How to Vape, Inhale and Exhale,Techniques, Tips, and Common Mistakes

A vape, also known as an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette), is a device designed to heat e-liquid (vape juice) into an aerosol, which users then inhale. The vapour produced generally contains a mix of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavourings, and optional substances like nicotine or cannabis derivatives such as THC or CBD. Vapes come in various forms, including e-cigs, vape pens, dab pens, pod-mods, mods, and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS).

For beginners, the mouth-to-lung (MTL) technique mimics the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. It involves drawing the vapour into your mouth first and then inhaling it into your lungs. More advanced users often prefer the direct-to-lung (DTL) technique, which involves inhaling the vapour directly into the lungs for a stronger hit and more intense flavour. There’s also the restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL) style, which provides a balance between MTL and DTL.

Exhalation techniques play a significant role in the overall vaping experience. From a smooth mouth exhale to a dramatic nose exhale or even combining both, how you release the vapour can enhance flavour and allow you to experiment with vape tricks. The following sections will guide you through the best inhalation, exhalation, and trick techniques to maximise your vaping enjoyment.

How To Inhale A Vape For the First Time?

Inhaling a vape for the first time requires a different approach than smoking a traditional cigarette. Unlike tobacco products that burn and deliver smoke quickly, vaping involves heating e-liquid into vapour, which behaves differently when drawn into the lungs. If not done correctly, a first-time user may experience coughing, throat irritation, or an unsatisfying hit, which can leave the wrong impression. Many first-time users make the mistake of inhaling too sharply, expecting an immediate hit. Instead, slow inhaling is key. A gentle, measured draw allows the coil to heat the e-liquid evenly and produce vapour that doesn’t overwhelm the throat or chest.

First, choose a beginner-friendly vape, ideally a low-wattage pod system or disposable vape, and opt for a moderate nicotine strength. Devices that use nicotine salts in the 10mg–12mg range often offer a more comfortable and efficient experience for new users. Once the device is ready, the inhalation method must match its design. Most starter vapes are suited for mouth-to-lung (MTL) inhales. This involves drawing vapour into the mouth first, pausing briefly, then inhaling into the lungs. It mimics the act of smoking but delivers vapour more gently. Attempting a direct-to-lung (DTL) inhale on a small device or with high nicotine can be harsh and should be avoided by beginners.

A controlled, steady puff, lasting around 2 to 4 seconds, is ideal. Avoid inhaling too forcefully, and allow time between puffs to assess how your body responds. Exhale slowly and naturally. With proper pacing and the right setup, first-time inhalation can be smooth, effective, and far less intimidating than it may initially seem.

What Are The Different Vape Inhale Techniques?

Vape inhalation techniques affect flavour, vapour production, and throat hit. Three primary methods exist, each offering a unique experience.

• Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping provides a cigarette-like experience. This method suits beginners and former smokers.

• Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping delivers large vapour clouds and intense flavour. This technique works best for advanced users.

• Restricted direct-to-lung (RDTL) vaping balances MTL and DTL styles. This approach offers moderate vapour production and a controlled inhale.

What Is MTL (Mouth-To-Lung) Vaping?

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vaping is a style of inhalation that closely mimics how people smoke traditional cigarettes. The vapour is first drawn into the mouth, held briefly, and then inhaled into the lungs. This controlled, two-step method creates a satisfying throat hit and is known for producing less vapour, making it discreet and familiar, especially for new vapers and ex-smokers. Unlike direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, which involves a deep lung inhale like breathing through a straw, MTL offers a more measured, cigarette-like experience.

This vaping style is best suited for beginners, former smokers, and anyone who prefers a subtle and less intense vape session. The tight draw and stronger throat hit replicate the sensation of smoking, helping to ease the switch from cigarettes. MTL vaping also suits those using higher nicotine strengths or nicotine salts, as it allows for effective nicotine delivery without excessive cloud production.

The most reliable vape devices for MTL vaping include cigalikes, vape pens, pod vapes, and certain advanced mods. Cigalikes offer the closest feel to a cigarette, ideal for absolute beginners. Vape pens provide more battery life and a refillable option without overcomplicating things. Pod vapes hit the sweet spot between simplicity and performance, often coming with prefilled or refillable pods that suit MTL well. More experienced users might lean towards MTL-specific mods that allow for precise control over wattage and airflow, while still keeping that familiar tight draw.

