A GUIDE TO CHOOSING THE CORRECT NICOTINE STRENGTH

What is nicotine strength?

Nicotine strength is displayed in two ways, either as a percentage or in mg (milligrams). The meaning of both are the same, the amount of nicotine within each millilitre (ml) of e-liquid.

Example;
A 10ml bottle of e-liquid that contains 12mg or 1.2% of nicotine,  means that 1.2% of the contents is made up of nicotine.
The lower percentage or amount of mg, the lower amount of nicotine is contained in the e-liquid. So, an 18mg or 1.8% is much stronger than a 6mg or 0.6%.

As a general rule the higher amount of nicotine in the e-liquid means that a higher amount of nicotine is delivered to the vaper. So, as the strength of an e-liquid increases, the more pronounced the throat hit becomes. So, if you're a smoker looking to convert, the strength of the e-liquid you should choose depends on how heavily you smoke. For example, someone who is a heavy smoker (20+ a day) would need to choose a higher nicotine strength than someone who only smokes 2 a day.

Of course personal choice and preference may make a difference to your decision as there are other factors that can influence your choice.

The simple way to choose your nicotine strength...

This method is done by taking the number of cigarettes you smoke per day and converting it, for example;

• 1 - 5 a day = 0.6% (6mg/ml)
• 5 - 15 a day = 1.0% (10mg/ml)
• 15 - 20 a day = 1.4% (14mg/ml)
• 20+ a day = 1.8% (18mg/ml)

This is a simplified conversion, and everyone’s different. But ultimately, if your plan is to transition from smoking to vaping, pick a nicotine strength that will give you the best chance of achieving this. There is no point being unrealistic, a change from smoking to vaping is a big one, but of course through time your tastes and strengths may change.

Deciding your nicotine strength based on the device you are using...

The e-cigarettes you use has a direct bearing on what strength e-liquid you should choose. There are two different types;

• an e-cigarette or lower powered device - you may need a higher nicotine strength e-liquid. The throat hit and nicotine delivery are less pronounced with higher resistance atomizer heads and lower powers.
• a sub-ohm and vape at higher powers - you will probably need a lower nicotine strength e-liquid. Low resistance atomizer heads and high-powered e-cigs provide a more pronounced throat hit and nicotine delivery.

Determining your nicotine strength based on your vaping technique...

There are two main types of vaping techniques;

• MTL - (mouth to lung) - this is the most traditional type oh inhale used by vapers. You simply draw the vapour into your mouth and inhale. Similar to how cigarettes are smoked. Vapers who use this technique can choose nicotine strengths from 0mg/0% all the way up to 18mg/1.8%.
• DL - (direct lung) - as it states, you inhale directly from the e-cig to your lungs bypassing the mouth. This method generally requires an e-liquid with lower nicotine content. Why? Because using this technique means you get a much greater throat hit and produce more vapour. So, an e-liquid containg say 18mg/1.8% nicotine would be uncomfortable. Most people who use the 'Direct Lung' technique would generally use a low nicotine strength such as 3mg/0.3% or 6mg/0.6%.

Things to take note to while vaping...

There are few things you can keep a lookout for while vaping, which may determine if you need to either increase or decrease your nicotine strength.

If you have chosen a nicotine strength that is too high, you may begin to experience some of the following symptoms;

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Mild nausea
• Coughing

If you find this to be the case, either cut back on the amount you are vaping or reduce the nicotine strength level you are using.

If it is the case that you find yourself constantly vaping, more than the moderate user, still not having that crave satisfied, than it could be the case that you may need to increase your nicotine strength.

Either way, follow these tips and you'' be sure to find your correct nicotine strength in no time!