What is DTL & MTL Vaping?

MTL and DTL are two types of vaping styles, offering different ways to draw vapour from a vape.

MTL vaping is where adult users draw vapour into their mouth first, before breathing this into their lungs - the name “MTL” standing for “mouth-to-lung”. On the other hand, DTL vaping requires users to breathe vapour directly from the device into their lungs, “DTL” standing for “direct-to-lung”.

If you were previously an adult smoker and have recently switched to vapes over continued smoking, it’s expected that you’ll have questions about different features and terminology within the vaping world. What’s more, it’s useful to have a better understanding of both areas, to help you tailor your vaping experience more to your preferences. 

Read on to learn about MTL vs DTL vaping. 

What is the Difference Between MTL and DTL Vaping?

There can be several key differences between these two vaping styles, ranging from how much vapour they produce to the type of e-liquid they use, and even what devices are best suited to them. 

Here’s a visual guide exploring some of the differences you might find when exploring MTL vs DTL vaping.

Please note that the information in the visual above reflects the general understanding of MTL and DTL vaping. The specific features and experiences of a vape may vary depending on the product.

MTL vaping could also be seen as following a similar process to smoking a cigarette - adult users having to pull the vapour into their mouth before drawing it into the lungs. This similarity could provide a useful sense of familiarity for adult smokers switching to vapes as an alternative over continued smoking. 

Since MTL and DTL vapes can offer different experiences, the devices designed for these vaping styles may also vary. Read on to find out more about the types of vapes that offer MTL and DTL vaping.

MTL Vape - What is it and How Does it Work?

Typically, a Mouth to Lung vape is a device that lets you draw and hold the vapour in your mouth before breathing this further into the lungs. MTL vapes are usually smaller devices, including pod-based vapes. They can come with a low wattage range and high-resistance coil compatibility. 

MTL vapes typically produce less vapour than a DTL vape, which some may find more discreet.

MTL vapes are often compatible with high PG e-liquids. These high PG e-liquids can offer a stronger “throat hit” than those high in VG. This “throat hit” is the sensation adult users get at the back of their throats when drawing in vapour, which has been likened to the sensation of smoking. This combined with the draw-activated feature you can often find on MTL vapes may help those existing smokers make the transition from continued smoking to vaping.

Learn more about the PG/VG ratios, and how they offer different vaping experiences.

How to MTL Vape

To use an MTL vape, simply draw vapour from the device and hold it in your mouth for a brief moment. Then, breathe the vapour into the lungs before exhaling it.

All vape devices also come with specific usage guidelines - and Mouth to Lung vapes are no different. Typically, MTL vaping requires a smaller, low powered vape that’s designed for this vaping style. These lower power devices are best used with certain types of e-liquids, wattages and coils, which you can find further details on below.

•Best MTL vape e-liquid - MTL vapes typically work best with high PG e-liquids. You’ll often find e-liquids with at least a 50 PG to 50 VG ratio can be used in these devices. But you’ll have to check the manufacturer’s guidance before putting any type of e-liquid into the device. 

•Best MTL vape wattage - lower wattages tend to work best for MTL vapes. Something under 20W may be suitable - but again, check the manufacturer’s guidelines for accurate instructions on this.

•Best MTL vape coils - high resistance coils typically work best for low wattage MTL vape devices. MTL vapes should have a recommended coil range advised on their packaging. 

By making sure you use the device properly - i.e., as intended by the manufacturer - you can optimise your MTL vaping experience. 

DTL Vape - What is it and How Does it Work?

A Direct to Lung vape enables vapers to draw the vapour directly into the lungs rather than holding it in the mouth first. 

DTL vapes are also commonly referred to as ‘sub ohm’ vapes, and are usually larger than MTL devices. DTL vapes are often compatible with lower resistance coils and could be used at a higher wattage range to MTL vapes.

Not all e-cigarettes are suitable for DTL vaping, as this vaping style requires a greater airflow to cool the vapour down before it reaches the lungs. Some e-cigarette models, such as box mods, are designed to draw more air over the coil, meaning they are better suited to DTL vaping.

