Vape spitting, often called “spitback,” occurs when a user draws hot droplets of unvaporized e-liquid into their mouth or onto their tongue during inhalation. This event is frequently accompanied by a distinctive popping sound. The primary concern for most users is whether this ejection of hot liquid poses any immediate danger to health. This article will explain the mechanics of spitback, examine the specific risks involved, and provide methods to prevent it.
Understanding Vape Spitback
Spitback occurs when the amount of e-liquid reaching the coil exceeds the rate at which the device can vaporize it. The mechanism is similar to water hitting a hot frying pan. When excess liquid floods the coil assembly, the heat causes it to boil rapidly instead of transforming smoothly into an aerosol. This intense boiling generates bubbles that burst and propel droplets of superheated liquid up through the mouthpiece.
A common cause is the coil’s wick becoming oversaturated, absorbing more liquid than the heat can handle. This flooding is often compounded by condensation, which is residue e-liquid that collects inside the chimney or mouthpiece during use. This condensate can then drip back down onto the saturated coil, contributing to the explosive boiling action.
Immediate Health Risks from Spitback
Immediate health concerns from spitback fall into two categories: physical harm from heat and chemical harm from ingesting the liquid. The liquid droplets are hot and can cause momentary discomfort localized to the tongue or mouth. However, due to the minuscule volume of the droplets and the cooling effect of saliva, these thermal injuries are minor. They typically result in superficial burns that resolve quickly.
A more significant concern is the ingestion of concentrated e-liquid, which contains nicotine. Nicotine is toxic in concentrated forms, and accidental ingestion of large amounts of e-liquid, such as swallowing a full bottle, can lead to severe poisoning. However, the amount of liquid ingested during a typical spitback event is extremely small—a few droplets at most. This rarely causes acute nicotine poisoning in adults. The primary carrier liquids, Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG), are common food additives and are recognized as safe for ingestion in small quantities. Despite the low risk of acute poisoning from spitback, symptoms of nicotine overexposure, such as nausea, dizziness, or vomiting, should be taken seriously.
Preventing Spitback
Users can minimize spitback by addressing coil flooding and condensation buildup.
Adjusting Power Settings
A fundamental step is ensuring the device is used within the manufacturer’s recommended wattage range. Using a wattage that is too low fails to vaporize the liquid quickly enough, leading to oversaturation and boiling. Slightly increasing the power setting often helps burn off excess liquid more efficiently.
Proper Technique and Maintenance
Proper coil priming is important; the wick should be fully saturated before use, but avoid over-priming the coil, which leads directly to flooding. A gentle, steady inhalation technique is recommended, as aggressive “sucking” can pull excessive liquid into the coil chamber. Regularly maintaining the device is also helpful. Use a paper towel or cotton swab to clear any condensation that has collected inside the mouthpiece and chimney, preventing liquid from dripping back down onto the coil.