Disposable vapes are electronic devices that are used for delivering nicotine to its user in the form of vapor. Disposable vapes cannot be recharged or refilled. Vapes were created in 2003 by a Chinese pharmacist H. Lik. The answer to the question when did vapes came out is 2007 (in the USA).
Disposable vapes come in different shapes, styles, flavors, strengths, liquid amount, and battery lifespan. Disposable vape lasts for 2 – 12 days (600 – 5000 puffs). How much nicotine is in a solo bar is marked on the disposable vape packaging. The nicotine content in a solo bar is between 0 – 40 mg per ml.
You puff vape- it is a slower activity than smoking- that is how do you vape. Disposable vape is turned on by inhaling air from the mouthpiece. That activates the coil (vaporizer) which turns e-liquid (vaping liquid) from the cartridge (pod, container) into vapor. That vapor is inhaled and nicotine in it will produce the nicotine “high” to the user. Disposable vape does not need to be turned off because it is only active while you puff in air. Vaping without nicotine is safe but not vaping at all is the safest option.
Disposable vapes contain a lot of e-waste and need to be disposed of in designated trash bins (e-waste). Disposable vapes and vapes in general are highly addictive and cause nic sick (nicotine poisoning). Using disposable vapes is more expensive in the long run than using refillable ones.
Disposable vapes are more convenient to use than refillable ones- no maintenance (cleaning), refilling or recharging the device. Disposable vapes come in a variety of flavors, designs and strengths.
People often ask – are vapes bad for you and the answer is yes, vapes are bad for you. Disposable vapes are not recommended due to nicotine being a highly addictive and hazardous substance. You need to be at least 21 years old to buy vapes in the USA, the same restriction goes to smoking vapes.
What are Disposable Vapes?
Disposable vapes are defined as devices for breathing in nicotine as vapor but they are not meant to be refilled or recharged. Disposable vape heats liquid nicotine, flavoring, propylene glycol and other additives from the vape liquid into an aerosol that you inhale through a mouthpiece.
In 2003 Chinese pharmacist H. Lik built the first vape. It was created as a healthier option to smoking because it does not contain any burnt tobacco or smoke.
Disposable vapes became extremely popular during the Covid-19 panic and everyone being restricted to their homes. At home a lot of people were stressed but did not want the smell of burnt tobacco in their houses. Using disposable vapes was a better alternative to smoking tobacco in their homes. Due to the stress of Covid people’s need for nicotine rose and with that the sale of disposable vapes went off the charts.
Disposable vapes need no maintenance (charging, cleaning) or refilling so in that way they are extremely convenient. Disposable vapes produce a lot of e-waste and using refillable vapes comes cheaper in the long run.
Read more about What is a Vape.
How do Disposable Vapes Work?
Disposable vape works by generating vapor from the e-liquid (vaping liquid). The disposable vape mechanism starts when you breathe in (puff) air from the mouthpiece of the disposable vape. Make sure that you take slower breaths than smoking, the coil needs time to heat up. The heated coil creates vapor from the e-liquid (vaping liquid). Then you breathe in vapor that contains nicotine and delivers the nicotine “high”. The process does not work while you are not puffing air from it. The mechanism of disposable vapes is quite simple and easily understandable.
What are the Different Types of Disposable Vapes?
Different types of disposable vapes are:
- Containing nicotine
- Nicotine free
- 400-800 puffs
- 5000 puffs
- Different flavors
- Different shapes (pen, square, oval)
- Different strengths
- Different mouthpieces (some have changeable mouthpieces so they can be used by several people)
What are the Advantages of Disposable Vapes?
- Can be purchased easily
- Come in lots of flavors
- Come in lots of different strengths
- Nice design
- No need to charge
- No need for maintenance (cleaning)
- Easy to use
- Cheap (one-time purchase)
What are the Disadvantages of Disposable Vapes?
The disadvantages of disposable vape are:
- Fire hazard
- Produce a lot of e-waste
- Dangerous chemicals and plastic get into the nature
- Not sustainable
- Hard to recycle
- Contain a lot of plastic
- Expensive to purchase if used constantly
Who is the Target Market of Disposable Vapes?
The target market of disposable vapes are men, they purchase more products than women. There are some products aimed for women but men take the main market share. The other target market of disposable vapes is people who want to switch from smoking tobacco to vapes. From the colorful designs and interesting flavor mixes it is easy to understand why the market is dominated by young users. So out of these three target groups comes one combined main target group for disposable vapes – young men who are quitting tobacco smoking.
How Long do Disposable Vapes Last?
Disposable vapes will last for 3 – 21 days. On average you can use disposable vape for 600 – 800 puffs, there are some available with 5000 puffs. The shelf life of disposable vapes is 1 year but that only if it is stored properly. It is that short due to the chemical reaction that happens with the vape juice. The nicotine in the vape liquid will start to oxidate. The other problem is with vape batteries that diminish with time. The expiry date on the vape packaging may be longer but vape quality goes down with time. So, vapes are not like a good wine that gets better with years, it is the opposite with vapes the longer the time is from production the worse the quality (taste, strength, vapor) will be.
