How to Vape Properly: Beginner Guide to Setup, Inhaling, and Using

Setting	MTL Range	Effect
Coil resistance	0.8 Ω to 1.8 Ω	Restricts power draw, produces a tight, warm hit
Wattage	8 to 15 W	Gentle heating, prevents harsh vapour
Airflow	Closed or near-closed	Creates cigarette-like draw resistance
Nicotine strength	10 to 20 mg nic salt / 6 to 18 mg freebase	Satisfies cravings in fewer puffs
VG/PG ratio	50/50	Balances throat hit and wick absorption for small coils

Start at the lower end of the wattage range. Increase by 1 watt at a time until flavour and warmth feel satisfying. If the throat hit feels too harsh, reduce the nicotine strength by one increment rather than increasing airflow, opening the airflow too much shifts the draw away from MTL.

What Is Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping?

DTL vaping bypasses the mouth-hold step entirely. The user inhales aerosol directly into the lungs in one continuous breath, similar to taking a deep breath through a wide straw. DTL produces large vapour clouds, intense flavour, and minimal throat hit.

DTL is not recommended for beginners. The open draw and low nicotine content fail to satisfy cigarette cravings during the early transition period. Most new vapers who start with DTL return to cigarettes within the first week because the experience feels too dissimilar from smoking.

• Paired with lower-resistance coils (0.2 to 0.6 Ω, sub-ohm)
  
• Paired with lower nicotine strengths (0 to 6 mg freebase)
  
• Uses open airflow settings
  
• Produces large, dense vapour clouds
  

What Settings Are Best for DTL?

Setting	DTL Range	Effect
Coil resistance	0.15 Ω to 0.6 Ω	High power draw, produces large vapour clouds
Wattage	25 to 80+ W	Rapid heating, dense, warm vapour
Airflow	Fully open or near-open	Large airflow creates cooler, thicker clouds
Nicotine strength	0 to 6 mg freebase	Prevents overconsumption at high vapour volume
VG/PG ratio	70/30 or higher VG	Thicker liquid supports sub-ohm coils and dense clouds

High-VG e-liquids (70/30 and above) must not be used in standard pod kits, the viscous liquid cannot wick through narrow coil ports, causing dry hits and burnt cotton.

MTL vs DTL: Which Inhaling Style Should You Choose?

The main difference between MTL and DTL is the draw path and its downstream effects on throat hit, vapour volume, and nicotine delivery.

Aspect	MTL	DTL
Draw path	Mouth to hold to lungs	Directly into lungs
Draw resistance	Tight (cigarette-like)	Open (deep-breath)
Throat hit	Pronounced	Minimal
Vapour volume	Moderate	Large
Nicotine delivery	High per puff (10 to 20 mg)	Low per puff (0 to 6 mg)
Coil resistance	0.8 Ω and above	Below 0.8 Ω
E-liquid consumption	Low	High
Battery drain	Low	High
Best for	Smokers switching to vaping	Experienced vapers chasing clouds/flavour

Choose MTL if you currently smoke, want a cigarette-like draw, need high nicotine delivery, and prefer a compact, efficient device.

Choose DTL if you have vaped successfully for several months, no longer need high nicotine, and want large vapour production with intense flavour.

A third style, Restricted-Direct-Lung (RDL), sits between MTL and DTL. RDL draws go directly to the lungs but through a partially restricted airflow, producing more vapour than MTL and less than full DTL. RDL uses mid-range coils (0.4 to 0.8 Ω), moderate nicotine (3 to 10 mg), and partially open airflow. Many advanced pod systems accommodate both MTL and RDL by swapping coils and adjusting the airflow ring.

How Can You Vape Without Coughing?

Coughing during the first few vaping sessions is common and typically resolves within 1 to 2 days as the throat adjusts to inhaling aerosol rather than smoke. Persistent coughing beyond the first few days indicates a correctable setup or technique issue.

