Mistakes to avoid while vaping

Introduction
Nowadays, vaping has become increasingly popular in New Zealand. Despite ongoing debates about its health concerns, vaping is not merely considered an alternative to smoking; it offers users the ability to control nicotine levels, choose flavours, and manage costs. Vaping also draws the interest of enthusiasts who enjoy producing large vapour clouds. More than just a substitute for cigarettes, vaping has gradually become an industry that seems here to stay. To achieve the ultimate vaping experience, it’s important to first avoid common mistakes that vapers tend to make.

Understanding the Basics of Vaping
Let’s first understand the very basics of vaping and the electronic device called a vape pen used for this activity. Through the vape pen, one inhales nicotine in an aerosol or vapour form.

A vaping pen is a handheld device with a heating solution called e-liquid that contains ingredients like propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and nicotine. As the e-liquid is heated it produces vapour which is inhaled.
In general, this vapour from a vape is considered less harmful than smoke from traditional cigarettes – which releases thousands of chemicals when burned, including toxic and carcinogenic chemicals.

Common Vaping Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake many new vape users make is to use vaping as a substitute for nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). While vaping may help you quit smoking, it is not a proven product to help you get rid of the habit of smoking. It is advisable to consult a medical professional  before you start vaping. 

As mentioned above; vaping is often regarded as being less harmful than smoking, but it is important to manage your nicotine intake level. 

Using the Wrong Nicotine Strength
Starting with a higher level of nicotine strength or incorrect nicotine strength may lead to dizziness, nausea and a general feeling of sickness. Until you have figured out which strength suits you best; be prepared to  experiment with varying strengths. Always aim to minimise the risk of nicotine overload, or withdrawal symptoms.

Neglecting Vape Device Maintenance
You need to take care of your vaping device regularly for it to perform at its best. Cleaning your device regularly can help prevent the buildup of residue and ensure the longevity of your device. While cleaning take care of the tank, coil and mouthpiece. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use only the appropriate cleaning solution. 

Many vape users ignore or forget to replace the coil regularly. Coils can be worn out or clogged, affecting your device’s functioning. Here we recommend replacing the coil regularly for the most satisfactory vaping experience

Not Choosing the Right E-Liquid

For the best vaping experience, it is important that you choose the right e-liquid. Several factors to consider are flavours, nicotine levels and PG/VG ratios. 

Next is choosing the nicotine level that is suitable for you. Most people start with “middle of the range” nicotine levels and gradually adjust to their preferred level. The ratio of propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) differs as per individual preference. Different ratios hit differently, especially for throat hit, vapour production and flavour intensity. Here too you can experiment until you find your optimal balance. 

For the PG/VG ratio in e-liquids, here are a few key points to consider:

·Higher Propylene glycol (PG) ratios give you a stronger throat hit and carry the flavour more effectively. 
·A higher Vegetable glycerin (VG) ratio produces thicker vapour clouds.
·A PG/VG ratio that is 50/50, offers a good mix between throat hit and vapour production.
·Some vapers prefer higher PG ratios for a stronger throat hit, while others prefer higher VG ratios for denser vapour clouds.

Not Experimenting with Flavours
Many people are attracted to vaping due to the variety of available flavours. Not experimenting can lead to having a limited vaping experience, and boredom. This is a missed opportunity since the world of vape flavours offers endless possibilities for exploration! There are so many cool flavours you can find on the New Zealand market these days, so why limit yourself?

Choose a flavour as per your taste preference and keep experimenting too. You can explore everything from traditional tobacco and menthol to fruity or dessert flavours. One way to try a new flavour is to purchase a bottle of e-liquid that you know you like, AND a bottle of a ‘test’ flavour. That way you have your staple flavour and you’re able to expand your horizons!

Incorrect Vaping Techniques
Proper vaping techniques can give you a better experience with safety. It can enhance the flavour, vapour production and throat hit. Let us check a few points to remember

Deep Breathing – When you inhale take a slow deep breathe for a smoother and more enjoyable vaping experience

Mouth Action – There are two methods of inhaling while vaping, namely – Mouth-to-lung (MTL) and Direct-to-lung (DTL). With MTL you draw the vapour in your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs. While in DTL you inhale directly into your lungs. You can experiment and choose as per your preference. 

Holding the vape – You can learn to hold the vape device properly as per the manufacturer’s instructions for inhaling and exhaling and it can give you a satisfying experience too. 

