How To Switch From Disposable Vapes
Switching From Disposables: What Are Your Options?
Like many of you, my vaping journey began with the convenience and simplicity of disposable vapes. For me, they were perfect. Their compact design and pre-filled nature made them easily accessible, even back when I knew absolutely nothing about vaping.
For almost a year, I was solely reliant on disposable vapes for my nicotine fix. The familiar routine of unwrapping a new disposable, taking that first satisfying puff, and enjoying the familiar flavours became a comforting ritual. But as time went on, I knew it was time to make the switch to something more long-lasting. And as news of a disposable vape ban is on the horizon, I’m sure many of you are thinking the same thing.
But where do you start? And what alternatives are out there to ensure you stay on track on your quit smoking journey? Well, fear not— I’ve got the answers.
As we stand on the cusp of a new era in vaping, it’s the perfect time to explore the wide array of alternatives available. And trust me— there’s plenty! In this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of each disposable vape alternative, providing detailed insights and practical advice to help you navigate this transition with confidence. Plus, I’ll be sharing some of my top tips along the way that helped me through my own transition. On that note, let’s get started!
Why Switch From Disposable Vapes?
Every disposable vape user will be able to tell you about their perks; how easy they are to use, how compact they can be and how great they taste. Thanks to disposable vapes, millions of ex-smokers have been able to ditch the cigs for good and live a smoke-free lifestyle— myself included. After all, if I never picked up that first disposable vape, I’d probably still be smoking today.
While disposables are undeniably great for beginners trying to quit smoking, they’re not always the best option long-term. Here are just some of the reasons why switching from disposables could be the right choice for you:
● UK Disposable Vape Ban - Although it’s a long way off, disposable vapes will eventually be banned in the UK. The good news? It’s not coming into force anytime soon, so you have at least a year to explore alternatives. But if you’re a regular user of disposable vapes and have been wanting to find a more suitable long-term solution, the UK vape ban is a great reason to start exploring your options.
● Cost-Effective Alternatives - Despite all of their perks, it’s fair to say that disposable vapes aren’t exactly the cheapest option. Once they’ve outlived their puff count, they’ll need to be disposed of completely after use. When using a reusable vape, you only need to repurchase e-liquid or pods, not a whole new device, making it the more cost-effective option in the long run.
● More Freedom - As disposable vapes arrive pre-filled and in one piece, you’re limited in terms of how you can customise your experience. Reusable alternatives often give you the freedom to choose from literally thousands of e-liquid flavours from a whole host of different brands, and sometimes even allow you to customise features such as airflow, wattage and vaping style.
Exploring Alternatives To Disposable Vapes
As there’s still plenty of time before the disposable vape ban comes into effect, now is a great time to begin experimenting with the different alternatives available. Don’t panic! With everything from reusable vaping options to vaping alternatives, there’s a whole host of great choices out there to ensure you stay on track on your quit smoking journey. Let’s take a look at your options.
Prefilled Pod Kits
In my opinion, prefilled pod kits are the best option on this list for those wanting an experience that feels most like using a disposable vape. Most prefilled pod kits look and feel exactly like a disposable vape. The only difference? They can be used again and again!
Offering a seamless transition from disposable vapes to reusable options, these ready-to-use devices pair with pre-filled e-liquid pods, eliminating the need for manual refilling. They’re also often filled with nic salts, which is the same potent formula found inside disposable vapes.
Which Prefilled Pod Kit Is Right For Me?
When choosing a prefilled pod kit, consider opting for a brand you already enjoy. As this type of device is becoming more popular, many of the leading names in disposable vapes are releasing their own prefilled pod kits.
For example, if you've been using Lost Mary disposables and enjoy their flavours, you'd likely adjust well to the Lost Mary Tappo pod kit. If you’re already familiar with a brand's flavour profiles and design, sticking to that brand can help to ease the transition.
• Convenience: Prefilled pod kits offer hassle-free vaping with no need for manual refilling or coil replacements.
• Disposable-Like Experience: These kits look and feel like disposable vapes, but can be reused.
• Portable: These compact devices are highly portable, making them ideal for on-the-go vaping.
Refillable Pod Kits
Refillable pod kits are one of the best options for users wanting versatility and more freedom when transitioning away from disposable vapes. These devices feature refillable pods that allow users to choose their preferred e-liquids and nicotine strengths.
Unlike prefilled pod kits, these devices give users the freedom to fill their pods with their chosen e-liquids, offering a more customisable vaping experience. With refillable pods, users can experiment with various flavours and nicotine strengths to find their perfect vape.
What E-Liquid Should I Use With A Prefilled Pod Kit?
When it comes to selecting e-liquids for a refillable pod kit, you’re truly spoiled for choice, and the decision is totally up to you! Users have a wide range of options to choose from, and each e-liquid comes with its own set of perks designed for a certain type of user. If you’re not sure which eliquid would suit you best, check out my blog: How To Choose An E-Liquid for more guidance.
