Trying to combat throat irritation

[chris0219]

Hello! First post here – I’ve been reading for some time now and learned a lot – thanks!
I started vaping a couple weeks ago with the intention of reducing then kicking a long and heavy cigarette addition. The problem I’m having is that just a few puffs really irritates my throat and makes me cough unless I’m drinking something with throat clearing ability (whisky, beer, soda). Water does not do the trick, nor does milk or coffee.
It may be worth noting that I’ve always had minor post nasal drip issues, especially this time of year and that’s exactly where the vape irritates. I think it makes the drip worse. (analogs do not)

I’m using smok AL85, 0.15ohm quad coil (I prefer the more restrictive air flow), and run it at 45W, the minimum for that coil. I have my air flow at about 25% open. I use max VG juice at 6mg. Going down to 3mg did not make a difference. I smoke to mouth, then inhale rather than direct to lung. This is an old habit.

I’m wondering if there is anything else I can try to sooth my throat other than copious consumption of cold carbonated beverages.

Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Running a quad 0.15ohm is enough to irritate anyones throat. Try a higher ohm and maybe less nicotine. Those coils are running really hot and closing off the air flow just is making it worse.Try a 0.50 ohm and see if that doesn't help.

 

[Janusz]

Hello! First post here – I’ve been reading for some time now and learned a lot – thanks!
I started vaping a couple weeks ago with the intention of reducing then kicking a long and heavy cigarette addition. The problem I’m having is that just a few puffs really irritates my throat and makes me cough unless I’m drinking something with throat clearing ability (whisky, beer, soda). Water does not do the trick, nor does milk or coffee.
It may be worth noting that I’ve always had minor post nasal drip issues, especially this time of year and that’s exactly where the vape irritates. I think it makes the drip worse. (analogs do not)

I’m using SMOK AL85, 0.15ohm quad coil (I prefer the more restrictive air flow), and run it at 45W, the minimum for that coil. I have my air flow at about 25% open. I use max VG juice at 6mg. Going down to 3mg did not make a difference. I smoke to mouth, then inhale rather than direct to lung. This is an old habit.

I’m wondering if there is anything else I can try to sooth my throat other than copious consumption of cold carbonated beverages.

Any advice would be appreciated!

My advice is to buy MTL tank. It can be very inexpensive tank (Joyetech eGo ONE V2 Tank-$9.95 with CLR coils) or more expensive Nautilus 2 tank. You will use those with 10-23 watt range and your throat irritation will be gone even at maximum air flow and even if you use more than 6mg of nicotine. Give it a try... it will cost you no more than 2 packs of cigarettes... for most long time heavy smokers baby beast tanks and low ohm coils do not work. I have smok baby beast tank and dozen unused coils I experienced similar problems. MTL does not mean you have to heavily suck vape through smallest hole... I love easy effortlessly draw so I usually open 3 or 4 holes on my Nautilus 2 or Siren 2 RTA.

Janusz

 

[Gramdogg]

With the heat on it can get very dry inside so buy a humidifier for the vape room or a large one for a living room. Other then that wait awhile longer it is still in the time frame that it could be from quitting smoking too. Use alcohol free mouth wash too as alcohol drys out your mouth too. Oddly the things you mention you use to clear out your throat also cause dehydration unless the soda is caffeine free.

 

[steeledragon78]

i have to agree with @Janusz, your atomizer is not the right one for your intended method of vape. a good mouth to lung tank like the nautilus and innokin zenith tank are going to be more appropriate for you. the tank you have is designed for "Big-air-direct-lung-clouds-bro-clouds!!!" vaping, which would explain why the mtl hits youre taking are so harsh. with a MTL tank you could run 12, 18, or 24 and get the nic you need with the draw you prefer.

 

[stols001]

It could be a few things. Too high PG can cause throat irritation and some people are sensitive to it, period. I am and really can't tolerate much PG at all.

I'm going to agree with everyone else about the idea of trying a true, dedicated MTL setup, with much less clouds and vapor production, and possibly higher nicotine. Since you want to be a MTL vaper anyway, the resistance and tank aren't really set up for that, and due to the VERY low resistance of the current coil, you are going to need FAR more wattage than with a higher resistance coil, which may just cut down on irritation generally, as well as being more similar to the type of vape you "want" anyway. What is gong on now doesn't seem to be "working" for you and I don't know how you would even MOUTH inhale that amount of vapor in any case. You'd likely be far better off with a MTL vape (you've gotten some good suggestions so far, so I will not add any).