6 causes of coughing and their fixes:

• Drawing too hard and fast. Aggressive draws pull excess liquid into the coil chamber, causing spitback and throat irritation. Fix, draw slowly and steadily for 2 to 4 seconds, the same way you would sip through a narrow straw.
  
• Nicotine strength too high. Excessive nicotine produces a harsh, peppery throat sensation that triggers coughing. Fix, reduce by one increment (20 mg to 15 mg) or switch from freebase to nic salt at the same strength for a smoother hit.
  
• Airflow set too open for MTL. An open airflow with a high-nicotine e-liquid forces a large volume of concentrated aerosol into the throat in a single draw. Fix, tighten the airflow ring to near-closed for MTL vaping.
  
• Wattage set too high. Excessive heat creates harsh, hot aerosol that irritates the throat. Fix, reduce wattage to the lower end of the coil's recommended range.
  
• PG sensitivity. Propylene glycol produces the throat hit in e-liquid. Some individuals find even moderate PG ratios irritating. Fix, switch to a higher-VG e-liquid (60/40 or 70/30) in a compatible device with larger wicking ports.
  
• Dehydration. PG has a mild hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) effect. Inadequate hydration exacerbates throat dryness. Fix, drink water regularly throughout the day, especially during the first week of vaping.
  

If coughing persists after addressing all 6 factors, consult a clinician or contact your local NHS stop smoking service for personalised advice.

What Common Beginner Mistakes Should You Avoid?

10 common beginner mistakes cause the majority of poor first experiences with vaping. Each mistake has a specific consequence and a straightforward fix.

1. Skipping coil priming. Consequence: the dry cotton wick burns instantly on first fire, producing an acrid taste and destroying the coil permanently. Fix, always prime and wait 5 to 10 minutes before the first puff.
   
2. Choosing a nicotine strength that is too low. Consequence: persistent cigarette cravings, dissatisfaction with vaping, and a high probability of returning to smoking within the first week. Fix, match strength to smoking habit using the guide in the nicotine section below.
3. Using the wrong VG/PG ratio for the device. Consequence: high-VG liquid (70/30+) in a small pod coil causes dry hits because the thick liquid cannot wick through narrow ports. Fix, use 50/50 e-liquid in pod kits and starter devices.
   
4. Overfilling the pod or tank. Consequence: e-liquid floods through the coil into the airflow channel, causing gurgling, spitting, and leaking from the base. Fix, fill to the maximum line only, leaving a small air gap.
   
5. Filling into the central airflow chimney. Consequence: liquid floods the coil immediately and pushes e-liquid into the mouthpiece. Fix, identify the fill port (side or top silicone seal) and avoid the central tube.
   
6. Chain vaping high-nicotine e-liquid. Consequence: nicotine overconsumption causes dizziness, nausea, headache, and potential nicotine sickness. Fix: take 3 to 5 puffs, then rest the device for several minutes.
   
7. Running the pod nearly empty before refilling. Consequence the exposed wick dries out and burns, even after liquid is added. Fix, refill when the level drops to the lower quarter.
   
8. Setting wattage above the coil's recommended range. Consequence, the wick scorches, producing a burnt taste and reducing coil lifespan from weeks to hours. Fix, operate within the printed range, starting at the lower end.
   
9. Ignoring battery safety. Consequence: charging with incompatible cables, on flammable surfaces, or overnight creates overheating risk. Fix, use the supplied cable, charge on hard surfaces, disconnect once fully charged.
   
10. Starting with an advanced mod. Consequence: the complexity of wattage matching, coil selection, and build configuration causes dry hits, flooding, and frustration. Fix, start with a simple pod kit and progress to mods after gaining confidence.

Why Does Your Vape Taste Burnt or Feel Harsh?

A burnt or harsh taste indicates the coil's cotton wick is being heated without adequate e-liquid saturation, or the aerosol temperature or nicotine concentration exceeds comfortable levels. 7 specific causes produce this symptom.