As for e-liquids, MTL vaping works best with higher nicotine strengths, generally ranging from 6mg to 20mg. Nicotine salts are a popular choice, delivering a smooth yet potent hit without the harshness of freebase nicotine. The ideal e-liquid blend leans towards a higher PG (propylene glycol) content, either a 50/50 VG/PG balance or a 60/40 PG/VG ratio. This composition enhances flavour and provides a sharper throat hit while maintaining the thinner consistency needed for MTL coils. Classic flavours like tobacco and menthol are still firm favourites among ex-smokers, but there’s a solid range of fruity and dessert flavours available too.

Steps to Do MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) Vaping Correctly:

1. Take a slow, steady draw – Gently pull vapour into your mouth without inhaling into your lungs just yet. Think of it like sipping through a straw, not chugging.
   
   

2. Hold the vapour in your mouth – Pause for a second or two. This allows you to experience the flavour fully and prepares you for the next step.
   
   

3. Inhale into your lungs – Breathe in naturally to pull the vapour down into your lungs. There’s no need to force it, just let it flow with your breath.
   
   

4. Exhale smoothly – Let the vapour out at your own pace. The cloud will be smaller and more discreet compared to DTL vaping.

Done right, MTL vaping delivers a satisfying experience that’s flavour-rich, discreet, and nicotine-efficient, without drowning you in clouds or overwhelming your throat.

What Is DTL (Direct-To-Lung) Vaping?

DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping is a powerful inhalation method where vapour is drawn straight into the lungs, much like taking a deep breath through a wide straw. It delivers dense clouds, bold flavour, and a smoother inhale compared to MTL vaping. Because of its intensity and higher power demands, DTL vaping is generally preferred by seasoned vapers who want to maximise flavour and vapour without overwhelming throat hits. This technique is less about mimicking smoking and more about exploring the full sensory experience of vaping.

DTL vaping is best suited for experienced users who are already comfortable with advanced devices and want to step up their cloud game. Cloud chasers and flavour enthusiasts gravitate toward DTL setups for their open airflow, high vapour output, and ability to amplify complex flavour profiles. This style also works well for people using low-nicotine or nicotine-free e-liquids, as higher nicotine concentrations can be too harsh when inhaled directly into the lungs.

To get the most out of DTL vaping, you’ll need gear built for performance. Sub-ohm tanks are the go-to, using coils below 1.0 ohm to crank out massive clouds. Box mods offer the wattage control and battery life needed to support high-powered sessions. Squonk mods add convenience by letting you feed e-liquid to your coil without constant dripping, while rebuildable atomizers (RDAs and RTAs) give advanced users total control over coil builds and flavour output. All of these cater to the high airflow, high wattage demands that define DTL vaping.

The ideal e-liquid for DTL use features low nicotine, between 0mg and 6mg, to avoid harshness on the inhale. High VG (vegetable glycerin) blends are key here, usually at least 70/30 VG/PG, for smooth pulls and thick, fluffy clouds. 

Steps to Do DTL (Direct-to-Lung) Vaping Correctly:

1. Inhale deeply and directly into your lungs – Place your lips on the mouthpiece and take a steady, deep breath straight into your lungs, bypassing your mouth.

2. Avoid holding the vapour – DTL doesn’t require lingering in the mouth; keep the inhale continuous and smooth for full lung delivery.

3. Exhale slowly and steadily – Release the vapour with control to enjoy the density of the cloud and the full flavour on the exhale.

4. Adjust settings for comfort – Fine-tune your wattage and airflow to balance cloud size, warmth, and flavour without making the hit too harsh.

DTL vaping delivers a bold, full-lung experience that’s perfect for those chasing flavour intensity, vapour volume, and a more advanced, immersive session.

What is RDTL vaping?

RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung) vaping is a middle-ground inhalation style that blends elements of both MTL and DTL techniques. It offers a lightly restricted airflow, providing a direct-to-lung inhale with more control and less intensity than traditional DTL setups. This balanced draw produces moderate vapour, a smooth throat hit, and a comfortable inhale that avoids the extremes of tight MTL pulls or wide-open DTL clouds. It's a go-to choice for vapers who want a mellow yet satisfying experience without diving all the way into full-blown cloud chasing.

RDTL vaping is best suited for users transitioning from MTL who aren’t quite ready for the high wattage and open airflow of DTL devices. It's also ideal for those who want a smoother inhale than MTL offers, but still enjoy a defined throat hit and visible vapour. Whether you're slowly stepping up your vape game or just prefer a more relaxed direct-lung style, RDTL hits that sweet spot. It accommodates mid-strength nicotine levels (typically 3mg to 12mg), making it perfect for those not ready to go ultra-low or high-nic yet. With its moderate cloud output and smooth delivery, RDTL offers versatility without the overwhelm.

