How to Inhale a Vape Properly: A Beginner's Guide

What is a Vape and How Does It Work?

​Vaping for beginners is all about learning how devices work, choosing the right option, and understanding the basics for a smoother experience. A vape is an electronic device that heats e-liquid to produce an aerosol that the user inhales. It typically contains a battery, a heating coil, and a tank or pod filled with e-liquid. When activated, the coil heats the liquid, turning it into vapour that is drawn through the mouthpiece.

How to Inhale a Vape Properly?

Inhaling a vape is different from smoking a cigarette, so it may take some time and a bit of practice to get it right. Here’s how to properly inhale a vape:​

Step 1: Take a Slow, Gentle Draw

Start with a slow, steady inhale rather than taking a quick, strong pull. Taking small, gentle puffs helps to prevent coughing and makes the experience smoother by allowing your body to adjust to the vapour gradually.

Step 2: Hold the Vapour in Your Mouth

After taking a small puff, you can hold the vapour in your mouth for a few seconds before inhaling. This helps you get used to the vapour sensation and makes the inhale feel smoother. 

Step 3: Inhale the Vapour

Inhale the vapour into your lungs after holding it in your mouth for a few seconds. Try not to inhale too fast or too hard. Instead, take a slow, steady inhale.

Step 4: Exhale the Vapour

Once you’ve inhaled the vapour, exhale it slowly. A gentle exhale helps you enjoy a smoother experience and avoid any harsh sensation.

If you’re using a vape pen for the first time, our guide on how to use a vape pen can help you understand the basics.

What Are the Different Inhalation Techniques?

There are three main vaping inhalation techniques: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL), Direct-to-Lung (DTL), and Restricted Direct-to-Lung (RDL). MTL is often preferred by beginners as it feels closer to smoking, while DTL and RDL are better suited to more experienced vapers looking for bigger clouds and a different vaping style.

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Inhalation

Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) is one of the most common inhalation techniques used by vapers. Vape liquids with a balanced VG/PG ratio and higher nicotine strengths are commonly used for MTL vaping and work best with low-powered vape devices.

How to Mouth-to-Lung Vape

• Place your mouth around the mouthpiece and take a slow, steady draw.
• Hold the vapour in your mouth briefly for as long as feels comfortable.
• Gently inhale the vapour from your mouth into your lungs.
• Exhale the vapour slowly and comfortably to enjoy a smoother experience.

Direct-to-Lung (DL) Inhalation

Direct-to-Lung (DL) inhalation involves drawing vapour straight into your lungs without holding it in your mouth. DL vaping is usually preferred by experienced vapers and works best with higher-powered devices with plenty of airflow, vape liquids with lower nicotine concentrations, and a higher VG ratio.

How to Direct-Lung (DL) Vape

• Take a long, slow draw straight into your lungs.
• Hold the vapour in for a few seconds or as long as you want.
• Exhale.

Restrictive Direct-to-Lung (RDL) Inhalation

Restrictive Direct-to-Lung (RDL) inhalation is a vaping style that sits between MTL and DL vaping, offering a tighter draw with more vapour than a traditional MTL inhale. When vaping in an RDL style, you inhale directly into the lungs while using a more restricted airflow setting. This offers better flavour delivery for DL vapers while giving MTL users a little more cloud production. It requires higher-powered devices with adjustable airflow and a suitable e-liquid ratio. 

How to Direct-to-Lung (RDL)

• Take one smooth, deep inhale, drawing the vapour directly into your lungs.
• Avoid holding the vapour in for too long, as this may feel harsh and can make you cough.
• Smoothly exhale the vapour cloud.
• Allow for a few breaths between puffs to keep your chest clear.

What are the Common Mistakes When Inhaling While You Vape?

Below are a few common mistakes to avoid when vaping:

Inhaling A Vape Like Smoking a Cigarette

People who are new to vaping usually inhale a vape like smoking a traditional cigarette. Vapes are designed to be used differently from traditional cigarettes, so avoid taking long, harsh drags like you would with a combustible smoking product. This can lead to inhaling the vape juice, leaving you with too much e-liquid in your mouth.

Using Your Vape Too Often

Vaping too much in a short time is another mistake most vapers make. Frequent vaping over short periods may result in a sore throat and irritation. Taking too many puffs in quick succession might burn out your taste buds, which is a common issue known as vaper's tongue. Instead, take around 3–7 puffs at a time, then wait a minute or two before vaping again. This gives the coil enough time to cool down and the wick to absorb more e-liquid, helping to maintain flavour and prevent dry hits.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're vaping recreationally or you're a newbie who has recently switched from smoking to vaping, understanding the correct inhaling technique can make all the difference. Your vaping and inhaling technique depends on the type of e-liquid and device you use. Choose a vape kit that suits your needs and enhances your vaping experience.  As one of the best online vape shops in the UK, E-Juice Couture offers a wide range of vape kits, from beginner-friendly starter kits to advanced devices, to cater to the needs of every vaper. Whether you're just getting started or have been vaping for years, enjoy the highest standard of vaping with quality vape devices. Shop now!

FAQs

How Long Do You Hold Vapour In For?

You can hold the vapour in your mouth for as long as it feels comfortable. Flavour is experienced during the inhale and exhale, so there's no need to hold vapour for long. If it doesn't feel comfortable to hold the vapour in for an extended period, don't. Simply inhale, hold for a few seconds and exhale naturally.

What Are The Best Vape Kits For Beginners?

The Uwell Caliburn G3 Lite, Aspire Pockex Anniversary Edition Kit, OXVA Xlim Go, Vaporesso XROS 4, and Innokin Endura T22 Pro Vape Kit are some of the best vape kits for beginners. 

What Is the Difference Between Inhaling and Puffing?

Inhaling means drawing the vapour into your lungs before exhaling, providing a throat sensation and a strong nicotine hit. On the other hand, puffing refers to taking a draw from the vape, which may involve holding the vapour in your mouth first without inhaling it, allowing the user to enjoy the e-liquid’s flavours and aromas.

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