How to Vape: A Step by Step Guide

For decades, many people have clung to cigarettes and even cigars as a way to get their nicotine fix. While they can truly satisfy one’s cravings for the highly addictive substance, cigarette smoke has been proven to be harmful to their health.

Enter vapes, which are battery-powered devices that release aerosols out of vaporized e-liquid. Over time, they have been advertised strongly by e-cigarette manufacturers as a less harmful alternative to cigarettes due to the absence of tobacco. They are also known to be more flexible since users can buy them out of different flavours, nicotine strengths, and many more.

If you are new to these devices, here is a step-by-step guide on how to vape properly.

How to Use a Vape?

Before knowing how to use a vape, you must first understand its primary components and their accompanying functions.

Generally, vapes are handheld electronic devices made out of a power source, a pod or tank, a heating element or atomizer, and a mouthpiece. The power source or battery helps the whole device work. Most e-cigarettes maximize either rechargeable or replaceable batteries.

A pod or tank, alternatively, stores the vape juice, a liquid solution that often contains flavours, nicotine, vegetable glycerin (VG), and propylene glycol (PG). The heating element or atomizer then vaporizes and heats the stored vape juice until it becomes aerosols.

Inhaling through the mouthpiece then lets the air travel through the intake vents to the heating element, which allows you to attain the vapour to your mouth.

When using an e-cigarette, you have to consider many factors to ensure a smooth vaping experience.

First, you must choose the right nicotine strength. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can give you a stimulating effect and a throat hit, similar to one you often experience when you smoke a cigarette. Knowing your goals can help you determine the right nicotine concentration for your vape. 

A high nicotine strength is recommended if you want to quit smoking traditional cigarettes or reduce nicotine dependence. Afterwards, you can decrease the nicotine strength until you go nic-free. On the other hand, you should start with a nicotine-free option if you are a non-smoker and want to try vaping for the first time.

The next thing you must consider is the PG/VG ratio. It can directly affect flavour, throat hit, and vapour production.

So, to balance all these elements, you should go for a balanced PG/VG ratio of 50/50. But if you prefer a stronger throat hit and richer flavour, you must opt for higher PG ratios. Higher VG ratios, alternatively, are your go-to option if you want smoother throat hits and thicker vape clouds.

Higher PG ratios work well with low-power devices and the MTL vaping technique, while higher VG ratios are suitable for high-power devices and the DTL vaping technique.

The last thing you must consider when using a vape is its flavour. Vapes come in a vast range of flavours, something that is not widely available for cigarettes. The main categories of flavours you can pick are menthol, fruits, tobacco, drinks, and desserts. Choose one that suits your taste and matches your overall preferences.

A good vape with plenty of flavours available is the OXBar 8000 5% Disposable Vape. It has 5% nicotine strength and is available in many flavours like Fanta Strawberry, Cranberry Lemon Ice, Rainbow Drop, and Peach Blue Razz.

How to Hit a Vape?

The coils inside the vape are crucial in processing the e-liquid stored in the tank. 

They are installed around the wicking material, the component responsible for absorbing the vaping juice from the tank and transferring it to the heating elements. These heating elements are meant to heat and vaporize the vape juice in your e-cigarette. After a few seconds, the coils convert it into vapour, allowing you to enjoy its accompanied nicotine and flavour. 

Vapes can possess either high-resistance or low-resistance coils.

The resistance of the vape (measured in ohms) tells you how much power is needed to increase the temperature of the coil. Low-resistance coils require more power to heat up, producing more vapour along the way. They, however, draw a lot of battery power and generate high heat. High-resistance coils, meanwhile, require less power to heat up, translating to less vapour production, less battery power consumption, and less heat generated.

Knowing the coil resistance of your vape helps you understand how to hit your vape properly.

If you have a vape with high-resistance coils, you must inhale vapour into your mouth slowly for a few seconds. Then, you should hold it in your closed mouth for at most two seconds before opening your mouth and breathing in the vapour into your lungs. Lastly, exhale everything after the vapour reaches your lungs.

On the other hand, a vape with low-resistance coils should be hit differently from one with high-resistance coils. To hit this type of vape, you must quickly draw the vapour from the vape directly to your lungs and exhale everything right away.

How to Inhale Vape?

Many first-time users of vapes may find themselves struggling with their devices, especially when it comes to puffing them effectively. Despite getting the right nicotine strength, flavour, and even the P/G ratio, they end up coughing badly due to the wrong inhalation of vape. It then deters them from vaping again, forcing them to find some alternatives to these devices.

