Throat irritation, often described as a burning or scratchy sensation, is common, especially for people new to vaping. This harsh feeling differs from the desired “throat hit,” which is a slight sensation many users seek to mimic traditional smoking. When the experience becomes painful or causes coughing, it signals that an adjustment is needed in your equipment, liquid, or technique. Achieving a consistently smooth and comfortable vapor requires a systematic approach to several factors.
Modifying Inhalation Technique
The physical method used to draw vapor significantly impacts the resulting sensation in your throat. Vaping primarily involves two distinct techniques: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL). Using the wrong technique for your device can cause discomfort. MTL vaping involves drawing vapor into the mouth first, holding it briefly, and then inhaling it into the lungs, closely resembling the draw from a cigarette.
Conversely, the DTL technique involves a continuous, deep breath that pulls the vapor directly into the lungs, similar to breathing through a straw. DTL is associated with high-power devices and larger vapor production. This intensity can feel significantly harsher if the device or liquid is not optimized for it. If you experience irritation on a high-power device, ensure you are not attempting an MTL draw, which concentrates the hot vapor too intensely.
The pacing of your draw is another factor, as quick, sharp puffs can shock the sensitive tissues of the throat. Taking a slow, steady, and longer draw allows the heating element to vaporize the liquid more consistently and gives the vapor time to cool slightly. Fast draws can lead to a “dry hit” if the wick cannot re-saturate quickly enough, resulting in the inhalation of hot, dry air and burnt residue. Slowing your inhalation promotes smoother vaporization and a more comfortable experience.
Selecting the Right E-Liquid Components
The chemical composition of the liquid being vaporized is often the primary source of throat harshness. E-liquids are composed of two main ingredients: Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). The ratio between them determines the vapor’s feel. Propylene Glycol is a thin carrier fluid that transmits flavor effectively and is responsible for the majority of the “throat hit” sensation.
Higher concentrations of PG, such as a 50VG/50PG blend, will feel sharper and more irritating to many users. Vegetable Glycerin (VG) is a thicker, slightly sweet liquid that generates denser vapor clouds and offers a smoother sensation. To maximize smoothness, users should select liquids with a higher VG ratio, such as 70VG/30PG or 80VG/20PG. This reduces the amount of the harsher PG component.
Beyond the base liquids, the concentration and type of nicotine also affect harshness. Nicotine itself is an irritant, and lowering the milligram strength of your e-liquid can immediately reduce the severity of the throat sensation. High-strength liquids, particularly those over 12 mg/mL, are guaranteed to feel harsh, especially when used in high-wattage devices.
The form of nicotine used is equally important. Freebase nicotine, the traditional form, is known for its distinct, sharp throat hit. Nicotine salts, in contrast, are chemically modified to be significantly less alkaline. This allows for higher concentrations to be inhaled with a smoother, less irritating sensation. If you require high nicotine strength but desire maximum smoothness, switching to a nicotine salt formula is the most effective solution.
Fine-Tuning Your Device Settings
The settings on your vaping device control the heat applied to the e-liquid, which directly influences the temperature and concentration of the vapor. Using excessive wattage is a frequent cause of harshness and dry hits. When the wattage is set too high, the coil overheats the liquid too quickly, leading to hot, acrid vapor that burns the throat. Check the recommended wattage range printed on the side of your coil head and operate the device within the lower half of that range to ensure a cooler, more comfortable vapor.
Airflow management is a simple yet powerful adjustment for controlling vapor temperature. The airflow control ring, typically located at the base of the tank, regulates the amount of cool air mixed with the vapor. Opening the airflow wider dilutes the vapor concentration and introduces more ambient air to cool the heating element and the resulting aerosol. A more restricted airflow produces a warmer, more concentrated vapor that can feel harsher.
The resistance of the coil, measured in ohms, is linked to the power level and the resulting vapor quality. Low-resistance coils (sub-ohm), generally below 1.0 ohm, are designed for high-wattage use and DTL inhalation, producing large volumes of hot vapor. For a consistently smoother experience, especially when using the MTL technique, choosing a higher-resistance coil (1.0 ohm or above) will force the device to operate at lower, cooler power settings. This combination results in a gentler, less irritating vapor.