How To Smoke a Vape (Without Coughing!)

When you think of the physical act of vaping, it seems straightforward. However, the way you inhale vapor is not the same way you're used to inhaling smoke.

There are two main vaping styles: mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct to lung (DTL). Which one you to use may be impacted by the type of vape you’re using.

MTL is like smoking a cigarette. You pull the vapor into your mouth and then inhale. Most disposable vapes use this method. DTL is inhaling directly into your lungs without holding it in your mouth first. This method is common with pod vapes.

If you’re interested in knowing more, this article will walk you through how to smoke a vape properly so you can enjoy your vaping experience fully.

Let’s get vaping!

What You’ll Need

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to vape, let’s make sure you have everything you need for a successful vape sesh:

• A vape device (pod/disposable/dry herb vaporizer)

• Filled pod/cart or dry herb

• Charger (if rechargeable)

• MooseLabs MouthPeace Mini (optional but recommended for cleaner, smoother pulls & hygiene when sharing)

MTL Vaping Method (Mouth-To-Lung)

What is MTL?

MTL vaping (Mouth-To-Lung) is an inhalation technique that mimics smoking a traditional cigarette. You draw vapor into the mouth, hold it for a moment and then inhale into the lungs.

It's perfect for first-time vapers and smokers trying to quit smoking, as you get a familiar throat hit sensation to that of a cigarette smoke.

MTL works best with low-wattage vape devices as they give a restricted inhale. Examples are vape pens, disposables, simple pod systems, and Cigalikes. You will also see a lot of starter kits call themselves mouth-to-lung.

Step-By-Step

1. Power on your e-cigarette by clicking 5 times or drawing on it if it’s an auto-draw.

2. Place lips around the mouthpiece (or MouthPeace Mini if you are using one), ensuring no gaps on either side.

3. Take a gentle, 2–3 second puff into your mouth like sipping from a straw (don’t inhale to lungs yet).

4. Pause for 1 second, then inhale into the lungs.

5. Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose.

MTL vaping Pro Tips

• Start at a lower wattage and increase it gradually to prevent your coil from burning out prematurely.

• Use e-liquids with a higher percentage of propylene glycol (PG), such as a 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG ratio. This thinner liquid works best with higher-resistance coils and delivers a more pronounced throat hit.

• If you’re new to vaping and want a smoother experience, consider using nicotine salt e-liquids.

• Higher nicotine strengths (like 6 mg to 12 mg, or 20 mg for nic salts) will satisfy your nicotine cravings more effectively with less vapor production.

DTL Vaping Method (Direct-To-Lung)

What is DTL?

DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping on the other hand is where you inhale the vapor straight into your lungs in one smooth motion, almost like taking a deep breath.

DTL vaping works best with devices with more open or adjustable airflow and low-resistance coils, like High-powered sub-ohm mods with large atomizers.

As a result, DTL produces large clouds and an intense flavor loved by experienced users. That said, don’t be afraid to give it a go as you build your experience.

Step-By-Step

1. Check your device's airflow controls and make sure they are wide open.

2. Inhale directly into your lungs without holding the vapor in your mouth in a long, steady pull for about 3 to 5 seconds.

3. Exhale the vapor slowly for big clouds.

4. Take breaks between hits to avoid coughing.

DTL vaping Pro Tips

• You will need a high-wattage device, such as a box mod, paired with a sub-ohm tank or a rebuildable drip atomizer (RDA).

• It's best to use e-liquids that are high in vegetable glycerin (VG), ideally around a 70/30 VG to propylene glycol (PG) ratio, since they create thicker vapor and offer a smoother hit.

• Keep in mind that because DTL devices generate more vapor, you’ll also inhale more nicotine. To prevent an unpleasant experience, choose liquids with lower nicotine levels, usually between 0 mg and 6 mg.

• Before using a new coil, apply a few drops of e-liquid to the wick and let it sit in a filled tank for 5–10 minutes. This prevents dry hits and extends coil life.

• Also, try to avoid vaping continuously in quick succession (i.e chain vaping). Taking breaks between puffs allows your coil and wick to soak up more e-liquid, which helps prevent any burnt taste.

How To Smoke a Dry Herb Vaporizer

If you are a friend of the green, you can also vape your herbs. For this, you need a dry herb vaporizer. Here is how to use one.

