, to feel comfortable with your vape.
Where to buy vape products
When you buy any vaping product, from the vape itself to the e-liquid, always ensure to purchase from a credited seller. This will ensure that the product is safe for consumption.
Should you wish to modify your vape, ensure to keep testing it between each stage of modification to ensure that isn’t going to cause danger.
How to achieve the most from your vaping experience
Achieving the most from your vaping experience will help you vape properly. This doesn’t mean taking the biggest inhalations possible. Instead, it involves taking good care of your vape and finding the best vape for you.
When it comes to taking care of your device, ensure to clean it regularly. Vapes can obtain a buildup of bacteria, which needs to be cleaned out for the health of you and your vape. Clean the mouthpiece regularly as well as the atomiser.
Likewise, it is important to always keep your vape charged otherwise you might be out and not be able to find it. Recharge it when the battery runs low. It can also help to carry a spare battery around with you so that you can always have a charge.
Should you ever want to share your device, always make sure to clean the mouthpiece of the vape between uses. This is so that you do not pick up the other person’s bacteria. It is best to use your own vape and avoid sharing.
When finding the right vape for you, it is ideal to consider whether you are new to vaping and whether you want to consume nicotine or not. Newbie vapers are best using cig-a-likes or vape pods. Vape mods are most suited to experienced users. Choose your vape wisely, as well as the e-liquids, so that you can obtain the best personal vaping experience.