When you look at seasoned vapers puffing on their devices, the know-how of vaping seems like a no-brainer. But, if you’re a newbie in the vaping realm, you’ll need to learn the basics about inhaling before you hit the online vape shop for goodies.  

And if you’re a transitioning smoker looking for a way to ditch the habit, you’ll find that vaping can be different from tobacco smoking.

Either way, we’ve got you covered with our all-in-one guide to inhaling vape – you just keep reading!

Inhaling Cigarette Smoke vs. Vapor

Vaping replicates tobacco smoking, but there are differences that you won’t notice at first glance. Before hitting an online vape store – let’s explore vapes a bit more.

Vapers inhale for longer than smokers, which makes vaping much slower with a gradual buildup. You’ll need to draw longer, not harder. 

After that, it doesn’t matter how long you keep the vapor before exhaling. It’s all up to your preferences.

E-cigs’ heating system needs time to light up the liquid. If you try to shorten that time, you’ll only get heated air from the device and an unpleasant sensation. You must take slow drags because you don’t want to draw too fast on your device and end up with a dry hit, which, trust us, you won’t like. 

Types of Vaping

You can inhale vape in via MTL (mouth-to-lung) or DTL (direct-to-lung). Puffing is a third option that doesn’t involve inhaling the vapor. 

The inhaling style largely depends on your device and the tank. Bulkier, more complex devices or tanks with more open airflow allow DTL inhaling, whereas smaller devices are better suited for MTL vaping style. 

If you’re still in a dilemma as to which style is more appropriate for you, read on:

MTL

Mouth-to-lung is the same as tobacco smoking and comes very naturally to all vapers. Let’s see what it looks like.

To do an MTL, you have to pucker up and use your lips to grip the mouthpiece tightly. That creates a suction that will draw the vapor to your mouth. 

Then, open your mouth to inhale the vapor and push it into your lungs. You should definitely not try to swallow the vapor.

MTL is perfect for smokers transitioning to vaping as it recreates the same method. Also, you can control the amount of vapor you’re inhaling, which is ideal for those new to vaping.

This technique produces less vapor, and you should choose smaller devices, such as vape pens, JUULs, or the e-cigs you find in starter kits. You’ll also need liquids with higher nicotine levels to get a nicotine buzz. 

So, this vaping style makes a good fit for vapers who prefer a smoking-like experience with more aroma and less cloud-chasing.

DTL

Direct-to-lung style is a unique experience that only vaping can provide. DTL is like breathing freely and letting the vapor go straight into your lungs without any obstructions. 

You take a long draw from the device, just like taking air through a drinking straw, and exhale. Slower, longer drags activate the device heating system more efficiently, burning the liquid and creating enormous vapor clouds. 

If you don’t want harsh smoke going straight into your lungs, there’s one thing you can do. Purchase e-liquid with lower to zero nicotine levels – the latter is always the superior option!

Vape mods and sub-ohm kits are the standard options for DTL vaping as they have high wattage, low resistance coils, and an open airflow that helps you create those dense clouds.  

DTL is all about being surrounded by smooth, aromatic vapor, enjoying the juice flavor as you exhale the fumes, and filling the room with lingering clouds of mist. If you do it right, the feeling can be sensational!

Still, you’ll need to be mindful of the people around you. Not everyone will like your choice of flavor; some are just trying to watch their series!

Cigar Puff

Different people prefer different things, so some vapers forgo inhaling and use the vapes like a cigar. They draw on the device and puff the vapor before letting it reach the lungs. This style also works with nicotine consumption as it is absorbed through the mucous membrane while the vapor is in the mouth.

You can do this with all types of vaping devices, no matter their size or wattage, as long as you keep it slow enough to allow the juice to heat up and give you a decent vapor cloud. 

Final Notes

Vaping is a slow, relaxing activity, so ex-smokers or nicotine lovers must learn to be more patient with it. You will feel the effects of a vape a few seconds later, so it’s wise to take a break between draws.

Whichever style you choose, remember that vaping is fun, the fumes form beautiful shapes, and you can do cool tricks with the vapor clouds. So, get your device and vape on!   

If you’re still in a dilemma as to which style is more appropriate for you or what is the best disposable vape pen, read on