Vape: Definition, History, Types, How Does It Work, Advantages and Disadvantages

Vape is an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). It was created by H. Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, in 2003. Their bigger popularity was achieved due to the influence of Covid-19 and the need for no burnt tobacco and smoke in people’s homes (second hand smoking). There are several types of vapes and new ones are constantly being added. At the moment the main vape types on the market are: cigalikes, shisha kits, vape pens, vape mods, vape pods, disposable vapes, and dry herb vapes. 

Vape works by creating vapor by heating up the vape liquid/herbs. The vapor that is similar to aerosol contains more than 32 chemicals. It is consumed by breathing it in through the mouthpiece. The vapor then moves into the lungs where chemicals (including nicotine) get into the bloodstream.

The advantages of vapes are that there is no burnt smoke or tobacco content in the vapor that makes it a more socially acceptable and healthier option than normal tobacco smoking. Basically you do not bother the people around you as much as you would when you would be smoking normal tobacco. You can vape in places where you would not be able to smoke combustible  tobacco. Another advantage of vapes is that reusable vapes can be cheaper to use than normal tobacco.

The disadvantages of vapes are that due to chemicals and nicotine content in the vapor they are harmful for your health and highly addictive. Because of the materials they are made of  they produce a lot of e-waste. Another disadvantage of vapes is the need for maintenance of reusable vapes compared to smoking normal tobacco.

What is a vape?

Vape (electronic cigarette) is an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). In that system a handheld electronic device is used to breathe a mist (vapor) into your lungs. An electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) heats a liquid of nicotine, flavoring, propylene glycol and other additives into an aerosol that you inhale through a mouthpiece. There are a lot of different kinds of vapes that go by different names, including electronic cigarettes, vape pens or sticks, e-hookahs, hookah sticks, mods and personal vaporizers (PVs).  Vaping is a healthier option than smoking cigarettes, but not smoking is the healthiest choice. Vaping causes breathing problems, damage to organs, addiction and other illnesses. 

How Does Vape Work?

Vape works by creating vapor by heating up the vape liquid. The vapor that is similar to aerosol contains over 32 chemicals. It is breathed in by the user through the mouthpiece. The vapor is inhaled into the lungs where chemicals (including nicotine) get into the bloodstream. The primary components of vape that are necessary for it to work are: energy source, mouth piece, turn on/off system, liquid container, vape liquid and heating element.

When Did Vapes Start?

The vape (e-cigarette) was invented by a Chinese pharmacist H. Lik in 2003. He invented it to be used as a healthier alternative to tobacco smoking. It gained a huge popularity in 2019 due to Covid. It was easier to smoke vapes at home during covid because you did not have to smoke them outside like normal cigarettes, there was no burnt tobacco scent. 

What Are the Different Types of Vapes in The Market?

There are many different types of vapes in the market. Due to constant electronic innovation and artistry coming together there are new styles of vapes being developed constantly. The best known and most popular vapes are: cigalikes, disposable vapes, vape mods and pods. There is something for every taste and you can read more about different types of vapes below.  Keep in mind that vaping is an unhealthy habit that can cause severe addiction. There are safer options for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy). Snusboss offers a great selection of nicotine pouches that is a safer option for nicotine consumption.

1. Cigalikes

Cigalikes are a category of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that, as the name expresses, look like plastic versions of cigarettes. Cigalikes were created in 2007 and they were the first electronic nicotine delivery systems.

They are battery-operated and deliver nicotine to the user through an inhaled aerosol created by heating an e-liquid that is located in a cartridge. The e-liquid consists of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine.

Cigalikes can have all kinds of different flavors and strengths, also they are available free of nicotine content. There are only a few flavor options when it comes to nicotine free cigalikes. 

They are small, discreet and disposable. 

They are mainly preferred for convenience: no need to charge or refill. 

They are easy to use (no buttons) and since they are disposable there is no need for maintaining the device.

They are cheap when it comes to casual purchasing. But for a person who uses it on a daily basis then in the long run it will be a more expensive option than the refillable alternatives.

Because of their high plastic and e-waste content they are extremely harmful to the environment.

An example of cigalikes is Elf Bar’s Cigalikes.

Read more about Cigalikes.

2. Shisha Kits

Shisha kits are a category of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that are fancier looking than normal cigalikes. They come in rechargeable and disposable options.

They are battery-operated and deliver nicotine to the user through an inhaled aerosol created by heating an e-liquid that is located in a cartridge. The e-liquid consists of water, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine and flavoring. Shisha kits contain less nicotine than other e-cigarettes and that makes the flavor experience smoother.

