How Beginners Can Vape Properly
When people try vaping for the first time, they commonly ask questions like, “How do I get rid of that burnt taste?” “What inhalation method do I choose?” “How do I avoid issues when using my device?” Although the device may look straightforward, several core fundamentals need to be mastered. Core fundamentals need to be mastered, as there are several steps to be followed prior to inhalation that significantly affect smoothness and most importantly, safety.
If your goal is to try e-cigarettes for the first time, or to substitue e-cigarettes for traditional cigarettes, this will serve as your basic guide. It is crucial to start properly. You should be able to operate the device fully, safely, and confidently from the beginning.
Getting Started Guide
A Four-Step Approach for Vape Beginners
Step 1: Pre-moisten the atomizer coil
Specific approach:
1. Take the new atomizer coil, and put 3-5 drops of e-liquid onto the top wicking hole and the coil surface.
2. Once you put the atomizer coil in the device and fill the tank with e-liquid, let the tank sit for 5-10 minutes. (For e-liquids with a high viscosity, this time can be extended to 15 minutes). This is to ensure that the cotton wick is fully saturated.
Step 2: Revise How You Breathe In
New vapers will find it easier to adapt to vaping if they determine the best inhalation method. The right choice will avoid a coughing fit and increase the flavor. The wrong method will ruin the first vaping experience. Mainstream methods of inhalation can be classified into “mouth-to-lung (MTL)’ and “direct lung (DL).” These methods differ radically in operational logic and compatible devices. For this reason, it is essential that beginners understand the difference and make a choice that considers their own situation.
| Category | MTL | DL |
| How to Inhale | Just like smoking a regular cigarette. First, pull vapor into your mouth, hold it 1-2 seconds, then breathe it slowly into your lungs. | Breathe vapor straight from your mouth to lungs—no holding it in your mouth first. It’s like taking a deep breath of air. |
| Key Tips | Inhale nice and gentle, don’t rush. Turn your device’s airflow down (if it has a knob, set it to ~1/3 open). | Inhale a little fast with medium force. Crank the airflow up (knob to over 2/3 open). Make sure device power is right—usually 30W or higher. |
Step 3: Airflow and Flavor Adjustment
Airflow volume directly impacts “vapor production” and “flavor intensity”—lower airflow yields smoother vapor and richer flavor; higher airflow produces denser vapor and milder taste.
Tips for beginners: Start with “low airflow + low wattage” (airflow at 1/3 opening, 10-15W). After each adjustment, take 1-2 puffs to gauge the change, gradually finding your comfort zone.
Step 4：Post-use maintenance
| Immediate Cleaning | Before each refill, wipe away residual oil from the tank walls with a paper towel to prevent flavor contamination from mixing oils. |
| Short-Term Maintenance | After use, stand the device upright (to prevent oil leakage into the battery compartment) and turn off the power (if equipped with a switch). |
| Regular Inspection | Check the color of the cotton wick at the top of the atomizer weekly. If it appears noticeably charred, replace it promptly. |
Inhalation Techniques and Device Types
MTL vs. DL: Which Is More Suitable for Beginners?
| Comparison Criteria | MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) | DL (Direct-to-Lung) |
| Inhalation Feature | Draw into the mouth first, then inhale into the lungs | Inhale directly into the lungs |
| Airflow Requirement | Low airflow | High airflow |
| Power Requirement | Low power (10 – 20W) | Medium to high power (30W and above) |
| Vapor Production | Small and delicate | Large and dense |
| Flavor Intensity | High, with clear flavor | Low, with mild flavor |
| Suitable Users | Beginners, users in the smoking cessation transition period, those who prefer strong flavor | Advanced users, those who pursue vapor effects, those who prefer mild flavor |
Adjust the user experience
The “Golden Balance” of Airflow Adjustment
Flavor-Oriented Needs (Preference for Rich Taste):
Set airflow to 1/3 opening paired with 10-15W power — suitable for fresh flavors like fruit and mint.
Smoke-Oriented Needs (Preference for Heavy Vapor):
Set airflow to 2/3 or higher, paired with 25-35W power — ideal for creamy, dessert-style e-liquids.
“Pitfall Guide” for E-Liquid Soaking Time
Newly replaced coil:
Must rest for 5-15 minutes (longer for higher viscosity e-liquids). Gently shake the device 2-3 times to accelerate cotton wick absorption.
Refilling an empty tank:
If the coil remains unchanged, let it sit for 2-3 minutes after refilling (to prevent localized wick drying).
Correcting Usage Posture and Habits
Avoid tilting the device:
Prolonged angled use causes e-liquid to pool on one side of the coil, leading to “single-side dry burn.” Keep the device vertical or at a slight angle (≤30°).
Manage continuous usage:
Pause for 10-15 seconds after 3-4 puffs to allow the device to cool (especially during high-power use), preventing coil overheating that degrades flavor.
Common Risk Areas and Key Protection Measures
| Risk Type | Specific Symptoms | Protection Measures |
| Dry Burn Risk | Burnt taste when inhaling, sudden reduction in vapor, abnormal device overheating | Check e-liquid level before each use; pre-wet new coils thoroughly |
| Nicotine Overdose | Dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, numbness in hands and feet | Start with low-nicotine concentration; do not take more than 5 puffs in a single use |
| Device Short Circuit | No response when turned on, sudden battery overheating, burnt smell | Clean battery contacts regularly; do not use damaged batteries |
| E-Liquid Leakage | E-liquid leaking from the mouthpiece, oil stains in the battery compartment, leakage from the device bottom | Do not fill the tank too full (no more than 80%); store the device upright |
| E-Liquid Deterioration | Darkened color, sediment formation, sour taste | Store in a sealed container in a cool place; use up within 3 months after opening |
There is no “one trick works for everyone” when it comes to vaping. Adjusting the airflow and wattage settings can take time, so just do what feels best. Also, experiment with different e-liquids—fruity and creamy e-liquids can help you identify your preferences.
We hope this guide helps you with your first experiences with vapes. It should allow you to identify the safest and smoothest method of usage that works best for you.