How to Vape Correctly?

You’ve probably seen people using small devices that produce clouds of vapor, which many think is a safer alternative to smoking. But while vaping seems simple, there are still some important things to know to make sure you do it correctly, safely, and responsibly. This blog will guide you step-by-step through vaping, from understanding what vaping is to how to use a vape properly.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is when you inhale vapor created by an electronic device called a vape, e-cigarette, or vaporizer. The device heats up a liquid (often called vape juice or e-liquid), turning it into vapor, which you can then breathe in. Many people vape because they believe it’s less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, which burn tobacco and produce harmful chemicals.

The vape liquid can contain nicotine (the addictive substance in cigarettes), but it can also be nicotine-free. There are also different flavors of e-liquids like fruity flavors, mint, or candy flavors.

Understanding the Parts of a Vape

Before we look into how to vape, let’s understand the main parts of a vape device. These parts might look different depending on the type of vape, but they all work in similar ways:

1. Battery – This is what powers your vape. The battery is usually rechargeable.
2. Tank/Pod – This holds the vape liquid or e-juice.
3. Coil – The coil is what heats the liquid to turn it into vapor.
4. Mouthpiece – This is where you put your mouth to inhale the vapor.
5. Button – Some vapes have a button you press to heat the liquid, while others are automatic and heat when you inhale.

Step 1: Choose the Right Device for You

There are many types of vape devices. If you’re new to vaping, it’s a good idea to start with a simple one like a pod system or a vape pen. These are small, easy to use, and perfect for beginners. Some people might prefer bigger devices that create more vapor, but these are often harder to manage for beginners.

Make sure the device you pick is from a trusted brand and of good quality. Cheap, low-quality vapes can be unsafe and not work well.

Step 2: Understand the Vape Liquid

The vape juice you put into your vape is very important. Vape liquids come in many different flavors and can have different levels of nicotine. Some important things to look for in vape juice are:

1. Nicotine Level – Vape liquids come with different nicotine levels, from 0mg (no nicotine) to 50mg or higher. If you're using vaping to quit smoking, start with a level that’s close to what you would get from cigarettes. Over time, you can lower the nicotine level.
2. Flavors – There are hundreds of flavors to choose from. Some people like fruity flavors, while others prefer minty or dessert flavors. Pick one that you think you’ll enjoy.
3. Ingredients – Good vape juice will usually contain a few main ingredients: Vegetable Glycerin (VG), Propylene Glycol (PG), flavorings, and sometimes nicotine. VG creates more vapor, while PG gives you more of a throat hit (like smoking). Check the balance of VG/PG based on what you prefer.

Step 3: Fill Your Vape Correctly

Now that you have your vape and your liquid, it’s time to fill it. Here's how:

1. Open the tank or pod – Every vape is a little different, but most of the time, you’ll open the tank by twisting it or sliding a small part open. Make sure your vape is turned off when filling it.
2. Add the liquid – Slowly pour the vape liquid into the tank or pod. Be careful not to spill and avoid overfilling, as this can lead to leaks.
3. Close it up – Once the tank is filled, close it carefully and make sure there are no leaks.

Step 4: Prime the Coil

Before you start vaping, it’s important to “prime” the coil. The coil is the part of the vape that heats up and turns the liquid into vapor. Priming the coil means soaking it with e-liquid to avoid a “dry hit” (which can taste burnt and unpleasant).

To prime your coil, after filling the tank, let the vape sit for about 5-10 minutes so the coil can absorb the liquid. This will ensure that the coil is ready to create vapor without burning.

Step 5: Start Vaping!