Shisha kits come in all kinds of different flavors and strengths, also they are available nicotine free. Shisha kits have less nicotine content and that makes the flavor experience smoother and magnifies the added flavors (fruit, mint for example).

They are small, and emphasis has been put on the style as with normal shishas. 

They are mainly preferred for the flavor experience and appearance. 

They are easy to use and since there is no regulating temperatures and e-juice input then they are easier to maintain than other rechargeable e-cigarettes.

They are cheap when it comes to casual purchasing. But for a person who uses it on a daily basis then in the long run it will be cheaper to purchase rechargeable options.

Some electronic shisha kits (X-Bar for example) can be used by two people simultaneously.  Just like with normal shisha kits you can exchange the mouthpiece.

Because of their high plastic and e-waste content they are extremely harmful to the environment.

An example of shisha kits is X-Bar’s X-Shisha.

Read more about shisha kits.

3. Vape Pens

Vape pens are a category of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that are similar to cigalikes but a more advanced version. Vape pens reach higher temperatures which leads to stronger vapor, they are refillable and rechargeable, and let the user regulate the frequency of inhalations.

They are battery-operated and deliver nicotine to the user through an inhaled aerosol created by heating an e-liquid that is located in a cartridge. The e-liquid consists of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, and nicotine.

Vape pens’ liquid can come in all kinds of different flavors and strengths, also they are available nicotine free. There are fewer options when it comes to nicotine free ones. 

They are small and discreet. 

They are mainly preferred for the control over the device vapor output. 

They are harder to use than some other e-cigarettes: regulating frequency of inhalations, heat and mixing e-liquid. Since they contain more parts than other e-cigarettes then the maintenance is a bit harder: taking it apart and then cleaning the parts, afterwards putting it together in the correct way.

They are more expensive when it comes to price. Vape pens are preferred by gourmet vapers who want to make the experience more catered to their needs.

Because of their high plastic and e-waste content they are extremely harmful to the environment.

An example of vape pens is Ispire’s vape pen.

Read more about vape pens.

4. Vape Mods

Vape mods are a category of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). They are a more advanced version of cigalikes.

They are battery-operated, rechargeable, refillable, and deliver nicotine to the user through an inhaled aerosol created by heating an e-liquid that is located in a tank. The e-liquid consists of water, nicotine, flavorings, and a propylene glycol or vegetable glycerin base (or sometimes a mixture of PG and VG).

Vape mod liquids come in all kinds of different flavors and strengths, there is also a nicotine free option. 

They are bigger and the appearance can be personalized (stickers, covers, paint). 

They are mainly preferred for the control over the vaping experience, personalization options of appearance, option to change strength and flavor insensitivity, and battery monitoring so you know when the battery is running out. 

They are tricky to use: a lot of different options for calibrating the device. The maintenance of vape mods demands a lot of attention and constant care.

They are expensive when it comes to price point. They are preferred by extreme vaping gourmet specialists who appreciate the flavor nuances that this device delivers.

Because of their high plastic and e-waste content they are extremely harmful to the environment.

An example of vape mods is Uwell Aeglos’s P1 80W Pod System.

5. Vape Pods

Vape pods are a subcategory of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that is similar to vape mods but instead of vape tank it has a pod that is changeable.

They are battery-operated, rechargeable and deliver nicotine to the user through an inhaled aerosol created by heating an e-liquid that is located in a pod. The pod consists of nicotine (which is extracted from tobacco), propylene glycol, flavorings and other chemicals.

Vape pod’s pods are available in all kinds of different flavors and strengths, also there are nicotine free pods. Unlike with pods you cannot create your own flavor mixture, pods are ready for use. 

They are smaller and more discreet than vape mods. 

They are mainly preferred for the convenience (simpler than vape mods) and quality of the experience. 

They are harder to use than other e-cigarettes due to the calibration options but easier than vape mods. The maintenance of this device needs perseverance and constant attention due to the different parts of the device.

They are expensive for casual purchasing. They are preferred by vaping gourmet specialists who appreciate the flavor nuances that this device delivers but look for more convenience in device maintenance than vape mods.

Because of their high plastic and e-waste content they are extremely harmful to the environment.

An example of vape pods is Umbrella’s Izi Vape pod device.

Read more about vape pods.

6. Disposable Vapes

Disposable vapes are a category of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) that are pre-charged, and pre-filled with flavored nicotine vape juice. They are extremely convenient and need no prep work other than purchasing the device.

They are battery-operated and deliver nicotine to the user through an inhaled aerosol created by heating an e-liquid that is located in a cartridge. The e-liquid consists of nicotine, propylene glycol, flavorings and other chemicals.