Cause	What Happens	Fix
Unprimed coil	Dry cotton ignites on first fire, causing irreversible damage	Replace the coil and prime the new one properly
Empty or near-empty tank/pod	Exposed wick burns when the coil fires	Refill immediately and keep liquid above intake ports
Wattage too high	Excessive heat scorches the wick faster than it can re-saturate	Reduce to the lower end of the coil’s recommended range
Chain vaping without pause	Wick dries between rapid puffs	Allow 15 to 20 seconds between draws
High-VG liquid in a small-port coil	Thick liquid cannot absorb quickly into the wick	Switch to 50/50 VG/PG e-liquid
Worn-out coil (end of life)	Residue build-up and degraded cotton produce burnt flavour	Replace with a fresh coil and prime before use
Nicotine strength too high	High nicotine can feel harsh and peppery on inhale	Reduce nicotine strength or switch to a smoother nic salt

If the burnt taste appeared immediately on first use, the coil was not primed, replace it. If the burnt taste developed gradually over 1 to 3 weeks, the coil has reached the end of its lifespan, replacement resolves the issue.

How Do You Choose the Right Nicotine Strength?

The right nicotine strength depends on 2 factors, previous daily cigarette consumption and the type of nicotine used in the e-liquid (freebase vs nicotine salt). Choosing incorrectly is the primary reason smokers fail to switch to vaping, too low leaves cravings unmet, too high causes nausea and headaches.

What Nicotine Strength Is Best for Light Smokers?

Light smokers consuming 1 to 10 cigarettes per day require lower nicotine concentrations to replicate their typical daily intake without overconsumption.

• Nic salt e-liquid: 5 to 10 mg/ml provides smooth, efficient satisfaction in an MTL pod kit
  
• Freebase e-liquid: 3 to 6 mg/ml delivers a mild throat hit suited to occasional, low-volume vaping
  

Light smokers experience less intense nicotine withdrawal than heavy smokers. The priority is matching the hand-to-mouth habit and flavour satisfaction rather than high nicotine delivery. Starting at the lower end of the range and increasing only if cravings persist is the safest approach.

What Nicotine Strength Is Best for Heavy Smokers?

Heavy smokers consuming 20+ cigarettes per day require higher nicotine concentrations and faster delivery to suppress strong, frequent cravings during the transition period.

• Nic salt e-liquid: 18 to 20 mg/ml in an MTL pod kit is the most effective combination for heavy smokers. Nicotine salts absorb into the bloodstream faster than freebase nicotine and deliver a smoother throat hit at high strengths, closely replicating the nicotine spike of a cigarette.
  
• Freebase e-liquid: 12 to 18 mg/ml delivers a sharper, more pronounced throat hit. Some heavy smokers prefer this harshness because it mirrors the severity of cigarette smoke.
  

The 20 mg/ml cap is the legal maximum under UK TRPR regulations. No compliant UK e-liquid exceeds this strength.

Signs the chosen strength is wrong:

• Too strong: dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, headache, excessive throat harshness, hiccups
  
• Too weak: persistent cigarette cravings, constantly reaching for the device without satisfaction, smoking relapse within hours of vaping
  

Do not reduce nicotine strength during the first 4 weeks. The initial priority is eliminating cigarettes entirely. Nicotine tapering begins once smoking has ceased completely and the vaping routine is stable, typically after 1 to 3 months.

How Do You Maintain a Vape Device?

Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of every component, preserves flavour quality, and prevents avoidable issues such as leaking, weak vapour, and burnt taste. 5 maintenance areas require regular attention.

How Do You Clean a Vape Tank or Pod?

