How do you start vaping for beginners?

So, you're considering making the switch to electronic cigarettes?

At Vapora we ourselves have made the switch and we remember how confusing and confronting it can be at times. We have put together this beginners guide to vaping to help others who are considering taking the plunge. Just remember we are always here to help and if you are having any issues or are having trouble wrapping your head around anything, or just want to have a chat about vaping, then feel free to drop us a line. 

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the practice of using an Electronic Cigarette AKA Personal Vaporizer. These devices work by heating a liquid to convert into vapor, or mist, which you inhale. The liquid can contain nicotine or a variety of nicotine-free flavoured eliquids. Electronic cigarettes omit a vapor that will usually have a faint smell of the flavour of the eliquid they contain. It is significantly less pungent than the smell of cigarette smoke and usually passes in a matter of minutes. This means that users of electronic cigarettes avoid the smelly clothes, hands and breath of those who smoke traditional cigarettes.

There are three components to the Electronic Cigarette are The Battery, The Tank & The Atomizer Coil:

The Battery: Is the power source for the device. Batteries come in many shapes, sizes and capacities. Some have additional features to allow a more customized vaping experience. Most batteries will have a “fire” button that is used to activate the device, however there are also less common batteries that are automatically activated when the user inhales. All batteries are rechargeable, and most are built into a case and can be recharged via a USB cable in a similar fashion to a smart phone. There are also some more high end devices in which the battery can be removed from the case and charged in an external charger.

The Tank: The enclosed reservoir that hold the liquid. Tanks are made from metal and glass or plastic. They vary in size, shape and capacity. They are refillable, which enables them to be used for variety of different liquids.

The Atomizer Coil: Is the heating element that heats the juice, converting it from liquid into vapor to be inhaled. Coils are usually made from a metal wire and cotton wick enclosed in a metal case. The coil is enclosed in the base of the tank to allow the wick to absorb the eliquid. When the user activates the device the battery heats the coil and turns the liquid into vapor. When being used regularly, coils will last 1-2 weeks before they will need to be replaced. The user will know a coil needs to be changed as they will get a slight burnt taste and reduced vapor production. Replacing them is a simple task; the tank needs to be opened and the used coil needs to be unscrewed and replaced with the new coil. It is recommended that the device is left to sit for a minimum of 5 minutes after a coil change. This is to ensure that the wick has time to absorb the eliquid, as it is essential for the vaporizing process. The soaking maximizes the flavour of the vapor and prevents the coil burning out.

The Liquid: Known as ejuice or eliquid, this is the liquid that is vaporized in an electronic cigarette. Eliquid contains 3 main ingredients; Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerine (VG), and Flavouring. It can also contain nicotine. Propylene Glycol and Vegetable Glycerine are often used in processed foods. The flavouring component can be organic or artificial, and is also the same as is used in many food products.

What Do I Need To Get Started Vaping?

To get started we recommend any of the devices in our Beginner Starter Kit section. These kits have been designed specifically for those with little or no experience using electronic cigarettes and all are quite easy to master. Once you have chosen a starter kit you will need to get some eliquid to put in your new device, this can be found in our eliquid section. Once you have both of these you will be ready to start vaping. As it says in the Atomizer Coil section of the guide, coils usually have a lifespan of 1 to 2 weeks depending on use. All of our kits come with at least one extra coil, but you may want to purchase some more when you purchase your starter kit. There is a link to the coils that will be compatible with your device in the product description for all starter kits, follow this link and you will find the replacement coils for starter kit you've chosen. 

What about Nicotine Vaping?

It is currently illegal to sell eliquid that contains nicotine in Australia. However, it is legal for individuals to import nicotine products from overseas for personal use as long as it does not exceed a 3 month supply. 

Mixing Your Own Vapes?

If you plan to import your own nicotine to mix with with our non nicotine elqiuids we recommend you familiarize yourself with nicotine safe handling procedures, as nicotine at high concentrates (above 36mg/ml) can be a dangerous chemical when not handled correctly. There is a lot of info available online regarding nicotine and safe handling. We recommend purchasing 100mg/ml nicotine in 100% PG base. While 100mg/ml is very strong nicotine it can make the nicotine mixing process much simpler. Using strong nicotine like this means that you can add a small amount of nicotine to any of the non nicotine elqiuids we sell and then vape it.

To get an idea of the basics of mixing 30ml bottles of eliquids with 100mg/ml nicotine:

• 3mg add 0.9ml of Nicotine
• 6mg add 1.8ml of Nicotine
• 12mg add 3.6ml of Nicotine

Once mixed, shake your eliquid for 1-2 minutes. We recommend not vaping your eliquid for at least 24 hours after mixing - this ensures it has time to steep properly. Steeping is the process of the all of the components of eliquid blending together. This process ensures you get maximum flavour from your eliquid, and as a rule of the thumb the longer (weeks) an eliquid has to steep, the better the flavor will get.

If you are still unsure about mixing please contact us and we can answer any further questions you might have. 

Is Vaping Safe?

Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon and as such the science that surrounds it has not been fully established yet. It is important for individuals to do their own research and make their own informed decision as to whether vaping is for them. We provide links to news articles, medical & scientific studies, and other information regarding vaping and electronic cigarettes in our Blog and through our Facebook page.

Can Vaping Help Me Quit Smoking?

It is currently illegal in Australia to market electronic cigarettes as an aid to quit smoking. The devices we sell at Vapora are a non-therapeutic alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes. 

Where Can I Vape?

Laws regarding vaping vary from from state to state in Australia so we recommend checking the relevant laws for you state. In Victoria it is currently only legal to use electronic cigarettes in places were you can legally smoke.

How do I get started with vaping?

What is the first thing you do when you vape?

How much should you vape for the first time?

What vape should I start with?