E-CIGARETTE: STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

If you’re new to vaping and eager to get started but you’re finding all the tech and jargon a little overwhelming, you’re not alone. Our guide to the structure and function of e-cigarettes will have you sounding like a vape expert in no time at all.

Vaping is nothing like smoking combustible cigarettes. When smokers light up and puff they inhale smoke that includes a host of nasty chemicals, as well as tar and condensate. The clouds of foul-smelling smoke produced by smoking lingers in the air, on clothes and hands and in smokers’ hair.

Vaping is a much cleaner process than smoking. Vapes, like the Vuse* you’ve just purchased from the vape store, are battery-operated e-cigarettes intended for use by adult nicotine users, that vaporise e-liquid – in the case of Vuse you’ll use pre-filled pods – that contains nicotine and are available in a variety of appealing flavours.
Because there’s no combustion associated with vaping, no smoke is inhaled, no ash is produced, and you won’t be wake up smelling like last night’s dirty ashtray.

The protective case that houses and protects all the internal components of the e-cigarette. It gives the device its distinctive look and feel – its cool factor.

The battery is the driving forces of the e-cig. No battery power, no vaping. Vuse e-cigarettes all boast game-changing lithium-ion batteries and are supplied with USB charging cables.

The vaporiser is the core of the e-cigarette. Inside it, the e-liquid is transferred via a cotton wick to a heating coil, where it’s heated and evaporated to create vapour.

You inhale through the mouthpiece, which also cools the hot vapour, so you don’t burn yourself. With open system vapes (see below) the mouthpiece needs to be cleaned or replaced regularly as grime can accumulate in it. Each Vuse pod, on the other hand, has its own mouthpiece, so each time you swap out an pod you get a brand-new, hygienic mouthpiece.

Unlike traditional cigarettes, e-cigs are electrically operated. Classic e-cigarettes consist of a mouthpiece through which you inhale; a tank where the e-liquid is stored; an atomiser or vaporiser that heats up the e-liquid to turn it into vapour and a battery to power the unit. These components are all housed in a protective case, called a ‘mod’ in vaping circles.

There are two types of vaping systems from which to choose.

Unlike more complicated vaping systems, auto-puff e-cigarettes like Vuse are game-changers. Simply insert an pod into the device and the magnet will pull it into place. Should you want to try another flavour before your current pod runs out, you can, because half-filled pods can be stored for later use and reinserted whenever you like. Once the pod has been activated a solid white LED light will appear and you’re ready to go. When your puff is done, the white LED light will switch off.

For your convenience your new Vuse should be fully charged when you purchase it from the vape store. When the time comes to charge it – the white LED light will flash 10 times – simply connect the magnetic charging cable to your device and connect the other end to a USB charging port.
The LED light will show the different levels while charging. While the device is at less than 80% of full charge the light will pulse white and when it has been charged to between 80% and 100%, the light will be solid white. Charging to full battery shouldn’t take longer than an hour and the device will automatically stop charging after three hours.

Many new vapers worry about how long the battery in their device will last: based on typical usage, a fully charged Vuse pen should last all day, but to be on the safe side it’s a good idea to take your USB charging cable along with you.

The e-liquid in your pre-filled Vuse e-pod consist mainly of a combination of propylene glycol (PG), vegetable glycerine (VG) and traces of water. E-liquids containing nicotine will also contain nicotine salts. The nicotine strengths and flavourings vary, depending on which variants you choose.

● PG is tasteless and flavourless. It carries the flavour of your chosen e-pod.
● VG is responsible for producing the vapour when you exhale. VG adds a slightly sweet taste and a degree of smoothness to the vaping experience. The more VG in the e-liquid, the more vapour it will produce.
● Nic salts, or nicotine salts are present in e-liquids that contains nicotine. An innovation in vaping science, nic salts give a more intense vaping experience for increased satisfaction, while adding smoothness.
● Water gives the e-liquid the perfect consistency for an optimal vaping experience.

How long is a piece of string? Vaping has evolved rapidly since it was first invented in 2003 and today there is a huge array of vapes on the market. Your choice of vape depends on your needs. If you’re looking for simplicity and ease of use coupled with a sleek and discreet design, then a closed vaping system pod like Vuse is perfect.

Get your Vuse starter pack with engraving for R459.95 (delivery is free for purchases over R499). Plus you can choose from a wide range of flavours priced from R109.90 (two pods per pack).

Disclaimer
* This product contains nicotine and is addictive.