As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, many online vape retailers are having to make major changes. The postal service’s new rules prohibit US Mail shipments of vapor products to residential addresses.
E-liquids (also known as vape juice) are heated in vaporizers to produce aerosols that users inhale. Johns Hopkins cardiologist Michael Blaha discusses the ingredients of these liquid nicotine products and their potential health effects.
Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes are single-use devices that come prefilled with e-liquid and include a battery and coil. These all-in-one devices are ideal for beginners and social smokers who want a simple, convenient way to kickstart their vaping journey.
The coil in disposable vapes has a limited life span, meaning that they will eventually ‘burn’ and require replacement. This may be indicated by a loss of flavour or the device feeling scratchy when inhaling.
Although disposables are available in a range of nicotine strengths, including 0mg and 20mg, they’re best for helping to settle nicotine cravings rather than for those who wish to gradually reduce their intake. For this reason, we’d recommend moving on to a refillable pod kit once you’re comfortable with your newfound vaping skills!
Refillable Vapes
Refillable pod systems (also known as open system pod vapes) offer a more customizable experience and are ideal for those looking to make the switch from smoking to vaping supplies. These devices work much the same as disposables, but use a larger pod that can be refilled and are designed to be user friendly and easy to maintain.
Unlike vape tanks, which are compatible with any threaded device, these devices only work with pods that have been designed for them. While this limits your options a bit, it also helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste produced.
Additionally, since you aren’t stuck with the pre-filled pods that come with the device, it is easier to swap out flavors if one doesn’t suit your tastes.
E-Liquids
E-liquids, or e-juice, are the liquids that you insert into your vape to give it flavour and nicotine (if using a nicotine containing e-liquid). The sky is the limit when it comes to choosing an e-liquid as there are many different strengths, flavours and brands.
E-liquids consist of a base, which is usually vegetable or propylene glycol, a flavour concentrate and optionally, nicotine. Some e-liquids are nicotine free and are called short fills, which leave space in the bottle for you to add your own nicotine shot, or 50/50 e-liquids, which contain both PG and VG and are suitable for all devices and tanks. When using information about ingredient quantities to classify e-liquids, the RF algorithm had an overall prediction accuracy of 70%.
Batteries
A battery converts chemical energy into electricity by using electrochemical cells to create a flow of electrons. Each cell has a terminal on each end called an anode (-) and a cathode (+), with an electrolyte in between to conduct the electrical current. Electrochemical reactions at these electrodes produce the electric potential difference, or voltage, that drives the flow of electrons through a circuit.
Zinc-carbon batteries are the most common and inexpensive disposable batteries. Alkaline and mercuric-oxide batteries are more expensive but perform well in most applications.
You can increase the capacity of a battery by connecting it in series or parallel, but make sure all the cells have the same nominal voltage and the same charge level or you may risk a short circuit that could cause overheating or fire.
Accessories
Whether you are a beginner or an intermediate vaper, there are certain tools and accessories that are essential to vaping. These accessories can be the difference between a good vaping experience and a disappointing one.
For example, you will need a drip tip to attach to your atomizer or tank. Drip tips are made of a variety of materials. Some are crafted from cheaper plastics while others, like Ultem (a brand name for thermoplastic polyetherimide), are gaining popularity due to their high heat resistance and smooth mouthfeel.
It is also important to stock up on coils. These are the parts that convert e-liquid into vapor. They are available in various resistance levels and can be rechargeable or disposable. You will also need a battery case to store spare batteries.