It is possible you are sensitive to an ingredient in your vape, but I would sincerely suggest trying MTL vaping in a MTL tank, at the right resistance, wattage, and nicotine level first. You may find it completely solves and eliminates your issue.

If the irritation persists, I would THEN look at PG first (since it can be a known culprit) although too high a VG level can also irritate people who are more sensitive to VG. It could be your flavors, but not necessarily. I did find vanillas make me hoarse, and I avoid a few other flavors too.

Also, stay hydrated. Vaping dehydrates you, especially in the beginning. As I was going through detox I drank a lot of chamomile tea (chamomile, because it is calming, and I was about ready to bite someone's head off at times) and I added lemon and honey to it, the lemon kind of reduces inflammation/clears mucus, and the honey coats your throat, which should help with the irritation.

Welcome and best of luck moving forward!

Anna

 

[chris0219]

Thank you all, so much - great info. I’ve got a few things to try here. I’m going to try one or both of the recommended tanks.
One follow up question: When you say dehydration, do you mean localized mouth / throat or full body dehydration?
I’m actually vaping outside, (carryover from smoking), and the irritation is worst on high humidity days. Although it could be the spring allergens that kicks up too – or this may be related to the abrupt decline in smokes.

Whatever the case – thank you; Can't hurt to try a new tank and keep hydrated.

 

[stols001]

You can hydrate both. Up your water intake, and you can also use biotene mouthwash a few times a day. Things that increase saliva production overall are going to be helpful. Some folks use gum, or sugar free lozenges and stuff of the sort, etc. I used Ricolas (I have been doing so for some time, but I have a medication that causes dry mouth to begin with), but the menthol should potentially do something to soothe any throat irritation and etc. So, approaching with both strategies is a good idea.

Also, mouth hygiene and hydration will help (possibly avoid and certainly possibly shorten) the possibility of vaper's tongue. It doesn't happen to everyone but it can happen as your taste buds die off (the damaged ones, from smoking) and are replaced with new, "undamaged" tastebuds. It's not abnormal to (for a short time) have difficulty tasting and smelling, most particularly vape flavors since you aren't actually chewing up the flavor compounds and etc. Maintaining good mouth hygiene (including a tongue scraper to help rid yourself of those "old" tastebuds) can help it pass more quickly (if it happens, I don't think it happens to everyone) but other remedies include things like smelling strong flavors (like coffee beans) and chewing on some lemon zest, and etc. Some people vape unflavored during that (usually short) period of time, as it's less frustrating to vape without the expectation of taste to begin with.

Just keep hydrating, and hopefully some of the suggestions you have gotten will work well for you.

Anna

 

[Gramdogg]

Nothing better then lots of water and a watermelon menthol vape when its acting up IMO. You can just buy a bottle of TPA Menthol and add about 5 drops per 10ml to most fruit flavours if you can't find much to choose from and you like it. Watermelon, grape, banana, apples, peach, pineapple and berries all work great.

 

[chris0219]

Adding a bit of menthol to a watermelon really helps!
I was able to try that today – same settings as before and it is an improvement.
I just ordered the Nautilus 2 tank. It seems like it’s going to be too weak, but It’s got great reviews so I’ll give it a go.

 

[Grimwald]

I agree that a MTL device is likely the solution.

However the PG/VG ratio can be important. My wife gets throat irritation with PG so she uses 100% VG. I have COPD and associated nasal congestion so I use 80% PG and 20% VG (and unflavored).

 

[Philabos]

I agree on the MTL.

This happened to me after I switched to vaping.
Hot, sweet tea chased it away. Quickly.

 

[Mr. Relentless]

Nothing better then lots of water and a watermelon menthol vape when its acting up IMO. You can just buy a bottle of TPA Menthol and add about 5 drops per 10ml to most fruit flavours if you can't find much to choose from and you like it. Watermelon, grape, banana, apples, peach, pineapple and berries all work great.

