Tasting vape juice on your lips is a common experience, especially for new users or those using certain devices. This occurrence, while not ideal, is normal. The sensation is typically a burst of warm, concentrated flavor, often accompanied by a popping or gurgling sound. This phenomenon is known primarily as “spitback” or is caused by condensation within the device’s airway, signaling that liquid that should have been vaporized has traveled up the mouthpiece.
Why Vape Juice Ends Up on Your Lips
The primary mechanism for e-liquid reaching the mouth is called spitback, which occurs when the coil becomes oversaturated. The heating element cannot vaporize this excess liquid fast enough, causing it to boil rapidly instead of turning into smooth vapor. This rapid boiling creates bubbles that burst, sending tiny, hot droplets of concentrated e-liquid upward through the chimney and out of the mouthpiece.
Another frequent cause is condensation, where warm vapor cools down as it travels through the mouthpiece or chimney. This cooling causes the vapor to revert back into its liquid state, collecting as droplets inside the airway. When a user inhales, this collected liquid is pulled out of the mouthpiece and onto the lips or into the mouth.
Condensation accumulation is common in devices that have been sitting unused or those with long, narrow mouthpieces. These designs provide more surface area for the vapor to cool against. Some small amount of vapor will always condense before it is inhaled.
Identifying the Specific Problem and Fixing It
Troubleshooting requires examining both user technique and device condition. Drawing too hard or too quickly can overwhelm the coil’s wicking material, pulling unvaporized liquid into the heating chamber and causing spitback. Taking a slower, steadier puff allows the coil sufficient time to heat and fully vaporize the liquid.
Device maintenance is a major factor, starting with verifying device settings. Vaping at a wattage lower than the coil’s recommended range results in poor vaporization, leaving excess liquid to pool and eventually spit. Increasing the power setting slightly, while staying within the suggested limits, ensures the liquid is heated quickly enough to vaporize completely.
The condition of the coil plays a significant role, as old or worn wicks lose their ability to absorb e-liquid efficiently, leading to oversaturation. Regularly replacing the coil, typically after one to two weeks of use, prevents this degradation and maintains proper wicking action. Cleaning the device’s chimney and mouthpiece with a cotton swab also removes accumulated condensation before it can be inhaled.
Adjusting E-Liquid and Filling
Overfilling the tank or pod can force liquid into the center airflow path, which is easily drawn up the mouthpiece during inhalation. Leave a small air gap when refilling to prevent this liquid displacement. Using e-liquid with a high Propylene Glycol (PG) content can also contribute to spitback. Thinner PG liquids saturate the coil more quickly than thicker, higher Vegetable Glycerin (VG) liquids.
Is Tasting Vape Juice Unsafe?
The minute amount of e-liquid involved in the sensation of spitback is generally not considered harmful to an adult. E-liquid components include propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin, which are common food additives, along with flavorings and optional nicotine. Swallowing a small droplet may cause an unpleasant, intense flavor due to the concentration but is unlikely to cause severe effects.
The main safety concern is nicotine content, which can be toxic in large doses. However, the amount encountered from lip contact is negligible. While nicotine is absorbed through the mucous membranes of the mouth, the tiny volume in a single spitback event does not pose a risk of acute poisoning for an adult user.
While accidental ingestion of small droplets is generally safe, e-liquid is highly concentrated and should never be consumed intentionally. It is important to store all vape products, especially bottled e-liquid, securely away from children and pets. Ingesting a large volume, such as a full bottle, can lead to severe nicotine poisoning and requires immediate medical attention. If spitback is a frequent problem, cleaning the device and adjusting the vaping technique should be prioritized to reduce contact.