Can anyone explain?

[Othercat]

My hubby and I tried E-cigs a few months ago, but quit because we didn't like the one we got. My Grandma has been using one for 2 months and loves it (and hasn't smoked since). In August I'll be moving to South Dakota where a carton of cigarettes is like $80 (right now we only pay around $30 in North Carolina). I refuse to pay that so I'm going to have to quit. I figure the e-cigarette is the best way, but I don't understand the process. Can you tell me if I'm getting this right and answer a few questions? From what I read, they work kind of like the patch or gum, using a step down system. You still get nicotine, but is it the same amount as a cigarette? Do you smoke it like a cigarette (take a puff every 30 seconds for about 7 minutes) or is 1 or 2 puffs good enough? How do you know when to step down to the next lower level?

I'm sorry for all the question. I've been reading reviews and articles for hours and they all have conflicting information.

 

[Jaybo272]

Not really intended as a quit method rather a healthier, cheaper less stinky, better tasting alternative.
It is to replace smoking.

 

[mwa102464]

You don't take in as much Nic as a cigarette but you do have to be careful of your Nic intake, there is a lot to read about this subject. there is a specific thread I suggest you read called " Are we getting it " try putting that in your search box up top in the right corner and just search and read more about "Nicotine" and juice to educate yourself further on this subject. Ya you take a vape just like a cigarette, how many and how long you do it for is up to you and your personal style that meets your needs.

You will know when it is time to step down, it depends on how much you smoked as to where you should start out on your MG level, I would suggest a small amount of 30mg liquid, a bottle of 24mg, a small bottle of 18mg and a small bottle of 16 to start in order to get a good justification of what you will need for your self, then you can buy some more of that mg level and will also have some to step down to and test out different levels.

As for something to start out with, just a suggestion = Ego 1000mAh Kit and some Boge 2 ohm cartos, or even some dual coil cartos, this will give you a decent vape and put out a nice vapor for you and will also give you a nice flavor with your liquids. Do a little bit of research, Libertyflights dot com has an inexpensive price tag on some of there Ego/Riva kits and would probably be a nice place for you to start out. Read read and read here on the forum, do not just take one persons advice even though I gave you a good starting point there is much to try and learn here.

It is the easiest way to get off the cigarettes in my opinion, it is also a healthier alternative, the step down system in MG's does work, some people are able to quit quickly some take longer, some like myself very much enjoy vaping and don't look to necessarily quit.

 

[hairball]

You still get nicotine, but is it the same amount as a cigarette?

Not the same as a cigarette. In a cig, your lungs absorb the nic more because the tar sticks it to you. With an ecig, you actually get most on the nic absorption through your mouth. It takes some trial and errors to find the right mg juice to curve your cravings. I suggest getting some juice between 18-24mg to start with and different flavors.

Do you smoke it like a cigarette (take a puff every 30 seconds for about 7 minutes) or is 1 or 2 puffs good enough?

Mine is glued to my lips but I was a heavy smoker. I vape 18mg right now. I'm sure I would cut back if I went to 24mg but it's more a hand to mouth addiction for me. I'm sure others will tell you what they do and how they do it.

How do you know when to step down to the next lower level?

Listen to your body. If you start at 24mg and it's okay but then one day you start getting headaches, dizzy spells, upset stomach...these are good indications to back down. If you step down slowly, you won't notice much withdrawal from the nic.

One other thing I want to mention is to drink plenty of water. Vaping dehydrates you and will slowly creep it's way up without warning. It also helps to flush out all the other gunk in your system from smoking.

 

[demon72]

Another thing that might be easier for you mentally is to think of it as switching instead of quitting.... kinda mindbend yourself so you dont make yourself crazy... I smoked around two packs a day and quit about three weeks ago damn near cold turkey.... it didnt even matter that I didnt have a cigarette.

 

[tmcase]

I would suggest a small amount of 30mg liquid, a bottle of 24mg, a small bottle of 18mg and a small bottle of 16 to start in order to get a good justification of what you will need for your self, then you can buy some more of that mg level and will also have some to step down to and test out different levels.

This is good advice. I would just like to add that it would be a good test if you use the same flavor at the various nic levels. That way the flavor won't interfere with your nic test.

 

[Othercat]

I smoke less than a pack a day. Between my hubby and I, we smoke a carton a week, so I don't think I would need the strongest one.

As far as quitting vs switching, I actually don't have a problem with quitting. I quit cold turkey for a year after delivering each of my four kids and had absolutely no withdrawal symptoms. If I have a good enough reason (like breast feeding), it's easy. The problem is that I love smoking and don't want to quit. I love the taste, the smell, the feeling, the...everything! I love that it gives me something to do with my hands when I'm nervous and I love that it's a way to pass 7 minutes when I'm bored. That's why I want to try the e-cigarette. I'm hoping it will give me the same enjoyment for a lesser price. I had no idea it could be used long term and am very happy to hear it!

