What Is Vaping?

As an adult smoker looking to switch from cigarettes to a smoke-free alternative, you may have come across the term vaping. Consequently, questions such as what is a vape, or what does vaping mean may arise.

Essentially, a vape, or e-cigarette as they are often referred to, is a device that typically makes use of e-liquid - usually consisting of flavourings and nicotine - to produce vapour instead of smoke.  Did you know that thousands of harmful chemicals are produced during a cigarette’s burning process, and are contained within the tobacco smoke itself? While vaping is not risk-free, an absence of combustion could reduce the level of harm. However, the absence of combustion and the reduction in harm should be substantiated on a product-by-product basis. 

How Does Vaping Typically Work? 

There are different types of vapes, however they usually fulfil the same purpose. Once the device is turned on, the vapourisation process may begin, and the component responsible for this, in certain devices, is the atomizer. In some cases, the atomizer is made up of the wick and coil. For these devices, once activated, the wick will absorb e-liquid which is subsequently heated and vapourised by the coil.

When it comes to vapes, you may find it useful to understand the different types of devices available. Gaining some knowledge about how types of vapes work can help determine whether or not they will suit what you are looking for.

What Are the Different Types of Vapes?

There are plenty of different devices to choose from when it comes to vaping - and what might suit one adult smoker may not suit another. There are several common types you might come across during your research.

Disposable Vapes

These vapes are typically discarded after use. Essentially, once the battery or e-liquid runs out, it’s usually time to replace the device. Disposables may be an option for adult smokers who would prefer a low-cost way to see if they’re interested in vaping. When it comes to disposable vapes, you can find refillable and non-refillable options. Some disposables can be refilled with e-liquid, and they may come with a slightly longer lifespan than typical single-use disposable vapes. However, it is worth checking the manufacturer’s information for accurate details about a vape’s longevity.

Non-Disposable Vapes

Some adult smokers may be searching for a non-disposable alternative. These vapes typically come in different sizes, shapes, and formats, and are usually rechargeable, too.

•  Cigalikes, one of the original types of vape, are often designed to replicate the look and feel of a cigarette.
•  Vape Pens - one of the most common vape types. They are often more modern in their design compared to Cigalikes.
•  Vape Mods - the term “mod” comes from the word “modify” - a mod typically allows alteration of the vaping experience. However, we would not recommend device modification or alterations to the device other than those intended by the manufacturer. Modification may cause complications and faults in a device. 
•  Pod systems – these are a relatively new form of vape. Featuring either an open or closed pod format, they’re typically made up of two components - a pod, filled with e-liquid, and a battery. Connect the two and you should have a pod system vape.

No matter the type of device, adult smokers switching to vapes will likely receive an experience that’s different from smoking. Perhaps you want to know more about the differences and benefits? Find a comparison of the two in our article on vaping vs smoking.

What’s Typically Inside a Vape?

We’ve already covered the atomizer, usually containing the wick and coil. The atomizer is often a crucially feature in some vape devices. What you might not know is that there are different types of coils and each may have an impact on the vaping experience. You can find out more about this important part of a vape by reading our guide to Vape Coil Types.

You might have come across the term ‘vape tanks’ during your research. This is another term often used when referring to the atomizer. The two terms are typically used interchangeably and describe differences between the models. Both vape tanks and atomizers usually fulfil the same purpose - vapourising the e-liquid. Of course, the atomizer and its components aren’t the only parts of a vape. The battery is generally responsible for powering a vape device. For this reason, taking good care of your battery will likely help to promote the device’s longevity. Device care is also important in terms of safety, and you should always refer to manufacturer’s instructions in this regard.

Another key part of a vape is the e-liquid. E-liquids often come in different consistencies depending on factors such as the PG / VG ratio combination. Found within many e-liquids, the ratio of Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerine in your e-liquid will likely impact the vaping experience. Detailed information on the PG / VG ratio and what else goes into e-liquids can be found in the article, What Does PG, VG Mean.

If vaping doesn’t sound like an option for you, there are other smoke-free alternatives, such as heated tobacco that might suit what you as an adult smoker are looking for. While vapes and heated tobacco are both smoke-free products, they are quite different.

IQOS Heated Tobacco

Heated tobacco devices are a smoke-free alternative for adult smokers looking to switch from cigarettes. While vapes utilise a vapourisation technique, heated tobacco devices typically do not heat e-liquid, they utilise real tobacco. Unlike cigarettes, heated tobacco devices do not burn tobacco. This means combustion should not occur, preventing the production of many harmful chemicals and substances contained in cigarette smoke. However, the absence of combustion and the reduction in harmful chemicals should be substantiated on a product-by-product basis.

IQOS is the #1 tobacco heating system.* IQOS emits 95% less harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes**, and IQOS provides real tobacco taste and satisfaction. Discover IQOS heated tobacco today. IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.

Important Information: It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS is not risk-free.

** PMI global estimate of total In-Market Sales of Heated Tobacco Units as of October 2022. (excluding China and US).

* ”95% less” represents the average reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette. See Important Information on IQOS.com

*Reductions in levels of a range of harmful chemicals (excluding nicotine) compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette. See Important Information on IQOS.com.

**91% agreement amongst 2180 adult consumers in Ukraine, Canada, Italy and the Czech Republic, 2020 – 2021.

The best decision any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Vaping might appear overwhelming at first glance, with so many different elements to consider. However, with a bit of research you’ll find that vaping isn’t as complicated as it first seems. For those adult smokers or adult vapers looking to switch from smoking cigarettes to better alternatives, explore the IQOS range. IQOS products are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.

This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.