With hundreds of e-liquids and vape devices on the market, making the switch from smoking to vaping can feel confusing, especially when you're just starting out. The sheer variety of options, unfamiliar terminology, and different inhaling techniques can make it hard to know where to begin. But one of the most important first steps toward a smooth transition is learning how to inhale properly.
From flavor intensity and throat hit to how effectively the active compounds are absorbed, mastering the right inhalation technique can help you get the most out of every puff and may even support your goal of quitting cigarettes for good. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but once you understand the difference between mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL) inhaling, it becomes much easier to find your ideal style.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics so you can vape with confidence and get the most out of every puff.
What is a vape?
A vape is a handheld electronic device designed for adults that heats a liquid (commonly called e-juice or vape juice) into a vapor you can inhale. This vapor typically contains nicotine, flavoring, and other ingredients. Some vape devices are also used for cannabis concentrates or CBD oils.
While today’s vapes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and power levels, from sleek disposables to advanced mods, the core function remains the same. A battery-powered heating element (usually a coil) warms the liquid inside a cartridge or tank, turning it into an inhalable vapor that’s drawn through a mouthpiece.
It’s important to understand that a vape is more than just a single component. It’s a complete system made up of several parts, including battery, coil, tank, and mouthpiece, all working together to deliver a consistent and customizable experience.
While experienced vapers often customize their setups by buying separate components, like tanks, coils, and batteries, beginners are better off starting with an all-in-one vape kit. These starter kits come pre-matched to ensure all parts work seamlessly together, making the learning curve much easier and reducing the chances of user error.
What is vaping?
Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor produced by a vape device or electronic cigarette. Unlike traditional cigarettes that burn tobacco, vapes heat a liquid (commonly called vape juice or e-liquid) to create a mist-like vapor that looks like smoke but doesn’t contain the same harmful byproducts of combustion.
Most vape liquids are a mix of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine; though many options are available with zero nicotine. This gives users full control over both the nicotine strength and flavor profile, allowing them to tailor the experience to their personal preferences.
It’s this level of control over both flavor and nicotine that makes vaping a popular choice for smokers looking to switch, as well as seasoned users.
How to Vape Properly?
Your first few puffs when switching to vaping can make a big difference, especially if you're coming from cigarettes. One of the most common beginner mistakes is inhaling incorrectly, which can lead to coughing, throat irritation, or a stronger-than-expected nicotine hit.
To get the most out of your vape, it’s important to understand the two main inhaling techniques: mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL). The right method for you depends on the device you're using and the kind of draw or sensation you're aiming for.
Mouth-to-lung
Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping is often the go-to method for beginners, especially those transitioning from smoking. This technique closely mimics the way you smoke a traditional cigarette, delivering a familiar throat hit and more controlled vapor output.
MTL vaping involves slowly drawing vapor into your mouth, holding it briefly, and then inhaling it into your lungs. It's best suited to smaller vape devices or pod systems with high-resistance coils and higher nicotine e-liquids (such as nicotine salts). These setups offer a tighter draw, similar to sipping air through a coffee straw, which helps deliver that satisfying throat sensation without overwhelming you.
How to Inhale MTL Style:
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Take a slow, gentle draw from the mouthpiece for a few seconds.
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Let the vapor rest in your mouth for 1–2 seconds.
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Open your mouth and breathe the vapor into your lungs, don’t swallow.
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Exhale normally after the vapor enters your lungs.
MTL vaping produces smaller clouds but offers stronger nicotine delivery and a more cigarette-like feel, making it ideal for those looking to quit smoking.
Direct lung
Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, also known as sub-ohm vaping, is a technique where you inhale vapor directly into your lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. This method skips the step of holding vapor in your mouth and is ideal for generating large clouds and dense vapor.
DTL vaping requires low-resistance coils (typically below 1.0 ohm) and high-powered vape devices, which allow for bigger airflow and smoother draws. The sensation is often compared to a "bong hit" but tends to feel smoother thanks to the use of low or nicotine-free e-liquids. It's a favorite among more experienced vapers who enjoy bold flavor and heavy vapor production.
