Hi all; I got my 2 egos friday and I'm not sure i like vaping. I got some cartomizers with strong tobacco flavor & the throat hit was bad. It made me cough and gave me a headache and made me dizzy. The ego kit also came with some fruity juice and while it wasn't as bad it still made me feel yucky. I blew out my atomizers, rinsed & dried them but everything tasted bad. I smoke a pack & a half of full strength Pall Malls. Maybe I'm allergic to PG..? My wife didn't like it much either. I've read where VG is smoother. Should I try it?
New user-bad experience
- Thread starter ronpozoromo
- Start date
- th_trl_thread_readers 0
- Status
If the amount of PG is high, then the throat hit is going to be stronger. High nicotine content can also affect the throat hit to a certain extent. VG will smooth things out, add a bit of sweetness and produce more vapor, but it can also mute flavors. You also have to take into consideration that vaping is a lot different from smoking and it takes some getting used to. Add to that the fact that your sense of smell and taste have been dulled by smoking and it takes time for them to recover after you quit.
Is there the possibility that you're allergic to PG? Sure. But there's no way that I can, or even would, suggest that might be the problem. Only a doctor can tell you for sure. I would suggest getting juice with less PG and make sure that the nicotine content isn't too high for you. In order for anyone here to offer better advice, we would need to know these things; How much PG is in your juice and what is the nicotine level?
Is there the possibility that you're allergic to PG? Sure. But there's no way that I can, or even would, suggest that might be the problem. Only a doctor can tell you for sure. I would suggest getting juice with less PG and make sure that the nicotine content isn't too high for you. In order for anyone here to offer better advice, we would need to know these things; How much PG is in your juice and what is the nicotine level?
Headache and dizziness are classic signs of the nicotine content being too high. What and how much we smoked doesn't always translate to what mg liquid we are going to be using. There have been some members that smoked a large number of full flavor who can't get above 8 mg, while some light smokers needed 36. You don't say what mg you are using, but I would definitely cut it down at least to the next lower level. You can use a bit of Humco VG from the first aid isle at Wal-Mart to cut any juices you have. Just remember that it will also cut the flavor.
You're best bet is to place an order for a number of sample sizes of juice in different nic strengths and PG/VG percentages. Vaping has a definite learning curve. It will be trial and error until you find out what works best for you. Don't stress over it, and give yourself permission to smoke if you need to until you get the hang of it.
Also, if you drag on the e-cig like you did an analog, it's going to make you cough. I've let enough smokers try mine that I've seen it a lot. Take slow drags into your mouth at first, rather than straight into your lungs.
You're best bet is to place an order for a number of sample sizes of juice in different nic strengths and PG/VG percentages. Vaping has a definite learning curve. It will be trial and error until you find out what works best for you. Don't stress over it, and give yourself permission to smoke if you need to until you get the hang of it.
Also, if you drag on the e-cig like you did an analog, it's going to make you cough. I've let enough smokers try mine that I've seen it a lot. Take slow drags into your mouth at first, rather than straight into your lungs.
"I blew out my atomizers, rinsed & dried them but everything tasted bad."
Regarding the bad taste you experienced, I just wanted to comment that many people end up not like tobacco flavors after switching to vaping. Many people vape non-tobacco flavors.
Also, regarding the bad taste, you might not have completely removed all of the primer liquid that's inside new atomizers. You might try soaking the atomizer in isopropyl alcohol and then hot water for an hour each, give or take, then blow out the excess water, and dry with a blow dryer or set by a fan for an hour or so.
If you're using an atomizer and a drip tip, drip 6 drops of your liquid into the atomizer, blow a couple times lightly (through the bridge end to push the liquid down into the atomizer), add 3 more drops, and vape. You'll have to add 3 drops for every 6 to 10 drags.
If you're using an atomizer and a cartridge, add the 6 drops to the atomizer, fill up the inner cart inside the cartridge about 3/4 full, push the filler into the liquid, keeping the top of the filler even with the top of the inner cart, and vape.
When I bought my 2nd starter kit, it had a lot of primer fluid in the atomizer, and I knew nothing about that. It took over two days of bad taste before that primer fluid was finally gone, and then I could taste the real flavors.
Last edited:
In my personal expirience diziness might come from too strong of the juice. I have ordere 36mg pg based juice and ones i tried it it was horible. I had head aches and dizziness. then i tried some VG based juices with lower nicotine levels and it solved head aches and diziness problem. Now im using PG/VG mixed tobacco flavours with addive flavours for example: charry vanila cigar. Its does not taste too sweet and at the same time it has nice, smooth TH.
So the actions that i think you should do ...
1. Consult a doctror ( maybe e-cig is not really for you, or you an alergic to PG)
2. If doc gives some what green light ( All docs are against e-cigs they rather give you a patch that have no efect on you or a sugar pill) try to use VG/PG mixes.