The best devices for RDTL vaping include pod systems with adjustable airflow, which let you tweak the restriction to your liking. Low-wattage sub-ohm tanks using coils in the 0.6 to 0.9-ohm range are also a great fit; they provide just enough power to boost flavour and cloud production without overdoing it. Some pod mods are specifically built for RDTL use, offering the perfect combo of airflow control and coil compatibility to keep things balanced and breezy.

When it comes to e-liquid, RDTL is refreshingly flexible. You can use freebase or nicotine salts in the 3mg to 12mg range, depending on your preference. It also handles both 50/50 and higher VG blends like 60/40 or even 70/30 without compromising performance. Whether you're into classic tobacco, icy menthols, sweet fruits or dessert flavours, RDTL setups deliver a solid flavour punch with a smooth finish.

Steps to Do RDTL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung) Vaping Correctly:

1. Inhale directly with light resistance – Breathe the vapour straight into your lungs, but don’t go full throttle. Let the slight restriction guide a slower, more controlled inhale.
   
   

2. Find your airflow sweet spot – Adjust your device’s airflow to sit comfortably between MTL tightness and DTL openness. Too tight and it’ll feel choked; too loose and it becomes DTL territory.
   
   

3. Exhale steadily – Let the vapour out slowly to enjoy the balanced cloud and flavour delivery without overwhelming your lungs or the room.
   
   

4. Dial in your wattage – Keep the power between 20W–35W for the best mix of vapour and flavour without scorching your coil or thinning out the hit.
   
   

5. Choose the right juice – Use a mid-strength nicotine e-liquid (3mg–12mg) with a VG/PG ratio that matches your coil’s needs. Thicker juices need more power, so match accordingly.

Below is a straight-to-the-point comparison table that summarises the differences between MTL, DTL, and RDTL vaping in a clean, digestible format:

How Long To Hold a Vape In Your Lungs?

Holding vapour in the lungs for 1-2 seconds ensures effective nicotine absorption. Prolonged holding does not increase the effect and may cause discomfort. A natural and steady exhale prevents throat irritation.

Coughing And Inhaling: Why Does Vaping Make You Cough?

Coughing occurs due to incorrect inhalation techniques, high nicotine strength, or excessive vapour production. Dry throat, sensitivity to propylene glycol (PG), and harsh throat hits contribute to irritation. Fast or deep inhales may trigger coughing, especially for beginners.

How To Inhale Vape Smoke Without Coughing?

A smooth inhale technique prevents coughing and irritation. A slow and controlled draw reduces throat harshness. Lower nicotine strength and a proper PG/VG ratio create a milder experience. Staying hydrated and adjusting airflow settings improve comfort.

How To Exhale Vape Through Your Nose?

Nose exhaling enhances flavour and provides a smoother sensation. Inhaling normally and gently pushing vapour out through the nostrils achieves this effect. A steady release prevents irritation and improves the experience.

What Are The Different Vape Tricks?

Vape tricks add excitement and visual appeal to the experience. Simple techniques allow beginners to develop skills, while advanced tricks require better control over vapour production.

Beginner Vape Tricks

1. The Ghost Inhale (Snap Inhale)

The Ghost Inhale creates an illusion where vapour briefly forms a small cloud before disappearing back into your mouth. The trick mimics a ghostly apparition, making it one of the most visually appealing yet easy tricks for beginners.

How to Do The Ghost Inhale?

1. Take a deep drag – Draw a good amount of vapour into your mouth but don’t inhale into your lungs.

2. Hold the vapour – Keep it in your mouth for a second to let it thicken.

3. Release gently – Push the vapour out slightly in a rounded cloud, using your tongue or lips.

4. Inhale quickly – Snap the vapour back in before it spreads away.

Pro Tips:

• Use a high-VG e-liquid for thicker vapour.

• Avoid blowing out too hard; let the vapour naturally drift out before inhaling.

• Practice in front of a mirror to perfect the timing.

2. The Dragon

The Dragon trick makes you look like a fire-breathing beast by exhaling vapour from both nostrils and the sides of your mouth at the same time. It’s a simple but dramatic trick that works best with dense vapour.

How to Do The Dragon?

