Vaping is quickly becoming a popular alternative to traditional smoking, offering smoother, cleaner inhalation with a wide range of flavors and nicotine levels. But if you’re just getting started, it’s important to understand how to vape properly to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right device to inhalation techniques and maintenance tips.
Begin Your Vaping Journey by Mastering Inhalation Techniques
At Smoke It Up, we’re all about making your first vaping experience smooth, enjoyable, and totally stress-free. Two common methods you’ll frequently hear about are Mouth to Lung (MTL) and Direct to Lung (DTL). MTL closely mimics the sensation of traditional smoking, making it ideal for beginners or those transitioning from cigarettes. On the other hand, DTL is preferred by users who opt for lower nicotine levels and enjoy producing bigger vapor clouds. Below, we break down both techniques to help you vape safely and comfortably.
Mouth to Lung (MTL) Inhalation Explained
Mouth to Lung (MTL) is the most beginner-friendly vaping technique, especially for those transitioning from traditional cigarettes. It mirrors the same process smokers are used to, making the switch feel more natural and comfortable.
Here’s how it works:
You slowly draw the vapor into your mouth, hold it briefly, then inhale it into your lungs before exhaling. This slower, more controlled process produces less vapor, giving you a smoother hit with minimal cloud production, perfect for a discreet vaping experience.
Why Beginners Choose MTL
Many first-time vapers prefer MTL because:
- It closely mimics the sensation and draws the resistance of smoking.
- It requires less power, making it ideal for compact, low-wattage devices.
- It doesn’t demand prior vaping experience or advanced settings.
We provide a wide range of easy-to-use MTL starter kits designed specifically for those new to vaping.
Direct to Lung (DTL) Inhalation Explained
Direct to Lung (DTL) vaping is all about big clouds, bold flavor, and a smoother inhale. Unlike Mouth to Lung (MTL), DTL involves drawing the vapor straight into your lungs in one deep breath, similar to taking a strong breath of fresh air. This technique creates larger vapor clouds and more intense flavor, which is why it’s a favorite for experienced vapers.
Recommended DTL Products at Smoke It Up
Explore best-selling sub-ohm disposables and pod kits designed for DTL users:
- The Geek Bar Pulse 15k offers smooth draws and bold flavor, ideal for DTL beginners.
- Lost Mary MT35K Turbo delivers long-lasting performance with bold flavor and smooth, satisfying vapor, great for those who want quality and convenience.
- Tyson 2.0 Heavy Weight 15mL offers powerful cloud production in a simple, easy-to-use disposable, perfect for vapers who prefer a no-fuss setup.
What Is Restrictive Direct Lung (RDL) Vaping?
A more recent style explored by the curious vapers among you who want a hybrid of the two stylesThink of RDL as the perfect middle ground between MTL and DTL. It gives you a deeper inhale like direct lung vaping, but with a slightly tighter airflow. That means you get rich flavor, a satisfying throat hit, and smooth vapor, not too light, not too intense.
If you want more flavor and cloud than MTL but aren’t ready to dive fully into cloud chasing, RDL is a great way to level up your vape experience.
How to Use a Vape as a Beginner
Here are quick steps to help beginners use a vape safely and easily.
Step 1: Choose Your Vaping Style
Decide whether you want to start with:
- MTL (Mouth to Lung) mimics the feeling of smoking
- DTL (Direct to Lung) creates more vapor and flavor
Step 2: Pick the Right Vape Device
- For MTL, go for a starter kit, pod vape, or vape pen with:
- Low power output
- Thin mouthpiece
- Support for high PG or 50/50 e-liquids
- Low power output
- For DTL, select a device with:
- Adjustable airflow
- Refillable or prefilled pods
- Smart wattage settings to match the coil
- Adjustable airflow
Step 3: Choose the Right Nicotine Strength
- High nicotine (12mg to 18mg) is best for MTL vaping
- Low nicotine (0mg to 6mg) is safer for DTL vaping
Step 4: Learn the Inhale Technique
- For MTL, draw the vapor into your mouth first, then into your lungs
- For DTL, inhale directly into your lungs in one smooth pull
Practice slowly and take your time between puffs to avoid coughing or throat irritation.
Step 5: Start Slow and Explore
- Begin with short, controlled puffs
- Get used to the airflow and nicotine strength
- Drink water and take breaks to stay comfortable
Once you’re confident, you can explore more advanced devices like vape mods with customizable features available at Smoke It Up.
How to Vape Safely
Vaping safely is essential for avoiding side effects like coughing, throat irritation, or nicotine overload, especially for those transitioning from smoking. To ensure a smooth and safe experience, only inhale the vapor, never swallow e-liquid, and take small, infrequent puffs to avoid overwhelming your lungs. Properly fill your tank or pod to the recommended level to prevent coil damage, and always prime new coils before use. Maintain your device by cleaning the tank and coils regularly, using the correct charger, and never overcharging or using damaged batteries.
Your Vaping Journey Starts Here with Smoke It Up
Not sure where to begin your vaping journey? At Smoke It Up, our friendly and knowledgeable team is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re switching from cigarettes or just curious about vaping, we’ll help you choose the right device based on your preferences and lifestyle.
From showing you how to inhale properly to helping you understand the difference between smooth mouth-to-lung (MTL) draws and rich direct-to-lung (DTL) clouds, we make sure you’re fully equipped to start with confidence.