New here, considering E-Cigs, advice sought please!

[zoiDman]

Hello all, my name is Heike, I'm 64, and I am considering E-Cigs. My sister (66) was diagnosed yesterday with stage 1 COPD, and I fear that I am next. My immediate goal is to mix E-cigs with real cigs, and reduce the real cigs I smoke by half. I could then decide if I want to go on.

A bit about me. I started smoking when I was 12, during school break, and when school resumed, I was a very committed smoker, a pack a day. I've smoked a pack a day since then, except for when I went through menopause, then it was a pack and a half a day. I smoke Marlboro reds 100's; I appreciate cigarettes that are long and strong. Most of my smoking is done when I'm doing nothing else, so I can fully enjoy my cigarette, as well as smoke the entire cigarette. I've never quit, never tried to quit, never wanted to quit, except for now, I at least want to reduce my smoking.

What E-Cigs would work best for me? Naturally, the feeling in the lungs is most important, but I would also hope for something that I would hold like my Marbs. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Heike

Hi Heike. Welcome to the ECF.

You'll get a Ton of Good Advise here. Because one of the Great Things about e-Cigarettes/e-Liquids is that there are Hundreds and Hundreds (and Hundreds) of choices and possible combinations. So there is a Perfect Set-up for You out there.

The Bad Thing though is when you are New to e-Cigarettes/e-Liquids is that are Hundreds and Hundreds of choices and possible combinations out there. So Finding the Perfect Set-up can involve some Trial n' Error.

It's Kinda like when you Stand in the wine aisle at the Supermarket. It's all wine, but which one you will Like Best is Hard to Say?

So one thing you can do to Narrow Down the suggestions you will receive here is to say a little about how you would like to use your e-Cigarette.

Things like,

I want Something Very Small that is Easy to Carry.
or...
Size Isn't all that that Important. I Want Something that will Last All Day on a Single Charge.
or...
I want something where I can take the Battery Out and put Fresh batteries into it.
or...
I Hate Fiddling with things. I want something as Simple as Possible.
or...
I love Tinkering with things. I want something that I can Try a Bunch of Different Settings and Atomizer Coil Possibilities.

You get the Idea.

My Only Hard n' Fast suggestion I would give you is No Matter what type of e-Cigarette you might decide on, make sure that it can do Variable Wattage (VW). VW gives you the Ability to adjust the Hit you get for a given Atomizer and or e-liquid.


You can Definitely cut down on your Smoking by using an e-Cigarette. I did. And you can even Quit Smoking with one. I Did also. Just don't get Discouraged if the 1st Set-Up you get Isn't as perfect as who you want it to be.

 

[r77r7r]

Hello all, my name is Heike, I'm 64, and I am considering E-Cigs. My sister (66) was diagnosed yesterday with stage 1 COPD, and I fear that I am next. My immediate goal is to mix E-cigs with real cigs, and reduce the real cigs I smoke by half. I could then decide if I want to go on.

A bit about me. I started smoking when I was 12, during school break, and when school resumed, I was a very committed smoker, a pack a day. I've smoked a pack a day since then, except for when I went through menopause, then it was a pack and a half a day. I smoke Marlboro reds 100's; I appreciate cigarettes that are long and strong. Most of my smoking is done when I'm doing nothing else, so I can fully enjoy my cigarette, as well as smoke the entire cigarette. I've never quit, never tried to quit, never wanted to quit, except for now, I at least want to reduce my smoking.

What E-Cigs would work best for me? Naturally, the feeling in the lungs is most important, but I would also hope for something that I would hold like my Marbs. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Heike

I started out thinking about reduction also and was astounded that I dropped to 3 cigs first few days. Many here did also. Gl

 

[Georgia Boy]

Hi Heike
Welcome aboard.

Do your research read Reviews, ask questions here and watch You Tube. There is nothing like seeing the product in action, what it really looks like and how it fits your preferences. Then you can come back here for final thoughts on products you really like.

imho that's a good way to start.

I gave up smoking after a lot of years, so you can do it and have chosen a great way to help and great place to start your journey. I would say good luck but you don't need luck you sound like you have all the determination in the world you came here after all!