Knowing how to inhale vape can resolve this problem. Even though you have failed the first time, there are still many chances to get everything right.

One thing you can do to perfect vaping is to know the basics of vape inhalation techniques.

Vape Inhalation Techniques

Inhaling your vape depends on many factors. They include your experience in smoking (if there’s any), vape kit, e-liquid composition, and nicotine strength. But to simplify everything, you should know the most common vape inhalation techniques used today. They are Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL).

MTL draws are often used for e-cigarettes with high-resistance coils. They are also preferred when using vapes with a high nicotine strength (12mg to 60mg) and around a 50/50 PG to VG ratio. This type of vape inhalation technique feels like sucking air on a coffee straw, which can be similar to that of puffing a cigarette. You should expect a minimal vapour with this type of hit.

To do an MTL hit, you must draw the vapour into your mouth for a few seconds. Then, you should close your mouth and hold the vapour for a couple of seconds. Next, open your mouth and breathe the vapour into your lungs. Avoid swallowing the vapour at this point. Once the vapour hits your lungs, exhale it right away.

DTL vaping or sub-ohm vaping, on the other hand, is highly suitable for high-powered vapes with low-resistance coils. They are also recommended for e-cigarettes with low nicotine (0mg to 6mg) and higher VG ratios. This vape inhalation technique resembles the feeling of sucking through a milkshake straw, making it smoother and easier than MTL draws. It is, however, often recommended for experienced vape users.

Doing this technique is straightforward. You only need to quickly draw vapour directly to your lungs and exhale it almost immediately. You do not need to hold the vapour in your mouth to maximize the vapour density.

How Long Should I Inhale A Vape For?

One question that is often asked when it comes to vaping is how long should you inhale a vape. Many new vapers have some difficulties in getting the timing right. As a result, they end up coughing during their first few hits. They may also get caught in a bad nicotine rush, breaking their overall vaping experience.

The duration of vape inhalation often depends on the device you are using. But generally, if you are using a vape with an inhale activation mechanism, you should first take primer puffs. These puffs are short hits you take before taking a longer drag that lasts around 3 to 5 seconds.

Now, when you practice vape inhalation techniques, you should inhale a vape for as long as it feels comfortable. 

For MTL hits, you can inhale the vapour in your mouth and hold it for a few comfortable seconds before inhaling it into your lungs and exhaling through your mouth or nose. Alternatively, you can take a long, slow DTL hit straight into your lungs and hold the vapour in for as long as you want before exhaling everything.

Just remember to avoid swallowing the vapour. Doing this will only cause digestive issues. It is also not effective in absorbing the nicotine and other substances in the e-liquid.

How to Vape Safely?

Vaping is primarily harmless as long as you know how to vape properly.

Most of the time, the packaging of your vape comes with instructions on how to use it properly. Read them thoroughly so you will know how to operate the device safely and correctly. 

Another way to make your vape hit safe is to inhale less vapour. Inhaling too much vapour in one go may only flood your body system with nicotine, which can lead to serious health issues like nicotine poisoning. Puff in moderation to avoid this from happening.

Your vape itself can be a source of danger if you do not pay attention to its source, e-liquid content, and so on.

To ensure you can vape safely with your device, you must only buy the vape device as well as e-liquid from a reputable brand and seller. You should also ensure that you charge the device, if possible, with the cable that comes with it. You must then store your vape devices and vape accessories in a cool, dry place when not in use. Exposing them to high temperatures can only cause some issues with their components and content.

How to Make a Disposable Vape Work After It Dies

Disposable e-cigarettes are the entry-level vaping devices you can buy as they are affordable and accessible. They often do not require refills. Some do not even need to be recharged. Since you are new to vaping, it is recommended that you go for the disposable one.

Disposable vapes are available at Native Smokes 4 Less to get you started.

While not highly recommended due to safety concerns, making a disposable vape work after it dies is possible. The first thing you can do is troubleshoot your dead or unresponsive disposable vape. 

You can do this by unblocking the airflow sensor. Your vape’s sensor may be blocked by condensation. You can unblock it by covering one of the intake vents with your finger. Doing this can increase the airflow pressure. 

Another part you must troubleshoot is the cartridge or e-liquid tank. It may be clogged by condensation or dirt. You can unclog it by cleaning it with a toothpick or a thin needle.