Disposable vapes are available in all kinds of different flavors and strengths, also they are available nicotine free. There are only fewer flavor options when it comes to nicotine free disposable vapes. 

They are small, discreet, flavorsome and disposable. 

They are mainly preferred for convenience: no need to charge or refill. In addition, the design of the disposable vapes is constantly becoming more attractive.

They are easy to use (no buttons) and since they are disposable there is no need for maintaining the device.

They are cheap when it comes to casual purchasing. But for a person who uses it on a daily basis then in the long run it will be a more expensive option than the refillable alternatives.

Because of their high plastic and e-waste content they are extremely harmful to the environment.

An example of disposable vapes is Aroma King’s Vape Unicorn Shake.

Read more about disposable vapes.

7. Dry Herb Vapes

Dry Herb Vapes are in a subcategory of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). It is a smoking device that heats the herbs and then you inhale the result through the mouthpiece of the device.

They are battery-operated and deliver nicotine to the user through an inhaled aerosol created by heating dried herbs. 

The flavor for the dry herb vapes comes from the dried herbs. You can mix your own mix depending on your preferences.

They are small, discreet and rechargeable. They are mainly preferred for convenience: the vapor is not that disturbing and burnt smoke. 

There is some knowledge needed when it comes to using (temperature control, dried herbs) and maintaining it. Cleaning the device is extremely important due to the dried herb particles.

They are quite expensive when it comes to purchasing.

They are preferred because of their natural content.

Because of their high plastic and e-waste content they are extremely harmful to the environment.

An example of dried herb vapes is Ooze’s Verge 2500.

Read more about dry herb vapes.

What are the Advantages Using Vapes Compared to Traditional Cigarette Smoking?

The advantages of using vapes compared to the traditional cigarette smoking are:

• Vapes are healthier than traditional cigarette smoking because they do not contain burnt tobacco and smoke, these two are the cause for majority of the illnesses connected with nicotine usage. 
• Vapes are socially more acceptable than traditional cigarette smoking because they do not have the unpleasant scent of burnt tobacco and smoke that lingers long after you are finished with your cigarette.
• The cost of refillable vapes per usage is less than traditional cigarette purchase.
• There are still risks associated with using both vapes and traditional cigarettes. The best thing for your health would be to stop consuming nicotine products altogether.

What are the Disadvantages of Using Vapes Compared to Traditional Cigarette Smoking?

The disadvantages of using vapes compared to the traditional cigarette smoking are:

• They are very easy to get addicted to due to the flavor selection and convenience of usage.
• The single-use vapes produce a lot of e-waste and plastic waste as well.
• The social acceptance of cigarettes is higher when it comes to smoking being a more natural product (less plastic).
• Vapes need to be maintained when you are using reusable ones.
• Vapes have created a new illness called EVALI (vaping, product use associated with lung injury).
• The one-time purchase of vape sets is a big expense when compared to the spread cost of traditional cigarettes.

What are E-Liquids Used for Vapes?

E-liquid is something that is placed into vape and then vaporized while vaping. Then you breathe in the vapor and through your lungs the nicotine will enter the bloodstream and give you the “high”. There are a lot of different types of liquids with different flavors, strengths and quality. The one thing that is necessary to keep in mind is that not all e-liquids are compatible with all vapes.

Vape e-liquids contain: nicotine, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol, other chemicals to give it flavors and scent and in some cases water. Every e-liquid contains vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). The first has a bigger consistency than the latter. The relation between these two substances is what determines the viscosity of the liquid and that will determine which vapes the liquid is suitable for. The liquids which contain more vegetable glycerin (VG) create more vapor and the effect on the throat is less noticeable. The vape liquids which contain more propylene glycol (PG) make a more significant impact to the throat and create less vapor, this option is often used by those who try to quit smoking. 

Vape liquids with majority of vegetable glycerin (VG) are suitable for kits with less than ohm of resistance (sub ohm / DTL). Vape liquid with majority of propylene glycol (PG) are suitable for kits with less than  ohm resistance (classic, MTL). Vape liquids with equal content of vegetable glycerin (VG) and propylene glycol (PG) are suitable for majority of kits

How much does a Vape cost?

Vape costs between $ 4 – $ 100. The cost depends on the type of vape you want. For example, disposable vapes cost from $ 4 – $ 20 depending on the brand and place of purchase. Pod systems cost $10 – $40, vape pens cost $4 – $35 and MTL starter kits cost $20 – $80. The brand name and design are a factor in the price. More expensive vapes are often more durable and have a higher quality. When considering the price range for your vape, always think about how often you would be actually using it and how much you can afford to spend on them. 

What are the Parts of a Vape?

