What happens when you quit smoking and start vaping?
Deciding to move from smoking to vaping is a big deal for those looking for a better alternative to smoking. Since smoking causes nearly 100,000 deaths a year, it's no surprise that a lot of people are looking for safer options. According to Public Health England, vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, making it an attractive choice for anyone wanting to quit smoking for good.
Understanding the Impact on the Respiratory System The respiratory system that includes your nose, mouth, and lungs is vital for breathing. Smoking harms these organs, but vaping offers a less dangerous alternative because it avoids the toxic byproducts of burning tobacco.
Are vapes worse than cigarettes?
Timeline of Health Benefits After Quitting Smoking: Quitting smoking brings immediate and long-term benefits:
- 20 Minutes: Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
- 2 Hours: Blood circulation begins to improve, and withdrawal symptoms may start.
- 12 Hours: Carbon monoxide levels in your blood decrease.
- 48 Hours: Your sense of taste and smell begin to return.
- 3 Days: Nicotine leaves your body, with vaping helping ease withdrawal symptoms.
- 1 Month: Lung function improves.
- 3-9 Months: Lung health continues to get better.
- 12 Months: Your risk of heart disease is cut in half.
- 10 Years: Risk of lung disease drops significantly.
The Efficacy of Vaping in Smoking Cessation
Vaping is shown to double the success rate of quitting smoking compared to nicotine replacement therapies. "A 2019 study in The New England Journal of Medicine found vapers had almost double the success rate in quitting compared to those using other methods," underlines the significant role vaping can play in cessation efforts. However, Nancy Rigotti, MD, stresses the importance of using vaping correctly fully quitting smoking and eventually vaping as well.
Health Implications of Vaping
Vaping is not without its risks, but it introduces fewer harmful chemicals compared to smoking. Following a CDC report on vaping-related lung injuries, it's clear that caution is needed, especially with modified devices or illicit e-liquids. Despite these concerns, vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking, particularly regarding cancer and heart disease risks.
Comparing Vaping to Smoking
When you light up a cigarette, it produces a complex mix of thousands of chemicals. A lot of these chemicals are harmful, with around 70 known to cause cancer, not to mention other severe health issues like lung problems, heart conditions, and strokes.
In contrast, the vapor from e-cigarettes doesn't carry the majority of these dangerous substances found in tobacco smoke. Notably, common offenders like tar and carbon monoxide, which are major contributors to smoking's health risks, are absent in the vapor produced by vaping devices.
Top Recommended Disposable Vapes
Disposable vapes have become a popular choice for individuals looking to quit smoking. They offer the convenience of not having to refill e-liquid or replace coils, making them ideal for beginners or those seeking a hassle-free alternative to cigarettes. Here's a deeper look at the top picks for vape disposables, tailored to support smoking cessation efforts:
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- Nicotine Strength: 6%, catering to those who require a higher nicotine concentration to satisfy their cravings.
- E-liquid Capacity: 14mL, ensuring a long-lasting vaping experience without the need for frequent replacements.
- Battery Capacity: 550mAh, coupled with a Type-C ultra-fast rechargeable port, provides a durable and convenient usage cycle. The draw-activated firing mechanism mimics the act of smoking, aiding users in their transition by offering a familiar sensation.
- Additional Features: The Pixi Pro Vape is equipped with a ceramic mesh coil, offering a clean, consistent flavor and a smooth throat hit, which is crucial for replicating the experience of smoking cigarettes.
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- Nicotine Strength: 5%, slightly lower than the Pixi Pro Vape, suitable for those gradually reducing their nicotine intake.
- E-liquid Capacity: 16mL, providing an extensive usage period that surpasses many other disposables on the market.
- Battery Capacity: 650mAh, with a full-screen liquid juice and power battery display indicator, allowing users to monitor their device's status easily.
- Additional Features: The Geek Bar Pulse features two mesh coil systems and dual modes (Pulse Mode for enhanced flavor and Regular Mode for a traditional experience), offering users flexibility in how they vape. Its compact and portable design ensures it can be used discreetly and conveniently.
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Lost Vape Lightrise (18,000 puffs)
- Nicotine Strength: 5%, balanced for effective craving management.
- E-liquid Capacity: 18mL, the largest among the recommended disposables, for extended vaping enjoyment without the need for frequent replacements.
- Battery Capacity: 700mAh, robust enough to support the high puff count. It also features a full-screen touch button and three mode voltage adjustments (Regular, Boost, and Turbo) for customized vaping experiences, from smooth to intense.
- Additional Features: Adjustable airflow control allows users to fine-tune the draw resistance, closely simulating the feel of smoking a cigarette. This feature is particularly beneficial for smokers transitioning to vaping.
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Hyppe Max Flow Mesh (2,000 puffs)
- Nicotine Strength: 5%, ideal for those looking for a middle-ground nicotine content.
- E-liquid Capacity: 6mL, offering a more compact option for vapers who prefer a lighter device.
- Battery Capacity: 900mAh, the highest among the selections, ensuring that despite its smaller e-liquid capacity, it offers a long-lasting vaping experience.
- Additional Features: This device stands out with its mesh coil design and custom airflow control selection, providing a smooth, satisfying throat hit and the ability to adjust the vaping experience to closely match personal preference
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Each of these vape disposables has been designed with the smoker's journey to quitting in mind. They offer various nicotine strengths, e-liquid capacities, and battery lives to suit different needs and preferences. By choosing the right disposable vape, individuals on the path to quitting smoking can find a satisfying and effective replacement that supports their goals.
Managing Vaping Side Effects
When you start vaping instead of smoking, you might notice some changes like coughing or having a dry mouth. These are pretty common and usually aren't too much of a bother. The good news is, there are simple ways to deal with these side effects so they don't get in the way of your goal to stop smoking.
Conclusion
Opting for vaping over smoking opens a pathway to freedom and choice. Understanding the health benefits and responsibly navigating the transition can dramatically lower the risks tied to smoking. With the right guidance and tools, a future free from smoke is not just possible but within reach.
Author, Josh Kim, Team Member of Eliquidstop
References
https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1808779
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/vaping-to-quit-smoking
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nicotine-vaping-in-england-2022-evidence-update
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/news/20230428/youve-quit-smoking-with-vaping-now-what
https://www.next-health.com/post/what-happens-when-you-quit-smoking-and-start-vaping
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