Troubleshooting your vape also involves unblocking the battery connection. The connection between the battery and the coil may already be blocked by debris or residue. To remove them, you must first remove the battery if possible. Then, clean the connection terminal with a cotton swab damped in rubbing alcohol. Check the battery for cracks or leaks before reinserting it. 

Now, if you find some short-circuited components in your vape, you must not attempt to fix them.

Two more things can be done if you want to revive your disposable vape after troubleshooting. They include replacing the battery and refilling the cartridge.

Disposable electronic cigarettes often have batteries that do not require recharging. Therefore, you may find your disposable vape not responding once its battery charge has been depleted. Your possible solution for this is to replace it.

Before replacing the battery, you must know the battery type of your vape first so you can buy one that suits your device. Then, disassemble the vape thoroughly and remove the old battery. Connect the new battery to your vape by soldering the wires to the terminal tabs and finally reassemble the electronic cigarette components.

Refilling the cartridge can also be a potential way to revive your vape. If your device still has a charge, then it can still process the e-liquid for a decent number of puffs.

To refill your vape tank, you must open the vape until you locate the cartridge. Then, fill a syringe with vape juice, which you can either buy or make on your own. Add the extracted vape juice to the cartridge gradually and subsequently reassemble the device.

Keep in mind that reviving a dead disposable vape with all these steps can be dangerous as it can lead to burns, injuries, and exposure to harmful chemicals. Hence, it is highly advised to just discard the dead disposable vape and buy a new one.

How to Know When Your Disposable Vape Is Almost Empty

Hitting a vape, especially a disposable one, is straightforward.

Disposable vapes often start operating through inhale or puff activation. Through an airflow sensor, it can detect when you are hitting or taking a puff. This vital component will then push the atomizer and other components to process the stored e-liquid into an aerosol, which you can then inhale via the mouthpiece.

But if you notice the following signs, it means that your disposable vape is almost empty.

First, your indicator light for the vape has started to blink. Blinking indicator lights often mean that the disposable vape has a nearly depleted battery. 

If your device is not rechargeable, you don’t have a choice but to throw it away once the power is completely out. Alternatively, you can still charge your disposable e-cigarette if it has a rechargeable battery. However, your rechargeable device may already be out of e-liquid despite being fully charged if it does not produce any vapour.

The second indication that your disposable vape is almost empty is if it has diminished flavour.

The vapour from your device can taste and smell wonderful during the first thousands of puffs. Once it is close to the maximum puff count, you may start getting tasteless and dull hits, which means the e-liquid level inside the vape is almost empty.

Burnt taste is also a telltale sign of an almost empty disposable vape. There are many possible reasons why your disposable vape produces a vapour with a burnt taste. 

It may mean that you are either chain vaping or have used the device right after charging it in full. Another reason your disposable vape releases a burnt taste and smell is because of the critically low vape juice content inside. The coils inside your device may not be able to process a sufficient volume of e-liquid any more. Hence, the heating elements are forced to just burn whatever is left inside the device.

The last sign that tells you your disposable vape is almost empty is the release of thinner vapour.

Your vape is meant to produce a considerable amount of vapour whenever you hit it. But if it does not release the usual thickness of vapour you used to see and intake, it means that it has a nearly depleted cartridge or tank. It will only take you a couple of puffs before the vape stops releasing any vapour.

How to Use Vape Pen?

Different models of vaping devices are offered in the market today. One of them is the vape pen. Many new vape users opt for vape pens since they are portable to be carried and used whenever and wherever possible. These vape pens are also affordable and can be bought in any retail store that sells vaping products.

Before using a vape pen, you must ensure that it has enough battery. Most vape pens today come with a rechargeable battery. With the included charging cable, you should connect it to a compatible charger and wait for the device to charge fully. An LED indicator showing the corresponding full charge sign will show up once your vape pen has a full battery.

You should then fill the cartridge with e-liquid. 

For a tank-based vape pen, you must twist off its tank’s top hardware and fill the cartridge with e-liquid. You should be careful when doing this as the e-liquid might seep through other components of your vape pen. Reinstall the top hardware once you are done filling the tank.

Alternatively, if you have a pod-based vape pen, you must do some extra steps to fill the pod with vape juice. First, you must take the pod out of the device, remove the silicone stopper, and add the juice through the filling hole. Do not forget to replace the stopper with a new one before putting the pod back into the vape pen.