Parts of vape are listed below:

• A mouthpiece- used for breathing in the aerosol.
• A power or control button or sensors that activate when you inhale- used for turning on the vape.
• A battery- used for powering the heating element.
• A heating element- used for turning the liquid into breathable particles “aerosol/vapor” also called the atomizer.
• A cartridge/ tank / pod – used for holding liquid (with the refill option in some cases).

What are the Factors when Choosing the Right Vape Device?

These are the factors that should be considered when choosing the right vape device:

• How often it will be used. If you use it only a few times a month then disposable vape would be the budget friendly option with no obligations to maintain the device. If you use it often then refillable vapes are a more economical and environmentally better option.
• Are you a vaping gourmand (enthusiast / specialist). Mod vapes are for the specialists: more powerful devices with adjustable temperature control that let you control the experience to the fullest. Pod devices do not give such control.
• How big it should be. Disposable vapes are the smallest and that makes them the most discreet, the next size is pod devices and the largest are the mod vapes. 
• How it can be charged. With disposable vapes you do not need to think about the charging options. But with other devices you do. Mod vapes offer a longer battery life than pod devices. You need to consider your lifestyle and think how often you can charge the device and where. Also think whether you need to carry the charging cable with you at all times and if suitable ports are available for charging.
• The quality of vapor. Stainless steel and titanium coils are the most durable. But some coil materials can influence the flavor of the vapor. The better the coil the better the quality of the vapor will be. 
• The vape liquid you use will influence the flavor experience of vaping. Different liquids are compatible with different vapes. Make sure the liquid you wish to use is compatible with your vaper. 

How to Start Vaping?

For starting to vape you should follow these steps:

1. Choose the correct nicotine content for vape liquid according to your past smoking habits: 1 – 5 cigarettes a day 0.6% (6mg/ml), 5 – 15 cigarettes  a day 1.0% (10mg/ml), 15 – 20 cigarettes a day 1.4% (14 mg/ml), 20 or more cigarettes a day  1.8% (18mg/ml).
2. Choose a suitable device: single use or refillable.
3. Find the flavor in a suitable strength that you would enjoy smoking. 
4. Take the device between your fingers (similar to smoking).
5. Turn on the device or inhale from it if that starts the device.
6. Take long and slow breaths of vape (slower than smoking).
7. Be ready that the nicotine hit will not be as fast as it would be with smoking, but it will last longer than normal tobacco smoking.
8. After you are finished with vaping, turn it off and store it safely out of reach of children and animals.
9. Monitor your vaping habits- you can vape in places where you would not be able to smoke normal tobacco and that can lead to excessive vaping. Vaping is harmful and highly addictive. 

How to Maintain a Vape Device?

For maintaining your vape device follow these instructions:

• Never let your e-liquid run too low. This will risk burning out your heating system, not to mention that the flavor will not be pleasant. The minimum level for the liquid will be given with the vape kit.
• Make sure you do not overfill your vape device. This will also risk ruining your vape heating system. The maximum level for the liquid will be given with the vape kit.
• Keep the energy source and its surroundings clean. You can use cotton wool pods for cleaning it. You can clean other parts of the vape device in a similar way.
• Store your vaping device properly: keep it out of reach for children and animals, store it upright, keep it away from excess moisture, keep it away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. 
• Store the vaping device so no dirt could get on the different parts of the device (sand, dust and so on). You can place it in a designated case. 
• When you use it make sure that the battery does not run too low or charge it when there is still more than half of energy source life left (charging too often).
• Do not tighten the parts too much. Then you can break some parts or make it difficult (sometimes even impossible) to untighten them.
• Change the liquid and the parts according to the instructions that were given with them. Overusing them can lead to damage of other vape device parts.
• Make sure you keep the e-liquid stored away from light.

Read more about How to Clean Your Vapes?

What are Some Common Mistakes when Using a Vape Device?

Some common mistakes when using a vape device are:

• Using it like a normal cigarette. Vapes need time to produce vapor and should be used slower than you would normally smoke.
• Vaping too much- you can vape in a lot of places where you are not able to smoke normal tobacco and that can lead to addiction.
• Not following the instructions that are given with the kit.
• Not changing the e-liquid and parts as often as necessary. That damages other parts of the vaping device. 
• Storing the device and e-liquid in the sunlight. That will damage both the device and the vaping e-liquid because nicotine is photosensitive. It means the e-liquid that contains nicotine cannot be used anymore.
• Letting sand, dirt, dust and so on get on the device. It will lead to malfunction or in the worst case scenario the breaking of the device.

What are Side Effects of Using Vape?

