For many individuals transitioning from smoking to vaping or those new to vaping, the experience can sometimes be less than smooth. One of the most common issues faced is coughing after inhaling vape smoke, or more accurately, vapor. This reaction can be surprising, especially for former smokers who expect a similar experience to smoking cigarettes. However, with the right techniques and understanding, it’s possible to enjoy vaping without the discomfort of coughing. This article will explore why people cough when they vape, and provide detailed strategies on how to inhale vape smoke without coughing.
Understanding Why You Cough When Vaping
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why coughing occurs. Coughing is a natural reflex that protects your lungs from irritants, and there are several reasons why vaping might trigger this reflex:
- Throat Hit: The sensation known as “throat hit” is cherished by many ex-smokers and is caused by nicotine and the propylene glycol (PG) in e-liquids. For newcomers, this sensation can be too intense, leading to coughing.
- Inhalation Technique: Vaping requires a different inhalation technique compared to smoking. Incorrect technique can lead to coughing due to the vapor hitting the back of the throat unexpectedly.
- Vapor Temperature: The temperature of the vapor can also play a role. Too hot or too cold vapor can irritate the throat, causing a coughing response.
- Dehydration: Components in the e-liquid like PG can cause dehydration, which in turn makes the throat dry and more prone to irritation.
- Allergies or Sensitivities: Some individuals might have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients in e-liquids, such as flavors or PG, leading to coughing.
Strategies to Avoid Coughing While Vaping
1. Start with Low Nicotine Strength
High nicotine levels can intensify the throat hit, leading to coughing. If you’re new to vaping or sensitive to nicotine, start with a lower nicotine strength. You can gradually increase the strength if needed, but beginning low helps your throat adjust without the harsh sensation that can cause coughing.
2. Adjust the PG/VG Ratio
E-liquids are made up of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), each affecting the vaping experience differently. PG provides more throat hit and carries flavor better, while VG produces thicker vapor and is smoother on the throat. If you find yourself coughing, try switching to an e-liquid with a higher VG ratio. This adjustment can offer a gentler experience.
3. Master the Inhalation Technique
The technique used to inhale vapor can significantly impact whether you cough. There are two main methods: mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL).
- Mouth-to-Lung (MTL): This technique is similar to smoking a cigarette. You draw the vapor into your mouth first, hold it briefly, and then inhale it into your lungs along with air. This method allows the vapor to cool slightly and can reduce coughing.
- Direct-to-Lung (DTL): This method involves inhaling the vapor directly into your lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. While this can produce larger clouds, it might be more likely to cause coughing for beginners. If you’re new to vaping, start with MTL and gradually experiment with DTL as you become more comfortable.
4. Pay Attention to Vapor Temperature
If your device allows for temperature control, make use of this feature. A vapor that’s too hot can irritate your throat, leading to coughing. Start with a lower temperature and gradually increase it until you find a comfortable setting that provides a satisfying experience without causing discomfort.
5. Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to avoiding coughing. Vaping, particularly with high PG e-liquids, can dehydrate the throat and mouth, making them more susceptible to irritation. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after vaping to keep your throat moist and reduce the risk of coughing.
6. Choose the Right Equipment
The type of vape device and the settings you use can also influence whether you cough. Devices with adjustable airflow allow you to control the amount of vapor produced. Starting with a tighter draw can mimic the sensation of smoking and may help prevent coughing. As you become more accustomed to vaping, you can experiment with looser airflow for a different experience.
7. Take It Slow
Especially for beginners, taking slow, gentle draws can help prevent coughing. Drawing too quickly or forcefully can bring too much vapor into your throat at once, increasing the likelihood of coughing. Start with shorter, more controlled puffs and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.
8. Experiment with Different Flavors
Some flavors or ingredients in e-liquids can trigger coughing more than others. If you find yourself coughing frequently, try switching to a different flavor. Additionally, some people find that certain types of flavors, such as menthol, can soothe the throat and reduce coughing.
Conclusion
Coughing when you vape can be a frustrating experience, but it’s often a temporary issue that can be resolved with adjustments to your vaping method, equipment, and the products you use. By understanding the reasons behind the coughing and experimenting with the strategies outlined above, you can find a comfortable and enjoyable way to vape without the discomfort of coughing. Remember, everyone’s experience is unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. Patience and willingness to try different approaches are key to finding your perfect vape setup.
FAQs About How to Inhale Vape Smoke Without Coughing
Why do I cough when I try to inhale vape smoke?
Coughing when inhaling vape smoke can be due to several reasons, including the inhaling technique, the nicotine strength of the vape juice, the temperature of the vapor, and the individual’s sensitivity or unused respiratory system to inhaling substances other than air.
What is the best way to inhale vape smoke to avoid coughing?
The best way to inhale vape smoke without coughing is to start with slow, gentle inhales, allowing your mouth to fill with smoke before slowly inhaling it into your lungs, followed by a smooth exhale. This method is often referred to as “mouth-to-lung” (MTL) vaping.
Can adjusting the nicotine level in my vape help reduce coughing?
Yes, adjusting the nicotine level can help. Higher nicotine levels can cause a harsher throat hit, which might trigger coughing. If you’re new to vaping or sensitive to nicotine, starting with a lower nicotine concentration could reduce coughing incidents.
Will changing the PG/VG ratio of my vape juice affect coughing?
Yes, the propylene glycol (PG) to vegetable glycerin (VG) ratio in your vape juice can influence coughing. Higher PG ratios are associated with a stronger throat hit, which can lead to more coughing. A higher VG ratio typically produces smoother, thicker vapor, which might be easier on the throat.
Does the temperature of the vapor affect how likely I am to cough?
Indeed, the temperature of the vapor can impact coughing. Warmer vapor tends to be smoother and less irritating to the throat than cooler vapor, which some find harsher and more likely to induce coughing. Adjusting your device’s temperature settings might help.
How does hydration affect coughing when vaping?
Staying hydrated is crucial when vaping because vape smoke can dehydrate the throat and mouth, making them more susceptible to irritation and coughing. Drinking plenty of water before and after vaping can help minimize coughing.
Can the flavor of my vape juice cause me to cough?
Certain flavors, especially those that are very acidic or spicy, can irritate the throat more than others, leading to coughing. If you find yourself coughing frequently, consider switching to a smoother, possibly fruitier or creamier flavor.
Is it normal to cough when first starting to vape?
Yes, it’s quite common for people to cough when they first start vaping. This is often due to not being used to inhaling vapor, the body adjusting to the different sensation compared to smoking, or finding the right setup that suits you best. This usually diminishes over time as you get accustomed to vaping.
How important is the inhalation technique in preventing coughing?
Inhalation technique is very important. A proper technique, such as the mouth-to-lung method, can significantly reduce the likelihood of coughing by allowing the vapor to cool slightly and providing a smoother transition from mouth to lungs.
Can the type of vape device I use affect how much I cough?
Absolutely. Different devices have varying power outputs, airflow settings, and coil resistances, all of which can affect vapor production and its impact on your throat. Devices with adjustable settings may allow you to find a balance that minimizes coughing.