ELECTRONIC CIGARATTES
An Electronic cigarette (e-cig) is a portable, battery-powered device that simulates smoking by vaporizing E-liquid (containing PG and/or VG) and flavouring yet still delivering nicotine (nicotine levels can vary, down to 0 mg, depending on what the user wants), but without the other 3,999+ chemicals hidden in cigarettes. It generates a smoke-like vapour and provides the same hand-to-mouth, inhalation experience as smoking. It has been shown to reduce cravings among smokers, not just for nicotine, but also for the relaxation, associated with inhaling and exhaling vapour.
All e-cigarettes operate on a fairly simple principle: A liquid is converted to a vapour through the process of heating it. A battery sends an electric current to a wad of liquid-soaked wicking material that is tightly wrapped with a metal coil. Sending current to the coil causes the coil to heat up, much like a burner on an electric stove. Once the coil becomes hot enough, the liquid that is in contact with the coil also begins to heat up, eventually to the point the liquid becomes converted to a vapour. This vapour is then puffed or inhaled from the device. Because e-cigarette users are inhaling a vapour and not smoke, they often refer to themselves “vapers” to distinguish themselves from tobacco cigarette users.
E-cigarettes come in all shapes and sizes and can be roughly categorized according to their simplicity, flexibility, and capacity. Another important distinction between devices is whether they are a closed or open system. Closed system devices cannot be modified by the user. The battery, coil, and chamber holding the fluid are self-contained. The only flexibility is being able to switch fluid cartridges to change flavour or nicotine strength. In contrast, all aspects of open system devices can potentially be changed to suit the user.
If you’re an adult smoker then the answer is yes. Non-smokers should not take up nicotine in any form. The addictiveness of nicotine as provided by vaping devices is as yet not fully understood, but it should be assumed that it does have the potential to cause dependence.
The costs of electronic cigarettes vary depending on the type. Most beginner kits range from £20-£30, intermediate kits usually cost between £40 and £60 and advanced kits costs £60 upwards.
In terms of the maintenance cost, this is relatively low as the only items that need to be purchased in the short-term are atomizer heads (if you have a replaceable clearomizer/tank) and e-liquid.
Typically, atomizer heads or coils as they are sometimes referred to, last approximately two weeks. This is all dependent on frequency of use and the battery voltage. The higher the voltage the less the lifespan of the atomizer head will be.
We recommend that you purchase one of our kits that come complete with everything you need to get started. In addition, we recommend that you purchase extra e-liquid with your kit to ensure that you have sufficient supplies.