How To Enjoy Vaping (E Cigarettes): 11 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Enjoy Vaping (E Cigarettes)

Download Article Co-authored by Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH

Last Updated: May 25, 2025 References

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Choosing Your Products

Trying Different Vaping Styles

Maintaining Your E-Cigarette

Tips

Warnings

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH. Dr. Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH is the founder and Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education. Dr. Corroon is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and clinical researcher. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Corroon advises dietary supplement and cannabis companies regarding science, regulation, and product development. He is well published in the peer-review literature, with recent publications that investigate the clinical and public health implications of the broadening acceptance of cannabis in society. He earned a Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from San Diego State University. He also earned a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University, subsequently completed two years of residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and is a former adjunct professor at Bastyr University California. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 92,911 times.

Vaping, or inhaling nicotine through the vapor of a carrier liquid, allows e-cigarette users to cut down on tobacco and instead customize their smoking experience with flavored vapors and different e-cigarettes. Many people even use e-cigarettes to help them cut back on or quit smoking. However, research shows that vaping is not an effective way to stop for most people.[1] Vaping can be an enjoyable activity as long as you choose the right products, keep your e-cigarette in good condition, and find a vaping style that works for you. Generally, vaping causes less irritation to the respiratory tract than usual smoking.[2] However, be aware that vaping, like other forms of tobacco, can have serious consequences for your health.[3] Vaping products should only be used by adults; it shouldn't be used by people under 21 years of age as it is bad for their brain development.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Choosing Your Products

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1 Find an e-cigarette. There are many types of e-cigarettes, and beginners do not have to spend a lot to get a quality product. Different types will provide different smoking experiences, but all have various options for different budgets and experience levels.
- Minis, or so-called “cig-a-likes," look like cigarettes and use pre-filled cartridges. They come in rechargeable and disposable varieties and have limited flavor options and battery life.
- Advanced Personal Vaporizers (AVPs), or “Vape Pens,” allow you to control the power level and produce more vapor. AVPs can also hold more liquid and have a longer charge.
- MODs are a higher vapor and lower nicotine system designed for the user to customize. Experienced vapers usually use them, as the user should know how to define factors such as the amount of vapor and battery strength.
- Many users start with disposable e-cigarettes to make sure they enjoy vaping before moving on to larger setups.
2 Choose the right e-liquid. E-liquid, or e-juice, goes into the e-cigarette to create the vapor. Currently, there are two common carrier liquids: propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin(VG).[4] X Research source
- Propylene glycol is a thin, odorless, colorless liquid that is effective at carrying flavors. It is the most common fluid used to suspend flavors and nicotine. Some users claim PG provides a sensation most similar to smoking tobacco.
- Vegetable glycerin is a vegetable oil derivative and is vegetarian-friendly. It is a thicker liquid with some natural sweetness and a much smoother vapor. Due to its thickness, vaping high VG liquids can clog coils faster and reduce the life of some atomizers.
- VG and PG can be used on their own or mixed. Experimenting with ratios and finding the right mix will provide the most rewarding experience. Try buying different mixes from your local vape store to see what you like best.
- Flavor and nicotine strength can also be changed using e-liquid. Try a higher PG percentage for a stronger flavor and a higher VG percentage for more vapor.
3 Decide on your nicotine strength. Vaping allows you greater control over how much nicotine you get, and your choice of e-liquid and smoking device will help determine how much nicotine you want. E-liquid nicotine is measured in mg/ml, and different amounts provide different experiences. Keep in mind, though, that increased nicotine levels may present an increased health risk.[5] X Trustworthy Source PLOS ONE Online peer-reviewed, open access scientific research journal Go to source
- 0mg/ml means no nicotine is in the liquid. It can be used to get a fuller flavor and to satisfy the residual habits of those who have quit smoking. It also provides a safer way for people who have never smoked to vape 'for fun.'
- 3mg/ml to 6mg/ml is a light level generally used by light to moderate smokers or people who want some nicotine but more flavor from their liquid. 3 mg/ml is generally preferred for systems with rebuildable atomizers.
- 12mg/ml to 18mg/ml is a level generally comfortable for heavy smokers. It provides more nicotine and is preferred by those using a cartomizer.
- Levels above 18mg/ml are available, but it is advisable to stay away from those unless you cannot satisfy a nicotine addiction with lower levels. It is always easier to start lower and increase than with a too-strong liquid.

Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Trying Different Vaping Styles

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1 Try improving your throat hit. The throat hit (also called lung hit) is the feeling of satisfaction you get from the nicotine against the back of your throat and in your lungs. Changing how you smoke your e-cigarette can greatly improve that sensation, especially for tobacco smokers.
- Take longer, slower drags than you would with a cigarette. Allow the vapor to build up for 3 to 5 seconds.
- Hold the vapor in longer before you exhale once you have a good drag. This allows more product to get to the back of the throat and into the lungs.
- Pick a flavor that replicates tobacco. If you are looking to replicate the experience of smoking a cigarette, sweet or fruity flavors may diminish the experience. Try a tobacco-flavored e-liquid instead.
2 Don't inhale if you want a gentler experience. If you are not a former smoker, or if the throat hit does not appeal to you, try not inhaling the smoke. Nicotine can pass through the tissue in your mouth and nose, meaning you do not have to inhale to get the effect of the nicotine.
- Hold the vapor in your mouth for a few seconds before exhaling to allow the nicotine to pass through the tissue.
- Enhance the experience by exhaling through the nose, where the nicotine vapor may also be absorbed.
3 Learn about sub-ohm vaping if you want to produce more vapor. Standard atomizers generally have a coils between 1.0 and 3.0 ohms. Sub-ohm atomizers are those under 1.0 ohm. Sub-ohm vaping allows for larger vapor clouds if vapor production is your main goal.[6] X Research source
- Sub-ohm vaping does present some dangers because of the wattage needed to power the device. It is important to use only sub-ohm compatible cartomizers with sub-ohm atomizers and ensure the device has enough wattage to handle sub-ohm vaping. The exact wattage depends upon the ohms of the atomizer.
- Sub-ohm vaping is not recommended for new vapers.
4 Try “stepping” if you are looking to quit smoking. Stepping, or stepping down, is the process of gradually decreasing nicotine amounts to help smokers quit. Stepping allows for a gradual transition from an addictive amount of nicotine to little or no nicotine.[7] X Research source
- Starting and ending nicotine levels will be very personal. Start with a nicotine level that keeps you satisfied, and gradually decrease from there.
- Many start from the 12mg/ml to 18mg/ml range and gradually decrease to 3mg/ml before reaching the 0mg/ml or quitting steps.
- There is no set protocol for how long you should take at each nicotine level. Many experienced vapers recommend waiting until you adjust to a given nicotine level and stop craving a higher level before you take a step down.
- Stepping is often cited by former smokers as a method that helps them break their habit. Still, there is currently a limited amount of scientific research investigating vaping as a long-term means of effectively quitting smoking.
- Some studies show that most people who try vaping to quit smoking end up continuing to use both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes.[8]

Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Maintaining Your E-Cigarette

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1 Clean your e-cigarette with water and a cotton swab. Keeping your e-cigarette clean is crucial to making sure you have an enjoyable vaping experience. It also helps you get more life from your e-cigarette. If your e-liquid tastes stale or burnt, it is time to clean your e-cigarette.[9] X Research source
- Never submerge your e-cigarette or get water on the battery while cleaning. Make sure no electrical components are live before you start to clean.
- Use a cotton swab or paper towel dampened with lukewarm water to wipe around the battery terminal end of the atomizer and drip tip. Blow out any old e-liquid from the tip.
- Use a dry paper towel or cotton swab to clean the inside of the battery terminal.
- Reassemble your e-cigarette and allow the wick to soak in e-liquid for several seconds before you restart it.
2 Keep your e-cigarette charged. When you clean your e-cigarette, remember to charge the battery as well. A fully charged battery ensures that you get the maximum life from your e-cigarette.
- Charge the battery using the charger provided when purchasing your e-cigarette. Try only charging completely dead batteries, as this helps extend their lifespan.
- Allow the battery to charge fully before you reassemble your e-cigarette. This gives the most life possible in between disassembling.
3 Replace the parts as necessary. You should not need to replace too many parts of your e-cigarette too often, but any electrical device will experience some wear. Replace parts as necessary to keep your e-cigarette functioning efficiently.
- Most batteries will last no more than 300 charges.
- Cartridges should be used no more than 10 times before replacement.
- The atomizer coil may have burned out if liquid drops out the bottom or bubbles up in your mouth. Check if it needs replacement by taking it to a vape shop for a professional opinion.
4 Store your e-cigarette safely. Wear is inevitable, but damaging your e-cigarette will make it happen much faster. Please do not throw it around or store it in an area where it might get damaged, such as the bottom of a purse or backpack.
- Invest in stands and holders for your e-cigarette so that it has a safe place no matter where you take it. This will provide a longer life for your e-cigarette and a more enjoyable vaping experience.