Two final things:

YOU CAN DO IT
GOOD LUCK - I know i said I wasn't going to say it but an extra bit of it never hurts

 

[BrotherBob]

My immediate goal is to mix E-cigs with real cigs

Welcome and glad you joined.
You should do well, just note that part of vaping is all about you the vaper, being in control and the freedom to fix/tailor almost any aspect of vaping you feel you need to improve upon. The more you read and study, the more successful you will be.
Might like to read:
Do Electronic Cigarettes Taste Like Real Cigarettes? | E-Cigarette Reviews and Rankings
Farewell to nicotine I hope?
Vaping 2 years/still can't quit cigs
Still smoking support and chat thread

 

[Foggyroomz]

Hello all, my name is Heike, I'm 64, and I am considering E-Cigs. My sister (66) was diagnosed yesterday with stage 1 COPD, and I fear that I am next. My immediate goal is to mix E-cigs with real cigs, and reduce the real cigs I smoke by half. I could then decide if I want to go on.

A bit about me. I started smoking when I was 12, during school break, and when school resumed, I was a very committed smoker, a pack a day. I've smoked a pack a day since then, except for when I went through menopause, then it was a pack and a half a day. I smoke Marlboro reds 100's; I appreciate cigarettes that are long and strong. Most of my smoking is done when I'm doing nothing else, so I can fully enjoy my cigarette, as well as smoke the entire cigarette. I've never quit, never tried to quit, never wanted to quit, except for now, I at least want to reduce my smoking.

What E-Cigs would work best for me? Naturally, the feeling in the lungs is most important, but I would also hope for something that I would hold like my Marbs. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Heike

The devices they have today far exceed that which was available when I made the switch to vaping. I guess my question to you would be how do you smoke are you the tyoe that kind of lets the smoke roll around in your mouth before inhaling or do you straight inhale? This will determine the style of atomizer you will need to seek out. The other question I must ask is how committed are you to giving vaping a fair shot because investing in a quality device will render better results than something you can pick-up at the local gas station. I smoked for over 33 years and was up to 4 packs a day when I quit using a device that is no longer in production and is very antiquated technology compared to those being marketed today. I wanted to quit for my health so I stayed away from anything that tasted like tobacco or a cig. I used a Kanger Pro Tank II on a Innokin SVD my juices were 24mg strength to start with and all dessert flavors. I broke my tank 2 weeks into my quit which I put the cigs down completely no duel use for me and still had a half pack of cigs in the truck, it was the start of my work day 7PM so getting a new glass for my tank was 16 hours away. I lit a cig thinking I could go back to it and it made me choke gag, and then I vomitted it was the first time in my life that my 33 year beloved companion tasted so horrible that my stomach turned. I have been cig free 7 years Sept 23 this year.

I don't recommend duel use but everyone has their own agenda. I knew my health was declining and wanted to do something to lengthen my stay here so I literally spent 8 months researching the e-cig market and so forth because I didn't want to go from one harmful vice to another. I set a date bought a kit and have never looked back. I look at it this way why would I want to inhale burnt leaves when I can inhale something that tastes like Strawberry Rhubarb pie, a twinkie, oreo cookie, frootloops, or a Strawberry Gelato. Oh and wow does food take on a whole new meaning when your tastebuds are no longer muted by the tar and chemicals from the cigs. I didn't know that steak was supposedd to taste like that. Anyway go to a Vape Shop and look at some of the devices they have available in their shop and come back to the forum and youtube to see what reviews these devices have. You are ultimately making an investment in your future so one you don't want to pay way too much for a device and you don't want to purchase a device that won't satisfy your needs either.

 

[Jebbn]

Hello all, my name is Heike, I'm 64, and I am considering E-Cigs. My sister (66) was diagnosed yesterday with stage 1 COPD, and I fear that I am next. My immediate goal is to mix E-cigs with real cigs, and reduce the real cigs I smoke by half. I could then decide if I want to go on.

Hi, three people I know are dealing with COPD, they are now vaping and have either quit smoking or in the stages of quitting smoking. One after 3yrs has regained a lot of lost lung function, most of it, almost like he never had COPD.
Another has not smoked for 6weeks now and who's doctor now recommends vaping to some patients#after watching her transformation in health through vaping.
The third is still working their way slowly through the process but is down 6 cigs a day after 4months.
They are all using Innokin Kroma A/Zenith kits.

A bit about me. I started smoking when I was 12, during school break, and when school resumed, I was a very committed smoker, a pack a day. I've smoked a pack a day since then, except for when I went through menopause, then it was a pack and a half a day. I smoke Marlboro reds 100's; I appreciate cigarettes that are long and strong. Most of my smoking is done when I'm doing nothing else, so I can fully enjoy my cigarette, as well as smoke the entire cigarette. I've never quit, never tried to quit, never wanted to quit, except for now, I at least want to reduce my smoking.

