Coughing is a common, often frustrating experience for people new to vaping. The sensation of inhaling vapor can feel harsh and unfamiliar, frequently triggering a cough reflex. Vaping is primarily a method for delivering nicotine or flavor, and achieving a smooth experience requires adjustments to both inhalation technique and equipment setup. This information provides actionable steps to help achieve a comfortable, cough-free experience.
Why Vaping Causes Irritation
The primary reason vapor triggers a cough is that it is a denser, thicker aerosol compared to traditional cigarette smoke. This difference in physical composition and the temperature of the vapor can shock the airways. New users often inhale too quickly or forcefully, sending a concentrated stream of vapor that overwhelms the throat and lungs.
A major chemical irritant is Propylene Glycol (PG), one of the main ingredients in e-liquid, which is responsible for carrying flavor and creating a throat-hit sensation that mimics smoking. PG is hygroscopic, meaning it draws moisture from the surrounding environment, which can lead to a dry, scratchy throat and subsequent coughing, especially if a user is dehydrated.
The harshness of the inhaled vapor is also influenced by nicotine content. High concentrations of freebase nicotine are naturally more alkaline and provide a stronger, peppery throat hit that is more likely to irritate the respiratory system. Furthermore, a “dry hit” from a burnt or unsaturated coil produces an extremely hot, acrid vapor that causes immediate irritation.
Mastering Inhalation Technique
The key to preventing a cough lies in adopting a technique that matches your device and nicotine level. The two main styles are Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL); confusing them often leads to discomfort. New vapers should typically begin with the gentler MTL style, as it closely resembles the draw from a cigarette.
For the Mouth-to-Lung technique, draw the vapor slowly into your mouth as if sipping through a straw, letting it pool there briefly. After holding the vapor, inhale it down into your lungs, followed by a smooth exhale. This two-step process allows the vapor to cool and reduces the concentration that hits the lungs.
The Direct-to-Lung technique is more suitable for lower nicotine levels and higher-powered devices. It requires a single, deep, and smooth breath taken straight into the lungs, similar to taking a deep breath of air. Attempting a fast, forceful pull with DTL can send an overwhelming rush of vapor to the lungs, triggering an immediate cough.
The pace of the draw is critical for a smooth experience. Taking slow, gentle, and steady puffs prevents the device from overheating and avoids pulling unvaporized liquid onto the coil, which can lead to sputtering and harshness. It is also beneficial to allow a clear breath between puffs to avoid overwhelming the chest.
Adjusting Hardware and E-Liquid Components
Modifying your equipment and e-liquid composition is a highly effective way to engineer a smoother inhale. Ensure your device’s wattage setting is appropriate for the installed coil. Coils have a recommended wattage range printed on the packaging or the coil itself, and operating above this limit will overheat the e-liquid, resulting in a hot, harsh vapor. Staying within the manufacturer’s specified range prevents burning and reduces the likelihood of a heat-related cough.
Airflow management plays a significant role in moderating the vapor’s intensity. By increasing the airflow setting on your device, you dilute the vapor with ambient air, making the resulting inhale cooler and less concentrated. This adjustment reduces the harshness and throat hit, which is especially helpful when using a higher-powered setting or a new e-liquid.
For the liquid itself, adjusting the Propylene Glycol (PG) to Vegetable Glycerin (VG) ratio can dramatically reduce irritation. Vegetable Glycerin is notably smoother than PG and produces a softer, denser vapor that is easier on the throat. Switching to an e-liquid with a higher VG concentration (70% VG or higher) is recommended for users experiencing persistent throat dryness or irritation.
Finally, the type and strength of nicotine can be a major factor in vapor harshness. If you are using freebase nicotine, reducing the strength will lessen the intense throat hit. Alternatively, switching to nicotine salts provides a smoother experience, even at higher concentrations, because the formulation uses an organic acid that lowers the alkalinity of the nicotine.