Vaping and disabilities

[Nikinic]

So a friend of mine is very interested in vaping. He was asking me for suggestions on different pv's and because I myself am so new I have directed him here. He has has a stroke and has very limited use of his right hand. My question is what would be a good pv that he could maintain with one hand? I know for me there are times that I feel like I need an extra hand while dealing with tanks and juices and taking care of everything. Anyone else out there have experience vaping with only the use of one hand? Any suggestions would be very helpful. Thanks in advance

 

[Bradder]

Glad to see this topic - not sure I have seen it before. I have Parkinson's (uncontrolled) and vaping makes it much safer. Too, my background is in ophthalmology which later shifted to a specialization in blindness. As cig smoking has been often regulated to specific area, as well as the potential fire hazards, I have often recommended vaping as an alternative. Safer and, with a potential mobility/access to "no smoking" signs or "designated smoking areas, vaping seems to be a good choice for many.

Though you will get many, many suggestions, depending on the size of hand, etc. I might recommend a larger battery with a good sized button. I know this will get complaints, but I find the use of either pre-filled carts or cartos and prefer carts if your friend will be refilling them. There are a number of ways to "brace/support" the cart while being filled. Also keep in mind the removal of caps for refill bottles. If they know "lab technique" it shouldn't be a problem - but, again, a larger bottle cap and bottle may be a bit easier to work with. Good luck.

 

[Nikinic]

Bradder,

Thank you for responding. I am hoping to get some good feedback (and yours definitely was) as he will be registering on ecf tomorrow and checking this thread. We live in different states now so I can not help him in person. I am hoping that he can get help here as he will be doing all of his ordering online. Again thank you for your reply.

 

[Bradder]

My pleasure - if I can be of any assistance in this, just let me know. Can't give a lot of "up-date" info about the latest gadgets and voltages (been vaping too long, I guess), but I would be happy to help if I can. I actually think this is something that the "rehabilitation" field needs to look at more. A loooong time ago, part of training for persons with visual impairments was teachiing them to safely light cigarettes and carrying a portable (snap close) ashtray). Those days are long gone.

 

[cigarbabe]

I have severe problems with both hands and it can make vaping really difficult so I prefer to use the bigger battery mods like the Helix or a "Wink" from Jollyrific which is a large square mod.
I think it would be easier to use a bottom fed device also instead of having to fill little cartridges or cartos. It can be a fairly large bottle in some mods like the Reo's, Alii'a or a Grip.
Also the DoD is a very good option for those with hand issues I think.
I use it all the time and the love the ease of vaping while driving or doing other errands!
If your friend would like some help just send me a pm.
C.B.

 

[Nikinic]

My pleasure - if I can be of any assistance in this, just let me know. Can't give a lot of "up-date" info about the latest gadgets and voltages (been vaping too long, I guess), but I would be happy to help if I can. I actually think this is something that the "rehabilitation" field needs to look at more. A loooong time ago, part of training for persons with visual impairments was teachiing them to safely light cigarettes and carrying a portable (snap close) ashtray). Those days are long gone.

WOW you are showing your age there Bradder I agree that it would be great in rehabilitation fields. I am sure that update isnt the most needed information in this. What could is the best PV on the market if it is too frustrating to use?

 

[Nikinic]

I have severe problems with both hands and it can make vaping really difficult so I prefer to use the bigger battery mods like the Helix or a "Wink" from Jollyrific which is a large square mod.
I think it would be easier to use a bottom fed device also instead of having to fill little cartridges or cartos. It can be a fairly large bottle in some mods like the Reo's, Alii'a or a Grip.
Also the DoD is a very good option for those with hand issues I think.
I use it all the time and the love the ease of vaping while driving or doing other errands!
If your friend would like some help just send me a pm.
C.B.

Thanks C.B. I am sure that if he needs help he will pm you.
This is why I told him to come to ECF. Everyone here is helpful and friendly. I am very glad I found this place

 

[newq]

Good thread and glad to see so many chime in on the subject. While I myself dont have these issues perse, I did also see the the vapage xl vmod is on sale and there is a coupon in these forums for another 15% off. (it is a angular bottom feed mod) I have no idea how well it works but I considered picking one up just to try the unit as it is priced at 99.99 for the kit with charger and batts or 75.00 for the bare unit. I dont know if this helps but the thread inspired me to post.

 

[dearme]

+1 for the Reo. If he got the Grand or Woodvil, it has a 6 ml bottle so he wouldn't have to fool with filling very often. If he used it with a carto on top, I think it would be the easiest PV to use. The Woodvil also has a large button. I've never seen a Grand in person, so can't say for sure on that model.

 

[Bradder]

Cigarbabe: Never had a bottom feeder mod or ever worked with one, but that might be a good idea to avoid small "filling" issues. Does the bottle screw into threads on the mod or insert in some way? Easy question and I guess I should know, but I still use old equipment.

NEWQ: could you say what state you friend lives? Maybe there would be a "brick & mortar" nearby where he could try different styles? Sometimes working directly with something is the best method to meet individual needs.

 

[joe p]

To add my 2 cents. I had a stroke in 2010 and have limited mobility in my left side. Over time it has gotten better, but I still have trouble sometimes. Tell your friend to not give up, and keep moving even if it's just a little right now.

I can't advise you, only tell you what I did/do. I started with a mini dse 901 with pre-filled carts. I did order some juice and used clothes pins to hold the carts while I filled them. I didn't care for the auto batteries that much, so I got a screwdriver mk2 and really like it. It's bigger and easier to hold. Now I'm using a drip tip and like the taste better. When I first started dripping, I would hold the sd between my knees to fill, now I can hold it in my left hand and fill with my right. I still have to vape with my right hand, but it's better than smoking.

