Starting out with vaping can be exciting, but let’s be honest — it’s not always smooth at first. If you’ve ever taken your first puff from a pod or mod and immediately started coughing or felt your throat burn, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve been there too, and trust me, there is a way to make the experience smoother and way more enjoyable.
Here’s a beginner-friendly breakdown of what causes that harsh feeling — and most importantly, how to avoid it.
Why Do New Vapers Cough or Get a Sore Throat?
When you first start vaping, your body needs time to adjust — especially if you’ve never smoked or vaped before. Common causes of coughing or throat irritation include:
- High nicotine strength: Some pods (especially salt-nic ones) are loaded with nicotine. If you’re not used to it, it can hit hard.
- Wrong inhale technique: Vaping isn’t the same as smoking a cigarette or breathing air. The technique matters.
- Dry hits or chain vaping: Puffing too frequently or letting your pod run low can lead to dry hits — and those are brutal.
- Low hydration: Vaping can dry your throat, especially if you’re not drinking enough water.
Tips to Avoid Coughing or Throat Irritation
1. Start with the Right Nicotine Level
If you’re using a pod system, check the nicotine content. For total beginners:
- 20-30mg salt nicotine is usually a good middle ground.
- If you’re using freebase nicotine with a mod, stick to 3-6mg.
Too much nicotine = a harsh hit and potential dizziness.
2. Inhale Slowly and Gently
This is one of the most important tips. Don’t inhale like you’re trying to suck through a straw.
- Try a slow, steady draw into your mouth first (this is called MTL – Mouth to Lung).
- Then inhale into your lungs gently, just like breathing.
- Exhale calmly.
Avoid pulling too hard or too fast, especially with higher-powered mods — it’ll burn.
3. Take Breaks Between Puffs
Chain vaping (taking hit after hit with no break) can dry out your throat and overheat your coil.
Give it a few seconds between puffs, especially with stronger devices.
4. Stay Hydrated
This one sounds simple, but it really helps. Vaping, especially with nicotine, can dry your mouth and throat. Keep water nearby and sip regularly.
5. Let Your Coil Soak
If you’re using a refillable pod or mod with a new coil, always let the e-liquid soak into the cotton for a few minutes before using it. Otherwise, you’ll get a nasty dry hit that can really irritate your throat.
Bonus Tips for a Smooth Start:
- Try fruity or minty flavors if tobacco ones feel too heavy.
- Don’t overdo it — your body needs time to adjust, and taking it slow helps.
- If your pod feels too harsh, switch to a lower power mode (if available) or choose a device with lower wattage.
I always found in my many attempts to quit the cigs and switch to vape I’d cough and cough till tears streamed down my face as you pointed out different inhale was one of the main reasons trying to vape the same as smoking best advice I could give when you try that first puff when you start to vape keep wattage low and very slow inhale let your throat and lungs get used to the pg/vg and nic you will still cough but not as bad then quickly adapt.