To vape, either press the power button or take a steady puff to activate the device, then inhale the vapour, drawing it first into your mouth (mouth-to-lung) or directly into your lungs (direct-to-lung), depending on your device type and nicotine preference. The three main inhalation techniques in vaping are MTL (mouth-to-lung), DTL (direct-to-lung), and RDTL (restricted direct-to-lung).
Mouth-to-lung is the process in which the vapour is taken first into the mouth and then inhaled into the lungs before being exhaled. The best vaping devices for MTL vaping are Lost Mary Tappo, Elf Bar Pro, Vaporesso XROS 4, and OXVA Xlim Go, and the recommended vape juices are 50/50 PG/VGVampire Vape’s Blood Sukka, Just Juice’s Grape & Melon.
Direct-to-lung is the method in which vapour is directly inhaled into the lungs without holding it in the mouth. The ideal vaping devices for the DTL method are Lost Vape Centaurus N200 and Smok X-Priv Plus, and the recommended e-liquids are 80/20 VG/PG LiQuid’s Heizen HVG and Double Drip’s Cherry Bakewell Tart.
Restricted direct-to-lung is a controlled vaping technique that allows vapers to directly inhale the vapour into the lungs but with a restricted airflow. The best vapes for RDTL are Vaporesso XROS 3 and Oxva Xlim Pro, and recommended liquids are 50/50 VG/PG LiQuid’s Iron Soda and Lemonade.
Each of these vaping techniques affects how much nicotine you absorb, the intensity of the throat hit, and the amount of vapour produced, while also helping to prevent issues like coughing, throat irritation, or lung discomfort, especially for beginners.
What are the different inhalation techniques in vaping?
The three main inhalation techniques in vaping are MTL (Mouth-to-Lung), DTL (Direct-to-Lung), and RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung). Most smokers find it difficult to quit smoking, even when they vape, because they do not know the right vaping technique. Vaping methods vary from person to person, depending on their nicotine need, throat hit preference, and vapour cloud production.
The three main inhalation techniques in vaping are given below.
1. MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)
MTL (mouth-to-lung) is a vaping technique in which vapour is drawn first into the mouth rather than inhaled directly into the lungs. MTL vapers take a tight, steady puff to draw the vapour into the mouth, hold it there for 1 to 2 seconds to taste the flavour, inhale deeply into their lungs to satisfy the nicotine craving, and then exhale from the mouth or nose.
MTL technique is good for beginners transitioning from smoking to vaping because it delivers a smooth throat hit, produces less vapour, and gives a sensation similar to cigarettes. This technique protects new vapers from coughing when they use high-nicotine e-liquids. MTL technique is not good for smokers who prefer dense vapour clouds and intense vaping because it uses low wattage and tight airflow to mimic cigarettes, which results in less vapour production.
2. DTL (Direct-to-Lung)
DTL (Direct-to-Lung) is a vaping technique in which vapour is inhaled directly into the lungs. DTL vapers take a long, steady draw to inhale the vapour directly into the lungs without holding it in the mouth and then exhale it immediately.
DTL vaping delivers a mild throat hit and produces dense vapour and good flavour because it requires high wattage, low nicotine concentration, and wide airflow. This vaping technique is good for those vapers who chase dense vapour clouds, but it is not ideal for those who prefer high nicotine strength and intense throat hit.
3. RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung)
RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung) is a vaping technique that offers controlled inhalation of vapour directly to your lungs. RDTL vapers take a long draw directly into the lungs with air flow that is more restrictive than DTL but more open than MTL.
RDTL method offers both a good throat hit and dense vapour production because it combines both MTL and DTL vaping techniques. This technique is good for prefilled pod users switching to refillable pod systems as it provides more open airflow than MTL and offers a cough-free vaping experience when using high-nicotine e-liquids.
How to vape using the MTL (mouth-to-lung) technique?
To vape using the MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) technique, you should take a tight draw, hold the vapour in your mouth for 1 to 2 seconds, and then inhale it into your lungs. This technique is ideal for beginners and ex-smokers because it is easy and offers a cough-free vaping experience.
The step-by-step process to vape using the MTL technique is outlined below.
- Take a slow and tight puff, just like a cigarette, to drag vapour into your mouth.
- Hold the vapour in your mouth for 1 to 2 seconds to taste the flavour.
- Inhale the vapour into your lungs.
- Exhale the vapour through your mouth or nose.
The best vaping devices for MTL vaping feature high-resistance coils starting from 1.0 ohm, low output power, and good battery life for discreet vaping and intense throat hits. Prefilled pod kits such as Lost Mary Tappo, Elf Bar Elfa Pro, Vaporesso XROS 4, OXVA Xlim Go, Innokin Endura T20S, and Aspire Pixo are the best options for the MTL technique
MTL vapes use high-resistance coils with small wicking holes, so thinner 50/50 PG/VG freebase and nic salts e-liquids with nicotine strengths of 3 mg, 6 mg, 12 mg, and 18 mg work best with these devices. Vaping liquids like Vampire Vape’s Blood Sukka, Just Juice’s Grape & Melon, Dinner Lady’s Strawberry Macaroon, LiQuid’s Menthol, and British Tobacco are recommended for this vaping technique.
How to vape using the DTL (Direct-to-Lung) technique?
To vape using the DTL (Direct-to-Lung) technique, take a long, smooth draw, without holding vapour in your mouth, and inhale directly into your lungs. This vaping technique is recommended for experienced vapers because it produces dense vapour clouds and requires adjustable airflow, sub-ohm coils, and high-wattage adjustable devices.
The step-by-step guide to vaping using the DTL technique is given below.
- Take a long, consistent drag from your vape.
