When it comes to vaping, the act of inhaling might seem straightforward, but there’s a nuanced art to doing it “properly.” Beyond simply drawing vapour into your lungs, mastering your inhale can significantly impact your vaping experience – from flavour perception and vapour production to coil longevity and even your nicotine satisfaction. If you’re new to vaping, or even if you’re a seasoned iget vape looking to refine your technique, understanding the different inhalation methods and their implications is key.
The two primary inhalation methods in vaping are Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL). Each offers a distinct experience and is generally suited to different types of vaping devices and e-liquids.
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Inhaling: The Cigarette-Like Draw
MTL inhaling is often the first method new vapers adopt, as it closely mimics the way one smokes a traditional cigarette.
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The Technique:
- Slow and Steady Draw: Begin by taking a slow, gentle draw from your vape device, pulling the vapour into your mouth. Don’t rush this step.
- Hold in Mouth: Allow the vapour to sit in your mouth for a moment or two. This is where you’ll often pick up the initial flavour notes of your e-liquid.
- Inhale into Lungs: Open your mouth and inhale the vapour into your lungs, much like taking a normal breath.
- Exhale: Finally, exhale the vapour.
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When to Use MTL:
- High Nicotine E-liquids: MTL is ideal for e-liquids with higher nicotine concentrations (e.g., 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, or nicotine salts). The slower, more controlled inhalation allows for better absorption of nicotine and a more satisfying “throat hit.”
- Nicotine Salts: Particularly with nicotine salts, MTL vaping is the recommended method. Nicotine salts are designed for a smoother inhale at higher nicotine strengths, and MTL allows for efficient delivery without harshness.
- Smaller Devices: Pod systems, vape pens, and smaller, higher-resistance tanks (often above 1.0 ohm) are typically designed for MTL vaping. They produce less vapour, making them more discreet.
- Flavour Chasing (Subtler Notes): While DTL can produce massive flavour, MTL allows you to savour the subtler nuances of an e-liquid’s flavour profile as it lingers in your mouth before inhalation.
- Beginners: Its familiarity makes MTL a natural starting point for those transitioning from smoking.
Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Inhaling: The Big Cloud Draw
DTL inhaling is characteristic of cloud chasing and is common with more powerful vaping setups.
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The Technique:
- Deep, Continuous Draw: Inhale directly from your vape device, pulling the vapour straight into your lungs in one continuous, deep breath.
- No Holding: There’s no pause or holding of the vapour in your mouth.
- Exhale Immediately: Exhale the vapour almost immediately after inhaling.
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When to Use DTL:
- Low Nicotine E-liquids: DTL is best suited for e-liquids with lower nicotine strengths (e.g., 0mg, 3mg, 6mg). Due to the large volume of vapour inhaled, higher nicotine levels would be too harsh and overwhelming.
- High VG E-liquids: E-liquids with a higher percentage of Vegetable Glycerin (VG) (e.g., 70% VG or higher) are thicker and produce more vapour, making them ideal for DTL vaping.
- Sub-Ohm Devices: DTL vaping is primarily done with sub-ohm tanks, RDAs (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers), RTAs (Rebuildable Tank Atomizers), and powerful mods with low-resistance coils (below 1.0 ohm). These devices are designed for massive vapour production.
- Cloud Chasing: If your goal is to produce large, dense clouds of vapour, DTL is the way to go.
- Intense Flavour (Bold Notes): While MTL can bring out subtle flavours, DTL can deliver a more intense and robust flavour experience, especially with certain profiles.
Factors Influencing Your Inhale
Beyond the two main techniques, several other factors play a role in how you should inhale:
- Airflow Setting: Most vape tanks and atomizers have adjustable airflow.
- Restricted Airflow (Closed): Ideal for MTL, providing a tighter draw and more resistance, similar to a cigarette.
- Open Airflow: Essential for DTL, allowing for a looser, more airy draw and greater vapour production.
- Coil Resistance:
- Higher Resistance Coils (1.0 ohm+): Designed for MTL and lower wattages.
- Lower Resistance (Sub-Ohm) Coils (<1.0 ohm): Designed for DTL and higher wattages.
- Wattage/Power Setting: Ensure your wattage is appropriate for your coil and e-liquid. Too high a wattage can lead to dry hits or a burnt taste, while too low can result in weak vapour and poor flavour.
- E-liquid VG/PG Ratio:
- Higher PG (Propylene Glycol): Thinner, carries flavour better, good for MTL.
- Higher VG (Vegetable Glycerin): Thicker, produces more vapour, good for DTL.
- Nicotine Strength: As discussed, match your nicotine strength to your inhalation style.
Tips for a Better Vaping Experience:
- Prime Your Coils: Always prime a new coil by dripping a few drops of e-liquid onto the cotton before filling your tank. This prevents dry hits and extends coil life.
- Patience: Don’t chain vape too quickly. Give your coil time to re-saturate with e-liquid between puffs, especially with DTL.
- Listen to Your Device: Pay attention to any gurgling, leaking, or burnt tastes. These are often indicators that something isn’t quite right with your coil, e-liquid, or wattage.
- Experiment: The best way to find your ideal inhalation style and settings is to experiment. Try different airflow settings, wattages, and e-liquid ratios until you find what feels and tastes best for you.
In conclusion, there’s no single “proper” way to inhale when vaping, but rather a proper way for your device, your e-liquid, and your desired experience. By understanding the nuances of MTL and DTL inhaling and the factors that influence them, you can significantly enhance your vaping journey, ensuring optimal flavour, vapour, and satisfaction. Happy vaping!