If you and your doctor decide to try nicotine vaping products (NVPs), it’s worth taking some time to read about proper care and maintenance.
NVP care
Caring about your vaping products is like caring for any finely tuned appliance or accessory. The more you care, the longer your product is likely to last. From your batteries to your coils, there are some do's and don'ts to keep everything working as it should.
Look after your batteries
Like any rechargeable batteries, vaping batteries are safe and reliable – as long as you use them properly. You should always use the correct charger for your device (different chargers can burn out the battery) and avoid high-amp wall chargers. You want something between 0.5 – 2 amps, nothing more.
Don’t leave your pod in direct sunlight, and get in the habit of removing the tank each night. That will help extend the battery life. Always check your batteries regularly, too. If you notice any damage or tears, you should replace the battery straight away.
Cleaning tanks and coils
If you’re using an open tank system, as you vape, residue from the e-liquid builds up in the tank and on the coil. Initially, this won’t matter, but eventually it will start to affect the taste and performance of your vape.
To keep your tank clean, wash it regularly in warm water or an ultrasonic cleaner. If you’ve got a replaceable coil head, it’s usually easier to swap in a new coil than clean it, but rebuildable coils should be cleaned regularly: just remove the atomizer and brush them lightly with warm water and dishwashing liquid. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Proper storage
When not in use, store your vape device in a cool and dry place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, as it can damage the battery and other components. Use a protective case or cover to prevent accidental damage, especially when you’re out and about.
Use the right e-liquid
It’s important to choose high-quality e-liquids from reputable manufacturers. Read the labels to ensure they are suitable for your device and avoid using liquids with expired dates. Different vape devices have different coil resistances, so use e-liquids with the appropriate VG/PG ratio and nicotine strength.
Don’t overfill
For tank systems, avoid overfilling the tank itself, as it can lead to leakage and gurgling issues. More e-liquid isn’t necessarily better. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for filling levels to prevent any potential problems. It’s not a huge deal if you exceed the guidelines, but repeated overfilling might compromise the long-term efficacy of your vape.
Flying with vapes
Vaping on planes is just like smoking on planes: don't do it. Vaping and the use of e-cigarettes is prohibited on aircraft and in airports, but you can obviously vape in dedicated smoking zones outside. Always turn off your device before boarding the plane. Your device, batteries and tank can go in your carry-on luggage, as can e-liquid (as long as it’s stored correctly and meets airline restrictions). If in doubt, check with airline staff about their vaping policies.