Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol, but the depth of that inhalation is largely a matter of technique and device setup. Many people prefer a shallower draw, often seeking a gentler sensation or a closer parallel to traditional cigarette use. Controlling how deeply you inhale is achievable by understanding the mechanics of different vaping styles and configuring your equipment to support that preference.
Understanding the Two Primary Vaping Styles
The depth of inhalation is primarily determined by which of the two fundamental vaping styles is employed: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL). The DTL method leads to the deep inhalation that many users wish to avoid.
DTL vaping involves drawing the vapor directly into the lungs in one continuous, deep breath, similar to using a snorkel or taking a deep breath of air. This technique is associated with high-power devices, low-resistance coils, and the production of large vapor clouds. Because the vapor is pulled straight into the lungs, the volume of inhaled aerosol is significantly greater.
The preferred method for shallow inhalation is Mouth-to-Lung, which is a two-step process that closely mimics the action of smoking a cigarette. With MTL, the vapor is first drawn into the mouth and held briefly before a second, smaller inhale brings it into the lungs. This two-stage process limits the amount of vapor reaching the lungs and results in a shallower, more restricted draw. MTL devices typically have a tighter airflow, which physically prevents a deep, quick breath.
Practical Steps for Mouth-to-Lung Vaping
Mastering the Mouth-to-Lung technique is the direct way to achieve a shallower inhalation. The process requires a slow, deliberate draw that contrasts sharply with the deep, quick pull of the DTL style. The first step involves drawing the vapor into the mouth cavity gently, almost like sipping a drink through a narrow straw.
This initial draw should last for several seconds, filling the mouth with vapor without letting it pass into the throat or lungs. After removing the device from the lips, the vapor is held in the mouth for a moment, often called the “mouth hit.” This pause allows the vapor to cool slightly and concentrates the flavor before the final step.
The second part of the process is the inhalation, which should be very shallow and gentle. Instead of taking a deep breath, the user opens the mouth slightly and inhales a small volume of air, drawing the vapor from the mouth into the lungs. This movement is a small, controlled breath, not a full lung capacity draw.
A key to this technique is keeping the movement relaxed and avoiding the urge to pull hard, which can trigger a reflexive cough or a deep lung inhale. The resulting exhalation will produce a smaller, less dense cloud of vapor compared to DTL vaping.
Device and E-Liquid Choices that Support Shallow Inhalation
Technique alone is often insufficient if the vaping hardware is designed for deep inhalation. The ideal setup for shallow inhalation involves specific characteristics related to airflow, coil resistance, and e-liquid composition. Choosing a device with restricted airflow is paramount, as this physical limitation encourages the slower, gentler draw required for the MTL technique.
Devices like pod systems or vape pens are designed with this tighter draw in mind, making them more suitable than large, high-wattage box mods. The coil resistance within the device is also a major factor, with coils measuring 1.0 ohm or higher being preferred for MTL use. These higher-resistance coils operate most efficiently at a lower wattage, between 10 and 20 watts.
This lower power output produces less vapor, which makes a deep inhalation less necessary and less comfortable. Using an e-liquid with a higher nicotine concentration, especially nicotine salts, also discourages deep inhalation. Nicotine salts are absorbed quickly and provide a satisfying sensation even with a small volume of vapor, which removes the incentive to take a deep lung hit to achieve satisfaction.
High-strength nicotine salts deliver a potent sensation that can feel harsh if inhaled deeply, serving as a natural deterrent against DTL vaping. The combination of restricted airflow, higher-resistance coils, and appropriate e-liquid strength reinforces the comfortable, shallow Mouth-to-Lung draw.