After filling the cartridge with e-liquid and letting the wick completely saturated with e-liquid, the next thing you should do is to puff the device.

A vape pen that is draw-activated does not require any buttons to be pressed. All you need to do is to inhale through the mouthpiece for the device to work. But if you have a button-activated vape pen, you should turn on the device first. You can do this by pressing the activation button five times quickly. Once on, you should hold down the button while puffing.

As a beginner, the viable vaping inhalation technique you must follow when using a vape pen is MTL. MTL inhalation mimics the sensation of sucking through a coffee straw, which is similar to puffing a cigarette. To use your vape pen with the MTL vaping technique, you must take a slow breath before inhaling the vapour from the device into your mouth.

Next, you should pause for a moment and keep the vapour in your mouth for a few seconds. Afterwards, you should open your mouth and breathe the vapour into your lungs before breathing out and exhaling.

When using a vape pen, you must not inhale as firmly as you would normally do when smoking a cigarette. Puffing too firmly will only lead to e-liquid getting in your mouth, which can be hazardous if you accidentally swallow it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Hit a Vape for Beginners?

To hit a vape as a beginner, you should inhale vapour into your mouth slowly for a few seconds. Then, you must hold it in your closed mouth for a second or two before opening your mouth and breathing in it in your lungs. Finally, exhale the vapour after it reaches your lungs.

Do You Swallow or Inhale Vape?

You should only inhale the vapour from your vaping device into your lungs and exhale it out. Never swallow the vapour as it will only cause discomfort and irritation in your throat, stomach, and other parts of your digestive system.

How Should I Start Vaping?

You can start vaping by picking the right e-cigarette device. Then, choose the right flavour, nicotine content, and PG/VG ratio for a satisfying vaping experience. You must then learn the right vaping inhalation technique before using your vape.

How Do You Actually Hit a Vape?

To actually hit a vape, you must place the vape’s mouthpiece on your lips. Then, slowly inhale the vapour from the device into your mouth and hold it there for a few seconds before opening your mouth. Breathe the vapour into your lungs and exhale everything.

How Do You Take the Perfect Vape Hit?

You can take the perfect vape hit by following three important steps: drag, inhale, and exhale. Drag involves drawing the vapour into your mouth, similar to sucking a straw. Inhale pertains to breathing the vapour into your lungs from the mouth. Exhale, lastly, involves you drawing the vapour from your lungs out of your mouth.

How Do I Get My Vape to Hit?

You can get your vape to hit once you inhale through the mouthpiece of the device. Make sure to get your wicking material primed by fully saturating it with e-liquid before vaping from the device. You must also ensure your vape has enough battery charge and e-liquid volume so that the device will work effectively.

How Are You Supposed to Vape Properly?

You can supposedly vape properly by slowly drawing vapour into your mouth for a few seconds. Then, hold it in your closed mouth for at least a second or two. Afterwards, you must open your mouth and breathe the vapour into your lungs. Finally, you should exhale the vapour once it reaches your lungs.

Do You Have to Fully Inhale a Vape?

Not all the time. The Mouth-to-Lung technique suggests you inhale the vapour from your mouth into the lungs before exhaling it. The Direct-to-Lung, on the other hand, lets you draw the vapour from the vape directly into your lungs before exhaling it.

How Do You Start Vaping Safely?

You can start vaping safely by picking a vape and e-liquid from a reputable brand and store. Then, you can use your vape safely by reading the instructions of the vape for its proper usage and limiting the amount of e-cig vapour you inhale to avoid nicotine poisoning.

Is It Better to Vape in Your Mouth or Lungs?

If you are new to vaping, it is better to vape in your mouth, especially if you want a stronger throat hit. It also allows you to enjoy higher nicotine levels. 

Summary

As a beginner in vaping, you must understand numerous things to grant you a better vaping experience. First, you should know the type of vapes available and how to pick the best one for you. You must also determine the right nicotine strength, flavours, and PG/VG ratio as they can affect your vapour taste, throat hit, and cloud density.

Afterwards, you must know when to use a specific vaping inhalation technique, the key steps to use your vape safely, and the possible solutions you can carry out to revive your unresponsive vape. When you quit smoking cigarettes and turn to vaping, you can easily save yourself from the harm related to inhaling cigarette smoke.

Upon knowing how to use a vape, it is crucial that you also know how vapes affect your body.