Welcome to the world of vaping, a realm where flavor meets technology to create an experience that transcends traditional smoking. Whether you’re a seasoned vaper or new to this exciting world, one common challenge you might encounter is the notorious ‘throat hit’ – that sharp, often uncomfortable sensation in your throat when inhaling vapor. If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my vape hitting harsh?” or complained, “My vape burns my throat on inhale,” you’re not alone.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the nuances of throat hit in vaping: what it is, why it happens, and most importantly, how to avoid it for a smoother, more enjoyable experience. As veterans in the vaping community, we understand how vital it is to tailor your vaping journey to your preferences. That’s why our vape shop offers a curated selection of vaping products designed to enhance your experience and minimize discomfort. From beginner-friendly devices to a wide range of e-liquids, we have everything you need to make your vaping journey as enjoyable as possible.
What Is a Throat Hit?
When you take a puff from your vape, do you often experience a harsh, irritating sensation in your throat? This sensation, known as a “throat hit,” can range from a mild tickle to a severe burning feeling. Before delving into how to avoid it, it’s essential to understand what a throat hit is and why it occurs.
In the vaping community, a throat hit refers to the sensation experienced at the back of the throat while inhaling vapor from an electronic cigarette or vape device. This sensation is often sought after by ex-smokers who miss the feeling of smoking a traditional cigarette. However, for many, especially new vapers, a throat hit can be an unpleasant experience, leading to discomfort.
Factors Contributing to Throat Hit
Several factors can contribute to a throat hit. Understanding these can help you identify why your vape might be hitting harshly.
- Nicotine Strength: Higher nicotine levels in e-liquids can produce a stronger throat hit. If you’re new to vaping or sensitive to nicotine, opting for a lower nicotine strength might help reduce the throat hit.
- PG/VG Ratio: E-liquids are made up of Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG). PG is known for providing a stronger throat hit, while VG leads to a smoother experience. Consider switching to a higher VG blend if your e-liquid has a high PG content.
- Device and Coil Settings: High wattage or temperature settings on your vaping device can intensify the throat hit. Similarly, using an old or burnt-out coil can make your vape feel harsher.
- Inhaling Technique: How you inhale the vapor can also impact the throat hit. A direct lung inhale, instead of a mouth-to-lung inhale, can reduce the intensity of the throat hit.
Understanding the Ingredients in E-Liquids
A pivotal aspect of your vaping experience, particularly concerning throat hit, hinges on the ingredients in your e-liquid. Primarily, e-liquids consist of Propylene Glycol (PG), Vegetable Glycerin (VG), nicotine, and flavorings. The balance between PG and VG significantly influences the kind of throat hit you experience.
PG is a thin, flavorless liquid known for carrying flavor more effectively than VG. It’s responsible for the ‘throat hit’ that many ex-smokers find satisfying, closely mimicking the sensation of smoking a traditional cigarette. However, it can be harsh on the throat, especially in higher concentrations, which is something to consider if you’re experiencing discomfort.
On the other hand, VG is thicker and slightly sweet. It produces the dense, satisfying clouds of vapor that many vapers love. More importantly, VG is known for providing a smoother, softer throat hit compared to PG. This makes high VG e-liquids a go-to choice for those looking to minimize throat irritation.
When choosing e-liquids, consider the PG/VG ratio. A higher VG content (like 70VG/30PG) typically offers a gentler throat experience. The type and intensity of flavorings can also impact the throat hit. Some flavors, particularly citrus or menthol, might add to the sharpness of the hit, while creamier, softer flavors tend to offer a smoother inhale.
The Impact of Vaping Techniques
Your vaping technique plays a crucial role in the kind of throat hit you experience. Two primary inhalation methods among vapers are mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct lung (DL) inhales.
MTL is a two-step process where you first draw vapor into your mouth and inhale it into your lungs. This technique, reminiscent of smoking a traditional cigarette, allows for better control over the vapor, usually resulting in a milder throat hit. It’s particularly favorable for beginners or those using higher nicotine e-liquids.
Conversely, DL vaping involves inhaling the vapor straight into the lungs, similar to taking a deep breath. This method is often preferred by experienced vapers who enjoy large vapor clouds. However, it can result in a more intense throat hit, especially if not executed properly.
Perfecting your inhalation technique can significantly improve your vaping experience. For a gentler throat sensation, try starting with the MTL approach and gradually adjust to find what suits you best.
Tips to Avoid Harsh Throat Hit
Now that we understand the factors contributing to a throat hit let’s explore ways to avoid or minimize it.
- Choose the Right E-Liquid: Opt for e-liquids with a higher VG content and lower nicotine strength. VG not only smoothens the throat hit but also produces more vapor.
- Adjust Your Vaping Device: Lower the wattage or temperature of your device. Start with lower settings and gradually increase until you find a comfortable balance between flavor and throat hit.
- Change Your Coil Regularly: A burnt coil can cause a harsh throat hit. Replace your coils regularly to ensure a smoother vaping experience.
- Stay Hydrated: Vaping can dehydrate you, which can exacerbate the throat hit. Drink plenty of water to keep your throat moist.
- Experiment with Different Devices: Some devices are designed for a smoother vape experience. Pod systems and devices with adjustable airflow can provide a gentler throat hit.
- Mind Your Inhaling Technique: Try switching to a mouth-to-lung inhale if you’re currently doing a direct lung inhale. This technique mimics smoking a cigarette and can reduce the intensity of the throat hit.
Addressing Common Concerns
“Why is my vape hitting harsh?” This is a common question among vapers. The reasons can vary from the type of e-liquid you’re using to the settings on your device. Identifying the cause is the first step to resolving it.
“Vape burns throat on inhale”: If you experience a burning sensation, this could be due to high nicotine strength, a high PG e-liquid, a burnt coil, or high power settings on your device. Experiment with these variables to find a more comfortable vaping experience.
Conclusion
Vaping should be an enjoyable experience, and understanding how to manage the throat hit is crucial for a comfortable vape. By choosing the right e-liquid, adjusting your device settings, staying hydrated, and experimenting with your inhalation technique, you can significantly reduce or eliminate the harshness of the throat hit. Remember, what works for one person might not work for another, so it’s important to experiment and find what best suits your preferences and needs.