Also (quick question): I tried the patch a couple years ago (it was the hospital's way of letting me smoke) but I was allergic to it and my reaction added 2 days to my hospital stay. Does this increase my chances of being allergic to the e-cigarette?

 

[tmcase]

Mine is glued to my lips but I was a heavy smoker.

Oh Hairball, you did it again! 3rd belly laugh of the day.

 

[hairball]

Oh Hairball, you did it again! 3rd belly laugh of the day.

I keep trying to get someone to spot weld for me so I don't have to hold it anymore....LOL.

tmcase made a good point about the flavors. Get the same flavor in a few different nic levels so you can test them.

Good luck to you and we hope you'll come back with a "victory" report.

 

[wv2win]

I smoke less than a pack a day. Between my hubby and I, we smoke a carton a week, so I don't think I would need the strongest one.

As far as quitting vs switching, I actually don't have a problem with quitting. I quit cold turkey for a year after delivering each of my four kids and had absolutely no withdrawal symptoms. If I have a good enough reason (like breast feeding), it's easy. The problem is that I love smoking and don't want to quit. I love the taste, the smell, the feeling, the...everything! I love that it gives me something to do with my hands when I'm nervous and I love that it's a way to pass 7 minutes when I'm bored. That's why I want to try the e-cigarette. I'm hoping it will give me the same enjoyment for a lesser price. I had no idea it could be used long term and am very happy to hear it!

Also (quick question): I tried the patch a couple years ago (it was the hospital's way of letting me smoke) but I was allergic to it and my reaction added 2 days to my hospital stay. Does this increase my chances of being allergic to the e-cigarette?

Some people (small percentage) find that they are allergic to either the PG or VG in the liquid. PG liquid is by far the larger percentage sold. You can also find that you have an allergic reaction to flavorings in certain liquids, but again a small percentage. Most people have some "allergic type" reactions to quitting smoking due to the 4000+ chemicals in cigarettes that you are no longer consumering - mouth sores, etc. For the vast majority, vaping works well with few negative reactions.

The advice given to get a "beginners" better battery model such as the eGo or RIVA or the E-Power (madvapes) was good advice. And make sure to only get MANUAL batteries NOT auto batteries. And the advice to get nic strengths of 24, 18, 16 was also good, in the same flavor so you can experiment. Most need the higher nic strengths at first to make the transition. I started at 36mg, went to 24mg (for over a year) and now mostly vape 18mg.

Good Luck

 

[swedishfish]

I smoke less than a pack a day. Between my hubby and I, we smoke a carton a week, so I don't think I would need the strongest one.

As far as quitting vs switching, I actually don't have a problem with quitting. I quit cold turkey for a year after delivering each of my four kids and had absolutely no withdrawal symptoms. If I have a good enough reason (like breast feeding), it's easy. The problem is that I love smoking and don't want to quit. I love the taste, the smell, the feeling, the...everything! I love that it gives me something to do with my hands when I'm nervous and I love that it's a way to pass 7 minutes when I'm bored. That's why I want to try the e-cigarette. I'm hoping it will give me the same enjoyment for a lesser price. I had no idea it could be used long term and am very happy to hear it!

Also (quick question): I tried the patch a couple years ago (it was the hospital's way of letting me smoke) but I was allergic to it and my reaction added 2 days to my hospital stay. Does this increase my chances of being allergic to the e-cigarette?

It's the adhesive.

There really isn't anything that's in the juice that isn't in cigarettes except 4000 chemicals. And you aren't allergic to them.
I can't see myself giving up vaping in the near future and I'm completely happy vaping 24 mg nicotine. I don't vape a huge amount and it keeps me off cigs.

Everyone has different goals. No need to fear nicotine or the juice.

 

[Gristle]

I smoke less than a pack a day. Between my hubby and I, we smoke a carton a week, so I don't think I would need the strongest one.

I'd think you'd be better off using a slightly lower Nic. level to start. Maybe in the 11-16 mg/ml range. Depends on what youre current brand of cigarrette is.

...The problem is that I love smoking and don't want to quit. I love the taste, the smell, the feeling, the...everything! I love that it gives me something to do with my hands when I'm nervous and I love that it's a way to pass 7 minutes when I'm bored. That's why I want to try the e-cigarette. I'm hoping it will give me the same enjoyment for a lesser price. I had no idea it could be used long term and am very happy to hear it!

Same here. Found after vaping for a while, that I really DON'T like the smell of burning tobacco so much.

Something else to consider is using a PV is very "fiddly". By that I mean there is a lot more stuff to do, batteries, cartos, drip tips, bottles of juice, charging batteries, keeping things clean, etc. Some people compare it to pipe smoking. For me I'm fine with all the fiddly stuff, for others, it's too much, not a simple as a pack of smokes and a lighter.

