How to Vape: The Ultimate Guide to Inhaling

If you’ve come this far, you’re probably interested in using a vape device to quit smoking and are wondering exactly how to vape. It might sound like a simple question, but it’s much better to quickly get to know the basics - like how to inhale a vape- to set you up for success!

We’ll run you through everything you need to know in a whistle-stop tour. By the end, you should feel ready to choose the best liquid and vape device for you!

How to vape Step 1. Choosing the right vape & liquid

Right now, something like our enormous page full of e-liquids probably feels quite daunting, and it might seem like there are hundreds of options to choose from. 

While we do stock absolutely loads of flavours to keep the vaping journey interesting and motivating, you’ll find there are only a few key types of liquids that you need to get to know. 

The things to get your head around are the different types of vape liquids and the devices that they are compatible with. Let’s get into it.

Types of e-liquids

Here are the main types of e-liquids to know:

Freebase 10ml liquids - This makes up a big proportion of the vaping market. This kind of liquid contains nicotine in it that’s just in its natural form (unlike Nic Salts). You’ll find it in a huge range of flavours and strengths.

Nic salts - This formulation contains nicotine that has been modified to be smoother to vape, even at higher strengths - ideal for new vapers switching from cigarettes. It’s also absorbed into your blood faster, meaning a quick hit. 

Shortfill e-liquids - Shortfills, otherwise known as 0 nicotine vape juice, do what they say on the tin. They are an e-liquid without nicotine, often sold in larger 50ml or 100ml bottles. They’re “short filled”, meaning there’s space in them for you to add a shot of any strength nicotine to, if you wish.

VPZ’s recommendation:

We’d always recommend Nic Salts as the top option for new vapers. What makes them so special is that you can enjoy wonderful flavours using them, even at high nicotine strengths. Plus, there’s no harsh throat hit.

Alternatively, why not try out our very own NuNic Max e-liquids? They’re even closer to the sensation of smoking if you’re trying to quit! 

What does this mean?

Look for e-liquids labelled as Nic Salts (aka Nicotine Salts). You’ll also need an MTL compatible device for this kind of vape juice - we’ll tackle that soon!

Type of vape devices

Just like with e-liquids, there are a few different kinds of vape devices. However, if you want to know how to vape properly, you’ll need to know which one is right for you. We’ll explain the key types in a nutshell.

Disposable vapes  

Lots of people start their journey with disposable vapes because there’s no set-up hassle. They don’t require filling up as the liquid is already inside the tank, plus there’s no need to think about charging or changing coils as they are thrown away before that becomes necessary. 

However, the major downside is that their single-use nature makes them very bad for the environment. 

With vapes being banned in the UK on 1st June 2025, it’s time to consider other alternatives. Don’t be daunted - it’s simpler than you think to go refillable!

Pod-based systems 

A pod system is a simplified version of refillable vaping. You have a rechargeable device that doesn’t get thrown away, which you refill using pre-filled pods or refillable pods. The advantage is that you have the convenience of a disposable but with less plastic waste. And not filling the pod means no mess, too.

A lot of the pods will have the coil pre-installed into them, meaning no coil changes, either! While it still produces more waste than topping up a rechargeable vape tank with a 10ml e-liquid bottle, it can be a less stressful way to get started in the world of vaping.

Check out our AEQ 2.0 Pod Device Kit for an easy-to-use option!

Refillable vaping devices 

This means you can recharge the battery in your device, refill the internal tank with vape juice and swap out the coil whenever it’s come to the end of its life. Meaning your vape can last for years! It’s a great, sustainable option.

VPZ’s recommendation:

Don’t be afraid to pick up a vaping starter kit. You’ll find reputable brands (like our own AEQ device) with clear instructions. Plus, any questions you might have will be answered in our handy vaping FAQs.

However, if it feels too daunting right now, a pod-based vaping device kit could be a really easy way to start.

Step 2. How to inhale a vape

We know what you’re thinking: You already know how to inhale. But don’t skip this part of learning how to vape, because it can make a big difference to how you find your first vaping experience. 

Let’s cut to the chase. There are 2 main ways to inhale vape vapour:

Mouth-to-lung vaping (MTL vaping)

While breathing is just inhaling air down into the lungs directly, most vapers mimic how you would tend to smoke when they switch to vaping. This means drawing the vapour into the mouth and holding it there for a few seconds before pulling it down into the lungs.