- Do not hold the vapour in your mouth because it causes coughing or nicotine irritation.
- Inhale the vapour directly into your lungs, as the name (DTL) suggests.
- Exhale dense clouds of vapour.
- Take a deep breath between puffs to make your breathing easier.
DTL vapers use advanced vape kits and pod mods with sub-ohm coils below 0.9 ohm, adjustable airflow, and customisable higher wattage for a mild throat hit and high vapour production. Vaping devices such as Lost Vape Centaurus N200, Lost Vape Centaurus N100, and Smok X-Priv Plus are designed best for DTL vaping because of their advanced features.
The best e-liquids for the DTL technique contain low nicotine, from 0 mg to 0.6 mg, with a thick 80/20 VG/PG ratio. Vape juices like LiQuid’s Heizen HVG and Tangy Cherry Bubblegum HVG, Double Drip’s Cherry Bakewell Tart and Lemon Sherbet, and Halo’s Forest Berry and Tobacco Gold pair best with the DTL technique.
How to vape using the RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung) technique?
To vape using the RDTL (restricted direct-to-lung) technique, take a long, steady draw just like the DL (direct-to-lung) method, without holding the vapour in your mouth, and inhale directly into your lungs. This method is suitable for prefilled pod kit vapers that are transitioning to a refillable vape system because it provides a familiar air draw, smoother nicotine hit, and a perfect combination of clouds and flavour.
The step by step guide to vaping with the RDTL technique is outlined below.
- Take a deep, tighter draw just like in DL.
- Avoid holding the vapour in your mouth because it causes coughing.
- Inhale directly into your lungs.
- Exhale a moderate amount of vapour clouds.
- Take fresh air breaths in between to revive your lungs.
RDTL vapers use refillable vapes with medium resistance coils, between 0.6 to 0.9 ohms, adjustable restricted airflow, and moderate wattage to enjoy a smoother throat hit than DTL and more vapour than MTL. Vaping devices like Vaporesso XROS 3, VooPoo Drag X2, Oxva Xlim Pro, and Vaporesso Xros PRO are suitable for RDTL vaping.
Both high-VG and 50/50 VG/PG nic salts are recommended as ideal e-liquids for RDTL-style vapes because this method is a combination of MTL and DTL. Vape juices such as LiQuid’s Iron Soda, Lemonade, and Fruit Punch are ideal for RDTL vaping.
What is a vape?
A vape is an electronic device that heats the flavoured nicotine e-liquid and converts it into inhalable vapour. It is also called an e-cigarette, vape pen, vape stick, pod,mod, and e-hookah. A vape consists of a battery, liquid tank, heating element, mouthpiece, and power button. You have to press the fire button or take a strong drag to activate the vaping device, and the battery will heat the coil that turns the vape juice into aerosol vapour. This vapour is inhaled through a mouthpiece into the lungs and then exhaled normally, just like a cigarette.
Vapes are compact, ready-to-use, and hassle-free vaping devices that provide a substitute for smoking with minimal maintenance. These devices are used by ex-smokers transitioning to vaping, adults who are looking for a less harmful alternative to cigarettes, and people who want to quit smoking by lowering their nicotine intake.
What are some popular vape inhale tricks?
Some popular vape inhale tricks include Ghost inhale, French inhale, Dragon and Blowing O’s that are beginner-friendly and create visually impressive effects with just a bit of practice.
Some of the best vape inhale tricks are given below.
- Ghost inhale
- French inhale
- Dragon exhale
- Blowing O’s (smoke rings)
- Jellyfish
- Bane inhale
- Waterfall
- Tornado
Should you inhale or puff a vape?
You should inhale the vapour into your lungs if you want a stronger nicotine hit, but if you are vaping just for flavour and do not want to inhale nicotine, you can simply puff and hold the vapour in your mouth without inhaling it into your lungs.
What is the proper way to hit a vape?
The proper way to hit a vape is to start with gentle puffs until you get used to the sensation and your device’s airflow.
To hit a vape correctly, follow the steps listed below.
- Take a slow, gentle draw from the mouthpiece of the vape for a few seconds (about 4 seconds).
- Draw vapour into your mouth, hold it briefly, then inhale it into your lungs and exhale for mouth-to-lung (MTL), or inhale vapour directly into your lungs in one smooth breath, then exhale for direct-to-lung (DTL).
- Avoid inhaling too forcefully, as this causes coughing or harsh nicotine hits.
- Hold the button of your vaping device while inhaling, and if there is no button, just puff gently.
How do you know if you inhaled a vape correctly?
You know you inhaled a vape correctly if you take a slow, steady draw into your mouth, hold the vapour briefly, then inhale it smoothly into your lungs and exhale without coughing or discomfort. A proper inhale feels comfortable, delivers the desired flavour or nicotine hit, and does not cause throat irritation or excessive coughing.
You need to adjust your vaping technique if you experience coughing or harshness, or do not feel any effect.
What are the main components of a vaping device?
The main components of a vaping device are a battery, an atomiser (heating element), a cartridge, a mouthpiece, a charging port, and a fire button. Modern vapes also have some advanced features like an LED screen and a menu setting button.
What are the different types of vapes?
The different types of vape kits are pod vapes, starter kits, vape pens, prefilled pod kits,cigalikes, and box mods. Each vaping device is different according to its use and features like coil resistance,power output, battery capacity, and vaping style.
What is the difference between vaping and smoking?
The main difference between vaping and smoking lies in their mechanism, temperatures, and nicotine strengths. Smoking burns tobacco and converts it into smoke, whereas vaping vaporises e-liquid into aerosol. Vaping operates at lower temperatures, allows customisable nicotine strengths, and produces less harmful chemicals than traditional cigarettes.
Raeis Mitha
