Hi from new member...

[CronesCauldron]

I started vaping about a month ago. Enjoying the whole experience. Lots to learn and getting around to filling in the cracks of what I don't know yet a little more each day.

Safety is a number 1 priority for me. I'm vaping not because I'm leaving tobacco for a safer alternative, but because vaping is helping me to lose weight and ... I just enjoy it.

After being given a 'loner' pen by a friend to try out, I've opted for an e-pipe. I like the seemingly softer pull and cooler mist coming down through the longer mouthpiece... and it fits me. I'm a little old school mixed with a little strange and quirky.

Here's a question I've come on - I came down with a pretty bad cold. As a result of reading everything I can find on vaping juices that are kinder to congested lungs and stopped up heads, I've thought more about the safety issues surrounding my new habit.

I've decided to start mixing my own juice using aseptic technique, or as strict as I can manage outside a controlled environment, just for my own piece of mine. No problem there, I have experience in nursing and there are plenty of Youtube videos about how to accomplish that. At least, I don't think I'll have a problem. The materials haven't arrived yet but expecting them soon. I could update later about that.

Here's the question I'm researching -- What about this controversy about vaping 'oils'? Some are really opposed, saying it could be a danger that might threaten a form of oil-induced pneumonia. Some just say, do it, but in moderation and hope for the best.

Since there are oil-free flavorings, I'm opting for the safe choice, for now anyway, and going with that. Problem is, I can't seem to find camphor/eucalyptus-like flavors/tinctures that are oil-free. With the cold/congestion I'm still dealing with right now, I would like to mix something that might actually help. Any ideas?

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Welcome to ecf. Have you found the DIY forum yet?
DIY E-Liquid

To answer your question. NEVER use any type of oils to vape with. Not only is it ill advised to vape oils but also would probably ruin any type of coil/atomizer you tried to use. Use only water soluble flavorings for your mixes.

Pg(α-propylene glycol - chemical formula C3H8O2) is actually considered slightly therapeutic in that germs and virus just do not grow in them. Many who have vape exclusively report to having less colds and flu's than when they smoked.

I would just continue to vape as you normally do. And maybe set up some form of vaporizer in your home that use camphor/eucalyptus tinctures.

 

[CronesCauldron]

Thanks Sugar_and_Spice... Good idea

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Also if you can stand menthol, you could try a small amount of that. It is available in already mixed form or you can buy crystals from any ejuice vendor. I don't normally use menthol but that is about the closest I can find to your request.

 

[oplholik]

Welcome to ECF. I'm sure you will find, the help, and answers you need here.

 

[SteveS45]

Welcome @PJ Art and I hope you enjoy your stay!

US residents should sign the petition to get the Deeming Regulations thrown out! Feel free to share!

U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, President of the United States: Reject the FDA's Deeming of Vapor Products as Tobacco Products

 

[JCinFLA]

@PJ Art - You may want to try vaping an eliquid with a lower ratio of VG than what you've been vaping. It's not uncommon for some vapers to say they get a sort of "heavy" feeling in their lungs with higher VG amounts. That might be some congestion, like you've said you get from vaping. Might be worth a try at least.

I personally vape 60VG/40PG DIY eliquid and have no congestion nor heavy feeling in my lungs at all. Have used that ratio for 3 1/2 years, and at every doctor check-up he says my lungs sound clear, which they never did while smoking for 42+ years.

You might want to try varying ratios of PG/VG until you find one that works for you and your congestion problems. The same ratio doesn't work best for everyone.

 

[mongo74]

Welcom to ECF! Try something menthol or mint (particularly mint flavored eliquid as it's not as potent as menthol) and believe me, you'll notice a difference in your congestion. Also as JC mentioned, experiment til you find the perfect ratio. There's a bigger difference than it would seem between 70VG/30PG juices and 80VG/20PG. You mightprefer even less VG like 60% blends. VG really does affect some people more adversely than others (with a sort of heavy feeling) Don't be discouraged! Eventually, you'll be so glad you're away from those stinkies.