Expert Q&A

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Tips

If you have never smoked, it is probably worth getting e-liquid without nicotine so that you can enjoy vaping without getting addicted, allowing you to quit if you wish. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 3
If you are new, for the sake of cost efficiency, buy an entry-level mod and tank to see if vaping is for you. Then, when you’re ready, move up to higher quality and more expensive devices. That way you don’t make rookie mistakes and are more likely to know what you’d like. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Get a couple of tanks to make switching between e-liquid flavors easier. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Experiment with different flavors and nicotine levels to find what you like best. Always vape in moderation and follow safety guidelines.

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Nicotine is dangerous in higher doses and can be lethal if consumed directly in concentrated doses. Keep e-liquid away from children and pets, and never consume it directly. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 2
Some people may be allergic to the propylene glycol used in e-liquids. Itchiness in the throat is a common allergic reaction. Use VG-based e-liquids if you are allergic to PG. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
In the United States, you must be 21 or older to purchase any vape products. The minimum age to use them varies by country, so check with the laws of your jurisdiction. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Vaping has recently been linked to several cases of severe illness and death. This illness may be caused by contaminants or additives in some vaping products, especially those that contain THC. If you experience symptoms of vaping-related illness, such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, or fatigue, seek medical attention immediately.[10] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
Although e-cigarettes have been advertised as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes, they can cause serious health problems. Many e-cigarettes are just as addictive as traditional cigarettes, and they often contain dangerous chemical additives such as diacetyl, benzene, and lead.[11] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2

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References

↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping
↑ Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH. Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education. Expert Interview
↑ https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/knowtherisks.html
↑ http://vaping360.com/pg-vs-vg-what-is-the-difference-and-what-should-i-use/
↑ http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0116861
↑ http://www.vaporauthority.com/pages/learn
↑ http://ireport.cnn.com/docs/DOC-1259742
↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/5-truths-you-need-to-know-about-vaping
↑ http://ecigone.com/e-cigarette-basics/clean-e-cigarette/

More References (2)

↑ https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/severe-lung-disease.html
↑ https://e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov/knowtherisks.html

About This Article

Co-authored by: Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education This article was co-authored by Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH. Dr. Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH is the founder and Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education. Dr. Corroon is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor and clinical researcher. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Corroon advises dietary supplement and cannabis companies regarding science, regulation, and product development. He is well published in the peer-review literature, with recent publications that investigate the clinical and public health implications of the broadening acceptance of cannabis in society. He earned a Masters in Public Health (MPH) in Epidemiology from San Diego State University. He also earned a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree from Bastyr University, subsequently completed two years of residency at the Bastyr Center for Natural Health, and is a former adjunct professor at Bastyr University California. This article has been viewed 92,911 times. 11 votes - 73% Co-authors: 43 Updated: May 25, 2025 Views: 92,911 Categories: Electronic Cigarettes In other languagesSpanish

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Co-authored by: Jamie Corroon, ND, MPH Medical Director of the Center for Medical Cannabis Education 11 votes - 73% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 43 Updated: May 25, 2025 Views: 92,911

Jermaine Newell

Aug 10, 2017

"Brought insight on vaping and broadened my horizon. " Share yours!