Non-Smoker looking for zero nic setup to help oral fixation

[Imaya]

Very overwhelmed over all of the e-cig options! When I began to look into them, I was not expecting them to be so in-depth. I have spent hours trying to sort through all this information, and have found myself a bit stumped. Mostly, there are plenty of kits that would allow a smoker to jump right in, get their nicotine fix, and figure stuff out as they go based on smoking habits... but what about a noobie who is looking for the best flavor experience without nicotine? For me, everything else is secondary to a setup that maximizes flavor, and I read that some models burn the flavor. There also seem to be specific parts needed to change flavors on the fly (the drip tips), and some seem to be less efficient/ more wasteful than others?

I need help choosing an e-cig kit to get me started, as I find my situation a bit unique. I don't care how big it is, what it looks like, etc. It's nice to have a decent battery, but in all honesty, it mostly is to help anxiety related oral fixation habits while at the computer. So, I will pretty much always be next to a power source. Don't care about how much vapor it puts out, and I can figure out how to use a manual inhaler just fine. I would like to not spend too much on the unit, as I also need money for a large assortment of flavors to try. I am having trouble finding sampler packs from the good vapor places as well. If it tastes ....ty, I am going to go eat the real thing instead, which is something I am hoping to help curb. Where are some good places to find good sampler packs? So far, I found Build Your Own Fun Pack but would like to try other packs from others as well.

 

[The Ocelot]

Hi Imaya

I will warn you in advance that you may not get the support here you hope for. The members on this site are using these products to quit smoking, not to curb our appetites. E-cigarettes mimic the act of smoking, not eating, and I'm not sure the flavors are strong enough to to satisfy the urge to snack.

Personally, I smoked for 40 years. I assumed I would be buried with a cigarette in my mouth, since I couldn't find a way to quit. Thanks to vaping, I have been tobacco-free for almost a year. It concerns me when people express an interest in vaping who have not previously smoked. Not because I care whether they vape or not, but because access to the products that have saved my life is currently threatened. I don't want to see non-smokers who want to vape being used as examples of how the public supposedly believes vaping is harmless. There is no proof vaping is 100% safe, but there is proof it is safer than smoking cigarettes. That's all we know.

As I said, I just want to give you a heads up. Cigarette smoking is serious stuff. Most of us have been through a lot, including being marginalized by a society where it is not just acceptable, but encouraged, to be treated as if we chose to be addicted to nicotine. Imagine being told day after day, year after year, that you are putting your life and the lives of those around you at risk, yet being offer no workable solution. If you find yourself confronted with some hostility, perhaps you will consider why we might be upset.

 

[Imaya]

I am quite certain that people living in cities are breathing in worse things than what is found in vapor. So they can turn their noses up all they want.

I am not looking to pick up nicotine, as I thought I was quite clear about. Nothing is being taken too lightly here, including the marginalization I have faced as well. I am not going to compare addictions, but I would like anyone judging me to step back for a moment. You are marginalizing ME on MY addictions. Place everything you feel about how you are treated and imagine how I feel. I am in the same shoes, looking for every small thing that will help. Also, my nails would really, really love it if I could leave them alone for a while.

Smoking culture is nothing new to me. I grew up around it, with a smoker, family owns a small casino in Nevada, the boyfriend smokes (he just quit again for the... maybe 5th time since we have been together.) I am not ignorant of the risks of tobacco and nicotine, which is why I am choosing not to pick it up in the first place. I am also not ignorant of the health concerns with my own problems, which are more pressing than the sensibilities of other people. This ground is far less treacherous than others I have maneuvered through in my life.


Now that I have that out of our systems, let's talk e-cigs. That is why I am here.

 

[Coyote.au]

No comment

 

[Baditude]

Although I once shared the mindset that The Ocelot has concerning non-smokers taking up the practice of vaping, I've since changed my tune.

I can't argue that the safety of vaping the ingredients in e-liquids, including the NON-NICOTINE ones, is not known. There haven't been adequate studies done yet to determine this. And my first inclination is to advise you to re-evaluate your reasons for wanting to try vaping for whatever reasons you may have if you are not a smoker or former smoker who might be considering falling off the wagon.

Having said that, you are an adult and free to do as you wish. Many e-cig users' disdain for non-smokers taking up vaping is the notion that it can become a "gateway" for non-smokers to somehow convert to smoking, whether those non-smokers choose to use a nicotine e-liquid or NON-nicotine. I find this concept to be somewhat of an alarmist attitude. If you are an adult and of legal age to choose to purchase whatever, that's your business. Just strongly consider that you could be beginning a habit that you didn't intend to be habit forming. Even NON-nicotine vaping could become habit-forming psychologically.
___

I'll point you in a direction of what I would suggest as a vaping setup, and also provide you with information to better understand what juice delivery devices are available, and then you can do further research into what might best serve your needs.

Good Starter's Setup: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude/

Proper Terminology: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude/index2.html

 

[The Ocelot]

I'd like to clarify: My post was only advance notice to the OP that she might not receive a warm welcome and why. I'm not passing judgement. I don't care if someone vapes or not.

 

[StacyInOkla]

I'm pretty new to this and feel I don't know enough to recommend anything specific. If you have a vape store nearby they should be knowledgeable about the products they sell and many will let you try different juices. So far everyone here has been very helpful.
Now nail biting I know a lot about. I stopped over a year ago after 30 years. PM me if you want tips and good luck.

 

[Leoleoleo]

Hi Imaya, welcome to the forum. Everyone has raised good points so far. It's a discussion that can run and run. I won't add to it in this post.

Dripping atomizers are considered to give the best flavour and allow you to change flavours more rapidly. They usually only hold a few drops at a time so you need to carry a dropper bottle with you and drip after several puffs. Others will have better advice on the best dripping atomizers and accessories. I think the Ocelot has a good blog post about dripping?

If you're looking for one battery to use at the computer, you may want to look for a battery with a passthru - this will let you vape while it is plugged into a USB port, so you will never have to worry about keeping it charged. Again, not my area of expertise so others might have a good recommendation of equipment.

These are not what I would normally recommend for someone getting started out but your requirements are not the average.

One other thing about tasting flavours: you don't need to inhale. Draw into the mouth like sucking through a straw and exhale directly through the nose. This also gives a more intense flavour than inhaling. For some liquids it might be too intense or change the flavour profile in a way you don't like, in which case a combination of nose and mouth exhalation can help. (Note: this is based on my experience only).

Good luck!

 

[AttyPops]

You're an adult and can make your own decisions.

The safest decision is to invest in sugarless gum (I'd suggest stuff with xylitol) or some such.

However, if you insist on adding e-cig vapor to your environment, go ahead. Can't really speak to the safety of PG/VG/Flavoring inhalation nor particulate (nano particles) safety. Cleanest air you can get is the best thing.

I'd just get an small VV battery and some 0 nic juice. Maybe a PT since you're at a computer. Get a sample pack of flavors. I'd avoid the tobacco ones if it was me since A) they don't taste like tobacco anyway, and B) You're not looking for that. Try fruit flavors. Some are sweet, some sour so get a mix.

You'll need spare cartos or clearos. Depends on how much vapor you want too. More VG = more vapor and smoother. Less VG = more flavor but a bit harsher and less vapor. Should be fairly smooth with no nic anyway.

 

[BigFoig]

It's not really a big deal. There's a lot of people that like smoking hookah and vaping is probably one of the closest portable thing you can carry around and smoke for flavor. I have a few friends that smoked for years and started vaping with high mg of nicotine down to zero nicotine just because vaping became more of a hobby rather then a nicotine fix they needed. Anyways if I could start over with my purchases I would've got a mechanical right off the bat with a nice dripping atomizer instead of getting the ctwist and zmax. Vaporjoes.com has nice daily deals you could check out. there's alot of good info on this forum good luck!

 

[Myrany]

Eating issues are no joke and can be pretty deadly. That said I see nothing wrong with trying vaping as part of the solution. Badatude I am sure has you nicely informed on the hardware. One juice shop that many many people on this forum enjoy and is reasonably priced is Mt Baker Vapor - Electronic Cigarettes, USA made E Juice, and Accessories when you spend $15 in an order they add a free small bottle(be sure to put special requirements for the small bottle in the comments section of the order form. In your case 0 nic).

Welcome to ECF and I hope we can help get you on your way.

 

[DedTV]

I don't care how big it is, what it looks like, etc. It's nice to have a decent battery, but in all honesty, it mostly is to help anxiety related oral fixation habits while at the computer.

I'd recommend a X2 from Smokeless Image for your battery and some form of clearomizer like the Nano Cartomizer or a Kanger T4 or CE5.

They're what I use at the computer because they're small and passthrough using a USB cable so I just leave whichever one I'm using plugged in at all times while I'm using it and set it on my keyboard when I'm not vaping.

Things these days are very similar in flavor delivery. There's only minor, subtle differences between the clearos I use on my X2s and the RBAs or carto tanks I use on my advanced mods. Try to avoid getting sucked into chasing a more perfect vape as you'll likely only gain a lighter wallet and a psychosomatic difference at best.

The best way to find flavors is to try and find a brick and mortar vape shop somewhere. Almost all of them these days have testers set up (most shops are smart enough to use zero nic samplers, but be sure to ask if you aren't sure) so you can try out numerous flavors without having to buy a bunch of flavors you'll likely just end up throwing out to find the ones you like.
Barring that, I'd suggest Ms. T's Bakery and Pink Spot Vapors as they carry a lot of the kinds of "sweet treat" flavors people commonly crave. They're both way on the expensive side but their versions are all very strong in flavor and IMO worth the premium cost.


As for the people who might rail against you, those who rail against non-smokers vaping should throw away their ecigs and go get themselves some nicotine patches. Smokers don't have a monopoly on oral fixation. That's what they are addressing by vaping and there's no reason others shouldn't be allowed to benefit as well. Better someone pick up a PV from the start than to think they need to pick up a smoking habit first just so they can be "justified" in vaping.
If vaping is only appropriate for those "afflicted" by a smoking addiction and it isn't safe enough for all who might enjoy it, then the FDA should regulate it like Methadone or any other dangerous anti-addiction drug and everything we try to do to protect our right to vape without restrictions like requiring a prescription is hypocritical at best.

Education is always better than prohibition and I will caution you that there's no guarantee that vaping, even with zero nic liquids, is safe. It's an almost completely unregulated industry so there's no telling if the vendors you buy PVs or liquid from are using anything resembling good manufacturing processes or even basic sanitation. There may be consequences down the line that we don't know about yet. We think it's reasonably safe, but smoking, coca and DDT were once thought to be safe too. It's up to you to weigh the risks and rewards and decide if they're right for you or not.

 

[DancingHeretik]

Very overwhelmed over all of the e-cig options! When I began to look into them, I was not expecting them to be so in-depth. I have spent hours trying to sort through all this information, and have found myself a bit stumped. Mostly, there are plenty of kits that would allow a smoker to jump right in, get their nicotine fix, and figure stuff out as they go based on smoking habits... but what about a noobie who is looking for the best flavor experience without nicotine? For me, everything else is secondary to a setup that maximizes flavor, and I read that some models burn the flavor. There also seem to be specific parts needed to change flavors on the fly (the drip tips), and some seem to be less efficient/ more wasteful than others?

I need help choosing an e-cig kit to get me started, as I find my situation a bit unique. I don't care how big it is, what it looks like, etc. It's nice to have a decent battery, but in all honesty, it mostly is to help anxiety related oral fixation habits while at the computer. So, I will pretty much always be next to a power source. Don't care about how much vapor it puts out, and I can figure out how to use a manual inhaler just fine. I would like to not spend too much on the unit, as I also need money for a large assortment of flavors to try. I am having trouble finding sampler packs from the good vapor places as well. If it tastes ....ty, I am going to go eat the real thing instead, which is something I am hoping to help curb. Where are some good places to find good sampler packs? So far, I found Build Your Own Fun Pack but would like to try other packs from others as well.

Dripping is, of course, the best for flavor. I would recommend a 306 atomizer for dripping. However, it does take a different type of drip-tip than anything else. So, make sure you get 306 drip-tips or get a 306 to 510 drip-tip adapter so you can use regular 510/901/808 drip-tips, whichever.

A variable voltage eGo-style battery is the most versatile while you're trying out new things. A change of voltage can make a big difference with different flavors and with different resistance clearomizers and atomizers.

Clearomizers do tend to mute flavor. Some more than others. The Vivi Nova mutes flavor almost completely for me. However, it does produce a more reliable amount of vapor than some others.

One of the most recommended starter kits is Spinner/Twist Ego VV Tank Combo. That way you can try 2 different brands of VV batteries and 2 different types of clearos. With the starter kit, a few 306s with drip-tips, and some juice, you'll have everything you need to experiment for a while and figure out what you want.

For flavors, get lots of little sample sizes of lots of different types of flavors. One thing I would suggest is to include some 'cool' flavors, menthols and ices. I feel they are a good way to kind of clear the palate. It's like people trying to diet by brushing their teeth after a meal to get rid of the flavor that keeps reminding them of food and, therefore, wanting to eat more. A refreshing distraction to make food seem less attractive.

 

[Imaya]

More poking around. Thanks for all the links and leads, I have been finding more relevant and helpful information today!

One big thing I found is the clearimizer MELT with some flavors! So, I will definitely steer clear of the plastic, and stick with pyrex.

I watched a bunch of videos on cartimizers vs. atomizers, as well as tanks. I definitely want to go with tankless, drip only atomizer (but may get a small tank for on the go, but honestly, I really don't think I will need to bring the vaporizer with me when I am out). I found this video: How to use a drip tip on a 510 or 306 atomizer - YouTube where he demonstrates a 510 and 306 bridgeless atomizer. I am still unsure if I should be going with a lower voltage battery or if I would be happier with higher. I saw another video with a variable voltage model (the eGo spinner or an eGo twist, don't remember which one), which led me to another video combining the two: Bauway 510 Bridgeless Atomizers - YouTube. Her setup sounds perfect. A variable one I keep at home, a standard eGo for when I am traveling/ not at home, both with the 501 bridgeless atomizers (maybe a small pyrex tank for backup too, still unsure about that).

Thoughts on this setup?

ETA: Haha, thanks Heretik! I actually was typing up this post when you made yours! Sounds like I am on the right track here.

 

[Talyon]

Just remember Vapeing is NOT a smoking cessation product ergo Vape if u wish.

Also Nicotine is highly addictive.

That being said if your of legal age of adult Vape on.... There is a 0 nic option.

 

[Leoleoleo]

Sounds like your research is going great. There are tanks made especially to work with dripping atomizers, and vice versa, but generally tanks are used with cartomizers. So, if you do eventually decide to get a tank, make sure it's going to work with your atty.

Variable voltage is the most convenient type of ego. It means you don't need to worry (much) about the resistance of your atomizer. If you choose to get fixed voltage you will want to get a low resistance dripping atomizer. I can't tell you anything about the difference between a 510 and a 306, having only used 510.

On the clearomizer subject, it's true. Some liquids will cause polycarbonate clearos to melt. That's not a reason to avoid clearos, in my opinion, just to be careful about the liquids you use in them.

 

[poof]

My friends and I picked up vaping for the same reasons you did- not as a cessation aid or a nicotine delivery system, but to curb oral fixations. Three of them who had particularly strong fixations have been extremely satisfied with their PVs, and say they've been less anxious since they started using them- all with 0mg juice, of course. One friend says it's even helped keep her from snacking, although the rest of us find that really flavorful juices just make us hungrier! Tasting the vapor teases my taste buds, personally. I'd say not to get into e-cigs expecting to use them as a diet aid, because there's really no knowing how it'll make you feel.

Also, ECBlends has a huge selection of flavors for $2.50 per sample. I've had good luck with their juice in the past, and since they warn you which flavors are "tank-crackers" and let you customize the formulas, it's pretty nice for beginners.

 

[brock957]

I support you in this. We all have our addictions. Mine went from cigs to cigars to lozenges and back an forth to cigars. I was on the lozengers for years and am vaping to stop using them. Vaping helps me to have a early dinner then not eat constantly the rest of the evening. I've lost 17 pounds since May of this year. I had lost 55 lbs before by eating according to the glycemic index. I actually blogged recipies like using cauliflower instead of potatoes for a potato salad type dish. I was doing great till I started taking cake decorating classes and making specialty cakes. Lbs came right back on. Vaping has also helped me eat less during the day to the point where I just can't eat as much as I used to. It still takes will power though. Damn you potato chips. Plus my wife and i are both excellent cooks. I even did BBQ competitions for a while. You already know that there's no easy fix. But if vaping helps then do it. If it doesn't then quit.
Blair

 

[mare ze dotes]

I need to say that I can see vaping as a dietary tool also. If it keeps you off of the danish and apple pie.....All is good. Other than nicotiene I know what it is like to have that food drive that is incessant. It has nothing to do with 'feeling full' or even emotions.

 

[Baditude]

Just some food for thought. Since you seem to be leaning toward dripping on an atomizer, consider a bottom feeder mod. You will enjoy the flavor of direct dripping, but with the added convenience of a tank for all day usage, perfect for both home and when out.

The way these work is the battery device also has a built-in juice tank. The mod's body has a window opening that you can press the tank to deliver a small amount of juice to the drip well on top of the mod. A primer puff allows that juice to enter the bottom of the atomizer, and then you are free to vape. When that amount of juice is gone, you squeeze the tank again, repeat and vape.

The cheapest bottom feeder that I am aware of is the Vapage V-Mod. VMOD 2.0 and VMOD XL


The Reo is a much higher quality (and more expensive) bottom feeder, and has models that also include the variable voltage option. reosmods.com