You've recently purchased a brand-new disposable vape, which touts “6000 puffs” on the packaging. The feeling of holding an eternity of vaping in your hands is a feeling many people experience when purchasing these devices. As soon as you think about all the vaping you're going to be able to do before needing to purchase another device (or refill) the next logical question is "How long will my disposable really last?"
I’ve bought these devices with a hopeful attitude of getting a great deal, only to find myself having to replace the device before I know it; and I’ve also purchased some disposable devices that seemed to never run dry. While the amount of time a disposable lasts varies greatly from person to person, the bottom line is that it is a very personal equation. After using more disposable vapes than I would like to remember, I believe I am now qualified to give you an accurate breakdown of what determines the longevity of a disposable vape.
The Manufacturer's Fantasy vs. Your Reality
First, let's get the factual information straight. The "6000 puff" manufacturer estimate is simply a theoretical maximum number of puffs a vape could produce in a controlled laboratory setting, with a machine that produces a consistent one to two second puff, with the exact right amount of airflow.
Theoretically, it is possible to achieve these kinds of numbers, but not how most people vape. In the real world, most vapers can expect to get about 4,000 to 5,000 puffs from their 6,000 puff vape before the battery runs dead, or the e-liquid is gone. We'll look into the two factors that limit the life of each disposable vape: battery life and e-liquid capacity.
The Two Heartbeats of Your Vape: Battery vs. E-Liquid
There are two limitations on a disposable vape: the battery and the e-liquid container. Ideally, both should be depleted at exactly the same time. However, that is rarely the case. There are many scenarios where one limits the life of your disposable vape far more than the other.
- E-Liquid Limitations: Most 6,000 puff disposable vapes come with approximately 12 ml to 14 ml of e-liquid. While that may seem like a lot of liquid, if you are a light user who takes a few puffs per hour, the liquid will be the limiting factor on how much you vape. You will continue to vape until the liquid is gone.
- Battery Limitations: Most disposable vapes come equipped with an extremely small battery. These batteries are generally rated anywhere from 550mAh to 650mAh. As a heavy user, you are constantly draining your battery with long, extended pulls on your vape. I have had instances where my battery completely ran out while there was still e-liquid left in the tank. The more you vape continuously, the more pressure you put on the battery, not just the liquid.
Your Personal Vaping Style: The Ultimate Decider
At this point, I want to share some of my own personal experiences to better illustrate the differences.
- Light/Moderate User (The "Social" Vaper): Early in my vaping journey, my behavior was similar to this. My vape was always in my bag or sitting on my desk. I would occasionally take it out to enjoy a few puffs, about every couple of hours, 100-200 puffs per day. Under those conditions, a 6,000 puff disposable vape (that is realistically going to produce about 4,500 puffs), would last me about three to four weeks. The vape was a good friend during those times, never being too intrusive.
- Heavy User (The "All-Day" Vaper): During intense periods of work, I found myself vaping constantly. The vape became an extension of my hand. I took very long and deep puffs almost constantly, so much so that I averaged 400-600 puffs per day. Under those circumstances, the same disposable vape was dying within one to ten days. The longevity disappeared.
Environmental and Device Factors
I also want to note a few environmental and device-specific factors that can limit your vape's life:
- Puff Length: Those two-second puffs the labs use? Mine are often 3-4 seconds. Not only does a longer puff consume more liquid, but it also consumes more battery than a shorter puff.
- Storage and Temperature: Leave your vape in a hot car for an extended period of time, and the heat can damage the battery and also thicken the e-liquid, causing it to possibly leak. The lost e-liquid is wasted, and now you have to buy another vape sooner.
- Flavor Fading: Before your vape is actually dead, you may notice a decrease in vapor output or a "burnt" taste. That means your coil is exhausted. Even though the battery and/or e-liquid may still have plenty of life left in them, the vape itself is essentially done.
Conclusion
How long will your 6,000 puff vape last?
Based on my average week, I'd say you can safely assume your 6,000 puff vape will last anywhere from 2-4 weeks. If you're a heavy vaper, you can expect your vape to last less than a week.
The "6000 puffs" estimate is a great way to compare different devices, but it's not a guarantee. Use it as a rough estimate of the potential of the product. Ultimately, the clock on your vape is running at the speed of your personal vaping habits.