 

[Meddog]

I am allergic to the patch also. I got blisters everywhere I put it. I had no intention of quitting. Loved smoking, loved the smell, feel etc. I used a cig to transition from one work project to another. As in, OK, done with that, have a cig, and then move on to the next thing that needs to get done. Now, I pass by smokers in the parking lot and nearly get sick from the smell. Its amazing. I had no idea... really.
The best advice I can give you is to realize that this is highly personal, and everyone likes something different. Some people love their devices that are big with buttons and whatnot. I'm perfectly happy with a slim automatic volt that isn't fiddly, works exactly how I want it to. I would never go back, is all I can tell you.

 

[Puffadder]

The truth is different things work best for different people. I get a little tired of hearing you must get brand x to start (usually Ego/Riva) and make sure to avoid automatic batteries or don't use this. I mean for every comment to use atty's and not cartos you will get a comment saying just the opposite.

For ex: I smoked 1 - 1.5 ppd of lights for the past 25 years. 4 weeks ago tomorrow I bought a Smoke51 Trio system at a mall kiosk (Definitely an example of paying too much for a system btw). I'm still using it today and haven't touched an analog since even though my fiance is a heavy smoker. I also started with 11 mg carts and a bottle of low (later found out was 8 mg and not 11 or 12 mg as some other lows are). I've been OK with the 11 or 12 but the 8 mg is definitely a little too low as I am anxiously awaiting the mail to bring me some new juice.

Try as many different systems as you can without spending a ton of money. If possible see if your grandmother has a backup system you can try out. Go to the mall or a local smoke shop to see if they have demo units to try. Even if they won't let you actually vape one you should at least be able to pick something up to see how it feels in your hand. Look at a system that matches what you a looking for in the experience. From the sound of your 2nd post you might want to start with something closer in look and feel to an analog than the Ego/Riva model. In that case a 510 or KR808-D1 system might be best for you to start with. The main advantage to either of those is the flexibility they offer in how you use them as well as suppliers. Get a cheap basic kit to start as well as a couple of different delivery systems(attys, cartos, a drip tip) to see which you like the best

The number 1 thing to remember though is that there isn't a system out there that will exactly replicate the experience of smoking. If the first thing you try isn't working than figure out what it is specifically about the experience that is unappealing to you. Once you know that than you will be able to get more consistent advice on where to go next. Best of luck!

 

[symphynity]

Sounds kinda confusing , dont it?

510's,808's,901's etc etc !

Then we have Attys , Cartos , drip tips ...........

Basically , you need a battery unit , something to hold the liquid , and something to vaporise it .
You could go crazy trying to sort out the various models. As you are not a heavy smoker , I dont think you need a huge battery unit , or a 3ml tank !

Vaping is a whole new world , similar to smoking , but Oh soooo much better.

You are still getting the Nicotine hit ( so no cravings).
You still have the Hand to Mouth thing happening ( old habits die hard)
The vapour is so much better tasting ( and you get a choice of 300+ flavours).
Your brain "sees" smoke go in , smoke go out ( Its not as smart as it thinks it is ) .

So overall , you are still doing what you have been doing for all those years............ Except....
Inhaling all those Alkaloids , Carcinogens , Esthers , Ketones and God alone knows what!!

First thing , RELAX!! You have made the first big step , in deciding to quit/cut down.
E Cigs are arguably the most effective way to do either !
You dont have to quit after your first vape ( although many do ).
You can wean yourself off the stinkarettes at your own pace .
Its a much quicker process than you might think.
You have over 10,000 support people here , all eagerly waiting to give you good advice ( even though some of it may seem conflicting ! lol).

I went from 80 a day ( no , thats not a typo , EIGHTY) to ZERO in 7 days. I didnt even want to quit , just cut down.

If I can , you can.

All the best to you !!!

 

[swedishfish]

The truth is different things work best for different people. I get a little tired of hearing you must get brand x to start (usually Ego/Riva) and make sure to avoid automatic batteries or don't use this. I mean for every comment to use atty's and not cartos you will get a comment saying just the opposite.

For ex: I smoked 1 - 1.5 ppd of lights for the past 25 years. 4 weeks ago tomorrow I bought a Smoke51 Trio system at a mall kiosk (Definitely an example of paying too much for a system btw). I'm still using it today and haven't touched an analog since even though my fiance is a heavy smoker. I also started with 11 mg carts and a bottle of low (later found out was 8 mg and not 11 or 12 mg as some other lows are). I've been OK with the 11 or 12 but the 8 mg is definitely a little too low as I am anxiously awaiting the mail to bring me some new juice.

