New to Vaping?
New to Vaping?
If you're new to vaping, it can be overwhelming trying to navigate the many different devices, e-liquids, and accessories available. In this article, we'll guide you through the basics of vaping and help you make informed decisions about what products to use.
First, let's talk about the benefits of vaping. Vaping is a smoke-free alternative to traditional cigarettes that allows you to satisfy your nicotine cravings without inhaling harmful smoke.
“Vaping products produce only a small fraction of the 7000+ chemicals found in tobacco smoke, as well as lower levels of the potentially harmful ones. Unlike cigarettes, vaping products do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, among many other chemicals.”
― Health Canada
Vaping also offers a more customizable and personalized experience than traditional cigarettes, as you can choose from a wide range of devices, e-liquids, and accessories to find what combination works best for you.
Here are a few things to remember as you contemplate making the switch from smoking to vaping:
- You may have to experiment to find the vape that’s right for you
Not all e-cigs are suited to all vapers, so if you have tried vaping before and it didn’t work, don’t give up. Try again with one of our starter kits or a new brand. If you’re stuck, you can always come into one of our Vapanada locations for expert vaping advice from our knowledgeable staff. All of our team members are trained to help with smoking cessation and will be happy to help you.
- Don’t worry if you cough at first
This is normal. The sensation of vaping is different from smoking. Most smokers will cough the first time they try vaping. This is usually down to inhaling like a smoker, not a vaper. Vapour also feels ‘thicker’ than smoke as you inhale, and this can cause a cough from the change in sensation. Any coughing you experience is temporary and will pass over time.
- You might get ‘cottonmouth’
It is normal to feel like your nose, throat, and mouth are drier than usual when you start vaping. This is because some of these ingredients in e-juice are hygroscopic, which means they draw water to them, away from your body. This effect will become less noticeable over time.
TIP: up your water intake as you start vaping to lessen the effects of ‘cottonmouth’.
- Breaking habits take time
You’re trying to change a habit that you’ve had for years. Some people will pick up an e-cigarette and quit cold turkey, while some people cut down over time. Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t kick smoking all at once. If you are vaping but still craving cigarettes, it could be a sign to adjust your approach. The key might be switching your e-liquid strength or switching to a different brand, for example. Remember, you have options, and our staff is always happy to give advice and guidance.
- Don’t vape like a smoker
A lot of beginners usually try to vape ‘like a smoker’. When you puff harder on a cigarette, you get more smoke, but vaping requires a different approach. Your e-cigarette needs time between puffs to produce vapour, so taking longer, slower puffs makes a world of difference.
- A little patience goes a long way
Smokers get their nicotine hit almost instantly, but the nicotine hit from vaping has a slower release. On the flip side, the satisfied feeling you get lasts longer. If you have vaped and still feel that craving for a cigarette, just wait a few minutes first. You will notice the difference and you may be surprised how quickly you adapt!
- There is such thing as too much vape
If you vape too much, you can get side effects similar to smoking too much. You may experience a headache, mild nausea, or dizziness. If this happens, stop vaping and wait for your symptoms to pass. If this happens every time you vape, it’s likely that your nicotine strength is too high. We have a guide to choosing your e-juice nicotine strength here.
