Nicotine strength in e-liquids can be shown as a percentage or in milligrams (mg) per millilitre (ml) of liquid. Both ways tell you how much nicotine is in each drop of juice. Imagine a small 10ml bottle of e-liquid. If it's labelled as 10mg/ml or 1.0%, it means the whole bottle contains 100mg of nicotine. This is like saying 1% of e-liquid is nicotine. When the number is lower, like 3mg/ml or 0.3%, the liquid has less nicotine. So, an 18mg/ml or 1.8% e-liquid is much stronger than a 3mg/ml or 0.3% one. Usually, stronger e-liquids, like 10mg & 20mg e-liquids, give more nicotine to the vaper and feel stronger on the throat. People who used to smoke a lot might choose stronger e-liquids, while those who smoked a little might go for weaker ones. But the e-cigarette you use and how you puff also matter. They can change how nicotine feels.
As vapers indulge in this growing trend, a common concern emerges the impact of e-liquid nicotine strength, measured in milligrams (mg), on the lifespan of their coils. This blog will enlighten vapers on how the relationship between e-liquid nicotine strength and coil longevity, offering valuable insights and tips to help vapers make informed decisions about their vaping experience.
How Long Do Coils Last?
Before understanding the connection between nicotine strength and coil longevity, let's briefly understand what a coil is and why its lifespan matters. The coil is a vital component of an electronic cigarette or vape device. It consists of a wire wrapped in a spiral, which heats up when the device is activated, vapourising the e-liquid and producing the inhalable vapour. Over time, due to the high heat and exposure to e-liquid, coils degrade, decreasing vapour production, flavour quality, and overall vaping experience.
Nicotine Strength and Its Impact
Nicotine strength refers to the concentration of nicotine present in the e-liquid. It is typically measured in milligrams per millilitre (mg/ml). Nicotine is a key ingredient in e-liquids, providing the characteristic throat hit and satisfying nicotine cravings for former smokers. However, higher nicotine concentrations can have an impact on coil longevity due to several factors:
- Viscosity and Sweeteners:
E-liquids with higher nicotine strengths tend to be more viscous and may contain higher levels of sweeteners to balance the harshness of nicotine. These thick and sweet e-liquids can caramelise on the coil and wick, leading to a faster gunk buildup. This buildup reduces the efficiency of the coil and shortens its lifespan.
- Higher Power Usage:
Vaping at higher nicotine strengths often requires higher power settings. This generates more heat, causing the coil to degrade faster over time. Additionally, the increased power can lead to quicker e-liquid consumption, further stressing the coil.
- Frequency of Use:
Vapers using high-nicotine e-liquids might take more frequent and shorter puffs to satisfy their cravings. This can result in rapid heating and cooling cycles for the coil, contributing to wear and tear.
Understanding E-Liquid Strength and Your E-Cigarette
When e-cigarettes first came out, the strength of the liquid they used was really important because there weren't many options available. People who wanted to switch from smoking to vaping had limited choices. They could either use a basic e-cigarette that didn't satisfy their needs well, or a cigarette-like e-cigarette. In the beginning, e-cigarettes didn't let you control how much vapour or throat hit you got. But now things have changed, and most e-cigarettes can be adjusted to give you more or less vapour and a throat hit. You can do this by changing the power of your e-cigarette and the part that heats up the liquid (called the atomiser). If you turn up the power, you'll get more vapour and throat hit. If you turn it down, you'll get less.
If your atomiser heats up slowly (higher resistance), you'll get less vapour and throat hit, even if you use strong liquid. But if it heats up quickly (lower resistance), you'll get more vapour and throat hit. If you use a type of atomiser that heats up quickly (like sub-ohm), your liquid might feel too strong. But if you use an atomiser that heats up slowly, you might not get the throat hit you want from weak liquid. The trick is to find the right combination of e-cigarette parts that works well with your liquid strength. This way, you can vape all day without craving a cigarette.
If you're new to vaping, starting with a disposable e-cigarette might be easier. It's simple – the e-cigarette already has liquid and a battery. When the liquid runs out or the battery dies, you throw it away and get a new one. This can help you switch from smoking to vaping more easily.
Tips for Prolonging Coil Life
While it's natural that higher nicotine strengths can impact coil longevity, vapers can adopt several practices to mitigate this effect and extend the lifespan of their coils:
- Choose Lower Nicotine Strengths:
Opt for e-liquids with lower nicotine concentrations. This reduces the impact on coil longevity and provides a smoother vaping experience.
- Maintain Consistent Cleaning:
Regularly clean your tank, coil, and wick to prevent residue buildup. Gently rinse the ingredients with warm water and let them dry thoroughly before reassembly.
- Prime Coils Properly:
When installing a new coil, ensure proper priming by saturating the wick with e-liquid and letting it sit for a few minutes before vaping. This prevents dry hits and reduces the likelihood of burnt coils.
- Adjust Power Settings:
If you prefer higher nicotine strengths, consider lowering your device's power settings to reduce the strain on the coil. Finding the right balance between nicotine satisfaction and coil longevity is key.
- Avoid Chain Vaping:
Avoid rapid consecutive puffs, leading to excessive heating and decreased coil life. Allow a few seconds between puffs to give the coil a chance to cool down.
- Experiment with Different Coils:
Different coil materials and designs have varying lifespans. Experiment with different options to find coils that perform well with your preferred nicotine strength.
- Monitor Flavour and Vapour Production:
Reduced flavour and vapour production are signs of a deteriorating coil. When you notice a decline in performance, it's a good indicator that it's time to replace the coil.
Conclusion
In vaping, coil longevity is influenced by various factors, with nicotine strength playing a significant role. While higher nicotine concentrations can lead to faster coil degradation, vapers have the power to extend the lifespan of their coils through informed choices and proper maintenance. By understanding the relationship between nicotine strength and coil longevity and adopting practical tips, vapers can balance their nicotine cravings and a satisfying, long-lasting vaping experience.