How to DTL Vape

To DTL vape, a user may breathe the vapour directly from the device into their lungs before exhaling. DTL vapes may be draw-activated, or have a firing button you press to trigger the release of vapour. 

As well as the physical act of DTL vaping, it’s also important to set your DTL device up in a compatible way. DTL vaping requires a device that facilitates this vaping style. This will often mean a higher wattage vape, compatible with low resistance coils and high VG e-liquids. Read on for further details on DTL vapes. 

•Best DTL vape e-liquid - DTL vapes often work best with high VG e-liquids (i.e., those with a 50VG/50PG ratio or a higher VG).

•Best DTL vape wattage - higher wattages are known to work best for DTL vapes. Anything over 40W could work for a DTL vape - however it’s best to check the manufacturer’s guidance for more specifics on the suitable wattage range for your device.

•Best DTL vape coils - lower resistance coils should work best for high wattage DTL vapes. You’ll typically find the recommended coil range on the vape’s packaging or manufacturer’s guidelines.  

By following the manufacturer’s guidance, you can ensure an optimal DTL vape experience. 

What Do I Need for an MTL Vape Kit vs a DTL Vape Kit?

MTL and DTL vapes may require different components. Explore the main products you could need for each type of vape below.

MTL vape kit checklist:

•An MTL vape device.

•Compatible charging cables (if it’s a rechargeable vape).

•High PG e-liquid.

•High resistance coils.

•Compatible pods (if the device is pod-based).

DTL vape kit checklist:

•A DTL vape device.

•Compatible charging cables.

•High VG e-liquid.

•Low resistance coils.

•Compatible tanks (if the device uses tanks).

Exactly what you’ll need in an MTL or DTL vape kit will depend on the product in question. While the above lists offer a general guide, you’ll have to tailor this list to the specific requirements of the vape device you purchase. 

For example, you can purchase starter kits of our pod-based MTL vape VEEV ONE - including one reusable device, charging cables and 2 pods pre-filled with e-liquid.

Are Disposable Vapes MTL or DTL?

Disposable vapes are typically MTL. For example, our disposable vape VEEV NOW is an MTL vape. A VEEV NOW device offers up to 500 puffs.*

That said, not all MTL vape devices are disposable. There are a range of rechargeable MTL vapes available, including VEEV ONE. VEEV ONE has a 6.5W heating power. Additionally, a VEEV ONE pod delivers up to 1000 puffs.**

* Based on the battery capacity of a newly manufactured device and a puff duration of 1 second. May vary depending on individual usage patterns.

** Based on a puff duration of 1 second. May vary depending on individual usage patterns.

Which Style of Vaping Suits You - is MTL or DTL Better?

As an adult, existing nicotine user, the right vaping style depends on your personal preferences. The MTL vaping style is known to be useful for adult users who have only just switched over from continued smoking to vapes. This is because the method of drawing the vapour into your mouth before breathing it into your lungs is similar to how adult smokers smoke a cigarette. Moreover, the vapour produced by MTL vapes can be thinner, and more similar in appearance to cigarette smoke than the bigger clouds DTL vapes may produce.

The DTL vaping style can better suit other types of vapers. For example, if you switched over from smoking to vaping some time ago, or don’t want your vaping experience to bear similarities to smoking. 

Are There Any Other Vaping Styles?

There are a few different vaping styles for adult users to explore. Of course, two of the vaping styles we’ve already explored through this article are DTL and MTL vaping. However, there are also other styles such as RDL/RDTL vaping. RDL stands for Restricted Direct to Lung and is similar to DTL. 

With RDL, vapers breathe the vapour directly into their lungs (as with DTL vaping). However, the airflow provided by the vape is more restricted, resulting in a tighter draw.

The vaping style a device offers is not the only factor that influences the overall vaping experience. There are a number of other features that contribute to your experience, and are worth considering. Find out more on the different types of vapes/e-cigarettes, and how to choose the right vape for you. You can also explore our VEEV vape range at Discover Vaping.

Smoke-free products are not risk-free and provide nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. Smoke-free 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.