1. Take a massive inhale – Hold the vapour in your mouth without inhaling it into your lungs.

2. Keep your lips closed in the centre – This prevents vapour from escaping the front.

3. Exhale forcefully – Push vapour out through both nostrils and the corners of your mouth simultaneously.

Pro Tips:

• The more vapour, the better the effect. Use a high-wattage device for thick clouds.

• Keep the middle of your lips tightly sealed to avoid vapour leaking.

• Try exhaling harder for a more dramatic look.

3. The Waterfall

The Waterfall trick creates a misty, fog-like effect that appears to flow down like water. This illusion works by cooling vapour inside a bottle, making it denser and heavier than the air around it.

How to Do The Waterfall?

1. Prepare a cold bottle – Place ice or freeze an empty bottle for a few minutes.

2. Take a long drag – Hold the vapour in your mouth without inhaling.

3. Exhale into the bottle – Slowly blow vapour inside and seal the top if needed.

4. Pour the vapour out – Tilt the bottle and watch the dense mist flow downward like a waterfall.

Pro Tips:

• The colder the bottle, the better the effect.

• Use higher-VG e-liquid for thicker vapour.

• Experiment with different container shapes for unique effects.

Intermediate Vape Tricks

4. Blowing O’s (Smoke Rings)

Blowing O’s is one of the most popular vape tricks, where you create floating rings of vapour that drift elegantly through the air. This trick is a staple for anyone looking to impress with their vaping skills.

How to Blow Rings Vape?

1. Take a deep drag – Hold the vapour in your throat, not your lungs.

2. Shape your mouth into an ‘O’ – Keep your lips round and slightly puckered.

3. Use a throat pulse – Lightly cough or use a quick, subtle movement from your throat to push the vapour out in short bursts.

4. Adjust your airflow – A slow, controlled exhale keeps the O-rings stable.

Pro Tips:

• Keep your tongue flat to avoid disturbing the ring’s shape.

• A slight jaw movement can help if you're struggling with the throat pulse.

• Try tapping the side of an O with your hand to change its direction.

5. The French Inhale (Irish Waterfall)

The French Inhale gives the illusion of vapour rising up from your mouth into your nose like an elegant waterfall. It’s one of the smoothest-looking tricks and pairs well with other effects.

How to Do The French Inhale?

1. Take a deep drag – Hold the vapour in your mouth, but don’t inhale it.

2. Slightly open your mouth – Let the vapour gently rise up.

3. Inhale through your nose – Breathe in slowly to pull the vapour upwards.

Pro Tips:

• Keep your tongue flat to guide the vapour.

• A slow exhale works best to prevent vapour from escaping too quickly.

• Works well when combined with The Ghost Inhale for a stylish sequence.

Advanced Vape Tricks

6. The Jellyfish (Atomic Bomb O’s)

The Jellyfish trick creates a floating "jellyfish" effect by blowing a small burst of vapour through a larger O-ring, causing it to swirl and expand in a hypnotic motion.

How to Do The Jellyfish?

1. Blow a large, slow-moving O-ring – The bigger and denser, the better.

2. Take another quick inhale – Get ready to exhale a second burst.

3. Exhale a small cloud through the center of the O – This second burst should push the O forward and create the jellyfish effect.

Pro Tips:

• Use a powerful vape mod with high-VG e-liquid for thick clouds.

• Blowing the second burst too forcefully will break the O instead of creating the effect.

7. The Tornado

The Tornado trick creates a spinning vortex of vapour that rises from a flat surface, resembling a mini-tornado.

How to Do The Tornado?

1. Take a deep inhale – Hold the vapour in your mouth.

2. Exhale onto a smooth surface – Blow out a thick cloud of vapour onto a table.

3. Chop and twist – Use your hand to chop down quickly on the vapour, then flick your wrist to create a spinning motion.

Pro Tips:

• Use a glass or smooth wooden surface for best results.

• The faster your wrist flick, the taller the tornado.

How To Vape Safely?

Vaping can be a safer alternative to smoking, but using it responsibly is important. A regulated device, proper battery handling, and controlled nicotine intake ensure a safe vaping experience. Staying hydrated prevents dry throat and irritation. Avoiding chain vaping reduces strain on the coil and e-liquid consumption. Follow these best practices for a safer experience:

• Use Trusted Brands – Cheap, unregulated e-liquids may contain harmful chemicals. Stick to reputable manufacturers with lab-tested ingredients.

• Avoid High Nicotine if You're Not Used to It – Excessive nicotine can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Start with a lower concentration if you are new to vaping.

• Use the Right Charger – Only use the manufacturer’s charger to prevent overheating and battery malfunctions.

