What is a Closed Pod System?

There are several different types of vape device available, and pod mods are among the most commonly used. While some prefer a more customisable, technical device, pod mods are more straightforward to use.

Pod mods can be broken down into two categories: open pod systems and closed pod systems. A closed pod system is a pod mod that consists of a battery and a cartridge that is pre-loaded with e-liquid. This disposable cartridge – also known as a pod – cannot be refilled. Once the e-liquid has been used up, the pod can be removed and a new one can be put into place.

What is the Difference Between an Open and a Closed Pod Vape System? 

Like with any vape device systems, closed systems use a coil, wick and battery to heat e-liquid into a vapour. What sets closed pod systems apart is that the e-liquid is already pre-loaded into a closed cartridge that needs to be attached to the device before it is ready to use. 

Open pod systems are similar but with one main difference, that the cartridge of an open system can be refilled. The cartridge includes a filling port that makes replacing e-liquid a straightforward process. This gives those that use them a choice when it comes to flavour; as most e-liquids can be used with an open pod vape system.

Closed systems, on the other hand, can only be used with specific pre-filled pods. This means there is a requirement to buy a new pod every time you run out of liquid.

When pod mods were first introduced, closed pod systems were the only option available. Open mod systems were developed over time.

Pros of a Closed Pod Vape System

Many vape users prefer a closed pod system because of its ease of use. They are far more straightforward devices compared to larger, more technical models, and require less maintenance.

Because the e-liquid is pre-filled in a pod, those that use closed pods do not have to worry about intricately refilling their devices; avoiding the risk of spillage, leakage, or damage in the process. Some may find that manually refilling a vape tank can be a tricky and messy procedure and overfilling it is a quick way to cause leaks, which can lead to further issues. The pre-filled cartridges of closed pod systems are simply snapped into place and ready to use – making them much simpler to operate and removes many of the strenuous tasks that come with more technical devices.

There is no need to deal with coils, wicking, and regular maintenance. In most cases, a closed pod system requires just the device itself – which has a battery inbuilt – and the pre-filled pod. While they cannot be replaced, the in-built batteries of closed pod systems are usually rechargeable.

Cons of a Closed Pod Vape System

Closed pod vape systems do come with some limitations – the biggest being that there is a lot less you can do to customise the vaping experience.

With a closed pod system, you will not be able to make any technical adjustments, such as altering the wattage, resistance, or coils to change the density and intensity of the vapour. These customisations require more technical devices like box mods and sub-Ohm vapes. 

Furthermore, with closed pod systems, you are limited to only the pre-filled pods produced by the manufacturer of your device. Each pod is designed for a specific pod mod model, so a pod from a different brand is unlikely to fit on your vape. This means you will have less choice when it comes to flavours than with other types of vape, including open pod systems. 

Heated Tobacco as a Closed Pod System Alternative

Heated tobacco is not vaping, unlike a vape product, which uses liquid, IQOS is an electronic device that heats real tobacco for a satisfying taste experience. While the best option for a smoker is always to stop smoking altogether, heated tobacco is an alternative to smoking for those who do not quit.

Heated tobacco products such as IQOS heats real tobacco, offering a real tobacco taste and cigarette-like satisfaction.* The tobacco sticks just need to be slotted into the device and then it is ready to activate in seconds - like the disposable cartridges of a closed pod vape.

_{*Source: 3-month clinical studies conducted in US and Japan with 160 adult smokers each under conditions (ambulatory).}