I am one of those vapers that seems to have a rather narrow preference/tolerance of PG/VG ratio. I have been vaping for more than 5 years. When I started; high PG ratios, for use in cartos (which didn't play well with thicker liquids), was the norm. As drippers, and cloud chasing became more popular, the PG/VG ratios swung to heavier, and heavier, VG. Now, it seems, high (≥30PG/70VG) has become the norm.
As my equipment changed, and my vaping style (and goals) changed, I more or less followed the trend. I didn't notice any issues for the first 4(ish) years. Then, I began to become aware of an unpleasant heaviness in my chest, and a morning cough complete with phlegm, that was reminiscent of my 30+ years of smoking. Needless to say; I didn't like it.
I had read of others, who had similar reactions, and had found relief by lowering their VG percentage. I followed suit, by going from a 30PG/70VG ratio, to trying a 50/50 ratio. It helped, in that my heavy chest and morning hack went away, but now I had a scratchy throat. Some more adjusting of the PG/VG ratio; and I finally landed on my sweet spot of 40/60 ratio. If I go higher VG; the heaviness begins to return. If I go higher PG; the throat irritation starts acting up.
I have also started moving, from direct-to-lung (DTL), to tighter lower volume mouth-to-lung (MTL), style of vaping and atomizers. Along with an increase of my nicotine content, I am
hoping to reduce my overall vapor consumption/exposure, and still meet my nicotine demands. So far, the results are promising, but only time will really tell.
I have no idea what is causing your specific symptoms. I only offer my own experience as one anecdotal story; that may, or may not, have any similarity.
(By the way: I am also one of those folks,
@JCinFLA mentioned, who has used Bulk Apothecary as my PG and VG supplier, for much of my DIY journey.)
Another question that ran through my mind as I read your your two posts: How old is your nic? And how is it stored? (Okay; two questions
)
Some DIYers have reported, that as their nic has aged, it has changed and become less pleasant. Even harsh. Exposure to air (increasing airspace as the bottle is emptied; frequent opening of the bottle), warmer temperatures, and light (UV) exposure can all accelerate this change.
I hope it's not the nic! I tried a few different vendors and the VT is the only one that didn't taste like crap to me. NicSelect will probably be my next choice if it that turns out to be the issue.
If you do decide to try a different nic concentrate; you might want to check out
Heartland Vapes. They offer 3 different nicotine concentrates, including NicSelect, at some of the best prices I have found. I have only used their basic (cheapest) nic; but it has been perfect for my needs. It is tasteless, smooth (aka "clean"), and has been aging well in my freezer (I've been using the same 1 liter bottle for over the last year and a half, pouring off about 60mL as needed for a couple of months worth of mixing, without any noticeable change.)
I'm not really trying anything crazy with DIY, just some basic 2 or 3 fruit mixes at 80/20 (VG/PG), 3mg.
...<edit by IDJoel>...
It's probably my mixing, but one thing I noticed is flavors seemed a bit muted and lacked depth. It seemed like flavors blended together into one "taste" as opposed to being able to distinguish them, if that makes sense? Beyond the throat thing, I was curious to see what happens to flavor with another brand, so I already ordered some PG/VG from Liquid Barn.
I doubt this is indicative of anything. It is hard to get much of a layering effect when using only a couple of flavors. Especially when they are all from the same/similar family (e.g. "fruits"). "Layering" tends to come more from the use of contrasting and complimentary flavors. That, along with combining flavors that tend to be more noticeable on the inhale, with flavors that are more pronounced on the exhale, help to create that sense of layers.
Then add to that, someone like me; who has abused his taste buds with decades of smoking, and continues to abuse them with plenty of garlic, onions, peppers, and strong black coffee... and I am amazed that I can taste anything at all!
Keep doing what you are doing; taking it slow. Making changes slowly, and ideally, one at a time. And you will become the DIYer you want to be!