This is likely the style that you’ll start with. However, did you know that this style of vaping requires specific e-liquid and a compatible device?

That’s because specialised MTL devices create the right amount of airflow restriction to mimic the draw of a cigarette, allowing you to first gather vapour in your mouth before inhaling it into your lungs. Plus, the thinner liquid needs a lower wattage than the thick clouds produced in DTL vaping. 

Using a device designed for direct-to-lung vaping would produce too much vapour too quickly, making the MTL technique uncomfortable or even impossible. 

Direct-to-lung vaping (DTL vaping)

Direct to lung means that you take one continuous breath down to your lungs - just like the act of breathing. This style is usually reserved for sub ohm vaping. 

That’s the style that produces huge thick clouds of vapour, favoured by more experienced vapers.

VPZ’s recommendation:

DTL vaping is a cool option to explore once you’ve found your feet. To start with, go for MTL-style vaping if you want the familiarity of inhaling that smoking would give.

What does this mean? 

You’ll need to purchase an MTL vaping device to be compatible with the kinds of e-liquids that create vapour you can inhale in this style (like Nic Salts)

At VPZ, we stock lots of options for both types of vaping devices.

Step 3. How to get your device set up and keep it running smoothly

Using a pod-based device? You’ll need to stock up on replacement pods or opt for refillable pods, in which case you’ll need to buy e-liquid. Most pod-based devices have the coils within the pod, meaning you don’t need to replace the pod separately. 

From here, all you need to do is charge up when the battery’s low and replace the pods when you’re done with them!

Using a rechargeable, refillable device? As the name suggests, you’ll need to recharge it when it’s low on battery and refill the tank when the e-liquid runs out. 

You’ll also need to replace the coil. This is the internal component that heats and atomises the liquid into vapour. Once it’s spent, you’ll need to change it. 

Interested to know how vapes work? Listen to this simple explanation if you’re feeling confused.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_39j6dDMEHM 

Hopefully that helps to explain what’s inside your vape device. If this has made you feel less daunted by using an e-cig, we’ve got simple guides to walk you through everything you need to know about using one, like:

• How to refill a vape
• What is a vape coil?
• How to change a vape coil

Tips for beginner vapers

Hopefully, by now, you’re feeling more comfortable with the essentials of how to vape for the first time and are ready to choose your perfect device and plenty of e-liquids and replacement coils to stay stocked up.

Before you get buying, here are some more top tips to help you get the best from your journey:

• Take it slow at first - Take short, gentle puffs to get used to the sensation and learn how to inhale with this new adjustment.
• Choose the right nicotine strength - If you find yourself vaping constantly, your nicotine level might be too low. If you feel lightheaded or nauseous, it might be too high. Strike a balance.
  Check out our guide on how to choose the right e-liquid strength for advice on how to get it right.
• Wait between puffs - Give your device at least 15 - 30 seconds between puffs to allow the wick to get properly saturated with e-liquid. That will stop any dry hits and help extend your coil life.
• Stay hydrated - Vaping can cause mild dehydration inside your mouth, so keep water handy and drink more than usual to prevent dry mouth.
• Be mindful of where you vape - Just because you aren’t smoking, doesn’t mean you can vape anywhere. Respect no-vaping zones and consider others around you.
• Store e-liquids properly - Keep your e-liquids in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight to ensure their flavour and quality stay top-notch.
• Carry spare coils - You don’t want to be left unable to vape by a burnt-out coil, so bring a spare with you so you can carry on as usual.
• Experiment with flavours - Don't give up if your first e-liquid choice doesn’t hit the spot. Try out different flavour profiles until you find ones that keep you interested and away from cigarettes.
• Be patient with yourself - Switching from smoking to vaping is an adjustment. Give yourself time to adapt to the different sensation and experience.

If you follow this advice, you should be set up for a seamless switch to vaping!

Start your journey with VPZ

Quitting smoking is no joke. It’s a hard process, but it is so worth it for your health. Get all the supplies and guidance you need to make this big switch online at VPZ or at one of our 180+ UK stores, where you can talk it through with our experienced staff members. 

Shop online and you can benefit from…

• TPD-compliant vape liquids from trusted national and international suppliers
• Hundreds of fantastic flavours to try in all kinds of styles
• Loyalty points with every purchase
• Free same-day dispatch when you order before 7 pm for orders of £19.99

Choose VPZ, the vape specialists, for a stress-free experience.