Advice for taking up vaping

Thinking of taking up vaping but not sure how to go about it? No need to worry: here is a list of tips for getting started gently and without preconceptions.

Do not set yourself immediate targets

If you are taking up vaping in order to avoid smoking, there is little point in putting yourself under pressure: users generally describe it as a gradual process. Nicotine strength, likewise, should not be reduced too quickly. Vapers usually suggest going down by 3 mg/ml a month rather than cutting sharply.

Vaping more than you smoked? That is normal

If you notice that you are vaping more than you used to smoke, that is nothing unusual. The nicotine dose is lower, so you either vape more often or vape for longer.

Be careful, though: if you get headaches, your liquid contains too much nicotine. With practice, you will know when to stop or how to lower the nicotine dose. You can also vary the flavours across the many e-liquid ranges available.

The practical side

Vaping is not done in the same way as smoking. You need to draw gently so that the coil heats up and produces vapour, which avoids making you cough. Then draw a little harder. Puffs should last only four or five seconds.

Holding the vapour in your lungs serves no purpose: there will be no smoke when you exhale, which can be frustrating for a smoker. That said, it also makes vaping less conspicuous if you would rather go unnoticed.

Some e-liquids that you do not care for at first end up becoming favourites after a while. Be careful, though: if the taste changes, it may be time to top up your device or to check the coil.

As for the hardware, new e-cigarettes need time to break in and deliver the full flavour of an e-liquid. Rinsing a new clearomiser under lukewarm water before using it is a common recommendation.

Finally, it is wise to carry a spare battery for the times when you cannot recharge the first one.