Back at it again, but this time...

[greebo414]

Everything is new and improved!

I tried vaping a few years ago, but didn't stick with it after burning out a few atomizers from constant dripping and getting that awful metallic taste. But now... These new devices... I can make giant clouds appear in front of my face while tasting chai-cinnamon-watermellon! So...yeah... "F you, analogs"! I have a good feeling that the last pack of smokes I bought will be the last pack I buy...

By chance are there any singers in the forum that can attest to any improved vocal performance after switching to e-cigs?
I'm curious to see if there's any more icing to this delicious cake...

 

[sonicdsl]

Welcome Back to ECF!

I hope you find your visits here informative and fun We have a huge community here that can be incredibly helpful in your journey. Feel free to ask any questions, as I'm sure there will be many with an answer for you

Please see the links in my signature below for New Member information, as we
Again, welcome to ECF

Sonic

 

[candik]

Hello and Welcome! Vaping does help with the vocals! First off,,, smoking can damage the vocal folds which of course, lowers your range and can cause a "rasp" to your voice. Smoking also reduces your lung capacity so you lose out on sustain, pitch and volume. Vaping on the other hand, can cause dehydration which can also cause problems so you might find you need to hydrate more to keep the pipes golden. You probably already know it, but... drinking alcoholic beverages can reduce your vocal abilities (swelling and distortion to the folds!) so beer and whiskey don't count as hydration choices at gigs! (Booze is as bad as smoking! I know, it's sad right? But remember alcohol has a diuretic effect as the body tries to eliminate it.) Some people report a slight sore or irritated throat when making the change to vaping. It is a temporary thing but if you find that an issue, you might want to pick up a product like Singers Saving Grace. (Try a health store for that if your local music store doesn't carry it.) Honey also helps. I would recommend honey from a local apiary because if you have seasonal allergies, regular usage of local honey helps with that also. But the best part is if you don't have to go outside to smoke/vape or fuss with your equipment, you can spend your set breaks networking or working your fans!

I am a non classical Mezzo Soprano and although I still had full use of my range, I could feel the strain. Since I changed to vaping, the "strain" is gone, the notes are clearer, sustain is much longer and stronger. It's definitely had a positive effect!

 

[dash]

Funny you should mention singing.
I came home the other day with a smile as big as can be. I was in the car and listening to the radio.For the first time in years I can sing! I didn't run out of air or sound like my voice was gravel. I was so tickled to be able to belt out a song at the top of my lungs! I'm not saying I can sing well but I sure can sing loud!

 

[Katya]

Welcome back greebo.

Your voice will go through many changes after you quit smoking; it will probably get worse before it gets better, but many people report increased lung capacity and range and more stamina. And the raspiness--if you have any now--should also go away. Just remember to drink plenty of water--vaping is very dehydrating.

Good luck!

 

[greebo414]

Yeah... I knew my love of finely crafted beer and bourbon wasn't the best for my voice... Guess I should deal with my disdain for water and drink more of the stuff...

 

[GaryInTexas]

Couldn't sing before or after vaping but I can holler at the dog louder now.

 

[candik]

Yeah... I knew my love of finely crafted beer and bourbon wasn't the best for my voice... Guess I should deal with my disdain for water and drink more of the stuff...

Right? It's a sad sad state of affairs but there is always time to decompress and have a drink or two when the gig is over, the equipment is taken care of and all the work is done. However,,,, if it's just one or two drinks (beer or single shots!) before, it probably doesn't make enough of a difference that the bar crowd is going to notice your golden pipes went from 24 to 18 karat... Just saying!

You could always add flavorings to your water, lemon or lime, just don't do the sparkling stuff, it increases phlegm formation in the throat... Think of it as a small price to pay for fame and fortune!

 

[greebo414]

...just don't do the sparkling stuff, it increases phlegm formation in the throat... Think of it as a small price to pay for fame and fortune!

I'm wondering when the bit about what Katya said will happen... I hear it gets nasty for a while after you quit smoking... And I've been at it for 20+ years

 

[candik]

Everyone is unique, so a person's physical response is going to be unique as well.

I smoked for much longer than 20 years. I had, at one time, quit for over 9 years, but started up again and when I stopped I was smoking about 1/2 pad give or take of full flavored menthol. Except for the first two days as my body adjusted from smoke to vape, I haven't experienced any decline. Now on those first two days, I did have a slight hoarse voice. Not a sore throat, but a burr to the voice. It was more noticeable when I talked rather than sang but I could hear it. It didn't last and went away when I increased my water intake. Part of that was also learning to vape without inhaling like I used to with the smoking. The vape hit my throat a little different and made me feel like I had just had a nebulizer treatment at first.

I would suggest if you notice your vocals degrading, drink more water! It definitely helps. Ice water will feel a bit more soothing. I drank lots of water to begin with (approx 3/4 gal daily) but now I drink over 1 gal. Your body does adjust and once you've been doing it for a few days, trips to the bathroom will calm down a little. If you need to, use a lozenge. But most of all, remember, it's a temporary thing and you'll be better than ever in no time!

 

[Katya]

I'm wondering when the bit about what Katya said will happen... I hear it gets nasty for a while after you quit smoking... And I've been at it for 20+ years

Nobody can predict how bad it will get--some people feel improvement right away, many struggle for a while with cough, increased phlegm production, dryness of mouth and throat... Everyone is different.

Biotene is a great product and has helped me tremendously; it's not cheap, but it works:

Dry Mouth Symptom Relief Products | Biotene