Clean the tank or pod when changing coils, switching to a different e-liquid flavour, or when residue builds up visibly inside the reservoir. Flavour contamination from old e-liquid affects the taste of new liquid and can clog coil connections.
For tanks (starter kits, pen-style devices):

1. Remove the tank from the battery section
   
2. Discard any remaining e-liquid
   
3. Unscrew or remove the old coil and set it aside (or discard if replacing)
   
4. Disassemble the tank, separate the glass, base, and top cap
   
5. Rinse all components (except the coil) under warm running water
   
6. Allow every part to air dry completely on a clean cloth or paper towel, water trapped inside the tank causes spitback when the device is refired
   
7. Reassemble with a primed coil and refill with e-liquid
   

For pods (pod kits):

1. Remove the pod from the battery section
   
2. Empty any remaining e-liquid by tipping into a sink or tissue
   
3. Rinse the pod under warm water (if the manufacturer confirms the pod is washable, check the user manual)
   
4. Wipe the electrical contacts on the pod and the battery section with a dry cloth or cotton bud
   
5. Allow to air dry completely before refilling

Cleaning frequency depends on usage. A thorough clean every 1 to 2 weeks maintains optimal performance. Wipe the mouthpiece interior every 2 to 3 days regardless, condensation and pocket lint accumulate in the opening.

How Do You Maintain or Replace a Coil?

Coils are consumable components. No cleaning method restores a degraded coil to original performance. The wick absorbs e-liquid residue permanently, and the metal element develops carbon deposits over time. Replacement is the only effective maintenance action.

Average coil lifespan: 1 to 3 weeks, influenced by 3 factors:

1. E-liquid sweetness. Sweetened liquids (bar salts, dessert profiles, candy flavours) caramelise on the coil, reducing lifespan to as little as 3 to 5 days under heavy use. Tobacco, menthol, and simple fruit profiles are gentler on coils and extend usable life.
   
2. Vaping frequency. Heavy vapers (frequent sessions, long draws) wear coils faster than moderate or light users.
   
3. Wattage setting. Running at the upper end of the coil's recommended wattage range accelerates degradation. Operating at the mid-to-lower range extends lifespan.
   

5 signs the coil needs replacing:

1. Flavour becomes muted, dull, or noticeably different from when the coil was new
   
2. A persistent burnt or charred taste, even with a full pod
   
3. Visible darkening of the e-liquid inside the pod (the liquid circulates through degraded cotton and discolours)
   
4. Reduced vapour production despite full battery and full liquid level
   
5. Gurgling or spitting that persists after checking the fill level and pod seals
   

How to replace a coil:

1. Remove the pod or detach the tank from the battery
   
2. Discard remaining e-liquid (or save if still clean)
   
3. Pull out or unscrew the old coil
   
4. Insert the new coil, press-fit or screw into place until firmly seated
   
5. Prime the new coil (drops on exposed cotton + fill + wait 5 to 10 minutes)
   
6. Refill with e-liquid and reassemble
   

How Do You Refill E-Liquid Properly?

Refilling errors cause 2 of the most common beginner problems, leaking and flooding. Correct technique prevents both.

1. Remove the pod from the device (reduces the chance of liquid reaching the battery contacts)
   
2. Locate the fill port, a silicone-sealed opening on the side or top of the pod. The central tube is the airflow chimney, not the fill port.
   
3. Hold the pod at a slight angle to direct liquid against the inner wall rather than splashing directly onto the coil
   
4. Fill slowly to the maximum line. Do not exceed this level. Leave a small air pocket at the top, this air gap equalises pressure inside the pod and prevents vacuum-induced flooding.
   
5. Press the fill port closed firmly until the silicone seal sits flush
   
6. Wipe any spillage from the exterior, contacts, and mouthpiece before reinserting the pod
   

If e-liquid enters the central chimney during filling, remove the pod, place a tissue over the mouthpiece, and blow firmly through the base to expel excess liquid. Wipe the contacts and reinsert.

Do not mix different e-liquids inside the same pod unless intentionally blending flavours. Residual liquid from a previous fill can alter the taste of the new liquid. When changing flavour profiles significantly (e.g., tobacco to menthol, fruit to dessert), use a fresh pod or clean the existing one.

How Should You Store Your Vape?

Correct storage prevents leaking, e-liquid degradation, and battery damage between vaping sessions.

• Store the device upright. Laying a vape on its side allows e-liquid to seep through the coil into the airflow channel, causing flooding and leaking.
  
• Keep the device away from extreme temperatures. 

