Do you often cough whenever you vape? If you’re a new vaper, this is quite normal. In fact, a survey of 600 vapers has found that half of them coughed their first time.
But if this persists even as time goes on, then you may need to reevaluate your ways. Furthermore, we’re here to help you learn how to vape without coughing – so that you get to get a more pleasurable experience overall.
Let’s get started!
Tools Needed:
- Vape pen
- Alternative juice flavors
- Coil cleaning/replacement materials
- Drinking water
How to Vape Without Coughing
Here are nine tips that can help prevent coughing while you vape:
1. Smoke Slowly
If you’ve smoked cigarettes before, you may think that using vape is pretty much the same. As such, you may proceed with long, hard hits – which is not the way to go. Doing so will just irritate your throat – and that’s why you cough when you vape.
As such, you need to use your vape slowly. Try to inhale the vapors into your lungs and let them cool for a bit before exhaling.
If you find this challenging, you can vape into your mouth before inhaling the juices into your lungs.
2. Adjust the Nicotine Levels
If you’re smoking slowly and still coughing, it may be due to a higher nicotine level. Excessive amounts can end up irritating your throat, after all.
If you’re new to the world of vaping, start with the lowest nicotine strength possible – which is 3 mg. This is ideal for those who want to quit smoking, for this amount is small compared to the usual nicotine delivered by traditional cigarettes.
That said, this low amount may lead to a ‘nic headache,’ which is a side effect of regular tobacco use.
You can also go nicotine-free (0 mg) vapes, which you can try if you like the feeling of smoking.
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You can increase the setting to the following as soon as your body gets used to the vape juice:
- 6 mg. This low strength should give you a buzz similar to ultra-low/light cigarettes.
- 12 mg. This average nicotine amount should get you through your cravings – especially if you’re used to smoking a pack a day.
- 18 mg. A high nicotine level of 18 mg is recommended for smokers who can go through more than a pack daily
- 20 mg. Like the example above, this increased amount is for people with pronounced smoking habits. 20 mg of nicotine is available in both liquid and salt forms.
Do note that some pens are not suited for high nicotine amounts, so make sure to read the label carefully!
For more information on how to choose the right nicotine levels for your vape, make sure to watch this video guide.
3. Check the PG: VG Ratio
If you’re using larger vape devices, their PG: VG ratio may end up triggering your coughing fits.
PG or propylene glycol works to deliver flavor – and the throat-hit sensation most smokers experience. Unfortunately, you may find this ‘hit’ a little hard – thus inducing your cough.
In rare cases, PG may even trigger allergies – with cough being one of the more noticeable signs.
For best results, use a lower PG and a higher VG (vegetable glycerin) ratio.
VG hits smoother, which makes it ideal for sub-ohm vaping. This ‘smooth hit’ also makes for a cough-free vaping experience.
And, as the name suggests, this is perfect for vegetarians.
The only downside to VG? It’s thicker and, as such, may clog up your coils immediately. But, as long as you clean them regularly, it shouldn’t be a big deal.
Tip: Look for e-cigarettes with a 30:70 PG: VG ratio, as they are ideal for preventing vapers’ cough.
And once you get used to mixing, you can move to a 50:50 PG: VG ratio. This should give you a decent throat hit.
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4. Try a Lower Wattage
A high wattage sends more power to the coil. As it becomes hotter, more vapor is produced.
Unfortunately, excessive vapor can lead to coughing. This is especially true for experienced vapers, especially the ones who often perform vape tricks.
So to prevent coughing, try to lower the wattage settings. Likewise, you can use a vape pen with a higher-resistance coil, various atomizer heads, and/or drip tips.
5. Modify the Airflow Settings
Your device’s airflow affects cloud size and how it cools before the juice reaches your throat.
A low airflow may prod you to inhale sharply. As a result, you will obtain more hot vapor that irritates the throat.
The same goes for high airflow. You may inhale more vapor – and that can lead to pesky coughs.
Similar to adjusting nicotine levels, make sure to modify your airflow accordingly. Start with a low setting – but not so low – and work your way as you get more used to it.
6. Clean/Replace the Coil
The coil or the atomizer helps create the vapor. With regular use, this part may get damaged over time.
For one, the wicking material that absorbs the liquid can burn out. And, if you fail to clean your coil regularly, it may end up clogging the device with all kinds of residues.
Needless to say, a damaged coil will not be able to vaporize the juices efficiently. As a result, it can end up delivering particles that could irritate the throat.
