Vaping Tips For Beginners
Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years, around the world including here in Nairobi, Kenya with many people turning to it as an alternative to traditional smoking. However, it can be difficult for beginners to know where to start & how to ensure that you're using your device safely & effectively. In this essay, we will explore some of the key do's & don'ts for vaping beginners to help you get started on the right foot.
Do's:
1. Start with a lower nicotine strength and gradually increase as needed- Nicotine is the substance in e-liquids that causes addiction, & it's important to start with a lower strength to avoid becoming addicted too quickly. Most people credit vaping as their way out of smoking cigarettes. If you’re a smoker looking to quit, you can start with a high level of nicotine in your vape & gradually decrease the nicotine levels. As you become more comfortable with vaping, you can gradually increase or decrease the nicotine strength to find the level that works best for you.
2. Clean and maintain your device regularly- Like any electronic device, your vaping needs to be cleaned & maintained to function properly. With time, vaporizer tanks accumulate residues that can significantly affect a good vaping experience. Make sure to read the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning & maintenance, & be sure to clean the device regularly. Experts in the vaping industry recommend using MTL atomizers with top airflow that is designed to prevent leaks for those who want a low-maintenance experience.
3. Experiment with different e-juice flavours to find your favorite flavor – Vaper’s tongue is a condition where a person loses their ability to taste the flavours of e-liquid in their vape. This can occur due to various reasons such as overuse, not drinking enough water, exposure to strong flavours, or even changes in hormones. It is a temporary condition & can be resolved by taking a break from vaping, drinking more water, trying different flavours, & cleaning the vape. There are countless e-juice flavours available on the market, & it's worth trying out a few different options to find the one that you like best. Be sure to start with a small bottle, as you may not like the flavour & don't want to waste a big bottle.
4. Take breaks if you feel lightheaded or nauseous- When you inhale the vapor from an electronic cigarette or other vaping devices, you are delivering a dose of nicotine to your body. In some cases, this can cause side effects such as light-headedness or nausea. These symptoms can be caused by a variety of factors, including the nicotine content of the vaping liquid, the size of the dose, & the individual's sensitivity to nicotine. It is important to take a break if you experience these symptoms while vaping, as they can be a sign that your body is reacting negatively to the nicotine. It is also a good idea to start with a lower nicotine strength & gradually increase it as your body adjusts to it. Additionally, if you continue to experience these symptoms, it would be best to speak with a healthcare professional.
5. Use a device with adjustable wattage or voltage to find your preferred level of vapor production- Adjusting the wattage or voltage of an electronic cigarette or vaping device allows for control over the amount of heat applied to the vaping liquid, which in turn controls the amount of vapor produced. Using a device with adjustable wattage or voltage allows for finding one's preferred level of vapor production, as well as matching the e-liquid properties & the type of coil used. It's important to start at a low wattage/voltage & gradually increase until you find the ideal setting, & to be mindful of the device getting too hot.
6. Longer periods between puffs- Chain vaping, which is taking consecutive puffs without giving the device time to cool down or the wick to re-saturate, should be avoided as it can lead to dry hits & damage the device. It's recommended to take 15-30 seconds between puffs & to wait even longer if you experience dry hits. This time gap allows the wick to fully saturate with e-liquid before the next hit, which results in a better vaping experience & also prolongs the life of the device. This routine may be difficult for heavy cigarette smokers to get used to, but it is a good practice to ensure the longevity of the device & the quality of the vaping experience.
7. Find the sweet spot in PG/VG ratio-Propylene Glycol (PG) & Vegetable Glycerin (VG) are the two main ingredients in e-liquid that affect the flavor & vapor production of a vaping device. The ratio of PG to VG in the e-liquid can greatly influence the experience of vaping. A higher VG to PG ratio (such as 70:30) will produce denser clouds of vapor, but may not provide as much flavor. On the other hand, a higher PG to VG ratio (such as 30:70) will provide more flavor but less vapor production. It is recommended to experiment with different ratios to find the "sweet spot" that best suits your preferences for both flavor & vapor production. Additionally, some people may have a sensitivity or allergy to PG & would therefore prefer to use a higher VG ratio.
8. Practicing good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining overall health, & it is especially important for vapers. Regular brushing of teeth is important, but vapers should also rinse their mouth frequently to prevent deposits from gathering. Cleaning the tongue thoroughly, particularly after using sweeter e-liquids, which can be more difficult to remove, is also important. It's worth noting that while vapes don’t contain many of the toxic ingredients found in cigarettes, it is still important to maintain good oral hygiene to avoid any potential health risks.
Don'ts:
1. Don't overfill your device with e-juice. When using a refillable pod or mod, it is crucial to find the right balance when filling the tank/cartridge with vape juice. Overfilling the tank can cause leaks, which can damage the device & make it unsafe to use. On the other hand, underfilling the tank can cause the vape to run dry & produce an unpleasant taste. To ensure a safe & enjoyable vaping experience, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for filling the device & stop adding vape juice when the device is full.
2. Don’t forget to hydrate. Frequent vaping can easily lead to dehydration & the condition known as "vaper's tongue". This is when the gustation is dampened. To avoid this, it is paramount to stay hydrated at all times while vaping. This is because the main ingredient in e-liquids, Propylene Glycol (PG), is distinctly hydrophilic & can cause dehydration rapidly. As a beginner vape user, it is important to be mindful of the fact that staying hydrated is crucial & to drink water frequently at all times.
3. Don't use e-juice with a higher nicotine strength than you're used to. Nicotine is an addictive substance, & it's important to start with a lower strength & gradually increase it as needed. Not all electronic cigarettes are made for high-strength nicotine, with Sub Ohm devices being too powerful for the high doses, you’ll need something different. if you’re a heavy smoker it’s OK to start with a high nicotine content if it helps you quit, it’s what’s going to be better in the long run & you can gradually reduce the strength over time.
4. Don't leave your device charging overnight or unattended charging your vape device overnight is not recommended as it’s likely to decrease the lifespan of the battery, increase the risk of damage to the device, & even pose a fire hazard. The vape battery still uses the same elements that your phone battery contains. It's best to unplug the device as soon as it reaches a full charge & never leave it charging unattended.
5. Don't inhale too deeply or too quickly. Inhaling too deeply or too quickly can cause coughing, & it's important to take your time & inhale slowly & gently. This will not only help you avoid coughing but also help you to enjoy the flavour more.
In conclusion, vaping can be a fun and enjoyable experience for beginners, but it's important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and satisfying experience. At Vapesoko Nairobi, we're dedicated to helping our customers make the most of their vaping journey. By following the tips we've outlined in this post, you can ensure that you start off on the right foot and enjoy all the benefits that vaping has to offer. Don't hesitate to shop from our website or call us for any questions or additional guidance. Happy vaping