Inhaling Too Hard or Too Fast
One mistake that can spoil the vaping experience for you is inhaling too hard or too fast. Check these tips to avoid doing so.

·Use proper inhalation technique as discussed above by taking slow controlled deep breaths, 
·Inhaling too fast or hard can lead to the vape feeling sharp, and harsh on the throat

Failing to Prime Coil Before Use
You need to prime the vape coil before using a brand-new vaping device. Priming means saturating the wick with e-liquid before using. Priming has many benefits like 

·Coil longevity will extend the lifespan of the coil, in turn saving money and giving you a consistent vaping experience. 
·Vape maintenance: If you do not prime the coil it may lead to dry hits, burnt taste and decreased vapour production.
·Nicotine delivery: A properly primed coil will ensure optimal nicotine delivery which ensures a more satisfying experience.

Non-maintenance of Vape Device and Battery
Taking care of your vaping device’s battery is important for your safety and the device’s optimal performance. Not taking care may lead to decreased battery life and poor vapour quality. Make sure you use the correct charger and avoid overcharging, and always store the battery properly. Also, avoid overcharging the battery as it could be a potential safety risk. Almost all devices have a charge ‘cut out’ function on them and they will stop charging when the battery is full, but always read the manufacturer’s instructions just in case.

Navigating Common Vaping Challenges
Vaping also has its set of challenges and navigating them is crucial for a better experience. The most common challenges are

Dealing with Vaper’s Tongue
Vaper’s tongue is an issue where the one temporarily loses the taste of their favourite flavour. It is caused by what they call flavour fatigue, or dehydration. To combat this, try switching between flavours, staying hydrated and practising good oral hygiene. Using a tongue scraper and consuming a strong flavour like mint can help reset the tongue. Taking regular breaks from vaping can help too. 

Leaks and Spitback
Regularly check your vape device for leaks, as they can disrupt your vaping experience. Spitback, caused by excess e-liquid in the coil, can lead to inhaling hot liquid particles. To manage leaks, ensure all components are properly connected and the tank is secure. To reduce spit back; ensure your battery is charged adequately, avoid overfilling the tank and prime your coils properly. If the spitback continues you can ‘flick’ the pod or tank to clear out any excess juice. To do this just remove the tank/pod from the device, hold it between your fingers and thumb, and flick – using the same action as you would when whipping a tea towel. If issues persist, seek advice from a vape shop or online forums for troubleshooting tips. Preventing leaks and spit-back ensures a smoother and safer vaping experience

Enhancing Your Vaping Experience
Enhancing your vaping experience can be done simply by following the steps where you

Regularly Cleaning Your Device
Here is how to regularly clean your device

1.Disassemble your device: Make sure to disassemble your vaping device i.e separate the tank, coil and mouthpiece

2.Clean the tank: Using warm water clean your tank to remove any e-liquid residue and then use a mild dish soap to thoroughly clean it. Ensure that you rinse and dry your tank completely before assembling.

3.Replace the coil. If you have a rebuildable coil (experienced users only) you can clean the coil. To do this; remove it from the device, remove the cotton, and rinse it under warm water to remove any built-up residue. If required you cn use a brush to gently remove the stubborn debris, reconnect to the device and give it a few quick ‘dry burns’ – then let the coil cool before adding more cotton.

4.Clean the mouthpiece: To remove bacteria and germs from your mouthpiece use a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean it

5.Reassemble the device: Let all the parts air dry and reassemble them carefully while making sure everything is connected

Conclusion
Avoiding these common mistakes while vaping can help you have a smooth and enjoyable vaping experience. Also maintaining your device and battery will give it a long life and ensure safety. Also, remember to experiment with flavours and stay hydrated.

FAQs

How Often Should I Change My Vape Coil?
The lifetime of the coil depends on the usage and maintenance, it can on average last for 1 to 3 weeks. However, changing it more regularly can give you a consistent vaping experience with better flavours and nicotine absorption. 

Can I Vape Indoors?
Most likely NO. In New Zealand, the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Act 1990 (the Act) requires all internal areas of workplaces, licensed premises and certain public enclosed areas to be smokefree and vapefree. The Act applies to schools, early childhood centres, retailers, licensed premises, sports clubs and all employers.

Can I use essential oils in my vape?
Absolutely not! Essential oils are not meant to be inhaled and can cause serious lung damage. Stick to e-liquids made for vaping.