Now that your vape is ready, it’s time to take your first puff. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Turn on your vape – If your vape has a button, press it 5 times quickly to turn it on. If it doesn’t have a button, it might start automatically when you inhale.
2. Inhale slowly – Place your lips on the mouthpiece and inhale slowly. Don’t take a big, quick puff like you would with a cigarette. Slow, gentle inhales are best when vaping.
3. Hold the vapor briefly – Hold the vapor in your lungs for just a second or two, then exhale. Unlike smoking, you don’t have to hold the vapor for long. You’ll still get the nicotine (if your e-liquid has it) and flavor.
4. Take breaks between puffs – Don’t take multiple puffs too quickly. Vaping too much in a short time can make you feel dizzy or nauseous, especially if the nicotine level is high. Take your time and enjoy each puff.

Step 6: Clean and Maintain Your Vape

To keep your vape working well, it’s important to clean and maintain it. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Clean the tank – After a while, residue from the vape juice can build up in the tank. Every few weeks, clean the tank with warm water and let it dry completely before using it again.
2. Replace the coil – Coils wear out over time. If you notice a burnt taste or the vapor isn’t as good as before, it’s probably time to replace the coil. How often you need to replace the coil depends on how much you vape, but usually, it’s every 1-2 weeks.
3. Charge the battery – Make sure you charge your vape’s battery regularly, but don’t overcharge it. If your vape has a removable battery, store it safely and replace it if it’s damaged or doesn’t hold a charge.

Step 7: Vape Safely

Vaping can be a fun and relaxing activity, but safety is important. Here are some safety tips:

1. Don’t vape if you’re underage – In most places, you need to be at least 18 or 21 years old to vape. Vaping is for adults, especially since many vape liquids contain nicotine, which is addictive.
2. Avoid vaping too much – Too much vaping can make you feel sick, especially if the nicotine level in your liquid is high. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or have a headache, take a break.
3. Store your vape and liquid safely – Keep your vape and vape liquid away from children and pets. Nicotine can be dangerous if swallowed.
4. Use the right charger – Always use the charger that comes with your vape or one that’s compatible. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery or even cause it to overheat.

Step 8: Respect Others While Vaping

When you vape, it’s important to be considerate of those around you. Here’s how you can do that:

1. Don’t vape in public places – Some places don’t allow vaping, like restaurants, airports, or schools. Always check the rules before vaping.
2. Avoid blowing vapor in people’s faces – Some people don’t like the smell or sight of vapor, even though it’s not as harmful as cigarette smoke. Be mindful of where you blow the vapor.
3. Ask for permission – If you’re around friends or family who don’t vape, ask them if it’s okay to vape before you do.

Common Vaping Mistakes to Avoid

If you’re new to vaping, you might make some mistakes at first. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Vaping too quickly – As we mentioned earlier, vaping isn’t like smoking. Take slow, gentle puffs for the best experience.
2. Using too much nicotine – If you’re not used to nicotine or you’re vaping too much, you might feel dizzy or nauseous. Start with a lower nicotine level and see how you feel.
3. Not priming the coil – Failing to prime the coil before vaping can lead to dry hits, which taste burnt and can ruin your vaping experience.
4. Not cleaning your vape – A dirty vape can affect the flavor and how well your device works. Clean it regularly for the best results.

Is Vaping Safe?

While vaping is often considered safer than smoking traditional cigarettes, it’s not completely without risks. Vaping can still expose you to chemicals, and if your vape juice contains nicotine, it’s addictive. Some studies have shown that long-term vaping could have negative effects on your lungs, though it’s still being researched.

If you’re a non-smoker, it’s best not to start vaping at all. But if you’re trying to quit smoking, vaping could be a less harmful alternative, especially if you use vape juice with less or no nicotine.

Conclusion: Vape Correctly and Responsibly

Vaping can be enjoyable, but it’s important to do it correctly and responsibly. By choosing the right device, using quality vape juice, and following safety tips, you can have a good feel while minimizing risks. Always remember, vaping is for adults, and it’s important to be respectful of others when you vape. If you’re ever unsure about how to use your vape or what vape juice to choose, don’t hesitate to ask for help from someone more experienced or a vape shop professional.