Every vape device is built around one of two primary draw styles: mouth-to-lung (MTL) or direct-to-lung (DTL). The style determines how you inhale, which devices you use, which e-liquids perform best and how much vapour you produce. This guide breaks down both styles, lists the devices and liquids that suit each and helps you decide which approach fits your preferences.
What Is MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) Vaping?
With MTL vaping, you draw vapour into your mouth first, hold it briefly, then inhale it into your lungs. The draw feels tight and controlled, with restricted airflow through the device. MTL devices use higher-resistance coils (above 1.0 ohm) that run at low wattage, typically between 8W and 20W.
Key characteristics of MTL vaping:
- Tight, restricted draw. The airflow is narrow, requiring more suction to pull vapour through.
- Less vapour. MTL setups produce modest vapour output, which makes them discreet and practical for everyday use.
- Higher nicotine strengths. The low vapour volume means higher nicotine concentrations (20mg to 50mg nicotine salts) deliver a satisfying amount of nicotine per draw without overconsumption.
- Lower liquid consumption. MTL coils vaporise less liquid per puff, so a bottle lasts longer.
- Compact devices. Most MTL devices are pod systems or small pen-style kits designed for portability.
What Is DTL (Direct-to-Lung) Vaping?
With DTL vaping, you inhale vapour straight into your lungs in a single, deep breath, much like breathing through a wide straw. The draw feels open and airy, with large airflow slots on the device. DTL devices use low-resistance coils (below 0.6 ohm, also called sub-ohm) that run at higher wattages, typically 30W to 177W.
Key characteristics of DTL vaping:
- Open, unrestricted draw. Wide airflow channels allow large volumes of air and vapour to pass through.
- Large vapour clouds. Sub-ohm coils vaporise significantly more liquid per draw, producing thick, visible clouds.
- Lower nicotine strengths. Because each draw delivers a large volume of vapour, DTL vapers use lower nicotine concentrations (typically 3mg to 6mg freebase) to avoid excessive nicotine intake.
- Higher liquid consumption. Sub-ohm coils burn through liquid faster. Larger bottle sizes (60ml, 100ml, 120ml) are the norm for DTL vapers.
- Larger devices. DTL setups usually involve bigger mod-and-tank combinations with larger batteries to support higher wattage output.
Key Differences Between MTL and DTL
- Draw technique: MTL goes mouth first, then lungs. DTL goes straight to the lungs.
- Airflow: MTL is tight and restricted. DTL is wide open.
- Coil resistance: MTL uses coils above 1.0 ohm. DTL uses sub-ohm coils below 0.6 ohm.
- Wattage: MTL runs at 8W to 20W. DTL runs at 30W to 177W.
- Nicotine type: MTL pairs with nicotine salts (20mg to 50mg). DTL pairs with freebase nicotine (3mg to 12mg).
- VG/PG ratio: MTL uses 50/50 VG/PG. DTL uses 70/30 or higher VG.
- Vapour volume: MTL produces minimal vapour. DTL produces large clouds.
- Liquid consumption: MTL is economical. DTL uses liquid faster.
Which Liquids Suit Each Style?
Liquids for MTL Vaping
MTL devices work best with nicotine salt e-liquids in a 50/50 VG/PG ratio. The thinner consistency wicks efficiently through high-resistance coils with small juice ports. From our catalogue:
Liquids for DTL Vaping
DTL devices need high-VG freebase liquids (70/30 VG/PG or higher). The thicker consistency produces dense vapour without flooding sub-ohm coils. From our catalogue:
- Doozy 100ml shortfill - KSh 2,300. 0mg (add nicotine shots for 3mg or 2.5mg).
MTL Devices We Stock
These pod systems from Vapesoko are designed for mouth-to-lung vaping with nicotine salt liquids:
DTL Devices We Stock
These sub-ohm-capable devices from Vapesoko support direct-to-lung vaping with freebase liquids:
- Nord 5 - KSh 6,000. 2000mAh, 80W. Versatile kit with both MTL and sub-ohm coil options. A good bridge between the two styles.
If you are still considering the switch from cigarettes, the vaping vs smoking comparison covers cost, smell and what you need to get started. For background on how these two draw styles evolved, see the history of vaping.
Order MTL and DTL Devices in Nairobi and Kenya
Whichever draw style you choose, keeping your device clean makes a real difference. The cleaning and maintenance guide covers pod rinsing, tank soaking and a five-minute weekly routine.
Vapesoko delivers across Kenya. Nairobi orders typically arrive in 15 to 90 minutes. Deliveries to Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, Eldoret and Naivasha arrive by the next business day. The rest of Kenya receives orders within 1 to 2 business days. Nairobi deliveries over KSh 2,000 qualify for free delivery.
We accept M-Pesa and cash on delivery. All orders require age verification (18+). Our riders may ask for identification upon delivery.
Last updated: September 2026