You've made great choices so far: you have your device, your satisfying nicotine strength, and your favorite flavor. Now it's time to refine your actual technique learn how to vape.
Unlike traditional cigarettes, vaping offers two distinct ways to inhale the vapor. Understanding these two styles—Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL)—is the key to choosing the right gear for the long term and ensuring the most satisfying experience.
The Two Inhale Styles: What's the Difference?
The difference between MTL and DTL is simply where the vapor goes first and how quickly you take it in.
1. Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) – The Beginner's Choice
What it is: This style perfectly mimics how you smoke a traditional cigarette.
- You take a slow, gentle draw, pulling the vapor into your mouth.
- You hold it there briefly.
- You then inhale it into your lungs.
| Key Characteristics | MTL Vaping |
|---|---|
| Airflow | Tight and restricted (like a straw or a cigarette filter). |
| Vapor | Smaller, more discreet cloud. |
| Ideal For | Smokers transitioning to vaping, high nicotine levels (like 20 mg Nic Salts), and maximizing flavor enjoyment. |
| Device Type | Simple Pod Systems and specific MTL-only tanks/devices. |
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Why it works for you: As a former smoker, your muscle memory is programmed for MTL. Starting with an MTL device provides the familiarity you need, focusing the nicotine hit where you expect it (the back of the throat/lungs) without the shocking volume of vapor that DTL produces.
2. Direct-to-Lung (DTL) – The Cloud Chaser
What it is: This style is similar to taking a deep breath through an open tube or a snorkel.
- You take a long, fast, deep pull that goes straight into your lungs in one continuous motion.
- The mouth acts only as a passage, not a holding chamber.
| Key Characteristics | DTL Vaping |
|---|---|
| Airflow | Wide and open (like breathing normally). |
| Vapor | Large, dense clouds. |
| Ideal For | Experienced vapers, low nicotine levels (like 3 mg or 6 mg Freebase), and vapor production. |
| Device Type | Large mods and tanks with sub-ohm coils (coils below 1.0Ω). |
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Why it's not ideal for beginners: DTL uses much more powerful equipment, which is often too harsh with the high nicotine levels a new vaper needs. Trying to vape 20 mg nicotine with a DTL device will likely result in a very unpleasant, harsh experience.
Matching Your Inhale to Your Device
Most starter devices are automatically set up for the MTL style, but as you consider future devices, pay close attention to the coil resistance (Ohms, or Ω) and the airflow setting:
| Inhale Style | Coil Resistance (Ohms Ω) | Airflow Setting |
|---|---|---|
| MTL (Like a Cigarette) | Higher Resistance: 0.8Ω and above (e.g., 1.0Ω, 1.2Ω) | Tight, often adjustable to nearly closed. |
| DTL (Like a Deep Breath) | Lower Resistance: Below 0.8Ω (e.g., 0.5Ω, 0.3Ω) | Wide open for maximum air intake. |
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If you are new to vaping, stick with the MTL style until you are 100% smoke-free. Once you are comfortable and perhaps looking to reduce your nicotine level to 6 mg or less, you can explore the DTL style.
Keep the Momentum Going!
You now have a complete toolkit for success, but you're bound to hear some confusing jargon! Our final cluster post will ensure you can speak the language of vaping with confidence.
Next Up: Cluster Post 5: The Ultimate Vaping Glossary: Decoding the Lingo.
Ready to find an MTL device? Shop our range of beginner-friendly Pod Systems and MTL starter kits: [INSERT LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE'S STARTER KITS SECTION HERE]