Vaping 101: Getting Started For Transitioning Smokers

Vaping has surged in popularity in recent years, with many long-term smokers turning to vaping devices as a way to quit cigarettes. These devices have become a preferred alternative because they offer the nicotine hit smokers crave without the severe health risks of smoking. 

Vapers also get to explore a wide variety of e-liquid flavours. The user-friendly design and affordability of vaping devices have made them accessible and appealing to all kinds of vapers, and this demand has led to the creation of many different models.

There are so many device options out there along with so many types of e-liquids to choose from, so it can be difficult to know where to start. That is where our vaping 101 guide comes in – to help you with the basics and get you started on the right path.

Using Vaping To Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is tough, especially if it has become a routine part of your day. Nicotine is highly addictive, and for many smokers, it is also about the physical habit of holding and inhaling smoke that makes quitting difficult. Going “cold turkey” is an option that works for some, but it can be extremely challenging, especially if stress and other factors are at play. Vaping has become an effective option for those who want to quit smoking with a less transition.

The range of vape devices available today gives users plenty of choices, and each is designed for a specific style of vaping. For example, while vape mods are highly customisable, a smoker who is just starting out might prefer something that feels and functions more like a cigarette. There are beginner-friendly devices that mimic smoking better, offering the same drag and resistance while allowing users to adjust nicotine levels with different e-liquids. This allows smokers to simulate the act of smoking with significantly fewer health risks.

One of the biggest advantages of vaping is the ability to control your nicotine intake. You can gradually reduce the nicotine strength in your e-liquid, which helps your body slowly wean off it. With traditional cigarettes, this is simply not possible. However, with vaping, you can steadily decrease your nicotine intake until your body no longer craves it. This makes it easier to quit smoking (and even vaping in the long run) altogether. 

People who try nicotine patches or gum usually report that they do not fully satisfy the cravings because the nicotine levels are not high enough. This is where vaping stands out – it offers a smoke-like experience, complete with the same levels of nicotine that cigarettes provide, but without the harmful effects of combustion.

The Benefits Of Vaping

It is no secret that smoking is expensive, and with the cost of cigarettes, tobacco, and nicotine steadily rising due to government policies aimed at reducing smoking and vaping, it is only getting pricier. Vaping can save you money in the long run – you do not need to keep buying a new device regularly as most devices are meant to be reusable. Instead of spending money on multiple packs of cigarettes each week, you only need to invest in a vape device and buy e-liquid as needed, along with some replaceable parts every now and then. 

Vape devices come in a variety of price ranges, so there is something to fit every budget. Occasionally, you might need to replace parts like coils when they burn out, but these components are inexpensive and easy to swap out. Other parts like batteries or replacement tanks are also much cheaper compared to the ongoing costs of smoking.

Another benefit of vaping is its positive impact on the environment. Cigarette butts are a big waste problem. Even if you dispose of them properly, they can still leach harmful chemicals into soil and water, contributing to pollution. Cigarette smoke also releases toxic pollutants into the atmosphere. By switching to vaping, you are helping to reduce litter and air pollution since you are using a reusable device that does not produce the same harmful emissions.

Unlike smoking, vaping indoors does not leave behind lingering smells that stick to your furniture or clothes. Smoking indoors over time can also discolour walls and objects, especially anything white. Vaping does not have this effect, so you do not have to worry about damaging your living space. Studies show that exposure to second-hand vapour is not harmful, and while vaping is not risk-free, vapour is far less harmful to your lungs than the toxic tobacco smoke produced by cigarettes.

Choosing The Right Starter Kit

Switching to vaping can feel like a big step, especially if you are unfamiliar with the equipment. Thankfully, there are many starter kits and guides to help you along the way. A good starter kit typically includes everything you need to begin: a device, a charger, and a user manual.. Choosing a starter kit right from the start can save you time and effort, preventing you from buying a device that might not suit your needs. It is also more cost-effective to purchase a kit, as buying everything separately tends to be more expensive.