Try as many different systems as you can without spending a ton of money. If possible see if your grandmother has a backup system you can try out. Go to the mall or a local smoke shop to see if they have demo units to try. Even if they won't let you actually vape one you should at least be able to pick something up to see how it feels in your hand. Look at a system that matches what you a looking for in the experience. From the sound of your 2nd post you might want to start with something closer in look and feel to an analog than the Ego/Riva model. In that case a 510 or KR808-D1 system might be best for you to start with. The main advantage to either of those is the flexibility they offer in how you use them as well as suppliers. Get a cheap basic kit to start as well as a couple of different delivery systems(attys, cartos, a drip tip) to see which you like the best

The number 1 thing to remember though is that there isn't a system out there that will exactly replicate the experience of smoking. If the first thing you try isn't working than figure out what it is specifically about the experience that is unappealing to you. Once you know that than you will be able to get more consistent advice on where to go next. Best of luck!

Have you ever tried an ego? You seem pretty critical of it I'm wondering what you didn't like about it.

People don't recommend the ego because they have stock in the company or anything. Many recommend it because they started with something small and eventually got one. They're trying to save people the unnecessary expense of doing what they did.

If you have a large, disposable income, I agree. Buy a bunch of kits and see what you like. My mom got three kits in 3 weeks. But if you're on a budget and you're a long time smoker it's a good kit to get. It's easy to use and it's a good system to get you off cigarettes. It's inexpensive, batteries last a long time (8+ hours) and they last longer before they need to be replaced. A 180-mah battery gets charged a lot more than a 750 mah or 900 mah battery. You go through batteries pretty quickly.

I think people are just trying to help others make an economical decision when they first start because a lot of people say they're on a budget. If they aren't, heck buy two of everything.

BTW here's a poll

http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...hink-you-needed-pv-looked-like-cigarette.html

 

[allmac]

Ditto on what symphynity said!!

So far as when to drop nic levels, when and how many puffs... It's just like cigs. You'll know when it's time to have a vape and you'll know if you've over-done it. Likewise, you'll know if what you're vaping is a little too strong.

There's lots of good reviews and advice on this forum about various devices. I hope you find a system that works for you and your hubby. Best of luck to you both!

 

[Iffy]

Going to e-cigs is much like switching brands, except vaping;

has thousands of flavors
doesn't burn holes in clothing and upholstery
allows nicotine level control
decreases 'poisons' in your body vs. cigs
doesn't make you smell like Pepe Le Pew
on and on...

 

[demon72]

I smoke less than a pack a day. Between my hubby and I, we smoke a carton a week, so I don't think I would need the strongest one.

As far as quitting vs switching, I actually don't have a problem with quitting. I quit cold turkey for a year after delivering each of my four kids and had absolutely no withdrawal symptoms. If I have a good enough reason (like breast feeding), it's easy. The problem is that I love smoking and don't want to quit. I love the taste, the smell, the feeling, the...everything! I love that it gives me something to do with my hands when I'm nervous and I love that it's a way to pass 7 minutes when I'm bored. That's why I want to try the e-cigarette. I'm hoping it will give me the same enjoyment for a lesser price. I had no idea it could be used long term and am very happy to hear it!

Also (quick question): I tried the patch a couple years ago (it was the hospital's way of letting me smoke) but I was allergic to it and my reaction added 2 days to my hospital stay. Does this increase my chances of being allergic to the e-cigarette?

I doubt it increases you chance... I did the patch years ago and wore one to bed (not recomended if I remember correctly) and had the wildest most vivid surreal dreams ever!.... its worth trying just for the experience!

 

[Rottwyler]

Sounds kinda confusing , dont it?

510's,808's,901's etc etc !


First thing , RELAX!! You have made the first big step , in deciding to quit/cut down.
E Cigs are arguably the most effective way to do either !
You dont have to quit after your first vape ( although many do ).
You can wean yourself off the stinkarettes at your own pace .
Its a much quicker process than you might think.
You have over 10,000 support people here , all eagerly waiting to give you good advice ( even though some of it may seem conflicting ! lol).

I went from 80 a day ( no , thats not a typo , EIGHTY) to ZERO in 7 days. I didnt even want to quit , just cut down.

If I can , you can.

All the best to you !!!

Yes...first thing is congrats on the decision to quit. Best to find a starter kit...there are plenty out there but I would recommend a reputable name...there are a bazillion flavors and flavor combination's (THATS what gets me) and you will find those you like. I'm still trying to find "The Flavor(s)" I like and have narrowed it down to 6 right now.

I can honestly say, for the 3 + weeks I havent smoked, I'm feeling better, not wheezing or coughing and getting my senses of taste and smell back. I'm not digging the smell of cigarettes anymore...so, good luck, you can do it...and there's plenty of help and support here from people that are way more knowledgeable than I.....AND they're all willing to help.

Peace!!

T