E-cigarettes or vapes are battery-powered devices that continue to become a popular alternative to traditional smoking. They have a heating component that produces aerosol or what others have known as vapor. To use, users inhale and exhale this aerosol.
E-cigarettes have batteries, atomizer, or that heating component, and a space to hold the liquid or what others commonly called vape juice or e-liquid. This juice may or may not contain nicotine.
These days, even young teenagers are vaping. Yet, despite its popularity, many still don’t know what vaping is. Whether you’re a tobacco smoker who wants to switch to using a vape, or a complete beginner who’d rather try vaping than tobacco smoking, it isn’t too late to jump on the bandwagon. If you want to get started with it, this article will give you ideas on things you need to know if you plan to use vapes.
How Does it Work?
There’s a tank on a vaping device that holds the vape juice or e-liquid. Inside this tank are cotton wicks that absorb the juice. When you power on your device, the vape coils heat the liquid and create vapor or aerosol. To use, the person inhales this vapor.
Things to Know About E-Juice
- Flavor
One convincing factor for people to switch to vaping is the variety of flavors they can choose, from minty to fruity flavors. Other who are experimental mix two or more flavors, which make their vaping experience more satisfying. For starters, you might not know what flavor to try, so ask friends what flavor suits their taste best.
- PG vs. VG
The ratio of Propylene Glycol to Vegetable Glycerin for e-liquids has a meaning. These two liquids carry the nicotine and flavoring of the e-juice. VG produces the clouds of vapor and gives the sweeter taste. PG, on the contrary, is tasteless, but is responsible for producing the “throat hit.” It gives that similar feeling of smoking tobacco.
PG/VG ratio affects the following: your vaping experience, the sharpness of the throat hit, and the clouds vapor produced. E-liquids today have a rate of 50%PG/50%VG.
- Nicotine strength
The nicotine level on e-liquids varies in each person. For heavy smokers, they may prefer a higher level of nicotine because it gives a comparable effect to smoking cigarettes. An 18mg of nicotine per 1 ml of e-liquid may be ideal for them. For beginners, it’s advised to use zero or lower levels of nicotine. If you’re a non-smoker but want to try vaping, ask your vape specialist for zero nicotine e-liquid.
What Do Vapes Look Like?
Vapes are designed in different forms and sizes, but commonly they look like pipes, pens, USB flash drives, cigarettes, and cigars. Although they come in these simple forms, they require maintenance. Many people don’t know how to clean their vape or store e-juice, so it becomes less functional over time. Spend time to learn how to care for your vape for proper maintenance.
Types of E-Cigarettes
There are three basic types of e-cigarettes:
- Cigalikes
Also known as mini E-cigarettes, its appearance is similar to a tobacco cigarette. It has a 280 mAh battery that can last anywhere around 150 to 200 puffs per day on average and has a tank of 0.7 ml to 1.0 ml of e-juice.
- Mid-size E-cig Mods
Similar to the size of a cigar, this type of e-cigarettes produces stronger vapor than mini e-cigarettes. It has larger batteries between 1500 mAh to 2500 mAh, which can last an approximate of 10-12 hours depending on usage. It comes in automatic or manual formats.
- Customizable E-cig Mods
This type is suitable for experienced users because there are customizable options to enhance the vaping experience. Users can control the vaping mode and power output.
Vape mods produce a power range of 30 watts up to 350 watts. The higher the wattage, the more vapor it creates.
What First-time Users Experience
First-time users reported experiencing coughing. However, this is a temporary effect for most, and it disappears once one gets used to vaping. This effect is either caused by sensitivity to PG or an incorrect technique.
Don’t hesitate to ask friends about the effects when they first started, so you’ll get an idea.
Regulations on Vaping
Right now, vaping is regulated at a state and national level. If you’re traveling soon, it is crucial to learn which states have implemented e-cigarette bans to avoid any problems. Knowing the limits of what you can and can’t do will help you stay on the good side.
Additionally, these regulations are changing at a quick pace, so get updates now and then. Research or ask your friends for any possible changes in their state regulations.
Vaping Has Risks
The most recognizable risk of vaping is the addiction to nicotine. Nicotine has long-term health consequences. Among its adverse effects are feeling restless, getting depressed, and being out of focus. Nicotine is known to increase adrenaline, raise blood pressure, and cause the heart rate to rise, so it poses a risk for a heart attack. However, these factors are something you can control if you vape in moderation.
Vaping may or may not be for you. Hopefully, this information can help you in making a decision to pursue vaping. If you decide to vape, learn to control your cravings for nicotine. Knowing that it carries some risks, be conscious of what type of lifestyle you lead. If you vape, try to look at other factors of your lifestyle, such as diet, exercise and work to improve them. This will help you decrease any risk associated with vaping.