  Vaping requires 5 core steps to get right the first time, choosing a suitable device, setting it up correctly, selecting the right e-liquid, learning the proper inhale technique, and maintaining the device for consistent performance. This guide covers each step in practical detail for adult smokers in the UK switching from cigarettes to vaping.

  
  Every section follows the order a new vaper encounters in practice, from understanding the device to taking the first puff to long-term upkeep. The information reflects current UK regulations under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016 (TRPR), NHS public health guidance, and real-world device behaviour.
  

   

• Regulatory notice: Vaping is not risk-free. Products covered in this guide are intended for adult smokers aged 18 and over. Non-smokers and under-18s should not vape.
  

  How Do You Avoid Overcharging Your Device?
  

  Most modern vaping devices include built-in overcharge protection that cuts power to the battery once it reaches full capacity. However, prolonged trickle charging over months degrades lithium-ion cell health. Consistent overcharging reduces overall battery longevity and maximum charge capacity.
  

  • Disconnect the device from the charging cable once the indicator shows a full charge
    
  • Do not charge overnight or leave the device plugged in for extended hours unattended
    
  • Charge on a hard, non-flammable surface (desk, countertop), never on fabric, bedding, or paper
    
  • Use the USB cable supplied with the device or a certified replacement rated for the device's input specifications
    
  • If the device becomes unusually hot during charging, disconnect immediately and allow it to cool, excessive heat during charging indicates a potential cell or cable fault.
    

What Basic Vape Safety Tips Should You Follow?

Vaping devices contain lithium-ion batteries and liquid nicotine, 2 components that require informed handling. Following these 8 safety practices prevents injury, device damage, and nicotine exposure.

1. Use the correct charger. Charge exclusively with the supplied cable or a certified USB cable rated for the device. Incompatible cables deliver incorrect voltage, risking overheating or battery damage.
   
2. Do not carry loose external batteries. If using a mod with removable 18650 or 21700 cells, always transport spare batteries in a protective silicone case. Loose batteries in a pocket alongside keys or coins can short-circuit and vent.
   
3. Inspect external battery wraps. Before inserting a removable battery, check the plastic wrap for tears, nicks, or peeling. A damaged wrap exposes the metal casing and creates a short-circuit risk. Re-wrap or replace damaged batteries immediately.
   
4. Keep e-liquid away from children and pets. Nicotine is toxic if ingested, absorbed through skin in large quantities, or contacted with eyes. Store all bottles with child-resistant caps securely fastened, in a locked or elevated location.
   
5. Do not modify the device. Opening the battery compartment (on sealed devices), bypassing safety circuits, or altering the coil resistance outside the device's supported range voids warranty protection and creates safety risks.
   
6. Dispose of devices and batteries responsibly. Vaping devices and lithium-ion batteries must not be placed in household waste. Take them to designated WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) collection points. Many UK vape retailers accept used devices and batteries for recycling.
   
7. Stop using a damaged device immediately. Cracked battery housing, a dented cell, a leaking battery, or a device that becomes excessively hot during use or charging indicates a fault. Discontinue use and dispose of the device safely.
   
8. Buy from reputable UK retailers. Purchasing from established UK vape shops, including online retailers such as Royal Vapery UK, ensures products carry MHRA notification, meet TRPR standards, and include valid safety documentation. Non-compliant products sold through unregulated channels carry no quality assurance.

Why Is Vaping Better Than Smoking?

Vaping is less harmful than smoking for adult smokers who switch fully from cigarettes. The NHS, the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), Cancer Research UK, and the Royal College of Physicians support this position based on over a decade of accumulated evidence. Vaping is not risk-free, but the reduction in harm compared to combustible tobacco is substantial.

Health comparison:

The primary harm from smoking comes from combustion. Burning tobacco produces tar, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, benzene, and over 7,000 other chemicals, at least 70 of which are known carcinogens. Vaping eliminates combustion entirely. The aerosol produced by heating e-liquid contains significantly fewer harmful constituents and at substantially lower concentrations.

