Nicotine salts, also called nic salts, are a special kind of nicotine used in vaping devices. If you’re new to vaping or curious about nic salts, this blog will explain what they are, how they work, and the best way to use them. We’ll keep everything simple, so even someone who’s never heard about vaping or nicotine can understand.
What Are Nicotine Salts?
Let’s start with the basics. Nicotine is a chemical found in tobacco. It’s what makes cigarettes and other tobacco products addictive. But when people vape, they use a liquid called e-liquid or vape juice, which usually contains nicotine, flavors, and other ingredients.
Now, there are two main types of nicotine used in vape liquids:
1.Freebase Nicotine: This is the regular nicotine that’s been used for years in cigarettes and traditional e-liquids. It’s pure and strong but can feel harsh on the throat when inhaled, especially at high levels.
2.Nicotine Salts: This is a newer type of nicotine used in vaping. It’s smoother than freebase nicotine, even at higher levels, making it easier to inhale. Nic salts are combined with other chemicals to create a more balanced, softer experience.
Why is this important? Because for people who are trying to quit smoking, or for those who want a stronger nicotine hit without the harshness, nic salts are often the better choice.
Why Are Nicotine Salts Popular?
Nic salts have become popular for several reasons. Let’s look at why many vapers prefer them:
1.Smoothness: One of the main benefits of nic salts is that they are smoother to inhale. If you’ve ever vaped regular nicotine and felt your throat burn, you know how uncomfortable that can be. Nic salts don’t cause this harsh feeling, even at high nicotine levels.
2.Fast Nicotine Absorption: When you inhale nic salts, your body absorbs the nicotine faster than with freebase nicotine. This means you get that satisfying nicotine feeling more quickly, similar to smoking a cigarette.
3.High Nicotine Levels: With nic salts, you can use higher nicotine levels without feeling the burn in your throat. This makes it a good option for people who want more nicotine per puff, especially those trying to quit smoking.
4.Discreet Vaping: Nic salts work best in small, low-power vape devices, often called pod systems. These devices are compact and don’t produce huge clouds of vapor, making them more discreet and portable.
Now that you understand what nicotine salts are and why people use them, let’s talk about the best ways to use them.
The Best Way to Use Nicotine Salts
If you’re thinking about trying nicotine salts, there are a few things you should know to get the best feel. Below, we’ll cover everything from choosing the right device to tips for beginners.
1. Choose the Right Device
Nicotine salts are designed to be used in specific types of vape devices, usually low-wattage devices. Here are some of the most popular options:
·Pod Systems: These are small, simple, and easy-to-use vape devices. They’re perfect for nicotine salts because they don’t need high power to deliver a strong hit. You just pop in a pod filled with nic salts, take a puff, and enjoy. Most pod systems are automatic, meaning they start working when you inhale, so there’s no need to press any buttons.
·Low-Wattage Devices: If you prefer a bit more control over your vaping experience, some vape devices let you adjust the power (measured in watts). However, it’s important to keep the wattage low (usually below 20 watts) when using nic salts. High power can make nic salts taste too strong and might ruin the smoothness.
·Avoid using nicotine salts in sub-ohm devices or any vape that produces large clouds of vapor. These high-power devices are designed for freebase nicotine and won’t work well with nic salts.
2. Start with a Lower Nicotine Strength
Nic salts are available in different nicotine strengths, usually ranging from 20 mg to 50 mg (milligrams). If you’re new to vaping or haven’t used nic salts before, it’s a good idea to start with a lower strength. This gives your body time to adjust to the nicotine without feeling overwhelmed.
·Low Strength (20-25 mg): If you’re new to vaping or are a light smoker, start with a lower strength. This will give you a smoother hit without too much nicotine.
·Medium Strength (30-40 mg): If you’ve been vaping for a while or are a regular smoker, you might prefer a medium strength.
·High Strength (50 mg or more): This is for heavy smokers or those who need a very strong nicotine hit. Only use this strength if you’re already used to high levels of nicotine.
Remember, nicotine salts are much stronger than regular freebase nicotine, so don’t rush into the highest strength if you’re not used to it.
3. Take Small, Slow Puffs
One of the great things about nic salts is that you don’t need to take huge puffs to feel the effects. Nicotine salts are absorbed quickly into your bloodstream, so small, slow puffs are often all you need to get the nicotine hit you’re looking for.
·Inhale Gently: Instead of taking a big drag, inhale gently and slowly. This helps avoid coughing or irritation and gives your body time to absorb the nicotine.
·Wait Between Puffs: After each puff, give yourself a moment to see how you feel. Nicotine salts work fast, so you might find that just a few puffs are enough.
4. Don’t Chain Vape
Since nicotine salts are stronger than regular nicotine, you should avoid chain vaping, which means taking continuous puffs without breaks. Vaping too much can cause dizziness, nausea, or a rapid heartbeat, especially if you’re using a high nicotine strength.
To avoid this, take a few puffs and then wait for a few minutes. If you still feel the need for more nicotine, you can take another puff or two. It’s better to vape slowly and take breaks than to overdo it.
5. Keep Your Device Clean
Maintaining your vape device is important for a good experience. Over time, e-liquid can build up in the pod or coil, affecting the flavor and performance. Here’s how to keep your device in good shape:
·Change Pods or Coils Regularly: If you notice a burnt taste or less vapor production, it might be time to replace the pod or coil. Most pod systems have disposable pods that need to be changed every few days or weeks, depending on how much you vape.
·Clean the Mouthpiece: Wipe down the mouthpiece of your device regularly to remove any e-liquid residue or dirt.
·Store Your Device Properly: When you’re not using your vape, store it upright to avoid leaks. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold.
6. Stay Hydrated
Vaping, especially with nic salts, can make your mouth feel dry. This is because vaping dehydrates the moisture in your mouth and throat. To avoid dry mouth and stay comfortable, make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day.
·Sip Water While Vaping: It’s a good idea to have a water bottle nearby when you vape. Taking a few sips of water can help keep your mouth and throat from feeling too dry.
·Use Lip Balm: If you find your lips getting dry from vaping, using a lip balm can help keep them moisturized.
7. Store Nicotine Salts Safely
Like all e-liquids, nicotine salts should be stored safely, especially if you have children or pets at home. Nicotine is a toxic substance, and ingesting it can be very dangerous.
·Keep Out of Reach: Always store your nic salt bottles in a high or locked cabinet, out of reach of small children and pets.
·Use Child-Proof Caps: Most nic salt bottles come with child-proof caps, but it’s still important to double-check that the bottle is closed tightly after each use.
·Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Nic salts should be kept away from direct sunlight or heat, as this can degrade the nicotine and affect the flavor.
8. Listen to Your Body
The most important tip when using nicotine salts is to listen to your body. Everyone’s tolerance for nicotine is different, and what works for one person might not work for you. Pay attention to how you feel after vaping. If you start feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or jittery, you might be getting too much nicotine.
·Reduce Nicotine Strength: If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the nicotine, consider switching to a lower strength.
·Take a Break: If you’ve had enough, put down the vape for a while and take a break. Vaping isn’t a race, and it’s okay to pace yourself.
Conclusion
Nicotine salts can be a great option for people who want a smoother vaping experience with higher nicotine levels. By choosing the right device, starting with a lower nicotine strength, and taking your time with each puff, you can get the most out of your nic salts. Remember to keep your device clean, stay hydrated, and store your nic salts safely.
If you’re new to vaping or switching from smoking, nicotine salts might just be what you need to make the transition easier and more enjoyable.