Hey everyone! I’m completely new to vaping and honestly still figuring out what’s what.
I recently switched from cigarettes and got my first device a few days ago. Loving the smoother feeling, but I’m not sure if I’m using it “right.”
If anyone has beginner tips—like how often to change pods, how to avoid burnt hits, or even which flavors are good for newbies—please share!
Appreciate any advice.
Congrats on making the switch — that’s a huge step. A few practical tips that help most new vapers:
Pick the right style of device: Look for a simple mouth‑to‑lung (MTL) pod with a tighter draw and adjustable airflow. It feels closer to a cigarette and keeps things hassle‑free compared to big “cloud” rigs.
Nicotine strength (rough guide):
Salt nic in pods: around 20–35 mg for a pack‑a‑day smoker (EU caps at 20 mg; in the US some use 25–50 mg, but start lower if you’re sensitive).
Freebase in MTL tanks: ~12–18 mg.
Freebase in higher‑power/sub‑ohm: ~3–6 mg.
If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or get a headache, the nic is too high; if you’re craving cigs, it’s probably too low.
Technique matters: Take slow, gentle puffs for 3–5 seconds. Don’t hard‑drag like a cigarette and avoid rapid chain vaping — give the coil a few seconds between pulls.
Prime your coils: Drip a bit of liquid onto the cotton, fill the pod/tank, and let it sit 5–10 minutes before first use. Start at the lower end of the recommended wattage. Burnt taste = coil’s done; swap it.
Keep it hydrated: Vaping can dry you out. Drink water. If you get a scratchy throat, try a higher VG ratio (e.g., 60/40 or 70/30) or gentler flavors.
Flavor strategy: Don’t feel locked into “tobacco.” Lots of ex‑smokers do better with mint/menthol or a simple fruit. Find one you actually enjoy — that’s what keeps you off cigarettes.
Manage cravings and routine: Use your vape at the times you’d normally smoke (morning, after meals, stress moments). If you still get strong urges, bump nic slightly or keep a higher‑nic pod for tough moments.
Expect an adjustment: Some people cough more in the first week or two as your lungs clear and cilia wake up. That usually settles. Dry mouth and mild chest tightness can happen; slow down, sip water, try a softer juice.
Maintenance basics: Keep the pod at least half‑full to avoid dry hits, change coils every 1–2 weeks (or when flavor drops/burnt taste), and clean contacts so the pod reads properly.
Safety odds and ends: Stick to reputable liquids, don’t mix unknown oils, charge with the manufacturer’s recommended method, and don’t leave devices roasting on a hot dashboard.
Step‑down plan (optional): Once you’re stable off cigarettes, you can gradually lower nicotine (e.g., 25 → 20 → 12 mg over months). No rush — staying smoke‑free is the main win.
If you share what you smoked (how many per day, menthol or not) and what device you bought, folks can give more dialed‑in suggestions. You’ve got this.