How to Inhale a Vape

One of the most frequently asked questions by new vapers is: ‘how do I inhale my vape properly?’. While it may seem simple, you might be surprised by just how tricky it can be to master the perfect inhale – that goes for experienced vapers as well as beginners, there’s never any harm in honing your vaping technique.

Ensuring you get as satisfying, smooth and tasty vaping experience depends on a few different factors, including personal preference! Remember that if it isn’t broken, you probably don’t need to fix it – if you are comfortable with your technique, then you don’t need to overcomplicate things.

If however you are struggling to inhale your vape without coughing, or if you simply want to study-up on the different techniques people use, then read on as we explain. While everyone will have a slightly different approach based on their taste, there are two well established techniques for inhaling a vape properly; MTL vaping, and DTL vaping.

If you want to learn more about vaping first tough, you can check out our guide, How to Vape Properly.

MTL Vaping

MTL stands for mouth-to-lung. It is the inhale style most similar to smoking a cigarette and therefore is one of the easiest to learn as a new vaper.

Pros

Cons

• Can increase the risk of coughing when using High-VG devices
• Does not typically allow you to blow large clouds

How do I do it?

1. Inhale gently using your vaping device (you may or may not need to press a button).
2. Hold the vapour in your mouth for a second or two at most.
3. Now inhale into your lungs, you do not need to hold the vapour again.
4. Smoothly exhale.

Try to be gentle in your following of the above steps. If you used to smoke a cigarette, try to apply the same principals when MTL vaping, and you will be able to inhale vapour without coughing in no time.

What vaping devices suit MTL vaping?

• 50-50 style devices with a coil rating of 1.0ohm or higher
• This includes most pod systems like the EDGE GO and many open systems like the EDGE Pro
• Almost al disposable vape pens are designed to be vaped using the MTL technique

What E-Liquid suits MTL vaping?

• 50-50 e-liquids in a standard nicotine range of 0mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg or 18mg
• Nic salt e-liquids like the EDGE GO Smooth range

What is DTL Vaping?

DTL stands for direct-to-lung. This technique is a little harder to master, and is better suited to high power devices designed for thick HVG juice.

Pros

• Allows you to inhale more HVG vapour without coughing
• Allows you exhale big clouds which can be handy for vape competitions
• Lets you make the most of high-powered devices and HVG juice

Cons

• Only suitable for lower nicotine strengths or becomes too harsh
• Only suitable for larger high-power devices which are not ideal for beginners
• Less natural feeling than MTL making it harder to adjust to for new vapers

How do I do it?

• Take one smooth deep inhale straight to your lungs.
• Do not attempt to hold the vapour as this will make you cough.
• Smoothly exhale the vapour cloud.
• Allow for a breath between DTL puffs, it will help keep your chest clear.

Just like MTL, don’t panic and inhale smoothly to avoid coughing. This technique is a little more specialised, and you can easily overwhelm yourself. Best practice is to slowly increase the length of your inhale and the amount of vapour you pull through until you get comfortable.

What vaping devices suit MTL vaping?

• 80-20/HVG type devices with a coil rating of 0.9ohm or below
• This applies to many mods and pod-mods, however these are all called ‘sub-ohm’ vaping devices

What E-Liquid suits MTL vaping?

• Thick High-VG e-liquid also called ’70-30’ / ‘80-20’ / HVG
• This includes 10ml HVG vape juice but also Short Fill too

Temperature Difference Vs Smoking

One of the biggest differences when inhaling a vape is the temperature. Because vaping devices turn e-liquid into an aerosol by heating it up with a coil, it feels much cooler than hot cigarette smoke which burns at a much higher temperature.

For some, that heat plays a role in why they enjoy the act of smoking as it contributes to the sensation of having a ‘satisfying drag’. If you find your vape isn’t as ‘harsh’ as you’d like, increasing your nicotine strength can help recreate the sensation, albeit not the heat.

Take care not to go higher than what you are comfortable with, try to find a balance between the inhale experience you want and the craving satisfaction you need.

Nicotine Strength

Your chosen nicotine strength can play a major role in the ‘harshness’ of your inhale when vaping. Low strength products like 3mg or 6mg e-liquids are typically smoother, with 12mg and 18mg being incrementally harsher tasting respectively.

Make sure you factor this in when considering your needs as a vaper, having a smooth drag is important, but your vaping journey will fail if you are not getting enough nicotine to satisfy your cravings. This is where Nic Salts can be particularly useful.

Which Vaping Style is for Me?

Your chosen device and e-liquid will make a big impact on the style that best suits you, but there are always exceptions to these guidelines, and it is entirely up to you to decide which technique you prefer - just be aware that straying too far outside of the norm when using either technique

The important thing to remember when starting out, is to adjust for the differences between vaping and smoking, and be prepared to explore your options to find the perfect balance to master inhaling your vapour.

If you are a brand-new vaper head over to our Switch with EDGE area to find out more and get your journey started right. If you already have your perfect combination of equipment, why not subscribe, and never run out of your favourite flavours.