How to Inhale a Vape

How to Inhale a Vape (Properly)

If you’re new to vaping, one of the most common questions is simple but important: how do you actually inhale a vape? Basics are covered in our guide How to Vape

It might sound obvious, but there’s a bit of technique involved, especially if you’re switching from smoking or using a vape for the first time. Inhaling the wrong way can lead to coughing fits, a burnt taste or poor satisfaction — none of which make for a good experience.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down the right way to inhale a vape, explain the two main vaping styles (MTL and DTL), help you avoid the common mistakes, and recommend the best types of devices for each method.

Why Inhale Technique Matters

Unlike smoking, where inhalation feels natural and instinctive, vaping requires a slightly different approach. Vapes deliver vapour rather than smoke, and how you inhale affects:

• How smooth the hit feels

• How much nicotine you absorb

• How much vapour you produce

• Whether you get throat irritation or coughing

• How long your coil or pod lasts

Getting it wrong can lead to burnt pods, harsh throat hits or poor flavour. Getting it right makes everything smoother, cleaner and more enjoyable.

The Two Main Vaping Styles

There are two main ways to inhale a vape:

1. Mouth-To-Lung (MTL)

This method is closest to how you smoke a traditional cigarette. You draw vapour into your mouth first, then inhale it into your lungs.

Steps:

• Take a gentle puff and hold the vapour in your mouth

• After a second or two, breathe it into your lungs

• Exhale slowly

Best for:

• Beginners

• Nicotine salt e-liquids (10mg or 20mg)

• Low-wattage pod kits and vape pens

• Devices with tighter airflow

• Anyone switching from smoking

Why it works:
MTL provides a smooth, satisfying throat hit and better nicotine absorption. It also uses less e-liquid and produces less vapour, which is ideal for stealthy or casual vaping.

2. Direct-To-Lung (DTL)

This is more like taking a deep breath. You inhale vapour directly into your lungs in one continuous motion.

Steps:

• Take a deep, steady inhale through the device

• Fill your lungs like you would with fresh air

• Exhale a dense cloud of vapour

Best for:

• Experienced vapers

• Low-nicotine, high-VG e-liquid

• Sub-ohm kits and box mods

• Open airflow devices

• Cloud chasers and flavour chasers

Why it works:
DTL delivers large clouds and bold flavour but requires more lung capacity and a lower nicotine strength to avoid overdoing it.

How to Choose the Right Inhale Style

If you’re new to vaping:
Start with MTL. It’s the easiest to control, more comfortable on the throat, and works with beginner-friendly kits like closed pod systems or 6000 puff devices.

If you were a heavy smoker:
MTL will feel the most familiar. Nicotine salts at 20mg or 10mg strength mimic the throat hit of cigarettes and offer faster nicotine absorption.

If you’re vaping for flavour or clouds:
Once you’re confident, you might want to experiment with DTL vaping. Just make sure your device supports it and that you're using the right e-liquid (lower nicotine and higher VG content).

Common Mistakes When Inhaling a Vape

1. Puffing too hard
This can flood the coil and cause bubbling, spitback or leaking. Vape puffs should be slower and steadier than cigarette drags.

2. Inhaling too fast after filling a pod
Always let a new pod sit for 5 to 10 minutes before using it. This avoids burning the coil instantly with a dry hit.

3. Using the wrong nicotine strength
Too much nicotine, especially with DTL, can make you feel dizzy or sick. Too little nicotine with MTL can leave you unsatisfied.

4. Taking back-to-back puffs with no pause
Chain vaping can dry out the coil, especially in pod kits. Give it a few seconds between puffs to soak.

5. Using a DTL device but trying to vape MTL style
This leads to underpowered hits and a poor experience. Always match your inhale style to your device's airflow and coil type.

What Device Should You Use?

If you're unsure which style to start with, it’s best to go with a modern pod system or a 6000 puff rechargeable vape. These devices are built with beginner users in mind and designed for MTL vaping.

Our 6000 Puff Vape collection includes long-lasting, draw-activated kits with mesh coils, smooth airflow and a comfortable MTL draw. No buttons, no complicated menus, and no coil changes needed. Just pop in a pod and inhale gently.

They’re ideal for learning how to vape properly without the hassle of traditional mods or refillable tanks.

Final Tips

• Start with MTL if you’re new or recently quit smoking

• Use 10mg or 20mg nic salts for a smoother hit

• Inhale slowly and steadily, not like a cigarette

• Let the pod rest before first use to avoid burnt taste

• Pay attention to how your body reacts — too much nicotine can make you feel light-headed

Final Thoughts

Learning how to inhale a vape properly is the key to getting the most from your device. Whether you prefer the control and familiarity of mouth-to-lung or want to experiment with bigger clouds using direct-to-lung, the right technique makes all the difference.

For beginners, simplicity is everything. Explore our 6000 Puff Vape range to find long-lasting, user-friendly kits that make inhaling smooth, comfortable and satisfying from your very first puff.

Advanced techniques are in How to Ghost Vape