What Does a Disposable Vape Contains?
Disposable vape contains a battery (energy source), coil (heats and vaporizes e-liquid), cartridge/pod (contains e-liquid), and a mouthpiece (vapor exit). The vaping liquid in the cartridges contains nicotine propylene glycol, flavorings and other chemicals. Disposable vapes come in all thinkable flavors (mint, coconut, caramel, rose, unicorn mix) and flavor determines which flavorings go in the disposable vape. The strengths that are available for disposable vapes are 0 – 40 mg of nicotine per ml. The strength determines other chemicals used in the disposable nicotine vape.
Read more about Nicotine Strength.
What are the Most Popular Brands of Disposable Vapes?
The most popular brands of disposable vape are (2022, USA):
- Vuse
- Juul
- Elf Bar
- Njoy
- Breeze Smoke
Read more about Best Disposable Vapes.
How Much Do Disposable Vapes Cost?
Disposable vapes cost USD 2.95 – 10.55. The price depends mainly on the brand and the quality of ingredients of the disposable vape. The more expensive disposable vapes have more puffs, for example EB Design BC5000 Disposable Vape has 5000 Puffs and the average price is 13 USD. Elf Bar (growing trend setter) is usually priced between 5 – 8 USD.
What are the Environmental Impacts of Disposable Vapes?
The environmental impacts of disposable vape are bad. Disposable vapes produce huge amounts of e-waste. The lithium batteries used in disposable vapes are a fire hazard. In a July 2017 report by the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) it was stated that between 2009 and 2016, there were 195 fire incidents involving e-cigarettes. Due to the growth in the popularity of disposable vapes the number of fires started by them is only on the rise. Incorrect disposal of disposable vapes leads to plastic chemicals and toxic electronic waste leaking into the environment. The ecological footprint of disposable vapes is massive. 150 million disposable vapes are thrown away each year in the USA. You can say that the amount of lithium in those batteries is enough to power 600 Teslas.
How do Disposable Vapes Compare to Traditional Cigarettes?
Disposable vapes can be compared to traditional cigarettes through different categories. Firstly, disposable vapes do not contain any smoke or tobacco while traditional cigarettes do. Secondly, one average (600 puffs) disposable vape is equal to 20 cigarettes. Thirdly, disposable vapes contain e-waste that traditional cigarettes do not. Fourthly disposable vapes can be used in places where traditional cigarettes are not allowed due to their smoke free presence. Fifthly, disposable vapes have a better scent than traditional cigarettes. Sixthly, disposable vapes come in all kinds of interesting flavors and different strengths while the flavored cigarettes are getting banned. Seventhly, disposable vapes have a lot of different designs that you can choose from while traditional cigarettes come in one design. Eighthly, disposable vapes cause a lot more nicotine poisonings than traditional cigarettes.
How to Use Disposable Vapes?
For learning how to use disposable vapes you must follow these steps:
- Remove the disposable vape from the packaging.
- Remove the plastic security parts from the disposable vape.
- If necessary attach the mouthpiece (Elf Bar T600)
- Puff (breathe) slowly in air from the mouthpiece to activate the device
- Enjoy the nicotine “high”
- Repeat the activity (for about 10 – 20 times)
- Make sure you do not too it too long- risk for nic sick (nicotine poisoning)
- Put the device in a safe spot (no crumbles) away from the sun (room temperature).
- Make sure that the device is out of reach for children (nicotine is extremely poisonous to small children)
- When your device has run out of battery or e-liquid, dispose of the device in a designated trash bin (e-waste).
How Does Disposable Vapes Attract Teenagers?
Disposable vapes attract teenagers due to their fun flavors, attractive scent and interesting designs. You need to be older than 21, in the USA, to use disposable nicotine vapes. The same restrictions apply to disposable vapes as to tobacco products. Disposable vapes cause addiction and nic sick (nicotine poisoning). Due to no presence of unpleasant smoke or burnt tobacco disposable nicotine vapes are highly addictive and you can easily get nic sick (nicotine poisoning).
Do Disposable Vapes Have Batteries?
Yes, disposable vapes have batteries. But it is not possible to change those batteries to reuse the vape. Disposable vape is safe but it is not safe to change batteries of a disposable vape. Disposable vape is meant for one-time usage. The time length of usage of the disposable vape depends on the battery and e-liquid content size. The battery life span is shown on the disposable vape package as how many puff vape offers.
Are Disposable Vapes Safe to Use?
Yes, disposable vapes are safe to use. But when the disposable vapes have not been stored properly or the package is damaged then you should not use them. Vaping without nicotine is also safe. The main thing to remember is that vapes need to be stored properly: away from sunlight and at room temperature. Disposable vapes should always be kept out of reach for children since they are hazardous for kids.
Do disposable Vapes make large clouds?
No, disposable vapes do not make large clouds. High vegetable glycerin content and a coil with greater strength (wattage) is needed to produce large clouds. Disposable vapes usually do not have them. Disposable vape puff is like a small puff of smoke as opposed to a large cloud.
