Vaping a healthier alternative to cigarettes

New to vaping after switching from cigarettes? This beginner-friendly guide explains the basics of e-cigarettes, e-liquid, coils, nicotine strengths and different vaping styles. It also covers some common questions about using and maintaining a vape device. Vaping is not risk-free, but for adult smokers, switching completely from smoking to vaping can substantially reduce exposure to the harmful chemicals produced by burning tobacco. Non-smokers and people under 18 should not vape.

What is an e-cigarette?

An e-cigarette, also called a vape or vaping device, is an electronic device that heats e-liquid to create an aerosol that the user inhales. Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco and therefore do not produce tobacco smoke, tar or carbon monoxide.

E-cigarettes are commonly used by adult smokers as an alternative to smoking and can also be used as a tool to help people quit smoking. However, vaping is not completely harmless and the long-term effects of vaping are still being studied.

What is the difference between regular cigarettes and e-cigarettes?

Traditional cigarettes burn tobacco, producing smoke containing thousands of chemicals, including many toxic substances and chemicals known to cause cancer. Tar and carbon monoxide are among the major harmful substances produced by tobacco combustion.

E-cigarettes do not burn tobacco. Instead, they heat an e-liquid to produce an aerosol. This means vape aerosol generally contains fewer and lower levels of harmful substances than cigarette smoke. UK health guidance states that vaping is less harmful than smoking, although it is not risk-free.

For adult smokers, the greatest health benefit comes from switching completely from cigarettes to vaping rather than continuing to smoke alongside vaping.

What is an atomiser?

An atomiser is the part of a vape device responsible for heating e-liquid and turning it into an aerosol. It normally contains a coil and wicking material and works with the device's battery. Depending on the type of vape, the atomiser may be built into a disposable or pod system, or it may use replaceable coils.

What is e-liquid?

E-liquid, also known as vape liquid or e-juice, is the liquid heated by a vape device to produce an aerosol. Typical ingredients include propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG), flavourings and, where applicable, nicotine.

E-liquids are available in different nicotine strengths and PG/VG ratios. The exact ingredients and formulation can vary between products, so always check the product information and packaging before use.

What are vape coils?

Vape coils are heating elements that warm the e-liquid so it can be converted into an aerosol. A typical coil contains a heating wire or mesh element combined with a wicking material that absorbs e-liquid.

When the device is activated, the battery supplies power to the coil, which heats the e-liquid held by the wick. Different coil designs can affect flavour, vapour production and the overall vaping experience.

When should a vape coil be replaced?

Replaceable coils do not last indefinitely. Their lifespan depends on factors such as how frequently you vape, the power level you use, the type of e-liquid and the coil design.

Common signs that a coil may need replacing include a persistent burnt or unpleasant taste, reduced flavour, reduced vapour production or a noticeable change in performance. If your device uses replaceable pods rather than separate coils, follow the manufacturer's guidance for replacement.

How do you prime a vape coil to help prevent a burnt taste?

Priming a replaceable coil means allowing the wick to become fully saturated with e-liquid before vaping. Correctly preparing a new coil can help reduce the chance of a dry or burnt hit and may improve coil performance.

The exact procedure varies between devices, so always follow the manufacturer's instructions. For a conventional replaceable-coil tank, the general process is:

• Add e-liquid to the coil's exposed wicking areas if the manufacturer recommends doing so.
• Install the coil securely into the tank or pod.
• Fill the tank or pod with the correct e-liquid.
• Allow the e-liquid time to soak into the wick before vaping.
• Start at the lower end of the manufacturer's recommended power range.
• Increase the power gradually only if appropriate for the coil and device.

Never use a coil outside the manufacturer's recommended settings, and do not continue using a coil that produces a persistent burnt taste.

What is the difference between mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung vaping?

Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping involves drawing the aerosol into the mouth first and then inhaling it into the lungs. This style is often associated with lower-power pod systems and a draw that can feel more similar to smoking a traditional cigarette.

Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping involves inhaling the aerosol directly into the lungs. It is generally associated with devices designed for higher vapour production, greater airflow and higher power.

If you are new to vaping, choosing a device designed for a simple MTL draw can be easier to manage. Always use a device, coil and e-liquid combination according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Which nicotine strength is suitable for you?

Nicotine strength is normally expressed in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). For example, an e-liquid labelled 6mg/ml contains 6mg of nicotine per millilitre of liquid. A 10ml bottle at 6mg/ml therefore contains 60mg of nicotine in the liquid as a whole.