Tell your friend that if there's any info about the stroke, or just wants to talk, I'll check this post often. I'll do what I can.

 

[Nikinic]

Bradder he lives in OK. I just read your sig. I too play wow and am good friends with Bill. I knew I liked you

 

[ByeByeCoffinNails]

My mother-in-law has had a stroke and we suddenly find ourselves facing similar issues. I'm legally blind and my hands are stiffening up with a combination of age and too much keyboard use when young. Those fiddly rubber grommet things are not easy to handle or see once they hit the floor. Ditto with end caps. However, carts are definitely the way your friend should go.

As to specific mods, I defer to those who have tried more and have the experience.

For what my view is worth, I think a two piece arrangement with a wide eGo-type battery would work. It is a nice width for hands that are less than strong and not too heavy. I guess if there is a rugged, lightweight mod out there that has the width and can handle the 'gravitational accidents', that would work too. However, battery casings with strong springs may be problematic. Anyone who has tried filling a torch with batteries when the spring is strong will know what I mean. Strong spring plus screw thread equals a two person operation- those things fight back!

All the best to you and your friend.

 

[Nikinic]

Thank you everyone for being so helpful. I am excited for him to give this a try.

 

[Bluesman]

I am an arm amputee (Vietnam) so I have only one hand to work with. I really don't use anything different than what others use. However, I do keep it simple. Only your friend will know what works for him. It is difficult for anyone not in his position to know what will work. It may very well be, what I do, would not work for him.

All that said, I have an e-Power 18650 2800mah battery. It lasts a long time. However one has to unscrew the cap off the bottom to get to the battery, put battery in charger, put fresh battery into tube, screw cap on. That may be inconvenient for him, I don't know. It may be easier to just have a sealed battery.

I just use a cartomizer on top of the battery with a drip tip. No cone, nothing fancy. I do fill my own cartomizers with liquid; pre-filled are probably easier, but I have grown accustomed to filling cartomizers. I am a very patient and independent person; so I keep it simple. But I am very confident and comfortable in learning to do things myself.

Here's something to think about. I have a friend on this board who has limited physical ability. This person uses the Volt from Smokeless Image. This person gets great performance from their products and has automatic batteries. From what I understand, and from looking at the Volt - it is a breeze with excellent results.

Good luck and I commend you not only for helping your friend, but for taking the time to understand.

 

[Nikinic]

I am an arm amputee (Vietnam) so I have only one hand to work with. I really don't use anything different than what others use. However, I do keep it simple. Only your friend will know what works for him. It is difficult for anyone not in his position to know what will work. It may very well be, what I do, would not work for him.

All that said, I have an e-Power 18650 2800mah battery. It lasts a long time. However one has to unscrew the cap off the bottom to get to the battery, put battery in charger, put fresh battery into tube, screw cap on. That may be inconvenient for him, I don't know. It may be easier to just have a sealed battery.

I just use a cartomizer on top of the battery with a drip tip. No cone, nothing fancy. I do fill my own cartomizers with liquid; pre-filled are probably easier, but I have grown accustomed to filling cartomizers. I am a very patient and independent person; so I keep it simple. But I am very confident and comfortable in learning to do things myself.

Here's something to think about. I have a friend on this board who has limited physical ability. This person uses the Volt from Smokeless Image. This person gets great performance from their products and has automatic batteries. From what I understand, and from looking at the Volt - it is a breeze with excellent results.

Good luck and I commend you not only for helping your friend, but for taking the time to understand.

Bluesman
Thank you for taking the time to post this. He too is very independent and I have every reason to believe that if he put his mind to it he could do anything (well maybe not run in a marathon lol). He is a patient man and since he has been dealing with this since 1977 he is pretty good at getting things done. I just know that the easier the transition from analogs to vaqping the better chance of someone sticking to it. I love him and want to see him start to feel better like I am. Everyone here has been so great and I am excited for him to wake up and see all of the suggestions people have given.

On a different note, thank you for serving our country and sacrifing for us. My dad was a Vietnam vet and though I have great respect for all of our military I have a special place in my heart for those who served in Vietnam. Have a great day and hgappy vaping

 

[tj99959]

I too have limited ability in one hand (mine has as many man made pieces as natural pieces), and my advice is not to look for the easiest way out. If your friend would like to regain the use of his hand, there is nothing better than using it. If it was me I'd start him off with the Bolt and cartomizers, but I would also challange him to use smaller and harder devices for the dissabled person to use.
The more times he buttons his shirt with that bad hand the better!

 

[possum5000]

very helpfull. thank you

 

[Beans]

Morning all, I thought this was an important thread so I'm giving it a little bump. You guys are awesome!

 

[Nikinic]

I too have limited ability in one hand (mine has as many man made pieces as natural pieces), and my advice is not to look for the easiest way out. If your friend would like to regain the use of his hand, there is nothing better than using it. If it was me I'd start him off with the Bolt and cartomizers, but I would also challange him to use smaller and harder devices for the dissabled person to use.
The more times he buttons his shirt with that bad hand the better!

Sadly his stroke was over thirty years ago. He has gotten back all of the mobility in it that he will. I am sure that he could use a more difficult device, but why back it anymore work then it needs to be? He does use his hand when he can, I just would like him to enjoy vaping as to increase his chances of success. Happy vaping