3. Last but not least just try to get used to juices. ( Take your time and kick a habbit, I used to smoke 1.5 pack a day untill like a moth ago where i picked my dusty e cig and now im reduced it to a one cig a day.)
So the actions that i think you should do ...
1. Consult a doctror ( maybe e-cig is not really for you, or you an alergic to PG)
2. If doc gives some what green light ( All docs are against e-cigs they rather give you a patch that have no efect on you or a sugar pill) try to use VG/PG mixes.
3. Last but not least just try to get used to juices. ( Take your time and kick a habbit, I used to smoke 1.5 pack a day untill like a moth ago where i picked my dusty e cig and now im reduced it to a one cig a day.)
If it's any consolation to you my boyfriend and I hacked and choked a lot too initially. So much so that I, like you wondered that I might not be able to vape. I was wrong!!! Everyone here has given you great suggestions so I won't repeat them again, but definitely try their suggestions, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Good Luck!
Their suggestions all worked for me from cleaning out the atties to trying various strengths of nic juices as well as trying different PG/VG percentages.
Their suggestions all worked for me from cleaning out the atties to trying various strengths of nic juices as well as trying different PG/VG percentages.
Since you smoked Pall Malls, I highly doubt it has anything to do with the nicotine strength. When transitioning to PV's (personal vaporizers), there are a number of potential problems to overcome. If you are "direct" inhaling, that could be part of the problem. It is best when first starting out to inhale to the mouth and then slowly inhale to the lungs. The dryness of the vapor can easily make a new user cough. Second, prefilled carts are considered to have poor taste. I would suggest you find a flavor of e-liquid you like, get a bottle in 24mg nicotine strength and one in 11mg strength and then if you need to you can mix the liquid to make the strength that works for you. For most heavy smokers, they need at least 24mg strength e-liquid to make the transition without the difficult withdrawl symptoms.
I tried about 10 different tobacco flavors before I found one similar (none will be just like analogs) to the real thing. You might want to give KENT flavor a try from Rocky Mountain Vapor: E-Liquid 10ML 24MG
Good Luck
I tried about 10 different tobacco flavors before I found one similar (none will be just like analogs) to the real thing. You might want to give KENT flavor a try from Rocky Mountain Vapor: E-Liquid 10ML 24MG
Good Luck
I remember the first time I took a draw from a pv. It seemed very harsh and I had an instant "head rush" and I was like "whoah!!"
This passed very quickly and I've been happily vaping ever since. It took my father a bit to get acclimated to to using a pv as well. the vapor made him cough for awhile and then it went away after an hour or so.
Just a thought.
This passed very quickly and I've been happily vaping ever since. It took my father a bit to get acclimated to to using a pv as well. the vapor made him cough for awhile and then it went away after an hour or so.
Just a thought.
There is another theory to consider as well. Cillia, or the fine hairs on our lungs have been damaged due to smoking. They are there to protect the tissue of the lung and anything from touching it. The good news is that once you stop smoking, they grow back pretty quickly so that may be something to look forward to as well. =) Like I said above, nothing to lose but so much to gain. It's a win win!
One other note; make sure you stay well hydrated while vaping. As someone else mentioned, both PG and VG are drying. They pull moisture from their environment to produce the vapor you see and will definitely dry out your mouth, throat and nose. I keep a glass of something, water, decaf tea, etc. handy at all times and have doubled my fluid intake since starting.
When I first started I would get nauseous, so I just slowed down a little. Tried different flavors and eventually I just got used to it and the nausea went away...
There's an interesting phenomenon here: I know my first inhalation from a PV caused an immediate nicotine toxicity buzz that sent me reeling for over an hour. My second attempt... not so much. Everyone I've seen start vaping has had the same reaction to their first hit, "Oh wow—I feel dizzy!" I think what happens is, the first time people suck on a PV they do it the same way they inhale a cigarette. Instead of a gentle in-drawing of vapor, they suck in a massive killer hit. I dunno.
My point is I think most vapers have a learning curve adjusting to using the equipment and finding a juice flavor that satisfies them. So don't give up your effort. Try lighter, shorter puffs and holding the vapor in your mouth before getting into the complexity of whether the problem is the PG/VG ratio.
Also, I was a menthol smoker and my first "menthol" juice tasted like mint chewing gum. I wanted/expected something that would taste like the cigarettes I liked. But, after a couple of days, I really started to like the mint. Later, I found a menthol tobacco juice that suited me better. So part of your reaction may be about your taste expectations and different = bad.
My point is I think most vapers have a learning curve adjusting to using the equipment and finding a juice flavor that satisfies them. So don't give up your effort. Try lighter, shorter puffs and holding the vapor in your mouth before getting into the complexity of whether the problem is the PG/VG ratio.
Also, I was a menthol smoker and my first "menthol" juice tasted like mint chewing gum. I wanted/expected something that would taste like the cigarettes I liked. But, after a couple of days, I really started to like the mint. Later, I found a menthol tobacco juice that suited me better. So part of your reaction may be about your taste expectations and different = bad.
Welcome to ECF!
Some of the tobacco flavors can be really harsh. Please try a bunch of small size other flavors in several strengths- 12, 18, 24 mgs.. Banana Bread and Cotton candy were my first two daily vapes when I started a month ago. I went all VG too. PG can be harsh and allergy causing so I started from day one with all VG. I got dizzy when my nicotine strength was too high so I lessened it.
I don't know which companies off small trial sizes of Eliquid because I'm doing the DIY method and making all my own juices at home.
Another thought is try 'dripping'. You put 2-3 drops directly on the atty, pop on a blank cart and puff 5-10 puffs. Repeat the dripping every time the vape tastes yucky/burned. I found the carts and cartomizers very confusing and was scared that I would break my attys by letting them go dry or by pushing them on the wrong way. By direct dripping, the chance of that happening is zero. I bought a drip tip and use that now. The flavor and vapor is phenomenal with the drip method.
But don't give up please!
Some of the tobacco flavors can be really harsh. Please try a bunch of small size other flavors in several strengths- 12, 18, 24 mgs.. Banana Bread and Cotton candy were my first two daily vapes when I started a month ago. I went all VG too. PG can be harsh and allergy causing so I started from day one with all VG. I got dizzy when my nicotine strength was too high so I lessened it.
I don't know which companies off small trial sizes of Eliquid because I'm doing the DIY method and making all my own juices at home.
Another thought is try 'dripping'. You put 2-3 drops directly on the atty, pop on a blank cart and puff 5-10 puffs. Repeat the dripping every time the vape tastes yucky/burned. I found the carts and cartomizers very confusing and was scared that I would break my attys by letting them go dry or by pushing them on the wrong way. By direct dripping, the chance of that happening is zero. I bought a drip tip and use that now. The flavor and vapor is phenomenal with the drip method.
But don't give up please!
I'm so glad that you mentioned Cillia, or the fine hairs on our lungs . I know mine are shot. I've smoked for 40 yrs and for the last 6 or 7, it's been an unpleasent experience. I'm addicted and I really don't wanna stop smoking. That's the main reason for me buying a kit. Yes, I do smoke occasionionly during the day but that's decreased at least 80%. I went from lights to ultra lights. I thought it would help. It didn't. Each drag was accompied with coughing and some flem. I have mild chronic bronchitis which made the problem even worse. I'm really not into all the different flavors that are sold. I simply wanted something that would be very close to the Parliment Lights I smoked and luckily, I found it.
Again thanks so very much. I really haven't found much on the board concerning the Cillia. I just hope you're right about those fine hairs growing back. The vaping has been nice and the coughing and production of flem has greatly decreased.
I coughed and coughed on the first day, but was not dizzy or nauseous. I started with 24 mg. with 70pg/30vg and 80pg/20vg. By Day Two all the coughing subsided. I am using cartomizers so I know it didn't have anything to do with the atomizer. I was really disappointed the first day since I had sunk in almost $200.00 and thought maybe vaping wasn't for those with asthma. A very short time in and I no longer cough up any phlegm (which was frequently smoking regular cigs). I did kick up my water consumption when I started to feel the beginnings of a sore throat after a few days. I hated all the tobacco flavors and love cinnamon and butterscotch.
There is some trial and error you'll have to endure. Between the factory tobacco juice and probably primer fluid in the new attys you probably did have a bad time of it. There's some good suggestions here.
Regarding the primer issue - I've had some attys that had a nasty taste for an hour even after blowing them out. Other times it's not a problem. The alcohol soak someone suggested ought to help, but that's no guarantee. I've had them taste bad for a few vapes after cleaning. Sometimes it just takes more time for the juice to completely soak the bridge and wick.
Definitely take some time and pick up some different, non-tobacco flavored samples and keep trying. There's no rule that says you have to give up analogs the moment your PV comes in the mail. It took me almost two months to completely stop and I wasn't even trying to quit. Others have taken longer. Just don't put too much pressure on yourself to become an overnight vaping expert LOL.
Regarding the primer issue - I've had some attys that had a nasty taste for an hour even after blowing them out. Other times it's not a problem. The alcohol soak someone suggested ought to help, but that's no guarantee. I've had them taste bad for a few vapes after cleaning. Sometimes it just takes more time for the juice to completely soak the bridge and wick.
Definitely take some time and pick up some different, non-tobacco flavored samples and keep trying. There's no rule that says you have to give up analogs the moment your PV comes in the mail. It took me almost two months to completely stop and I wasn't even trying to quit. Others have taken longer. Just don't put too much pressure on yourself to become an overnight vaping expert LOL.
I am glad that you are happy I mentioned it! I am also very happy that it is working out for you so well. **sending healthy cillia wishes your way!** =)
I have found the pre filled carts/cartos are yukky. Try getting the empties and different flavors. Electro nic Stix and MadVapes are tasty. No coughing or other nic overload effects and I'm on 26mg nic.
- Status
Similar threads
