Over the last couple of years, disposable vape pens have experienced tremendous growth in popularity. Now, you can find them almost anywhere - at gas stations, in smoke shops, and being used by folks seeking a more convenient option to smoking. But, what are they really?
Since I went from smoking regular cigarettes to vaping, I have experienced both the positives and negatives of these products. This article provides a factual and honest review of disposable vape pens, providing a combination of facts about the product and my experiences with them.
What is a Disposable Vape Pen?
A disposable vape pen is a single-use electronic device that includes a battery and e-liquid reservoir. These units are designed to vape until the e-liquid or battery is exhausted and then discarded. The ease of use is the major advantage of disposable vape pens. With no buttons to push, no tank to fill, and no coils to replace, users do not have to deal with many of the inconveniences associated with other types of vaping products. This 'plug-and-play' type of product is the main reason for their success. Convenience is a wonderful thing, however, there are some trade offs for this benefit.
Breaking Down the Key Components
Identifying the various components of the device helps to clarify how the device functions and the factors that affect performance among different brands.
The Power Source: The Battery
Every disposable vape pen includes a small lithium-ion battery. The size of the battery is determined by the milliamp-hour (mAh) rating of the battery. For example, a 400 mAh battery may provide a full day of use, whereas a 1000 mAh battery may last longer than a week. Based upon my experience, manufacturers often exaggerate the number of puffs provided per unit. For example, a vape pen marketed as capable of delivering up to 5000 puffs may only be able to provide that number of puffs if the user takes short puffs and does not vape continuously. The battery is permanently sealed and cannot be recharged. When the battery is dead, the entire unit becomes electronic waste.
The Flavor Chamber: The E-Liquid and Pod
The e-liquid (vapor juice) is absorbed into a polyfil cotton wick that surrounds the coil. Most e-liquids include propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerin (VG), flavorings, and nicotine. Disposable vape pens primarily utilize nicotine salts that permit much higher levels of nicotine to be included in the e-liquid without producing the harsh throat hit associated with freebase nicotine. Fifty milligrams per milliliter (5%) nicotine is very common. That is a tremendous amount of nicotine and was quite an adjustment for me as a former smoker. It contributes significantly to their addictive properties.
Activation Method: The Magic
Most modern disposable vape pens are "draw-activated," meaning that the activation sensor is triggered by the user's breath flow into the mouthpiece. The battery senses the activation signal and delivers electrical energy to the coil to heat the e-liquid and create the vapor.
Your First Time: A Step-by-Step Guide
While using a disposable vape pen is relatively easy, a few suggestions can help make your first experience better. While using my first disposable vape pen, I did a few things wrong that were easily avoidable.
Step 1: Unbox and Inspect
Take the device out of the package. You will probably find a removable rubber or silicone tab that seals the mouthpiece. Pull this off. Some devices may also have a "ON" sticker covering the airflow hole on the bottom; remove this as well. I wasted ten minutes trying to figure out why my new vape wouldn't turn on because I had forgotten to remove a nearly invisible tab.
Step 2: Inhale and Experience
Put the mouthpiece to your lips and slowly and steadily draw the vapor. Do not pull too hard on the vapor as this may result in flooding the coil, creating a gurgling sensation, and/or spitting e-liquid into your mouth. Take a slow, steady 3-5 second draw to produce sufficient vapor. You should feel the vapor hit the back of your throat - this is known as the "throat hit." Be prepared for the strength of the nicotine if it is your first time experiencing a high-nicotine salt device.
Step 3: Recognize the End of Life
Disposables don't last forever. One of the three conditions below will determine that the device has expired: the vapor produced is weak and unsatisfactory, the flavor tastes noticeably burned (when the wick is dry, this is a sure indicator), or the LED light at the bottom of the unit blinks when you inhale. If you begin to experience a burnt hit, stop using the unit right away. Not only is breathing in from a burned coil unappealing, but it could be hazardous.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Although the design of disposables is very basic, they are not entirely immune to issues. Below are some of the most common issues I have encountered, along with possible solutions.
Burnt Hit (the Worst)
By far the most prevalent issue is the burnt hit. A burnt hit is when you breathe in a vapor and it tastes like the coil is burning. This is due to the coil heating with insufficient e-liquid, burning the cotton wick. Chaining (rapidly taking multiple consecutive puffs) can lead to the wick being unable to re-saturate itself. Solution: Unfortunately, the only way to repair a burnt hit is to prevent it. Once it burns, the flavor will never return. To prevent it, simply take fewer puffs and allow 15-30 seconds between draws to enable the wick to absorb additional liquid.
Weak or No Vapor
If you are drawing in the vapor but are getting minimal or no vapor, either the battery may be dead or the airflow sensor may be clogged or stuck. Solution: First, attempt to clean the airflow sensor (usually a small hole at the bottom of the device) with a compressed air duster or a toothpick. If that fails to resolve the issue, the battery has likely reached the end of its life cycle, and it is now time to discard the device properly.
The Sticky Situation: E-Liquid Leaks
When you notice an oily or sticky substance on the mouthpiece or your hands, it indicates that the device is leaking. This is typically caused by a change in air pressure (e.g., on an airplane) or exposure to excessive heat. Solution: Carefully wipe the mouthpiece and your hands with a paper towel. Keep your vape in an upright position in a cool, consistent area. If the leak is extreme, it is safer to discard the device, as the e-liquid can cause skin irritation, and the chemicals within the device are not intended to be ingested.
Weighing the Pros and Cons: The Unsettling Facts
I have enjoyed a mixed bag of feelings regarding disposable vape pens. While the convenience of disposables played a significant role in assisting me in quitting smoking altogether, the environmental impact is overwhelming. Millions of these disposable vape pens, comprised of plastic, heavy metals, and lithium batteries, are discarded each week. Additionally, the high concentration of nicotine contained within the e-liquid can make the withdrawal process from the nicotine even more difficult than quitting the cigarette habit itself. From a purely factual standpoint, while Public Health England states that vaping is approximately 95 percent less hazardous than smoking, the long-term health implications of inhaling nicotine salts are still unknown.
Making a Well-Informed Decision
Disposable vape pens are a double-edged sword. They represent the ultimate in convenience, and they contain a highly concentrated form of nicotine that can effectively serve as a harm reduction strategy for adult smokers. Nevertheless, they come with significant environmental consequences and a high risk of developing nicotine dependence, particularly for non-smokers and minors. My final assessment is that if you are a smoker looking for a viable alternative to smoking, disposable vape pens can be a helpful tool; just be aware of the power and risks of these products. If you are a non-smoker, your best option is to never start. Both your health and the planet will appreciate it.