Electronic cigarettes are battery-operated devices that emit a dose of evaporated nicotine, or nicotine-free solution, for users to breathe. The aim is to provide a sensation similar to inhaling tobacco smoke but without smoke. Also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigs, electronic nicotine supply systems, cigarette vaporizers and vape pens, they are marketed as a way to stop or reduce smoking. It was discovered in 2003 by a Chinese pharmacist named Hon Lik on the grounds that it was a less dangerous way to consume nicotine without burning tobacco, thus avoiding and eliminating more than 4,700 substances produced in this combustion. But experts say there is no certainty about the long-term exposure to nicotine alone. These devices work using refills, and they don't always need to contain nicotine in their solutions. Some of these refills have a taste, which helps them become more delicious. Electronic cigarettes have been adopted by millions of people around the world since they appeared on the Chinese market in 2004.
"Vaping" is now the most popular form of tobacco use among adolescents in the US, and also some European countries, using electronic cigarettes increased by 900% among high school students from 2011 to 2015. In 2016, more than 2 million high school and middle school students tried electronic cigarettes . For those aged 18-24 years, 40% of vapers are non-smokers before using the device.
Initially, electronic cigarettes were produced by small businesses, but for several years now, observing the rapid growth of these products, large tobacco companies also bought and began to develop this form of cigarette.
Electronic cigarettes consist of:
- Reservoirs that contain liquid, usually rich in nicotine.
- sprayers, which are devices that are responsible for heating liquids and producing steam.
- A sensor that activates the atomizer every time the user inhales (some work with buttons).
- Batteries.
- Battery charger.
The user activates the atomizer by inhaling or pressing a button, depending on the characteristics of the device. The sprayer heats the liquid in the reservoir and creates a visible vapor of smoke but not the same as ordinary cigarette smoke. Electronic cigarettes, therefore, simulate the experience of smoking conventional cigarettes, but without burning and without inhaling all the toxic substances present in tobacco.
If you have made the decision to switch to electronic cigarette as a healthy alternative to traditional tobacco, it is important that you take some advice before purchasing the device that suits you best. Confused? Don’t worry! You’re on the right page. Just keep reading and you’ll get useful information. Anyway, you can share these information below to your friends and family.
1. Get an initial kit of two electronic cigarettes. Why? The batteries have a recharge time of about 3 hours, and once charged, their duration is approximately 7 hours. That waiting time in the recharge drives some users to "fall back" on the conventional cigarette by not being able to vape. If you have two electronic cigarettes, you will always have one of the two devices ready while the other recharges. It’s recommended to buy a modern one such as Vsticking VK530 TC Box Mod with YiHi SX530 Chip 200W.
2. The vaporizer. Keep this in mind: cheap is expensive, so choose a quality vaporizer. There are several models of atomizers for electronic cigarettes, with different benefits and prices. Try to choose an atomizer that offers good value for money. The cheapest models are the so-called CE4, the first that began to be marketed about six years ago. Its technology is considered already outdated, and both the durability and the quality of vaping are now surpassed by the most modern models like the ones offered by Vapeciga.
3. The size of the battery. Among the most widespread electronic cigarette batteries are the eGo-T, which come in different sizes and with different charging capacities. The 650 mAh batteries (milliamps / hour) have an approximate duration of 4 hours, the 900 mAh of 6 hours, and 1100 mAh of up to 8 hours. The most popular battery model is the 900 mAh eGo-T, which combines a comfortable size and a more than acceptable duration. They are the most requested by users, since those of 650mAh run out too quickly and those of 1100 mAh, although more durable, are excessively bulky.
4. The taste of E-Liquid. One of the most important choices - and also the ones that most doubts among electronic cigarette users - is that of the E-Liquid. What aroma should we choose? The success or failure of replacing traditional tobacco with electronic cigarette depends largely on the choice of an E-Liquid that is satisfactory. There are many options: fruit, coffee, menthol, chewing gum, ... The fruity aromas are soft and pleasant, although their sweetness ends up impaling some users after a few days. A very interesting alternative is that represented by the aromas of genuine tobacco, which emulate some well-known brands of conventional cigarettes. Its dry throat and palate touch, similar to that of traditional tobacco, makes them especially attractive to users who start vaping.
5. Nicotine. Another very common doubt is that which refers to the level of nicotine that each consumer requires in order for their experience with the electronic cigarette to be fully satisfactory. There is a simple scale to determine the level of nicotine you need: For smokers of a daily package or more, a level of 24 mg nicotine is recommended. If you smoke between 10 and 20 cigarettes a day, the recommended content will be 16 mg. If you smoke less than 10 cigarettes a day, the concentration of 6 mg is the most appropriate. Although there are E-Liquids without nicotine, its use is not recommended if the intention is to stop smoking conventional tobacco. Start at the level that is most consistent with your current level of tobacco use and, when you have reduced or completely abandoned conventional cigarettes, try E-Liquid without nicotine. You can enjoy alternating tobacco flavors with fruity aromas.
Alex is a professional writer and digital marketing expert.