Vaping involves inhaling vaporized liquid, which differs significantly from smoking a traditional cigarette. New users often wonder if the vapor should be held in the mouth or drawn directly into the lungs. Both methods are used, depending on the device and the desired experience. Vaporization devices are engineered to support two distinct ways of drawing the vapor, each catering to different preferences and hardware specifications.
Understanding Vaping Inhalation Methods
The choice between holding vapor in the mouth or inhaling it immediately defines the two primary inhalation techniques: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping. The selection is intrinsically linked to the design of the device and the type of e-liquid being used.
These two techniques create completely different sensations, affecting the texture of the vapor, the intensity of the flavor, and the strength of the “throat hit.” Understanding the core difference is the first step toward finding a comfortable and satisfying vaping experience.
Mouth-to-Lung Technique: How and Why
The Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) technique involves a two-step process that closely mimics the draw of a traditional cigarette. The user first draws the vapor slowly into the mouth, holds it briefly, and then fully draws it into the lungs before exhaling.
This method is often preferred by those transitioning from smoking because it reproduces the familiar, restricted draw and the subsequent sensation in the throat. MTL devices are designed with a tighter airflow and operate at lower wattages, producing a cooler vapor and a smaller, more discreet cloud. Higher nicotine concentrations, particularly nicotine salts, are most compatible with this technique, as the lower vapor volume prevents an overwhelming dose of nicotine.
Direct-to-Lung Technique: How and Why
The Direct-to-Lung (DTL) technique is a single, continuous inhalation that draws the vapor directly into the lungs, similar to taking a deep, uninhibited breath. This method bypasses the holding step in the mouth, delivering a large volume of vapor quickly and efficiently.
DTL vaping is associated with high-power devices, often referred to as sub-ohm kits, which utilize lower resistance coils to generate more heat and vapor. The primary appeal of this technique is the production of large, dense vapor clouds and a smoother inhale due to the open airflow. Because of the substantial volume of vapor inhaled, DTL vaping requires e-liquids with very low nicotine concentrations (typically 0mg to 6mg) to avoid an uncomfortable rush.
Factors Determining the Right Technique
The necessary inhalation technique is dictated by the hardware specifications of the device. Devices designed for Mouth-to-Lung use require coils with a higher electrical resistance (generally above 1.0 ohm), a narrow mouthpiece, and tight airflow. This configuration supports the slower, restricted draw that defines the MTL method.
Conversely, Direct-to-Lung devices are built with low-resistance coils (often below 0.6 ohms) and have wide-open airflow to accommodate the deep, airy inhale. Matching the e-liquid to the hardware is critical. High-strength nicotine salts must be used with low-power MTL setups. Using high-nicotine e-liquids in a high-power DTL device would result in a harsh and potentially overwhelming experience due to the massive volume of vapor produced.