How Do E-Cigarettes Work?

Recap: E-cigarettes or vapes, are battery-powered devices that deliver tobacco-free nicotine hits. They consist of several parts, the most important of which are the battery and e-liquid.

What are e-cigarettes for?

E-cigarettes, or vapes, are battery-powered devices that deliver tobacco-free nicotine. Smokers turn to them as a smoking cessation tool that helps them get used to a new tobacco-free lifestyle while still receiving the desired nicotine hit. At the same time, the users still experience the sensation of inhaling smoke without the smoke.

Why were e-cigarettes developed?

E-cigarettes were developed as a reduced-risk alternative to cigarettes. Vapes deliver nicotine via inhaling vapour whereas cigarettes deliver nicotine by inhaling harmful smoke.

Vapes have revolutionized smoking in several ways, one of which is that users no longer need to burn tobacco. Users are simply free of tobacco. In addition, passive vaping is not harmful as passive smoking, which can be just as unhealthy to someone inhaling air near a smoker.

Types of e-cigarettes

There are many types of e-cigarettes. They may look very similar to a cigar, a USB drive, a pipe, and even a pen. And while the e-liquid inside may be a minty or fruity flavour, the devices can contain high amounts of nicotine.

While there are apparent differences between vapes, there are essentially only two types: disposable and reusable. Disposable vapes are ready-to-use vapes that power when inhaled. Re-usable vapes, on the contrary, are re-fillable and rechargeable and can be used again.

How do e-cigarettes work?

E-cigarettes generally consists of the following parts.

Mouthpiece

This is the part of the vape that you put your mouth to and draw. It is connected directly to the atomizer and is often replaceable. These pieces come in many sizes and shapes and are made from plastic, silicone, or glass.

Atomizer

The atomizer or heating chamber is where the e-liquid heats up to become vapour. The atomizer comprises a tiny heating element or coil that heats the e-liquid and vaporizes it. The e-liquid must reach a temperature of between 100–250°C to be converted into an aerosolized vapour.

Battery

E-cigarettes run on a battery, which has to supply enough power to sufficiently and instantly heat the atomizer. The batteries used in vapes are similar to the lithium ones used in cell phones and electric cars.

Rechargeable vapes have a USB port that is plugged into your computer using a charging block.

Sensor or power button

Some vapes have automatic systems that wake up the vaping process as soon as the user draws from them. Others have a power button that the user must press when they are about to use the device.

Vapes with power buttons must be clicked about five times consecutively to turn their power on. Such vapes also require to be clicked another five times to switch off. This system is in place to ensure safety.

E-liquid/e-juice

This is the main component of a vape that supplies the nicotine strength and flavour to the vapour. The e-liquid is stored in a pod, tank, or cartridge, depending on the type of vape. Disposable vapes are pre-filled with e-liquid and become disposable once the liquid finishes.

Reusable vapes, on the other hand, require refills. If they require simply replacing a cartridge or a pod, the user only has to keep a stash of those on hand. But if the vape has a tank, it requires the user to manually and carefully fill the liquid to the marked maximum level.

How do these parts come together to work?

When the user draws from the mouthpiece, the atomizer heats and vaporizes the e-liquid. The latter instantly converts into vapour which the user inhales or “vapes.” The intensity of the received nicotine hit depends on the nicotine strength of the e-liquid. E-liquids can contain from zero to very high levels of nicotine.

Premier reduced-risk nicotine brands are committed to developing such tobacco-less nicotine-delivering products.