Vaping is a popular alternative to smoking, offering users a less harmful experience with a variety of flavors and nicotine strengths. However, for some people, vaping can cause a coughing fit, especially when they’re new to it or trying out a new device or e-liquid. The coughing is usually caused by irritation in the throat, which can happen due to the inhalation technique, the type of e-liquid, or even the device being used. If you want to enjoy your vape without the discomfort of coughing, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you vape smoothly and avoid the dreaded coughing fits.
1. Choose the Right E-Liquid Nicotine Strength
One of the most common reasons for coughing when vaping is the nicotine strength of your e-liquid. Higher nicotine levels, especially those found in nicotine salts, can be harsh on the throat, especially for beginners.
- Tip: If you’re new to vaping or sensitive to nicotine, start with an e-liquid that has a low nicotine strength (around 3mg to 6mg). For those transitioning from smoking, higher nicotine levels (12mg or more) might be more appropriate, but be mindful of how it affects your throat. If you experience discomfort, try lowering the nicotine strength.
Nicotine salts provide a smoother hit compared to traditional freebase nicotine, making them a good choice for those prone to coughing. However, if you find they’re too harsh, look for e-liquids with a higher PG (propylene glycol) ratio as they can cause more throat irritation.
2. Understand the Vaping Technique: Mouth-to-Lung vs. Direct-Lung
There are two main inhalation techniques when vaping: mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL).
- Mouth-to-lung (MTL): This technique is similar to smoking a traditional cigarette. You take a puff, hold it in your mouth, and then inhale into your lungs. MTL is less intense and usually smoother for beginners because the vapor is not directly inhaled into the lungs.
- Direct-to-lung (DTL): This technique involves inhaling the vapor directly into your lungs, which is more common with sub-ohm devices that produce larger clouds. DTL can sometimes be harsher, especially if you’re not accustomed to it.
- Tip: If you’re prone to coughing, try mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, as it is gentler and allows your lungs to adjust to the vapor more gradually.
3. Take Smaller, Controlled Puffs
When you’re new to vaping, it’s tempting to take large hits, but this can overwhelm your throat and lungs, leading to coughing. Taking big puffs often leads to irritation because the vapor can be too thick, especially if you’re using a device that produces large clouds.
- Tip: Start with smaller, more controlled puffs to avoid overwhelming your throat. Take a slow inhale, hold the vapor in your mouth for a moment, and then inhale it into your lungs gently. This technique gives your lungs time to adjust to the vapor, reducing irritation.
4. Adjust Your Device’s Wattage or Voltage
If you’re using a variable wattage or voltage vape device, high settings can cause the e-liquid to vaporize too quickly, leading to a harsh, burning sensation and possible coughing.
- Tip: Experiment with lower wattages or voltage settings to find the right balance. This can make the vapor less intense and more comfortable to inhale. If you’re using a sub-ohm tank, try lowering the wattage to prevent the e-liquid from burning, which can contribute to harsh hits.
5. Hydrate to Avoid Throat Irritation
Dehydration can exacerbate throat irritation and make vaping uncomfortable. Vapor itself can dry out your throat, especially with higher levels of PG in the e-liquid. Dehydration, combined with the drying effects of vaping, can cause your throat to feel scratchy, leading to coughing.
- Tip: Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a bottle of water nearby when you’re vaping, especially if you’re using a device with a high PG ratio in the e-liquid. This will help keep your throat moist and more resistant to irritation.
6. Avoid Vaping Too Fast or Too Much
Vaping is meant to be enjoyed in moderation, and taking too many puffs in quick succession can irritate your throat, especially if you’re using a high-nicotine e-liquid or a device that produces a lot of vapor.
- Tip: Give yourself time between puffs. If you’re new to vaping, try to take one puff and wait a few moments before taking another. This will help your body adjust to the vapor without overwhelming your throat or lungs.
7. Check the PG/VG Ratio in Your E-Liquid
The PG (propylene glycol) and VG (vegetable glycerin) ratio of your e-liquid plays a significant role in how smooth or harsh the vapor feels. PG is thinner and provides a throat hit similar to smoking, while VG is thicker and produces smoother vapor with more vapor clouds.
- Tip: If you’re prone to coughing, try e-liquids with a higher VG ratio (such as 70% VG and 30% PG) for smoother vapor that’s less likely to irritate your throat. Conversely, a higher PG ratio might be more suitable for mouth-to-lung vaping but could cause more throat irritation for some users.
8. Clean Your Vape Device Regularly
A dirty vape device can also contribute to a harsh experience. Over time, residue from e-liquids can build up in the coil and the tank, leading to a burnt taste, reduced airflow, and a harsher throat hit.
- Tip: Regularly clean your vape device, especially the tank and mouthpiece, to ensure that no leftover e-liquid residue or gunk is causing irritation. Clean coils, tanks, and the mouthpiece thoroughly for a smoother experience.
9. Choose the Right E-Liquid Flavor
Certain e-liquid flavors, especially citrus, menthol, or spicy ones, can be harsh on the throat and increase the likelihood of coughing.
- Tip: If you find certain flavors irritate your throat, try switching to sweeter or creamier flavors, such as vanilla, custard, or fruit blends, which tend to be smoother on the throat. Avoid overly strong flavors that may cause throat discomfort.
10. Take Breaks from Vaping
If you’re still experiencing coughing despite following these tips, it may be a sign that your body needs a break. Constantly vaping without allowing your body to adjust can lead to throat sensitivity and irritation.
- Tip: Take occasional breaks from vaping to let your throat recover, especially if you’ve been vaping for an extended period. This can help prevent excessive irritation and give your body time to adjust.
Conclusion
Coughing while vaping can be a common issue, but it’s usually preventable with the right techniques and adjustments. By choosing the right e-liquid strength, adjusting your device settings, and following proper vaping techniques, you can enjoy a smooth, comfortable experience without the irritation. Remember to listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to take breaks or adjust your vaping habits for optimal comfort. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to inhale a vape without coughing and enjoy all the benefits that vaping has to offer.