You have undoubtedly seen the packaging labels touting the number of puffs from your disposable vape; 5,000 puffs, 6,000 puffs and even 7,000 puffs are common claims. These large and impressive puff counts suggest that you will never run low on vapor again, for weeks at least. However, as many of you who own a disposable vape know, after using one for several days, you may wonder why your 5,000 puff vape seems to be running out so quickly?
The simple truth is the puff count is an estimated puff count by the manufacturer based upon what they believe to be the maximum number of times a vape can be used in a laboratory setting, under controlled conditions. Therefore, let us examine both theory and reality with regards to how long a disposable vape will last.
The Manufacturer's Promise: The "Puff Count" Myth
Manufacturers calculate this under highly specific, and frankly, unrealistic conditions.
- A "puff" is generally considered to be 1 to 2 seconds of a light inhalation. Think of taking a small, leisurely breath of air, rather than a large, gasping inhale.
- The test also assumes each puff has exactly the same amount of time and pressure as each previous puff.
- The battery was new when the test began and died off at the exact rate it used e-liquid.
If all these variables are met, a 5000 puff vaporizer would yield exactly 5000 one second puffs. Who takes puffs of one second? Certainly not I.
Real-Life Experience: Why Your Vape Dies Sooner
In the real world, an e-liquid container designed for 5000 puffs lasts approximately 3000-3500 puffs. What is the difference? There are several reasons why:
1. The "Human Puff" Factor
A big reason for this is the fact that my vaping style varies from one moment to the next. A quick puff during a break at work may resemble a two-second puff. At home, however, I may spend six seconds on a single puff. For example, a single six-second puff could be equal to three or four of the manufacturer's "puffs," in terms of both e-liquid consumption and battery usage. You consume three to four times the life of your product.
2. The Battery's Invisible Decline
Disposable e-cigarettes utilize lithium-ion batteries. One problem with lithium-ion batteries is that they dislike being partially charged. Since you're not going from 100% to 0% in a single sitting, unlike the lab test, you use your vape, then set it aside, then pick it up again. Micro-cycling creates a slight drop in the voltage output of the battery over time. Eventually, the battery's ability to supply a consistent amount of current to the coil decreases. If you notice a decrease in vapor production while there is still some e-liquid in the tank, you probably think that the device is "clogged."
3. E-Liquid Viscosity and Sweeteners
Your e-liquid matters. Thick and sweet e-liquids (such as those found in desserts and candies), tend to "coil gum-up" more so than thinner and sweeter e-liquids. Caramelization of sweeteners onto the coil increases the effort needed to vaporize the e-liquid, thereby increasing power consumption from the battery and producing a burned taste before the tank is empty. Fruit flavored devices, for example, have lasted significantly longer than a rich custard flavor device from the same brand.
4. Environmental Conditions
Environmental conditions are often ignored when discussing vape longevity. Temperature is perhaps the largest contributor to battery inefficiency and possibly even causing e-liquid viscosity changes. A vape left in a hot car or used in extremely cold temperatures will result in reduced battery performance and/or affect the viscosity of the e-liquid. A vape stored in your pocket at body temperature will perform differently than one stored on a cool surface.
A Practical Timeline: From Box to Bin
To help illustrate how the puff count relates to a practical vaping timeline, let us consider a popular 5000-puff device.
- Lab Theory: 5000 puffs / 500 puffs per day = 10 days.
- Real Life Experience: Assuming a 3-second puff duration, your consumption rate is tripled. Therefore, 5000 lab puffs / (500 puffs per day x 3) = ~3.3 days. The amount of time spent vaping will be greater than the amount of time spent vaping based solely on the increased puff duration.
An experienced vaper that vapes moderately to heavily, will realize that his/her device will last about 5-7 days. Less-experienced vapers that vape lightly, and therefore take shorter, less frequent puffs may be able to extend the lifespan of their device to 10 days or longer. Regardless, the variance is large.
How to Maximize Your Vape's Lifespan (Pro Tips)
While you cannot beat physics, you can work with them.
- Store It Right: Never leave your vape in a hot car and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
- Take Slower, Shorter Puffs: Taking slower and shorter puffs will increase the lifespan of your device. Try to simulate the "lab puff" as closely as possible.
- Don't Take Consecutive Hits: Consecutive hits will not allow the coil and cotton wick to resaturate properly. This results in dry hits and premature burnout of the coil resulting in loss of flavor and device longevity.
- Store Upright: Storing your vape upright will help keep the cotton wick saturated and prevent dry spots and burnt hits.
Final Hit
While the puff count is a useful comparison tool, it is not a guarantee. The puff count on the packaging is a comparison tool. The puff count is a good indicator of which vaporizers will last longer than another. However, it does not mean anything.
The lifespan of a disposable vape is dependent upon the interaction of your habits and the characteristics of the product. Once you understand the science behind the puff counts and make adjustments to your behavior, you will find yourself getting closer to the promise of the packaging, and thus extending the lifespan of your disposable vape for as many satisfying puffs as you pay for.