That said, you know it’s time to clean/replace the coil when:
- The taste of the juice seems ‘off’
- The vapor is low-volume/not as clear
7. Switch E-Juice Flavors
In some cases, vapors may end up triggering coughing fits. This is especially true if you’re fond of strong citrusy flavors. They may lead to acid reflux, which can irritate your through and prod you to cough even more.
To prevent this from happening, go for soothing menthol variants. They are less irritating on the throat. More so, they can open up your airways and reduce congestion.
It will also help to check the ingredient list carefully. Yours may contain an ingredient that triggers coughing spells.
8. Change Your Weed/Wax
Dry, old weed or subpar-quality wax may create a harsh, cough-inducing vapor. Should this be the case, make sure to purchase a new live-resin wax or marijuana bud.
9. Go For CBD
Another way to avoid coughing is to replace your current e-liquid with a nicotine-free one.
One good alternative is CBD. Not only will this prevent irritation, but CBD juice may be less addictive as well.
10. Choose established vape brands known for quality and safety
Inferior vapes often cut corners in ways that irritate the throat and make you cough. For example, the atomizer may not vaporize e-liquid properly, producing droplets or “spitting” of fluid into the throat.
Cheap batteries can overheat and create a harsh, burning sensation. Subpar e-liquids also contain impurities and additives that generate irritation and coughing. Disreputable vape manufacturers shortcut safety standards and use inferior ingredients to reduce costs. This results in a subpar experience.
Reputable companies like Spiritbar Vape carefully control their engineering, manufacturing and lab testing to avoid issues like leaking, spitting or overheating that lead to coughing. Their expertise ensures smooth, consistent vaporization and high-grade e-liquids to prevent coughing fits. While cheap vapes may seem like a good deal, the resulting cough and throat irritation negate any savings. Investing in a properly engineered, brand name vape leads to a comfortable, satisfying experience without complication or coughing.
How to Prevent Vape-Related Coughs
Unfortunately, you may still cough even if you follow the steps above. While it’s bothersome, remember that it’s your body’s way of clearing your airways.
The good news is you can quickly soothe your vaping coughs. It’s just a matter of following these helpful tips:
1. Stay Hydrated
The PG and VG in your pod system can dry your throat up and result in coughing. To avoid this, drink a lot of water in between vaping sessions.
You can also go for other soothing drinks, such as:
- Peppermint tea. This drink can help suppress cough, soothe the throat, and clear up blocked sinuses.
- Thyme tea. Thyme can reduce nasal congestion and coughing, especially when mixed with Vitamin C-rich lemon juice.
- Ginger root tea. Rich in anti-inflammatory agents, ginger root can quickly soothe your itchy throat.
- Slippery elm tea. Slippery elm has mucilage, which coats the throat and relieves irritation/cough.
- Marshmallow root tea. Like slippery elm, marshmallow root contains the throat-relieving component mucilage.
2. Snack on Pineapples
Pineapples contain the enzyme bromelain, which may help soothe allergy- or asthma-related respiratory issues. Likewise, it may help you expel mucus easier as well.
Apart from snacking on pineapples, drinking pineapple juice – or mixing it with the ingredients below – may help soothe your throat as well:
- Strawberry
- Honey, ginger, cayenne, and salt
- Honey, salt, and pepper
3. Gargle With Salt Water
Salt water helps suppress coughing – while clearing throat mucus as well.
For best results, stir 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 6 ounces of warm water. Let the salt dissolve before gargling the solution.
4. Give Your Lungs a ‘Breather’
Many people view vaping as a better alternative to smoking. But if you’ve just quit the latter, you may want to wait sometime before using a vape mod.
Smoking affects the cilia, which help move mucus in the respiratory system. Damage to these hair-like structures can lead to persistent coughing.
So if you just quit smoking, you may want to avoid vaping for a while – at least until your cilia have recovered.
The same rule applies even if you haven’t smoked tobacco before. Constant vaping can lead to coughing, so you try to lay off your pen and rest your lungs for a while.
Conclusion
If you want to vape without coughing, you need to:
- Smoke slowly
- Adjust the nicotine levels accordingly
- Check the PG: VG ratio
- Try a lower wattage
- Modify the airflow settings
- Clean/replace the coil
- Switch e-juice flavors
- Change the weed/wax
- Go for CBD instead
Do you have other tips on reducing coughing while vaping? Go ahead and share your secrets below!