How to Inhale DTL Style:
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Take a deep, steady draw straight into your lungs, just like breathing in air.
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Exhale the vapor almost immediately after inhaling.
DTL vaping may take some getting used to if you're coming from smoking, but with the right setup, it offers a smooth, full-flavored experience that many advanced users prefer.
4 Essential Steps to Inhale Vape Like a Pro
Inhaling the right way is essential for getting the most out of your vape. From maximizing flavor and achieving a smooth throat hit to making the switch from smoking, how you inhale plays a major role. Follow these simple steps to align your technique with your device and vaping style.
Step 1: Choose a Device That Matches Your Inhaling Style
Different vaping styles require different types of devices, and using the right one can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. Your preferred inhale should guide your choice.
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Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): Ideal for beginners and those switching from smoking. These setups include low-wattage devices like pod systems and vape pens that deliver a tighter draw and higher nicotine concentration, closely mimicking the feel of a traditional cigarette.
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Direct-to-Lung (DTL): Better suited for experienced users. This method uses high-powered devices such as box mods or sub-ohm kits with low-resistance coils, producing large vapor clouds and smooth hits, perfect for flavor lovers and cloud chasers.
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Restricted Direct Lung (RDL): A middle ground between MTL and DTL. Often supported by adjustable pod kits or open systems, RDL vaping offers a slightly tighter draw with moderate vapor output, ideal for those easing into DTL without going full throttle.
Step 2: Adjust Airflow and Wattage for a Better Vaping Experience
Dialing in your airflow and wattage settings can make a big difference in how smooth and satisfying your vape feels. Matching your settings to your style helps you avoid harsh hits and makes vaping feel more intuitive and enjoyable.
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For Direct-to-Lung (DTL): Use a more open airflow to allow for bigger, cooler clouds. Set your wattage between 30W and 60W, depending on your coil resistance, typically between 0.2 and 0.5 ohms. This setup delivers dense vapor with minimal throat irritation, especially when using low-nicotine or nicotine-free e-liquids.
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For Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): Keep the airflow tight to mimic the resistance of a cigarette. Lower your wattage to somewhere between 8W and 15W, and use coils with a resistance of 1 ohm or higher. This creates a more focused, flavorful draw with a noticeable throat hit.
Step 3: Inhale Slowly and Steadily
Regardless of your device or setup, taking slow, steady draws is key to a smooth vaping experience. Rushing the inhale often leads to coughing, irritation, or an underwhelming hit.
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For Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): Take a gentle draw into your mouth, hold the vapor briefly for a second or two, then breathe it into your lungs. This mimics the rhythm of smoking and works well with higher-nicotine e-liquids.
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For Direct-to-Lung (DTL): Inhale the vapor directly into your lungs in one deep, continuous breath. It should feel natural, similar to taking a full breath of air, and works best with low-nicotine or nicotine-free setups.
Vapes deliver nicotine differently than traditional tobacco, so don’t rush the process. A slower, more controlled pace helps enhance flavor and reduce discomfort.
Step 4: Exhale Gently and Fine-Tune Your Setup
After inhaling, exhale the vapor slowly and smoothly through your mouth or nose. This helps you fully experience the flavor and aroma while minimizing any irritation to your throat or lungs.
If the vapor feels too intense, too weak, or just off, it’s a sign your setup may need adjusting. Try fine-tuning your airflow, wattage, or nicotine strength until the draw feels comfortable and balanced. Small changes can make a big difference and finding the right settings is part of what makes vaping a personalized experience.
Over time, you’ll discover what works best for your device, e-liquid, and preferences.
Now that you understand the essentials of vaping, it’s time to find the device that matches your style. With Juicefly’s fast and discreet nationwide vape shipping, exploring top-quality vapes and flavors has never been easier, all from the comfort of your home.
Check out our handpicked collection of trusted brands like Geek Bar, Flum, and Lost Mary, and enjoy quick, reliable delivery straight to your door.
