What vapes are, the benefits of vaping instead of smoking, how to vape to quit smoking and how to quit vaping.
Vapes
Vapes are battery-powered devices that contain a solution (e-liquid) that's heated to release a vapour which you inhale. They're sometimes called e-cigarettes or e-cigs.
They can also contain propylene glycol, vegetable glycerine and flavourings.
Swap to Stop is a national scheme to help adult smokers quit smoking for good by using reusable vapes.
Join Swap to Stop to get a free vape kit and a choice from different flavours of e-liquid. The reusable refillable pod kits are affordable and easy to use.
Vaping is less harmful than smoking
Vaping is one of the most popular and effective way for smokers to quit.
There are many misconceptions about vaping, however research has shown that vaping is less harmful than smoking.
This is because vapes do not release carbon monoxide or tar which are linked to the health problems caused by smoking.
Nicotine in vapes
Vapes can contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance also found in tobacco products.
Whilst nicotine is addictive it has been used safely for many years to help people quit smoking. It does not cause the same health problems that burnt tobacco products, like cigarettes, cause.
However, we do not know the long-term effects of vaping. If you're vaping to quit smoking, you should aim to eventually stop vaping.
How to vape to quit smoking
Choosing your vape device
There are many different devices and e-liquids available to buy.
E-liquids come in lots of flavours and nicotine levels, so you can select the strength and flavour that will work for you.
The propylene glycol to vegetable glycerine ratio will affect the flavour, intensity, throat hit and vapour production, so you may wish to try a few different things to discover what product suits you best.
It's important to buy vapes from a specialist shop. Illegal vapes can contain ingredients that are harmful, or different amounts of nicotine than what they claim to contain.
Using a vape safely
Familiarise yourself with your device. Find out how to refill, charge and clean it.
Charge your device using the charger that came with it. Other cables that are not specifically designed for your device could be a fire hazard.
Avoid chain vaping, let the coil rest and the wick soak up the e-liquid between use, to:
- make sure that your device continues to work well
- enhance the flavour and vapour production
- prevent over consumption of nicotine
Vaping for the first time
If you cough the first time you use a vape, this is normal and will not continue long term. Vaping is a different experience to smoking, and it may take you some time to adjust.
Vaping is done at a slower, more controlled pace. Take it slow, and start by taking short, shallow puffs on the device.
Smokers using it for the first time may dislike the vape at first, it can take a little bit of getting used to and experimentation to find how it can work well for you.
Here's one method you can try:
- Draw the vapour into your mouth, and hold it there for a few seconds, keeping your mouth closed.
- Open your mouth and gently breathe the vapour into your lungs.
- Exhale once the vapour reaches your lungs.
Quit vaping
Once you've been vaping for a while and feel sure you will not go back to smoking, you should aim to quit vaping too.