I smoked 42yrs and like you it was very much about setting side other things to do nothing but sit back and enjoy a cigarette. I hated rushing a cigarette, it was my time.
It took me one month of vaping before I had my last cigarette.
I never set any goals with vaping, I just vaped and used it to delay having a cigarette. I wanted to quit tobacco for sure but I didnt put any pressure on myself, but I did vape a lot once I saw the decrease in the amount of cigarettes I smoked.
Then one night at about 10pm I realized I hadnt had a cigarette since 10am and it dawned on me that over the next couple of days I may actually smoke my last cigarette, and I did! the next day. That was 20months ago.

What E-Cigs would work best for me? Naturally, the feeling in the lungs is most important, but I would also hope for something that I would hold like my Marbs. Thanks in advance for any and all advice.

Heike

There arent many vapes that feel like a cigarette to hold but the air flow can be dialed in to feel like a cigarette.
I like the Innokin Zenith and Zlide kits for replicating the draw of my roll your own cigarettes but there are pods that other quitting smokers seem to do well with, I havnt used any so I cant comment on them.

Best of luck

 

[Beamslider]

Hi, Welcome, sorry to hear about your sister and hope she gets better.

Are you a heavy smoker? How much a day as that might impact what people would recommend to you.

I would not recommend staying with either but you could always try out JUUL or VUSE to get a feel for changing over. They are pretty easy to find everywhere and pack a nicotine satisfying punch. You would at least see what you are getting into.

 

[YorkMan]

I say grab one of the above ASAP, JUUL or VUSE, and get started! Vaping is so much more pleasant than smoking.

 

[HigherStateD]

Hi, Welcome, sorry to hear about your sister and hope she gets better.

Are you a heavy smoker? How much a day as that might impact what people would recommend to you.

I would not recommend staying with either but you could always try out JUUL or VUSE to get a feel for changing over. They are pretty easy to find everywhere and pack a nicotine satisfying punch. You would at least see what you are getting into.

There are 510 threaded kits that cost just about as much, and wouldn't clutter up a land fill as quickly. I started with an open pod myself, and have a drawer full of stuff to show for it.

 

[GOMuniEsq]

When you first begin vaping you can expect a few symptoms like coughing, dry mouth, or headaches. These pass. A lot of folks will tell you that you have a PG sensitivity, that your juice is too strong, or that your nic type is inappropriate. Try not to prematurely jump on the special snowflake bandwagon or you'll end up inconveniencing yourself. But do stay hydrated because vaping will dry you out a bit by nature.

 

[ajbr]

Welcome to the forum! You have taken the first step to rid yourself of the horrible cigarette habit. I was about the same age as you when I finally quit and I haven't smoked in over eight years. The first thing I would do is visit the "Vaping Success Stories" thread on this forum. My story "Never Too Old To Quit" is posted there as well as MANY other stories that will give you insight into what former smokers went through to make the transition to ecigarettes. You will see that many people were dual users who finally reach the point where they enjoy an ecig much more than a regular cigarette and are able to completely quit smoking. It took me a long while to reach that point, but when you do you will never look back! As far as advice about what device and approach to use I offer the following:
-Start with a high level of nicotine to reduce cravings. I started with 18mg and reduced to 12mg. I will not go any lower because I enjoy nicotine but may people have been able to reduce to 6mg,3mg or even 0mg.
-Start with a good quality SIMPLE device. I prefer Innokin and Aspire products but there are other good quality brands available. Get a kit with replaceable coils which provide the recommended wattage to use so you don't over or under power the coil. Innokin has a Platform Mod paired with a Zenith or Zlide tank which can be adjusted in .5 wattage increments. Aspire has an assortment of tanks that can be matched with their Nautilis coils which are also very good. If you go online you can find many videos of these products to help you get familiar with them.
-Now the hard part-finding a ejuice flavor you like. This can be difficult and a little overwhelming because of all the choices available. again you can go online and visit various supplier sites to see the many choices available. Many sellers offer sample packs with provide small bottles of juice to try. Do not get frustrated-you will find flavors that you prefer.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!!!!

 

[Freebs]

First, I want to send my best wishes to your sister & hopes for improvements & good health. Secondly, I'd like to recommend an open pod system like the Uwell Caliburn. It's much like the Juul, but has a refillable pod, so you'll have more flavor variety & save a ton of money buying nic salt rather than prefilled pods. Many open pod systems are easy to use in very similar ways & the nicotine level in nic salt helps with transitioning from smoking to vaping. Find a friendly vape store employee to show you a few & get a feel for what feels best in your hand. We (employees) love helping people find a device & flavors! It's all about helping you start your journey & finding what's going to work for you. Everyone is different & needs a personal experience. I hope that you find a great place to make your selection.