However, if you’re looking for a vaping experience that’s as similar to disposable vapes as possible, I highly recommend trying nic salts.
What Are Nic Salts?
Nicotine salts are a type of e-liquid formulation that closely mimics the natural nicotine found in tobacco leaves. This allows for faster nicotine absorption and a smoother throat hit than regular e-liquid, which is why it’s such a popular choice among beginners.
If you’re a disposable vape user, you’re already accustomed to nic salts as this is the same formula that’s found inside disposables. Plus, most nic salts are available in a 20mg strength, which is the same used in many disposable vapes. So if you want your refillable pod kit to provide a similar experience to that of a disposable vape, I recommend pairing it with nic salt e-liquid.
• Authentic Vaping Experience: Nicotine salts offer a vaping experience similar to that of disposable vapes, making them an ideal choice for users accustomed to the sensation of smoking.
• Wide Range of Flavors: Refillable pod kits allow users to experiment with a vast array of eliquid flavours, catering to diverse preferences and taste profiles.
• Fast Nicotine Absorption: Due to their formulation, nicotine salts are absorbed more quickly into the bloodstream, delivering nicotine to the body faster and satisfying cravings more effectively.
Starter Vape Kits
Just as the name suggests, is a great place to start if you’ve never tried vaping before. Specifically designed for ex-smokers and those looking to quit smoking, these devices closely mimic the appearance, feel, and experience of traditional cigarettes, making the transition to vaping easy and effortless.
Starter kits are often slim and pen-style, making them convenient and discreet for on-the-go use. They typically come with everything you need to get started, including a rechargeable battery, a refillable tank or pod, and sometimes even extra coils or cartridges. With a simple one-button operation, using a starter kit is as straightforward as it gets, making it perfect for beginners.
What E-Liquid Should I Use With A Vape Starter Kit?
As starter kits are refillable, you’re free to choose from a huge range of e-liquids to top up your kit. But, if you’re looking for an authentic, beginner-friendly cigarette-like experience, I recommend opting for a starter liquid.
Starter e-liquid is formulated with new vapers or those switching from traditional cigarettes in mind. These e-liquids typically feature a minimum PG (Propylene Glycol) content of 50%, with many opting for a balanced 50/50 e-liquid formula. However, some variants may have a slightly different ratio, such as 60PG/40VG.
• Ease of Use: Starter kits are designed with simplicity in mind, featuring one-button operation and intuitive designs, making them incredibly easy for beginners to use.
• Cigarette-like Experience: Starter kits closely mimic the look, feel, and sensation of traditional cigarettes, providing a familiar experience for ex-smokers transitioning to vaping.
• Convenience: Slim and pen-style designs make starter kits convenient and discreet for on-the-go use, allowing users to vape discreetly whenever and wherever they choose.
Nicotine Pouches
If you’re thinking about continuing your quit smoking journey without vaping, you might want to consider nicotine pouches. Nicotine pouches offer a smokeless alternative to traditional tobacco products, providing users with a convenient and discreet way to consume nicotine. These pouches typically consist of nicotine, flavouring agents, and plant-based materials, all encased in a small, teabag-like pouch.
Unlike traditional tobacco products, nicotine pouches do not require chewing or spitting, making them a cleaner and more socially acceptable option for nicotine consumption. So if you’re on the hunt for an alternative that can be used anywhere, any time, nicotine pouches might just be what you’re looking for.
How Do Nicotine Pouches Compare To Vaping?
To put it simply— nicotine pouches are nothing like vaping. In fact, they couldn’t be more different. While they both deliver nicotine to keep cigarette cravings at bay, the way in which they do so is worlds apart.
While vaping entails inhaling vaporised e-liquid through a device, nicotine pouches offer a different approach—they are placed between the gum and cheek, allowing nicotine to be absorbed through the oral mucosa.
One significant advantage of nicotine pouches is their discretion. Unlike vaping, which may attract attention due to visible vapour, nicotine pouches can be used discreetly almost anywhere, making them perfect for situations where vaping might not be allowed or socially acceptable. Plus, nicotine pouches offer a hassle-free experience, requiring no maintenance or charging like vaping devices.
● Discreet: Nicotine pouches offer a discreet and odourless way to consume nicotine, making them suitable for use in public spaces or situations where vaping may not be permitted.
●Portability: Nicotine pouches are compact and easy to carry, allowing users to enjoy nicotine on the go without the need for bulky vaping devices or accessories.
●No Maintenance: Unlike vaping devices, which require regular maintenance and charging, nicotine pouches are ready to use straight out of the package, with no need for refilling, charging, or coil replacements.
Heated Tobacco Devices
Heated tobacco devices are a unique alternative to both traditional smoking and vaping. Unlike conventional cigarettes that burn tobacco, these devices heat tobacco instead, creating a flavorful vapour without combustion. Popular brands in this category include IQOS and Ploom, both of which I’ve tried out for myself.
