How to Inhale a Vape ProperlyUpdated 12 days ago

New to vaping and not sure how to inhale properly? There are two main techniques, and the right one depends on your device, your e-liquid, and what feels most natural to you. Getting it right makes a real difference to flavour, nicotine satisfaction, and overall comfort.

The Two Vaping Techniques

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL)

MTL is the technique most beginners start with, and for good reason: it closely mirrors the action of smoking a cigarette. You draw vapour into your mouth first, pause briefly, then inhale it into your lungs.

1. Place your lips around the mouthpiece and draw slowly and gently for 2 to 3 seconds, as if sipping through a straw.
2. Hold the vapour in your mouth for a moment.
3. Open your mouth slightly and breathe the vapour into your lungs.
4. Exhale naturally.

MTL works best with higher nicotine strengths (10mg to 20mg), produces a moderate amount of vapour, and gives a satisfying throat hit. Most pod kits, starter kits, and prefilled devices are designed for MTL vaping.

Direct-to-Lung (DTL)

DTL is a more advanced technique where you bypass the mouth and inhale vapour directly into your lungs in one continuous breath, the same way you would take a deep breath of air.

1. Place your lips around the mouthpiece and inhale directly and steadily into your lungs for 3 to 5 seconds, without pausing in the mouth.
2. Exhale fully.

DTL suits lower nicotine strengths (0mg to 6mg) and produces significantly larger clouds. It requires more airflow and more power, so it is better suited to sub-ohm kits and more advanced devices with adjustable settings. Using high nicotine with DTL is not recommended as it can be harsh and uncomfortable.

Which Technique Is Right for You?

• Switching from cigarettes: Start with MTL and 20mg nicotine salt e-liquid in a pod kit
• Casual vaper after simplicity: MTL with a disposable or prefilled pod kit
• Experienced vaper after larger clouds: DTL with a sub-ohm kit and 3mg freebase nicotine
• Stepping down from nicotine: MTL at lower strengths over time

Tips for Getting It Right

Start slowly

Take shorter draws to begin with. Longer or harder puffs than your device is designed for can flood the coil with too much e-liquid, causing a gurgling sound or spitting. If this happens, take shorter, gentler draws and let the device recover for a minute.

Adjust your airflow

Many devices have an airflow ring at the base of the tank or pod. A tighter airflow produces a more restricted, cigarette-like draw suited to MTL. A more open airflow produces a looser, airier draw suited to DTL. If your draw feels too harsh or too airy, adjusting the airflow is usually the first thing to try.

Pace yourself

Vaping continuously without breaks, known as chain-vaping, can cause the coil to overheat and produce a burnt taste. Take a few seconds between puffs, particularly when you are getting started. If you notice a burnt flavour, put the device down for a minute or two before continuing.

Do not inhale too hard

Pulling too forcefully on an MTL device draws excess e-liquid into the coil and causes leaking or spitting. Treat it like a gentle sip rather than a hard drag.

Common Issues and What They Mean

• Coughing: Common when first starting out, particularly with freebase nicotine or DTL on a high strength. Try a lower nicotine strength, a gentler draw, or switch to nicotine salts for a smoother throat hit.
• No vapour or very little: Check the device is charged, the coil is primed, and the tank is not empty.
• Gurgling or spitting: Usually means the coil is flooded. Take shorter, gentler puffs and give the device a rest.
• Burnt taste: The coil may need replacing, or the tank may be nearly empty. See why does my vape taste burnt?
• Harsh throat hit: Nicotine strength may be too high for the technique or device. Try stepping down to a lower strength, or switch to nicotine salts which deliver a smoother hit.