 

[vapdivrr]

Welcome my friend....I know pods are very popular now but most that start with them, upgrade shortly after, so I personally think you should start with something that's a step up and very reasonable in price. A nice small mod that you can adjust and a tank that you can fill and use any juice you want. If you buy a juul and dont like their flavors, your pretty much done , so using a tank where you can try any flavor is a huge plus. And these device options wont really cost you that much more and after a couple months it will actually be cheaper to run. The eleaf istick mods are inexpensive and hold up really well along with the pico mods. For a tank, it's hard to beat the consistency and track record of the nautilus tanks, they have helped many of folk quit smoking and the coils they use are very good....as for juice, you can try regular freebase 18mg to 24 or try the new salt juice at a higher concentration. One thing to remember is you will cough at first from vaping, most do and it takes a while to get use to it. What helped me was to inhale, but hold the vapor in my mouth for like 5 seconds, then inhale to lungs. This method seemed to dilute the vapor , which helped and after a while got use to it.....I like freebase nic personally and a great vendor that sells juice at various nic percentages is Heather's heavenly vapes. You can also order in various pg/vg ratios (50, 60, or 70vg is good with those coils) . Good luck

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[charlie1465]

Welcome to the friendly bunch

Well nothing to add here except every last one of the people here have been through that switch to vaping so you can do it too....oh by the way I second @Horselady154 advice....you'll always get good recommendations here as we're all about the e-cigs that work properly

Good luck and let us know how you go...

 

[YorkMan]

I agree with all of the above great information. If you like to fiddle with stuff get a pod or mod, something that you can refill. If you don’t, get a JUUL or similar device

The key to it all is get something and vape early and often!

 

[dsites]

I agree with all of the above great information. If you like to fiddle with stuff get a pod or mod, something that you can refill. If you don’t, get a JUUL or similar device

The key to it all is get something and vape early and often!

I agree .... Since you're going to experiment with a few mods anyway, it's probably best to jump right in. I'm perfectly happy with the T18ii I have but started with VUSE for a few weeks.

 

[Letitia]

Welcome to ECF @Heike
Please know that vaping will not replicate smoking your Marlboro's. What it does is provide the nic, hand to mouth, and inhale & exhale habit. I'm in the camp of getting a device that gives you the control to tweak your hit, pods and cigalikes will not do this. Internal battery kits are the easiest to start with, something like the Innokin Kroma / Zenith kit is ideal to learn on for example. I would suggest watching some youtube looking at form and function. Mike Vapes is a good channel to skim through. His reviews are short and he reviews a wide variety of gear. Jot down a few that peak your interest and come back here and learn about active usage of those products.

 

[KurtVD]

Try not to set goals. The key is to keep trying to find something else other than smoking

I agree, setting a goal might not be the best thing to do. If you find vaping is something you enjoy, once everything set up just right, it’s going to be easy to let go cigarettes. But there is a learning curve, there’s a few more things to consider than with cigarettes (devices, juices, type and strength of nicotine, inhalation style (DT or MTL))

 

[United States]

I have a coworker who traded cigarettes with a vuse vibe 2 years ago. He said he tried it so he wouldn't have to go outside to smoke and after a few weeks he stopped buying cigarettes. He still uses a vuse exclusively saying it checks all the right boxes for him.

The key in the beginning is finding something that is convenient. Tobacco stores and gas stations have cig-a-like devices that you can try to 'dip your toes in the water' like my coworker did. Be warned though that these cig-a-like devices can be harsh. A big ole long drag like from a cigarette will lead to a mad coughing spell and make new users say "phooey on this thing". My first one had me down to a few smokes a day after a couple of days. One or two drags from it and I was good to go for an hour or so. I did not want to smoke at all for a time. My coworker prefers a light drag from his vuse over a cigarette nowadays.

I use a Vladdin RE, which is very similar to the famous Juul, but allows me to choose which flavor and how much nicotine. Cost is far less than cigarettes in the long run and going in costed about as much as a carton did. I still smoke some but choose a vaper more often now that I found something that "smokes" like a cigarette while also feels natural for the hand to mouth habit.

 

[sorrynomore]

Hello and Welcome to ECF Heike...All I can add to the Great advice already given is to wish You all the Best on your vaping journey!
Sorry to read about your sister.