Buying your first vape device
When it comes to picking a vaping device, there are two types; ‘mouth-to-lung’ (MTL) and ‘direct-to-lung’ (DTL). MTL devices are designed for you to first pull the vapour into your mouth and then into your lungs, closely mimicking how you would inhale a cigarette.
MTL vape devices tend to have more restricted airflow and lower vapour production compared to DTL devices. Because MTL vape devices don't need to produce as much vapour, they require less power and tend to be a lot smaller and more power efficient than a DTL device. The Vuse Go Reload vape pen is a MTL device.
DTL vape devices are designed for you to inhale vapour from the mouthpiece directly into your lungs. Compared to MTL devices, DTL devices tend to have a looser airflow and a higher rate of vapour production. Because DTL devices produce more vapour, they need more power and tend to be larger than MTL devices.
A simple place to start when choosing a device
Try a Vuse-Ready-To-Vape Kit. Our vape kits come with a Vuse Go Reload device and a single e Liquid pod, everything you need to get started. Simply pop the e Liquid pod into the device and you’re good to go.
Choosing your e Liquid
Since you’re new to vaping, there are a few things you need to consider before you get started, like which e Liquid flavour is right for you. Most ex-smokers choose to start with a tobacco flavour as it’s familiar, before trying other flavours like mint or fruit flavoured options.
If you’re switching from smoking to vaping, we recommend starting with our 28.5 ml/ml nic strength e Liquid pods - the highest nicotine level available from Vuse NZ, as it provides the most similar nicotine hit to a cigarette.
The strength and type of nicotine within the e Liquid you've chosen will affect how the vapour hits the throat. Nicotine as a Freebase is an alkaline, which can provide a harsh throat hit when vapourised, compared to Nicotine Salts. Whereas nicotine in “salt” form is more stable and generally delivers a smoother throat sensation. Our e Liquid pods come in two nicotine strengths; 18 mg/ml or 28.5 mg/ml, so you can find the e Liquid that suits you.
Your first few vapes
How long should a vape puff be?
Your first few puffs of vapour will be a completely new experience. Vaping is not like smoking, and you’ll find that puffing like you would on a cigarette doesn’t have the same effect on a vape pen. This is because there is nothing lit and burning. When you puff your vape pen, long, steady puffs will give you the hit you’re after. Each puff of your vape should be around 4-6 seconds long.
How long should I wait between vape puffs?
Vaping, like smoking, takes time to get used to. Knowing whether or not you feel satisfied after a vape will also take time. When you’re vaping you should take a moment between puffs and ask yourself “Do I feel like I need a cigarette?”. Asking yourself this question will help you understand whether or not you feel like you need another puff.
How long you need to vape at once will vary from person to person. Typically, if it takes you 5 minutes to smoke a cigarette, you’ll need to vape for 10 minutes for a similar nicotine hit.
How often should I vape?
Like anything, it’ll take you a few days to find your rhythm with when and how you want to vape. Some people naturally replace their smoke breaks with vape breaks, whereas others find that they prefer to occasionally vape throughout the day.
Can I vape too much?
Just like smoking cigarettes, you can vape too much. When you vape, you have access to your vape pen all day long. It’s not like a cigarette that burns out.
If you vape too much you could experience some mild side effects such as a headache, mild nausea, or dizziness. These side effects will be similar to if you were to smoke too many cigarettes. These side effects should pass quickly. Stop vaping and wait for them to pass. If it happens every time you vape, you should look at your nicotine strength as it may be too high. If symptoms persist you should reduce or stop vaping completely and seek medical attention.
Getting used to your vape
Making the switch from smoking to vaping can be difficult for some. It’s a completely new experience and it can take some time for you to adjust.
A different nicotine hit
The nicotine hit you experience from a cigarette is instant, whereas the nicotine hit you will experience from vaping will take slightly longer. However, it’s important to note that the satisfaction you feel may last longer. If you’ve had a vape but you’re still feeling that familiar craving, just give yourself a few minutes. You may find that it just takes a little longer to feel the effects.
Experiencing a cough
You may find that you cough during and after a vape. Coughing is normal. Most smokers will cough the first time they try vaping. When people first start out, they inhale their vape like they would a cigarette. The vapour can feel ‘thicker’ than cigarette smoke and this can trigger a cough from the change in sensation.
When you’re choosing an e Liquid, choose one that contains nicotine salts. This will help combat the cough. The coughing is temporary, it should pass within a few days of starting vaping.
Getting a dry mouth
You may experience a dry mouth when you first start vaping. This is also normal. The ingredients within e Liquid absorb moisture, which can lead to you experiencing a dry mouth from time to time. The more familiar you become with vaping the less noticeable this is. When you start out vaping, try to drink the occasional extra glass of water.
Keeping your vape charged
Vaping devices are battery operated. On your first day of vaping, it’s a good idea to take a portable charger with you wherever you go. You don’t want to find you’ve run out of battery charge while you’re on the go.
Refilling your e Liquid
During your first week of vaping, you may finish your first batch of e Liquid. If you’re using a closed vape system like the Vuse Go Reload you’ll simply need to pop in a new e Liquid pod. There’s no need to clean anything. If you are using an open system device, changing the e Liquid is a good opportunity to give it a good clean. Keeping your vape pen clean is good for you and your device. This is done by washing out the tank and wiping it down with a paper towel. If you’re changing to a new flavour, it pays to give the device a good clean to avoid mixing flavours.
Your Vaping Journey
As you get used to vaping, you’ll develop your own routines and flavour preferences. If you’re having trouble staying on track, try a new e Liquid flavour or nicotine strength. Hearing from others who have made the switch can also help keep you motivated.
For more advice on choosing your first vape, get in touch with the Vuse Care Team today.
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