If you're switching from cigarettes, a vape can feel strange at first. You draw on it differently, it doesn't burn down, and the right nicotine strength makes a big difference to whether it satisfies your cravings. This guide covers how a vape works, how to choose your first setup, how to take your first puffs, how to fill it, and what to expect in your first few weeks.
What is a vape and how does it work?
A vape, also called an e-cigarette or e-cig, is a battery-powered device that heats a liquid into a vapour you inhale. Every vape has three main parts:
- A battery, which powers the device. Most are rechargeable.
- A coil, a small heating element wrapped in a wick that soaks up e-liquid.
- A tank or pod, which holds the e-liquid.
When you draw on the mouthpiece or press the fire button, the battery heats the coil, which turns the e-liquid in the wick into vapour. E-liquid is usually a mix of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings and, optionally, nicotine. Nothing burns, so there's no smoke or ash.
Which type of vape should you start with?
The NHS lists several types of vape, including vape pens, pod devices and mods. For most people switching from cigarettes, a simple device is the easiest place to start:
- Pod kits are small, light and easy to use. You either refill the pod with e-liquid or replace a prefilled pod, and many fire automatically when you draw.
- Vape pens are slightly larger, with a refillable tank and usually a longer-lasting battery.
- Mods have adjustable power settings. The NHS notes these are more difficult to use and need more maintenance, so they're better once you're comfortable vaping.
Our guides to choosing the right e-cigarette, nic shot calculator and vape starter kits go into more detail. The NHS also suggests getting advice from a specialist vape shop or your local Stop Smoking Service, because finding the right device and nicotine strength can take time.
Choosing your nicotine strength
Getting the strength right matters more than almost anything else when you switch. Too low and you'll struggle with cravings; too high and the vapour may feel harsh. The NHS says the right strength depends on how much you smoke, and that you won't get the full benefit unless you use your vape as much as you need to with the right strength of nicotine.
UK nicotine e-liquids go up to a maximum of 20mg/ml. Our guide to choosing your e-liquid strength explains which strength suits which smoking habit, and our guide to nic salts explains the difference between nic salts and standard (freebase) nicotine.
How to inhale a vape
Most beginner devices are designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, which is the closest to smoking a cigarette:
- Draw slowly into your mouth. Take a gentle, steady draw for about two to three seconds, as you would with a cigarette. If your device has a fire button, press and hold it while you draw.
- Hold the vapour in your mouth for a moment.
- Inhale it into your lungs with a breath of air.
- Breathe out.
The other style, direct-to-lung (DL), means breathing the vapour straight into your lungs in one go, like a deep breath. It's used with more powerful devices and lower-strength e-liquids. Our guide to MTL and DL vaping explains the difference.
Common beginner mistakes:
- Drawing too hard. A hard, fast pull can flood the coil and give you a mouthful of liquid. Slow and steady works better.
- Puffing on a vape like a cigarette, then stopping. The NHS explains that a vape generally takes longer than a cigarette to deliver nicotine, so you need to "sip" on it more often. Expect to take more puffs, spread out, than you'd take from a cigarette.
- Vaping a brand-new coil straight away. Let a new coil or pod soak for a few minutes after filling so the wick is fully wet. A dry wick gives a harsh, burnt taste.
How to fill a vape
If you use a prefilled pod kit, you simply click a new pod into place. For refillable pods and tanks:
- Find the fill port. On pods it's usually a small rubber bung on the side or top. On tanks, you normally unscrew or slide open the top cap.
- Open your e-liquid. Bottles have child-resistant caps that usually open by pressing down while you turn. See how to open a vape juice bottle if yours won't budge.
- Fill slowly, aiming the nozzle at the inside wall of the pod or tank. Keep liquid out of the centre tube, which leads straight to the mouthpiece.
- Stop just below the top to leave a small air gap.
- Close the fill port firmly, then wait a few minutes before vaping if the coil is new.
Overfilling and dripping liquid down the centre tube are the most common reasons a new vape leaks. Our guide to why vapes leak and gurgle covers how to fix it.
What to expect in your first few weeks
- It may feel different at first. The NHS says finding the right device and strength can take time, so stick with it.
- Use it as much as you need. The NHS advises using your vape as much as you need to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and says you can use nicotine patches alongside it if you need extra support.
- Stop smoking completely. The NHS says you won't get the full benefit from vaping unless you stop smoking cigarettes completely.
- Look after your kit. Charge it with the charger that came with it, never leave it charging unattended or overnight, and replace coils or pods when the taste turns burnt or flat.
If something goes wrong, our guide to why your vape isn't working covers the common fixes.
Get free support
Your local Stop Smoking Service offers free support to help you quit smoking, including with a vape. You can find your local service on the NHS website. If you're near our shop at 67 High Street, Lees, Oldham, you're welcome to pop in for advice on choosing a kit and strength.
Frequently asked questions
How do you vape for the first time?
Fill your pod or tank and let the coil soak for a few minutes. Then take a slow, gentle draw into your mouth for two or three seconds, hold it briefly, inhale it into your lungs and breathe out.
Do you inhale a vape?
Yes. With a beginner device, you draw the vapour into your mouth first and then inhale it into your lungs, much like smoking a cigarette.
Why does my vape make me cough?
Usually because you're drawing too hard, your nicotine strength is too high for your device, or you're inhaling straight into your lungs on a device designed for mouth-to-lung vaping. Slow down and take gentler puffs.
What's the difference between a vape and an e-cigarette?
Nothing. Vape, e-cigarette, e-cig and vape pen are different names for the same type of device.