The ideal starter kit will include a device that replicates the feeling of smoking, with a high-resistance coil that ensures a tight draw and prevents you from inhaling too much nicotine too quickly. Many vapers start with these kits, as they are a good introduction to discovering what kind of vaper you want to become.

Choosing The Right E-Liquid

Your choice of e-liquid is one of the most important factors in your vaping experience. From nicotine level to flavour and propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerine (VG) ratio, there is a lot to consider. For beginners, high-PG e-liquids (around 80% PG and 20% VG) are often the best choice when transitioning from smoking. These liquids provide a sharper throat hit, similar to traditional cigarettes, making the switch easier. While this type of vaping produces smaller clouds, it is not usually a concern for someone who is vaping to quit smoking.

As you become more familiar with vaping, you might want to try different styles. One of the more advanced forms is sub-ohm vaping, which uses a high-VG liquid and low resistance. Sub-ohm vaping gained popularity through vaping competitions and allows users to inhale much more vapour compared to high-resistance devices. However, with more vapour, the nicotine level in the e-liquid needs to be lower. Otherwise, the throat hit would be too harsh and you would get a large dose of nicotine with every puff. High-VG e-liquids create smoother, longer drags and produce large, dense clouds of vapour.

Using e-liquids with nicotine is common for those who are just transitioning to vaping as it allows former smokers to maintain their daily nicotine intake. E-liquid nicotine levels vary, and it is easy to find juices without nicotine for those looking to reduce their intake over time. Starting with a low nicotine level could lead to vaping more frequently to satisfy cravings, so it is important to choose the right nicotine strength initially and gradually decrease it as your body adjusts. Heavy smokers (20+ cigarettes per day) can generally benefit from 18 mg/ml to 20 mg/ml nicotine strength, whereas a lighter smoker (about 10 cigarettes per day) would find 6 mg/ml to 12 mg/ml suitable.

Choosing The Right Type Of Device

Different vaping devices provide distinct vaping experiences. Vape pods are compact devices, featuring simple controls and a pod that holds the e-liquid. In contrast, vape mods are larger, high-power devices with more complex controls and bigger tank capacities. These two options cater to different styles of vaping, so understanding how they work will help you make the best choice.

Vape pods have become a popular choice, especially for beginners, due to their straightforward design and ease of use. Refillable pods are especially cost effective. The simplicity of vape pods also makes them incredibly portable. Their compact size is perfect for people who are always on the move, easily fitting into a pocket or bag without taking up much space. 

Vape mods and tank setups are preferred by more experienced vapers, especially those interested in sub-ohm vaping. Vape mods typically use low-resistance coils (less than 1.0 Ohm), which is where the term “sub-ohm” comes from. These coils allow you to produce thicker and denser vapour clouds, although they require more battery power. Fortunately, vape mods are customisable enough to accommodate larger batteries, ensuring your device can handle the power demands.

What Happens When You Stop Smoking And Start Vaping?

When a smoker switches to vaping, the positive effects can be felt almost immediately, and these benefits become more noticeable over time. Within just a few hours, your blood oxygen levels start to normalise, and the carbon monoxide level in your blood decreases. Over time, you will also notice improvements in your senses, with food and beverages tasting better as your sense of taste and smell return.

Within a few days, you will notice that it is easier to breathe, which will only get easier as you stay off cigarettes for longer. The longer you keep vaping instead of smoking, the lower your risk of serious health problems like heart attacks or strokes. After about five years without smoking, your risk of a heart attack is reduced by half, even if you keep vaping. 

One side effect you might encounter is “vaper’s tongue,” a temporary condition where you lose the ability to taste your vape juice. This can happen to vapers at any experience level and is not permanent. The taste loss occurs when your taste buds become fatigued from continuous vaping, often due to dehydration. If this occurs, simply drink more water and try out a different flavour.