 

[BrotherBob]

I started vaping about a month ago. Enjoying the whole experience. Lots to learn and getting around to filling in the cracks of what I don't know yet a little more each day.
Safety is a number 1 priority for me. I'm vaping not because I'm leaving tobacco for a safer alternative, but because vaping is helping me to lose weight and ... I just enjoy it.
After being given a 'loner' pen by a friend to try out, I've opted for an e-pipe. I like the seemingly softer pull and cooler mist coming down through the longer mouthpiece... and it fits me. I'm a little old school mixed with a little strange and quirky.
Here's a question I've come on - I came down with a pretty bad cold. As a result of reading everything I can find on vaping juices that are kinder to congested lungs and stopped up heads, I've thought more about the safety issues surrounding my new habit.
I've decided to start mixing my own juice using aseptic technique, or as strict as I can manage outside a controlled environment, just for my own piece of mine. No problem there, I have experience in nursing and there are plenty of Youtube videos about how to accomplish that. At least, I don't think I'll have a problem. The materials haven't arrived yet but expecting them soon. I could update later about that.
Here's the question I'm researching -- What about this controversy about vaping 'oils'? Some are really opposed, saying it could be a danger that might threaten a form of oil-induced pneumonia. Some just say, do it, but in moderation and hope for the best.
Since there are oil-free flavorings, I'm opting for the safe choice, for now anyway, and going with that. Problem is, I can't seem to find camphor/eucalyptus-like flavors/tinctures that are oil-free. With the cold/congestion I'm still dealing with right now, I would like to mix something that might actually help. Any ideas?

Welcome and glad you joined. Oil....kind of.
Might like to read:
anyone know how to test for oil?
Health, Safety and Vaping
VapeWild Test Results
A list of symptoms when quitting tobacco and changing to an ecigarette

 

[SnapDragon NY]

Hi and Welcome- hope you feel better soon! I vape with menthol and mint eliquid and drinks lots of water when not feeling well!
I use ecigs to quit smoking cigs- hope they work for you in weight loss.

 

[CronesCauldron]

@PJ Art - You may want to try vaping an eliquid with a lower ratio of VG than what you've been vaping. It's not uncommon for some vapers to say they get a sort of "heavy" feeling in their lungs with higher VG amounts. That might be some congestion, like you've said you get from vaping. Might be worth a try at least.

I personally vape 60VG/40PG DIY eliquid and have no congestion nor heavy feeling in my lungs at all. Have used that ratio for 3 1/2 years, and at every doctor check-up he says my lungs sound clear, which they never did while smoking for 42+ years.

You might want to try varying ratios of PG/VG until you find one that works for you and your congestion problems. The same ratio doesn't work best for everyone.

Thanks for responding. I have determined that the congestion I'm experiencing is from a cold, not from my new favorite hobby . I will be trying new mixtures of PG to VG to Nic. I've decided to learn to mix my own. Looking forward to it. Have received most of my supplies and plan to start next week. Will probably be scanning this site for tips and tricks there.

 

[CronesCauldron]

Hi and Welcome- hope you feel better soon! I vape with menthol and mint eliquid and drinks lots of water when not feeling well!
I use ecigs to quit smoking cigs- hope they work for you in weight loss.

Thanks - Quick question: When replying should I remove the bracketed quote above?

 

[CronesCauldron]

Welcome and glad you joined. Oil....kind of.
Might like to read:
anyone know how to test for oil?
Health, Safety and Vaping
VapeWild Test Results
A list of symptoms when quitting tobacco and changing to an ecigarette

Thanks, I'll check out the topics you've listed above...

 

[CronesCauldron]

Welcom to ECF! Try something menthol or mint (particularly mint flavored eliquid as it's not as potent as menthol) and believe me, you'll notice a difference in your congestion. Also as JC mentioned, experiment til you find the perfect ratio. There's a bigger difference than it would seem between 70VG/30PG juices and 80VG/20PG. You mightprefer even less VG like 60% blends. VG really does affect some people more adversely than others (with a sort of heavy feeling) Don't be discouraged! Eventually, you'll be so glad you're away from those stinkies.

Thanks

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Thanks - Quick question: When replying should I remove the bracketed quote above?

The quotes let us know to whom you are responding to and makes it easier to follow along. If you don't want the quotes just use the reply box at the end of the page to respond or ask another question or whatever you want to post.