The side effects of using vapes are:

• Coughing – expelling air from the lungs with a sudden sharp sound.
• Shortness of breath – a frightening sensation of being unable to breathe normally or feeling suffocated.
• Eye irritation – a general term used to describe sensations that bother the eyes, like dryness, itchiness, burning and grittiness.
• Headaches – continuous pains in the head.
• Dry and irritated mouth and throat – when the salivary glands in your mouth do not produce enough saliva and pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat  and mouth that often worsens when you swallow.
• Nausea – a feeling of sickness with an inclination to vomit.
• Asthma – vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. It can make your existing asthma worse.
• Lung scarring – diacetyl, a chemical used in some flavorings, can cause bronchiolitis obliterans “popcorn lung”. Bronchiolitis obliterans causes permanent scarring in your lungs.
• Organ damage – in addition to your lungs, nicotine and other substances in e-liquid can hurt your heart and brain. Nicotine hurts brain development, raises your blood pressure and narrows your arteries.
• EVALI (e-cigarette, or vaping, product use associated with lung injury) – EVALI is a serious lung condition that vaping causes. It causes widespread damage to your lungs and gives you symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain. EVALI can be fatal. An outbreak of EVALI in late 2019 and early 2020 put thousands of people in the hospital. At least 68 people died as stated by the Cleveland Clinic. Since then, EVALI cases have been declining, but people who vape can still get EVALI. 
• Addiction – nicotine is highly addictive. It causes changes in your brain so you want more and more nicotine. You might not be able to stop vaping if you want to or if it starts causing health problems. Even e-liquids that say they are nicotine free have small amounts of nicotine.
• Cigarette smoking – many people start out vaping and end up smoking cigarettes, which contain higher amounts of harmful chemicals.
• Second-hand exposure – vaping does not make smoke, but people around you are exposed to nicotine and other chemicals when you vape.
• Explosions – there have been incidents of batteries in vaping devices exploding and causing serious injuries and burns.
• Cancer – some ingredients in e-liquids are known to cause cancer.

What is NRT?

NRT or Nicotine replacement therapy gives you nicotine (in some cases there is no nicotine), but not the other harmful chemicals in tobacco, in the form of gum, patches, sprays, inhalers, inhalers, lozenges, Chantix (Varenicline), or Zyban(nicotine free). Studies have proven that using NRT can nearly double the chances of quitting smoking as written by the American Cancer Society. Vape should not be used as a NRT for smoking cessation because it still includes a lot of toxins and is not approved by the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) as a suitable method for NRT.

Read more about What is NRT?

Do Vapes Help People to Quit Smoking?

Yes, vapes help people quit smoking tobacco products. It lets you consume nicotine without the harmful effects of burnt tobacco and smoke. The most common dosage of nicotine in  vapes is 3 mg/ml. There are nicotine free vapes for people who wish to stop using nicotine. Vape vapor still contains a lot of harmful chemicals and the best thing for your health would be to stop using vape at all. 

Is Vaping Considered for Nicotine Replacement Therapy?

No, vaping is not considered for nicotine replacement therapy. When it comes to vaping vs smoking then the first is healthier. It does not contain any burnt tobacco or smoke. But it is highly addictive due to its nicotine content and the fact that it can be used in a lot of places where you would not be able to smoke tobacco. The convenience of its usage and nicotine content make it highly addictive. Average nicotine content in vapes is 6 mg/ml. There are vapes with no nicotine content but there are more than 30 other harmful substances that you breathe in while using it. It comes in a lot of different flavors and strengths which make it a dangerous gateway drug to addiction of nicotine.

Do Vapes have Nicotine in them?

Yes, vapes have nicotine in them but there are also some vapes that contain no nicotine. You can choose the suitable nicotine content among different strengths 0 – 18 mg/ml

Is Vaping worse than smoking?

No, vaping is not worse than smoking. When you vape, you do not inhale the burnt tobacco and smoke that are the cause for most of the health problems connected with nicotine consumption. There are also vapes with no nicotine. Vapor in the vape still contains toxins that are harmful to your health. The best thing for your health would be to choose some FDA(U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved method for NRT (nicotine replacement therapy) . Nicotine pouches are a healthier way for consuming nicotine. Snusboss offers the best selection of nicotine pouches with cheap prices. 

Read more about Vaping vs Smoking.

What is the difference between a Vape and a Vaporizer?

The difference between a vape and a vaporizer is that the first uses a liquid form while the other uses a solid dried form of mixture for consumption. Vaporizers are more natural and meant for use with pure plant-based products. Vape devices are smaller and more discreet than vaporizers. Vaporizers can be ceramically made while vapes contain only plastic and metal ingredients.