Vaping for beginners

The difference between deciding to quit smoking and making the switch to vaping is that you don’t need to make a decision: the finality that smokers usually feel is avoided; there doesn’t need to be the final cigarette; there doesn’t have to be the ceremonial cigarette packet stomping; there is absolutely no pressure, and more than that, no fear. 

You are embarking on a journey to go ‘smoke-free’. It might take you a day, it might take longer, but you can make the switch completely. We are not here to judge, we are here to help you on your way to becoming a vaper. This vaping guide will give you everything you need to know about how to quit smoking. 

It may be difficult, make no bones about it, nothing worth having is easy. There will be challenges and obstacles to overcome, but the experience of millions of people tells us that it can be done. This guide to vaping will help you make the switch from traditional cigarettes to vaping.

What happens when you quit smoking and start vaping?

Before choosing your e-cig there are a few things that every new vaper needs to know; 

1. There is an ideal e-cigarette for pretty much everyone. But it might not be the first one you try or the one that you thought you wanted before you tried it. Not all smokers use the same brand of cigarettes, and this analogy carries over to e-cigs. 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 a different e-cigarette starter kit, and if you are stuck, many Stop Smoking services now have “vape friendly” counsellors that are well versed in helping people to quit smoking using an e-cigarette. Call them and make an appointment. Vapes & Liquids are also here to help. All of our customer service team are trained help  with smoking cessation and will be happy to help you make your choice.

2. You will probably 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 (which we will cover in more detail later). Vapour also feels ‘thicker’ than smoke as you inhale, and this can cause a cough from the change in sensation. There are routes to take with e-liquid choice which can combat the cough, such as nicotine salt. Talk to our team, they will be able to help. Just remember any coughing is temporary and will pass within a few days of starting vaping.

3. You might get a dry mouth. Not only a dry mouth but a dry nose and throat. This is also normal. There are four main ingredients in e-liquid (three if your e-liquid is nicotine free). Some of these ingredients are hygroscopic; this essentially means that they draw water to them, away from you! The more familiar you become with vaping the less noticeable this is. Simply drink the occasional extra glass of water when you start vaping.

4. There might be false starts. You are attempting to change a habit that you may have had for years. Some people will pick up an e-cig and never touch a cigarette again, others will slowly cut down over time. The idea is, if you have one cig in the morning or ten through the day, don’t beat yourself up over it. If you are craving a cigarette it might be that something needs adjusting; your e-liquid strength for example.

5. Vape like a vaper, not a smoker. The first mistake people usually make is attempting to vape like a smoker. When you puff harder on a cigarette you get more smoke; this does not work when vaping. There is nothing already lit and burning, so your e-cig needs time to produce vapour. You have to vape like a vaper. Longer, slow and steady puffs make a world of difference.

6. You may get frustrated. Smokers get their nicotine hit almost instantly; cigarettes have been tweaked over many years to ensure this happens. The nicotine hit from vaping takes slightly longer, but on the flip side, the satisfied feeling lasts longer. If you have had a vape and still feel that familiar craving, just wait a few minutes. It is difficult to not be frustrated, but you will be surprised how quickly you adapt to this difference.

7. You can vape too much. Unlike a cigarette you can keep your e-cig with you all the time, happily taking a draw whenever you feel you need it. Can you vape too much? Yes, you can, just like you can smoke a cigarette too many, especially if you are on a higher nicotine strength. What are the side effects of vaping too much nicotine? If this does happens you might get some mild side effects similar to smoking too much, and that pass just as quickly: typically a headache, mild nausea, or dizziness. Stop vaping and wait for these to pass. If this happens every time you vape, the chances are your nicotine strength is too high. This is covered in more detail later.