• Avoid Overcharging – Unplug your vape when fully charged to prevent battery stress.

• Keep Batteries in a Case – Loose batteries can short-circuit in pockets or bags, leading to dangerous fires.

• Regularly Clean Your Tank and Coils – A dirty vape can collect harmful bacteria and reduce performance.

• Replace Coils Before They Burn – Inhaling burnt coil residue is unpleasant and potentially harmful.

• Monitor How Much You Vape – Nicotine overuse can cause jitteriness, dehydration, and nausea.

• Stay Hydrated – Vaping can cause dry mouth, so drink plenty of water.

• Keep Away from Children and Pets – Nicotine can be toxic if ingested. Always store e-liquids out of reach.

• Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Heat and sunlight can degrade e-liquid quality and cause leaking.

• Respect No-Vape Zones – Many public areas prohibit vaping, especially indoors.

• Be Considerate of Others – Not everyone appreciates second-hand Vapour, so be mindful of your surroundings.

The Best Way To Find the Right Style

Choosing the right vaping style depends on personal preference, nicotine needs, and the overall experience you want from vaping. Some people prefer a strong throat hit and higher nicotine levels, while others enjoy smoother draws and large Vapour clouds.

Start by identifying your smoking habits. If you're a light or social smoker, MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) vaping with a low-power device and higher nicotine e-liquid is a good choice. This method closely mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette. If you're a heavy smoker, nicotine salts or stronger e-liquids may be more effective in satisfying cravings quickly.

Understanding the two main vaping styles can help narrow down your options. MTL vaping is ideal for those who want a stronger throat hit, better flavour retention, and a cigarette-like experience. On the other hand, DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping is better for those who prefer larger clouds, smoother draws, and lower nicotine strength. This style is popular among vapers who enjoy intense flavours and big Vapour production.

Selecting the right device also plays a crucial role. Pod systems and vape pens are perfect for beginners and those looking for a simple, convenient experience with satisfying nicotine delivery. For those who enjoy customisation and cloud chasing, box mods and sub-ohm tanks offer more power and adjustable settings.

Experimenting with different e-liquid flavours can also help enhance your vaping experience. Tobacco and menthol flavours are great for smokers transitioning to vaping, as they closely resemble traditional cigarettes. If you're looking for more variety, fruity and dessert flavours provide a smoother, more enjoyable experience.

Finally, adjusting airflow and power settings can make a big difference in how your vape performs. A tighter airflow results in a stronger flavour and throat hit, making it ideal for MTL vaping. A more open airflow allows for bigger clouds and a smoother draw, which works best for DTL vaping. Finding the right combination of device, e-liquid, and airflow settings will help you tailor your vaping experience to match your preferences.

How To Choose A Vape Device?

Different types of vape devices suit different vaping styles. The first step in choosing a vape is identifying how you prefer to inhale. Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) vaping is similar to smoking and works best with high-nicotine or nicotine salt e-liquids. Direct-To-Lung (DTL) vaping produces large clouds and requires high-VG, low-nicotine e-liquids. Restricted Direct-To-Lung (RDTL) vaping is a mix of both, offering a balanced experience.

Each style requires a suitable device. MTL vapers can choose cigalikes, vape pens, pod kits, or MTL box mods. DTL vapers need high-power devices like sub-ohm kits, vape mods, and box mods. RDTL vapers can opt for adjustable pod kits, mid-wattage vape mods, or hybrid box mods. Matching the right device to your vaping style ensures the best performance.

E-liquid compatibility is another important factor. High-PG and nicotine salt e-liquids work best with MTL devices. High-VG e-liquids are ideal for DTL vaping. A 50/50 blend suits both MTL and RDTL devices. Choosing the right e-liquid improves flavour, throat hit, and vapour production.

Battery life and maintenance also affect the experience. Built-in batteries are convenient but have a limited lifespan. Removable batteries offer extended use. Some devices need regular coil changes and tank cleaning, while disposables require no upkeep.

The best vape device depends on vaping style, nicotine preference, and convenience. Understanding the types of vape devices helps in making an informed choice.

What Are The Best Vape Brands?

The UK vape market is home to a variety of reputable and trusted brands offering a wide selection of vape devices, ranging from beginner-friendly disposables to advanced sub-ohm mods. Some of the top vape brands are known for their innovative designs, high-quality build, and consistent performance, catering to every type of vaper. These brands dominate the market with their diverse range of vape kits, disposable vapes, and pod systems. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular vape brands in the UK and their standout products: