I spent six months at 24mg to start, then 18mg for a year or so. 12mg worked for a couple more years then we ended up at 8-9mg DIY. Enough nic to keep the edge off where anything less led to much higher vaping frequency.I'm wrestling with my nic levels, having started at 18, I went down to 6 and now with my first tentative steps into DIY (excluding shake 'n' vape), I'm confusing myself with settling on a level which gives an all day experience without the dry mouth and throat in the mornings. Please don't say "drink a gallon of water before you go to bed", remember, I'm in my 70's.
I'm curious as to the levels of others.
As for the dry mouth issue, I've always associated it with PG, which I still mix at a high percentage. Higher nic just gives me a bit more burn on the tongue and back of the throat. Good luck finding your sweet spot!