While I agree that heated tobacco devices are the closest alternative on this list to real cigarettes and are ideal for those trying to quit smoking, they may not be the best fit for those who are already accustomed to vaping.
How Do Heated Tobacco Devices Work?
Heated tobacco devices operate on a simple principle: they heat tobacco to a controlled temperature, releasing nicotine and flavour without generating smoke. This process differs from vaping, where e-liquid is vaporised using heat from a coil. When using a heated tobacco device, users insert specially designed tobacco sticks into the device, which are then heated to produce vapour.
For a more in-depth understanding of how these devices work, check out my in-depth guide: Heat Not Burn
• Tobacco Taste: Unlike vaping, heated tobacco devices offer a more authentic tobacco flavour, appealing to those who prefer the taste of traditional tobacco.
• No Combustion: Since heated tobacco devices do not burn tobacco, there is no smoke or ash produced, making them a potentially less harmful alternative to cigarettes.
• Familiar Experience: For some users, the ritual of using a heated tobacco device, including the act of inserting a tobacco stick, can mimic the experience of smoking a traditional cigarette, providing a sense of familiarity and comfort.
Choosing The Right Alternative To Disposables
Choosing the right alternative isn’t always an easy decision, and the result will depend on a whole host of factors that are unique to you.
Before diving right in, it’s a good idea to think about your personal preferences. Would you prefer the convenience of pre-filled pod kits or the flexibility of refillable options? Are you drawn to the authentic tobacco flavour offered by heated tobacco devices, or do you prefer the wide range of e-liquid flavours available in vaping? Pondering these questions will help narrow down your choices and guide you towards the most suitable alternative.
It can also be helpful to think about your lifestyle when making this decision:
•Are you constantly on the go and in need of a portable vaping solution?
• Do you often find yourself in environments where vaping may not be allowed?
Considering your lifestyle will help you choose a vaping device that seamlessly integrates into your daily routine.
Remember, there's no rush to make a decision. Take your time to explore and experiment with different alternatives before committing to just one. With the disposable vape ban still over a year away, you have ample time to test various options and find the one that works best for you. So, embrace the journey, try out different devices and flavours, and enjoy discovering the perfect alternative to disposable vapes.
My Top Tips For Switching From Disposable Vapes
As I’ve made the switch from disposable vapes myself, I understand firsthand the challenges and uncertainties that come with transitioning to reusable alternatives. Here are some top tips based on my personal experience to help make your switch as smooth and successful as possible:
1. Don’t Rush: If you only take one tip away with you today, let it be this one. Transitioning away from disposable vapes is a huge change, so be sure to take the time to explore different options to find the one that works best for you. With over a year left until the disposable vape ban comes into force, you have plenty of time to try out every option that piques your interest.
2. Use Familiar Brands: If the idea of switching from your favourite disposable vape brand seems daunting, don't panic. Many popular disposable vape brands also offer reusable alternatives, making the transition easier. Stick to brands you're familiar with and trust to ensure a seamless vaping experience.
3. Embrace Trial and Error: Finding the right vaping setup takes time and experimentation, so don't be discouraged if you don't find the perfect fit right away. Embrace the trial and error process, and don't be afraid to try new devices and flavours until you find what works best for you.
4. Stay Open-Minded: Keep an open mind throughout the switching process and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. You may discover new flavours or vaping techniques that you enjoy even more than your previous disposable vape experience. Don't be afraid to explore and try new things.
5. Seek Guidance: Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance and support as you make the switch. Whether it's consulting with knowledgeable staff at your local myCigara vape shop or joining online vaping communities, there are plenty of resources available to help answer your questions and provide valuable insights.
Disposable Vape Alternatives at myCigara
At myCigara, we exist to make the UK smoke-free. We believe that offering healthier alternatives brings us that much closer to achieving our goal.
If you want to find out more about the different options available, head over to my blog: Best Disposable Vape Alternatives for a full rundown of recommended devices. Also, be sure to check out our news blog regarding the upcoming disposable vape ban for a full explanation of what’s going to change.
We provide a great range of useful tips and guides to help point you in the right direction if vaping sounds like the right next step for you. If you're brand-new to vaping and have never used a reusable kit before, browse our New to Vaping blog to grasp the fundamentals you'll need to understand before you get started.
Feel free to reach out and contact us anytime and we’ll be happy to guide you in the right direction as well as answer any burning questions you may have. Alternatively, head down to your local myCigara store where our expert staff is ready to help you.
Jemma Wolfe
Lead Content Writer @myCigara
I'm Jemma, a writer and ex-smoker with a passion for vaping. Since ditching the cigs over a year ago, I've used a whole host of vaping products to help me stay smoke-free and live a healthier lifestyle.
Now, my goal is to help others along their quit smoking journey by writing expert reviews and providing vaping guidance. When I’m not writing, you can find me curled up with a good book, hanging out with my cats or watching live music.