Funny watermelon is the only juice that iratates my thoat

 

[BrotherBob]

Hello! First post here – I’ve been reading for some time now and learned a lot – thanks!
I started vaping a couple weeks ago with the intention of reducing then kicking a long and heavy cigarette addition. The problem I’m having is that just a few puffs really irritates my throat and makes me cough unless I’m drinking something with throat clearing ability (whisky, beer, soda). Water does not do the trick, nor does milk or coffee.
It may be worth noting that I’ve always had minor post nasal drip issues, especially this time of year and that’s exactly where the vape irritates. I think it makes the drip worse. (analogs do not)
I’m using SMOK AL85, 0.15ohm quad coil (I prefer the more restrictive air flow), and run it at 45W, the minimum for that coil. I have my air flow at about 25% open. I use max VG juice at 6mg. Going down to 3mg did not make a difference. I smoke to mouth, then inhale rather than direct to lung. This is an old habit.
I’m wondering if there is anything else I can try to sooth my throat other than copious consumption of cold carbonated beverages.
Any advice would be appreciated!

Welcome and glad you joined.
The following information may add more light to your problem.
Might like to read:
Resistance is futile. Ohms are not king. Wattage is. • r/electronic_cigarette
http://diyordievaping.com/2016/02/26/why-is-my-ejuice-harsh-beginner-diy-ejuice-tips/
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blog-entry/wattage-vs-flavor.7252/
How many watts do you vape at?
https://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/f...educe-that-peppery-harsh-nicotine-taste.6955/

 

[chris0219]

So the 0.15 ohm quad coil was too harsh, so I installed, primed, soaked a .4 ohm dual coil.
I’m running it at the same 45W and is WAY worse.
Less smoke; more irritation and sinus wetness.

Any idea why this would be? The guy at the shop thought this would be a good step down for me.

I did order the Nautilus 2, but that won’t be here until next week, and I’ve got family to deal with this weekend!

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

Tell us about the ejuice you are using, flavored? pg/vg?

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

So the 0.15 ohm quad coil was too harsh, so I installed, primed, soaked a .4 ohm dual coil.
I’m running it at the same 45W and is WAY worse.
Less smoke; more irritation and sinus wetness.

Any idea why this would be? The guy at the shop thought this would be a good step down for me.

I did order the Nautilus 2, but that won’t be here until next week, and I’ve got family to deal with this weekend!

Also did you turn the power down, take a couple puffs, up the power by a couple watts, take a couple puffs, repeat until you find the place it tastes the best? New coils have a breaking in period.

 

[Mr. Relentless]

I would try opening the air flow and don't take a big hit but a harder and faster one to get more air. Taking slow soft hits is actually more concentrated its not like a cigarette where you control the power by how light you hit it. I take giant hits no problem but if I hold the fire button down for a second or 2 before I hit it I'll choke. Every time someone new tries my vape for the first time they take slow soft hits and choke. Try quicker and harder to get more air to dilute the vapor.

 

[Canadian_Vaper]

I'd just go ahead and get these coils, they're vaporesso but they fit the tfv8 baby.. A bit expensive though for a 3 pack..

$8.30 Authentic Vaporesso NRG GT CCELL Coil Head (3-Pack) 3-pack - 0.5ohm (15-40W) at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

They have a tighter draw and can be used at lower wattages 25w...

Edit* Here's the tank they are meant to be with, this tank definitely will be better for a tighter draw than the TFV8 Mini..

$17.94 Authentic Vaporesso NRG SE Tank Clearomizer - 3.5ml / 0.4ohm/0.5ohm at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

 

[chris0219]

The juice is local and labeled as MAX VG. The shop owner says it’s 80% or higher. It’s the consistency of syrup.
I added a bit of menthol, 1 drop per 5mg. I also have Mr Meringue which is 70 VG / 30 PG

Yep, I did do the voltage step up. I’ve tried it from 25-50 watts.

It’s not too strong, in fact it’s weaker than the old coil – too weak, less satisfying, but somehow more harsh and irritating. I’m not sure what’s going on.

I was actually doing all right for over a week, about 6000 puffs no problem. I figure its one or more of the following:
1. Either my increase from 3 – 6mg nicotine caused the problem.
2. My original coil was going bad and that was the harshness
3. Replacement coil just doesn’t agree with me.
4. My lungs are "healing" and being difficult.