• OHID (formerly Public Health England) has consistently concluded that vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking cigarettes
  
• Scientists estimate vaping carries approximately 0.5% of the cancer risk associated with cigarette smoking
  
• Long-term studies of smokers who switched fully to vaping show measurable improvements in lung function, cardiovascular markers, and respiratory symptoms within months
  

Practical daily-life differences:

Factor	Smoking	Vaping
Odour	Persistent smoke smell on clothes, hair, furniture, and interiors	Faint, temporary scent matching the e-liquid flavour, fades quickly
Staining	Yellowing of teeth, fingers, walls, and ceilings over time	No tar-based discolouration
Indoor residue	Tar deposits on surfaces, requires frequent deep cleaning	No tar, minimal residue
Secondhand exposure	Known passive exposure risks to bystanders	No measurable passive risk identified in typical indoor settings
Breath	Lingering tobacco odour	No lasting effect on breath

Cost Comparison (VIP Style)

Expense	Estimated Weekly Cost (UK, 2025–2026)
20 cigarettes per day (branded)	£90 to £105
20 cigarettes per day (budget)	£70 to £80
Refillable pod kit, nic salt e-liquid + coils	£8 to £15
Prefilled pod kit, replacement pods	£12 to £20
Starter kit, freebase e-liquid + coils	£7 to £12

A pack-a-day smoker switching to a refillable pod kit saves approximately £3,000 to £4,500 per year. The device itself typically costs £15 to £35 and pays for itself within the first week.

Important qualifications:

• Vaping is a harm-reduction tool for current smokers, it is not "safe" in absolute terms
  
• Non-smokers should not start vaping, introducing nicotine dependency where none exists provides no benefit
  
• Dual use (smoking and vaping simultaneously) reduces the health benefit. Public health guidance encourages switching fully rather than supplementing cigarettes with vaping.
  

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Vape

When Should You Change Your Vape Coil?

Change the coil when flavour becomes muted, a persistent burnt taste develops, vapour production drops noticeably, or the e-liquid inside the pod darkens. These 4 indicators confirm the wick and heating element have degraded beyond effective use. Average coil lifespan ranges from 1 to 3 weeks depending on e-liquid type, vaping frequency, and wattage setting.

Can You Vape in Public Places?

No, UK-wide law prohibits vaping in public outdoor spaces. However, individual premises, employers, and transport operators set their own policies. Most enclosed public spaces, offices, public transport, hospitals, and hospitality venues prohibit vaping indoors. Always check the specific policy of the location before vaping. Courtesy and discretion apply in all shared environments.

What Nicotine Strength Is Best for Beginners?

The best nicotine strength for beginners depends on previous smoking volume. Light smokers (1 to 10 cigarettes per day) suit 5 to 10 mg nic salt or 3 to 6 mg freebase. Moderate smokers (10 to 20 per day) suit 10 to 15 mg nic salt or 6 to 12 mg freebase. Heavy smokers (20+ per day) suit 18 to 20 mg nic salt or 12 to 18 mg freebase. Start slightly higher than estimated and reduce once cigarettes are fully replaced.

How Long Should You Wait Between Vape Puffs?

Wait 15 to 20 seconds between individual puffs. After 3 to 5 consecutive draws, rest the device for 2 to 3 minutes. Pausing allows the wick to re-saturate with e-liquid, prevents coil overheating, and reduces the risk of nicotine overconsumption. Chain vaping without breaks floods the coil, produces weaker flavour, and with higher nicotine strengths causes dizziness or nausea.

What Happens If You Inhale Too Much Vape?

Inhaling excessive nicotine from vaping produces symptoms similar to nicotine overconsumption from any source, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, headache, increased heart rate, and in pronounced cases, stomach discomfort. These symptoms resolve by stopping vaping immediately and waiting 15 to 30 minutes. Drink water and rest. If symptoms persist beyond 30 minutes or worsen, seek medical advice. Reduce nicotine strength or vaping frequency to prevent recurrence.