Not to be nosy, but, is this because of adverse reaction to PG or a flavor/vapor thing. I don't seem to have a problem, that I know of, with PG. I ask as it might help me in determining "my ratio". I am trying different ratios, but I prefer to use flavors because both PG & VG have different flavor transmission properties, or so I've read. I just tried a 60:40 and it had a soapy/oily taste/feel. Are there indications of to much of one or the other?
Thanks
You are not being nosy at all!
You just joined ECF, and I'm not sure how long you have been vaping, but it can take 2-3 months to really find what works for you, given all the variables. There is no black and white, best and worst here.
PG dries my mouth and throat out way too much. VG does not. If I ignore the drying out, PG will make mouth sores and other gastric problems. So its not a choice for me, I have to make VG work somehow, and I do this by thinning it with 10-20% distilled water, depending on if I am vaping flavored DIY or unflavored. Most flavors are a PG solution, so if I make a flavored juice I have to limit the flavor to 10% or less, otherwise there will be too much PG, and lips get chapped, drinking water does not help the dryness, etc. Others that can tolerate more PG might make a 20% flavored juice. Some thin VG with pure grain alcohol or vodka. This really opens up the flavors and nic, but it dries me out too much.
When new vapers ask what PG:VG ratio they should use, there will always be those that jump up and say 70:30 is best, or 60:40, or add some PGA. But the right answer is try a ratio, as in try it for a few days, and see what it does for you. No black and white here. If you find PG does not bother you, then more power to ya! It is pretty safe, in general, especially if it does not cause any of the above mentioned symptoms. Lots of inhalant drugs have PG, but then people don't inhale those like a freight train on fire, either.
Flavors are another story. An interesting story, but a very complicated one. Most flavorings are solutions of several different compounds, most of which are not studied for inhalation issues to the extent we inhale them. Safe for eaten food, but not known much about for breathing a lot in. The majority are fine, no problems reported. Some flavors, like hot cinnamon will cause skin burns in pure form. But when someone reports mouth sores or throat closing or lung ache from cinnamon juices, there will always be someone that says it doesn't bother them at all, so it must be the VG! Or try the hot cinnamon from vapor-bludgeoned.com, I vape it all day long! The right answer for the one reporting problems is DON'T VAPE CINNAMON! But people can get irrationally attached to the flavors of their juices, and rationalize serious issues. These particular problems are pretty rare, however...that we know of.
If a DIY with a particular flavor makes me cough or throat tickle, I don't use that flavor again. If it dries me out, same thing. 1000s of flavors out there, try another one. I cannot vape a juice that has Capellas Milk Chocolate Toffee flavoring. Gives me something like smoker's cough. Tried several times, down to 2% in a juice, same issue. Capellas French Toast is so yummy, but it has too much cinnamon in it for me, and over time will cause major problems...not right away, but over time if I vape it a lot. Most flavor issues are not immediate, but develop over time. Some flavors taste really great at first, but they get cloying or unpleasant over time. Or give a headache (anything peach will do that to me).
I have bought 100s flavorings over the years. The vast majority do not cause problems, but I only really enjoy a few regularly. Most just get annoying after a while, a few cause problems, others I vape all the time. My too favorites right now are Capellas Cappuccino and FlavorArt Tiramisu. But at work, I don't want my office to smell like a bakery. Don't believe the hype that vaping flavored juices has little smell. They smell, and some really strongly. They smell good, in general, but its not appropriate for all work situations. So I vape unflavored at work, and really enjoy it. Its light, and I like the faint taste of nicotine (some unflavored nics are better than others though).
When I get some flavors in, I make a 3 mL test bottle of each at 10% and around 12 mg nic. The one that I go through the fastest is the one that will get scaled up, and I have a pretty good idea as to whether I can tolerate the flavoring. If I make 10 test flavors, generally 1 or 2 will make the cut, the rest not so much...most from the taste, not physical problems.
Long winded, but you asked about important things. Hope this helps. Vape on!!