In Great Britain, nicotine-containing e-liquids supplied under the consumer vaping regulations are limited to a maximum nicotine strength of 20mg/ml (2%). Nicotine-containing refill containers are limited to 10ml, while tanks, cartridges and pods are generally limited to 2ml. Products must also meet applicable notification, packaging, labelling and safety requirements.

There is no single nicotine strength that is right for every smoker. The appropriate strength can depend on factors such as how much you smoke, the type of cigarette you use and the vaping device you choose.

Rather than relying on an exact cigarette-to-nicotine conversion, adult smokers can consider their usual smoking pattern and choose a suitable nicotine strength. If cravings remain difficult to manage, a specialist vape retailer or stop-smoking service can provide further guidance.

As a general starting point, adult smokers who previously smoked more heavily may prefer a higher nicotine strength, while occasional or lighter smokers may prefer a lower strength. Nicotine-free e-liquid contains 0mg/ml nicotine.

Remember that nicotine is addictive. Vapes should not be used by non-smokers or people under 18.

What are PG and VG?

Propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerine (VG) are commonly used as base ingredients in e-liquids.

PG is generally thinner and can provide more noticeable flavour and throat sensation, while VG is thicker and is commonly associated with increased aerosol production and a smoother feel. The balance between PG and VG can therefore influence the way an e-liquid performs in different devices.

What PG/VG ratio do Ninja Vapes e-liquids contain?

Our Ninja Vapes e-liquids are available in different formulations, so the exact PG/VG ratio should always be checked on the individual product listing and packaging.

Some higher-VG formulations are designed for devices capable of handling thicker e-liquid and may produce more aerosol, while balanced PG/VG formulations can be suitable for a wider range of everyday pod and vape devices. Always check the manufacturer's recommended e-liquid type for your device before use.

Is vaping safer than smoking?

Vaping is not completely safe, but current UK health guidance states that nicotine vaping is less harmful than smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoking involves burning tobacco and exposes users to many toxic substances. Vaping does not involve tobacco combustion and generally exposes users to fewer harmful chemicals and at lower levels.

The healthiest option is not to smoke or vape. For adult smokers who cannot or do not want to stop using nicotine immediately, switching completely from smoking to vaping can reduce exposure to the harmful chemicals associated with smoking.

Can vaping help you quit smoking?

Yes. Nicotine vapes are recognised in UK health guidance as one of the effective options for adults who want to stop smoking. Some people find vaping useful because it can provide nicotine while also reproducing aspects of the hand-to-mouth routine associated with smoking.

If you use vaping to quit smoking, aim to switch completely rather than continuing to smoke and vape. Once you are confident that you will not return to cigarettes, you can consider gradually reducing your nicotine strength and eventually stopping vaping if that is your goal.

Are vapes regulated in the UK?

Yes. Nicotine-containing consumer vaping products sold in the UK are subject to regulations covering areas such as nicotine strength, product capacity, packaging, labelling and product notification.

Under the current UK rules, nicotine-containing e-liquid is limited to 20mg/ml, refill containers are limited to 10ml and e-cigarette tanks, cartridges and pods are limited to 2ml. Nicotine products must also be notified to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before they can be legally supplied to consumers.

When buying vape products, choose a reputable retailer and check that nicotine-containing products are properly notified and meet the applicable UK requirements.

Can you vape around other people?

Vaping does not produce tobacco smoke, and current evidence suggests that the risks from passive exposure are substantially lower than those associated with second-hand cigarette smoke. However, as a precaution, it is best to avoid vaping around babies and children and to respect any restrictions on vaping in public or private spaces.

Important information for new vapers

Vapes are intended for adult smokers and should not be used by non-smokers or people under 18. Nicotine is addictive. Keep e-liquids and vaping products away from children and pets and follow the manufacturer's instructions for charging, storage and use.

If you are pregnant and want to stop smoking, speak with your GP, midwife or stop-smoking service about the most appropriate option for you.

Final thoughts

Understanding the basics of vaping can make it easier for adult smokers who are considering a switch. From choosing an appropriate nicotine strength to understanding PG/VG ratios, coils and different inhalation styles, the right information can help you use your device correctly.

Vaping is not risk-free, but for adult smokers it is considered less harmful than continuing to smoke. If you are using vaping as a way to move away from cigarettes, the biggest health benefit comes from making a complete switch. Always choose compliant products from reputable retailers and use them according to the manufacturer's instructions.