1. Grind your herbs evenly and pack the chamber to about 75% capacity.

2. Preheat to low temp (e.g., 350–375°F / 175–190°C) for about 30 secs.

3. Take slow, steady 3–5 second pulls (MTL or gentle DTL depending on the airflow of your device).

4. Stir the herb halfway through the session for even extraction.

5. Increase temp slightly if vapor thins.

How To Smoke a Disposable Vape

A disposable vape pen is a simple vaping device meant for one-time use. It comes pre-charged and filled with e-liquid, so you can start using it right away without any need for refills or charging until it runs out. Once it’s empty, you discard it. Here is how to use one:

1. Remove any rubber or plastic covers from the mouthpiece and airflow vents.

2. Most disposables are draw-activated, so take a gentle puff for 1-2 seconds. If yours has a button, you’ll need to press and hold it as you inhale.

3. Wait 30–60 seconds; repeat.

4. If harsh, shorten puffs or slow your inhale.

Tip: An LED indicator light shows when the device is active. When the vapor production lessens or the light blinks, the e-liquid or battery is depleted, and the device is ready to be discarded

Is Vaping the Same as Smoking?

Not really, and here’s why.

Vaping works by heating e-liquid or dry herbs just enough to create a vapor, while smoking involves burning material to release smoke.

While the methods might seem similar when you take a puff, the experience is quite different.

With cigarettes, you usually take quick, sharp puffs, but vaping calls for longer, slower draws. Simply puffing harder on a vape won’t give you more vapor like it does with cigarettes. Instead, you need to hold the button a bit longer or take a deeper inhale.

This takes some practice, which is why experienced vapers often feel the effects of nicotine more efficiently than beginners.

Why The MooseLabs MouthPeace Mini Is a Game Changer For Vaping

It goes without saying that although vaping is less harsh than smoking, it's not risk-free. The particulates and residues can still affect your respiratory health.

The good news is, there are things you can do to make vaping cleaner and safer, like using a MooseLabs Mini.

A MooseLabs filter uses medical-grade silicone with replaceable activated carbon filters to trap the harmful particulates and residues before they reach your lungs.

You may also notice smoother, less irritating hits since the filter removes the harsh elements that cause coughing or throat discomfort.

Sharing your vape with a friend?

The MooseLabs Mini acts as a personal barrier between your mouth and the device’s mouthpiece, so you’re not swapping spit or exposing yourself to infections the flu or other germs that spread through shared surfaces.

Each person’s mouth only touches the silicone filter, not the actual device, so it’s hygienic for everyone in the rotation.

And best of all, it’s pocket friendly at just over 2 inches so you can take it to parties, cannabis events, festivals or wherever your vaping takes you.

FAQs

How should a beginner hit a vape without coughing?

Start with short, gentle puffs instead of deep inhales. Use the MTL technique we have just discussed. Draw vapor into your mouth first, hold for a second, then inhale slowly. Many vapers also find that using an external vape filter like the MooseLabs MouthPeace Mini helps smooth out hits and reduce throat irritation.

What temperature should I start with on a dry herb vaporizer?

Begin around 350°F (175°C) for flavor and smooth vapor. You can gradually raise it toward 390°F (200°C) if you prefer thicker clouds or stronger effects.

Why does my disposable taste burnt?

A burnt taste usually means your e-liquid is depleted or your coil is overheated. Try taking shorter puffs and give your device time between hits. If it persists, it’s likely time to replace your disposable.

Can a mouthpiece filter (like MooseLabs Mini) make hits smoother?

Yes. A MooseLabs MouthPeace Mini removes excess particulates and cools the vapor slightly, resulting in smoother, less harsh hits.

How long should I wait between vape hits?

A good rule of thumb is to wait 15 to 30 seconds between each puff. This gives the coil time to cool down and, more importantly, allows the wick to re-saturate with e-liquid, preventing dry or burnt hits.

Is vaping harsher than smoking?

In most cases, vaping is less harsh than smoking. But the best answer to this question depends on your device and e-liquid. High nicotine strength or low VG juice can make hits feel harsher. Try adjusting wattage or switching to nicotine salts for smoother draws.

How do I clean a vape mouthpiece?

Detach the mouthpiece and rinse it with warm, soapy water. For deeper cleaning, soak in isopropyl alcohol, rinse thoroughly, and dry completely before reattaching.

What’s the difference between inhaling on a cigarette and a vape?

With cigarettes, you take short, quick puffs. With vapes, use long, steady draws. The vapor forms through heating, not combustion, so slower inhales give better flavor and vapor production.