It’s likely that when you started vaping, you aimed to leave anything related to "lung" behind. The persistent cough—a clear signal to quit smoking—disappeared once you gave up cigarettes, and for good reason.
While we spend time perfecting our e-liquid choices and upgrading our vape mod kits, we often overlook the most crucial factor: how we’re vaping. If you’ve heard terms like Mouth to Lung (MTL) and Direct to Lung (DTL) but aren’t sure what they mean, keep reading. The way you vape can elevate your experience just as much as the devices and liquids you use.
Mouth-to-Lung vs. Direct-to-Lung Vaping
At its core, there are two main vaping styles: Mouth to Lung (MTL) and Direct to Lung (DTL). Many vapers simply adapt to the style suited to their device without much thought. For example, most vape starter kits, pod kits, and vape pens are designed for smokers transitioning to vaping, mimicking the sensation of smoking a cigarette. This approach is typically MTL. But let’s delve deeper into the details to understand the differences.
Mouth to Lung Vaping: What Is It?
Mouth to Lung (MTL) vaping mirrors the inhaling style of smoking. You first draw vapour into your mouth, hold it for a moment, and then inhale it into your lungs with a second breath. This technique not only allows your tongue to detect the nuanced flavours of the e-liquid but also feels natural for those who transitioned to vaping from smoking.
Direct to Lung Vaping: What Is It?
Direct to Lung (DTL) vaping takes a completely different approach. It involves a slow, steady inhale (lasting around 2.8 seconds) where the vapour is drawn directly into the lungs in a single breath. This method delivers a more powerful and immersive experience, often preferred by seasoned vapers who no longer seek a cigarette-like sensation.
Different Results for Different Styles
DTL vaping delivers a more intense overall experience. The stronger throat hit—easily adjustable with tailored PG and nicotine levels—produces larger vapour clouds and can be highly satisfying for experienced users. However, it may feel overwhelming to beginners. On the other hand, MTL vaping provides a gentler delivery. The vapour is held in the mouth, enhancing the immediate perception of flavour while reducing the throat hit.
With advancements in mods and e-liquid options, MTL enthusiasts can still achieve incredible flavour profiles with minor adjustments, ensuring the experience is as rewarding as DTL for those who prefer a milder approach.
Mouth to Lung Vaping: Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Best for Quitting Smoking:
MTL vaping is the closest you’ll get to replicating the sensation of smoking a cigarette. The inhaling process mimics smoking, delivering a satisfying throat hit in a gentler manner than DTL vaping. This makes it a strong choice for those transitioning from tobacco, with the added option of nicotine to curb cravings. -
Conserves E-Liquid:
While vaping is considerably more cost-effective than the hefty £3000 a year spent on smoking 20 cigarettes a day, keeping expenses down matters. MTL vaping uses less e-liquid due to slower inhalation and vaporization, leaving more in your tank—and more cash in your wallet. -
Cooler Vaping Experience:
Thanks to lower battery power, MTL vaping stays cooler than its DTL counterpart. While you can opt for cooling effects through popular iced e-liquid ranges like Riot Squad's Bar EDTN or Bar Juice 5000, MTL inherently avoids overheating, offering a more comfortable vape. -
Enhanced Flavour Delivery:
When it comes to flavour vs. cloud production, MTL has the upper hand in flavour. Holding vapour in your mouth allows your taste buds to fully appreciate the e-liquid’s subtleties. Using high-PG e-liquids enhances this even further since PG is the primary flavour carrier in vape juice. -
Discreet Clouds:
"Stealth vaping" may sound funny, but it’s spot on. While big clouds are fun at home, in public settings like outside the office or at a pub garden, subtlety is often preferred. MTL vaping takes smaller hits, producing smaller, less noticeable vapour clouds. -
Higher Nicotine Strengths:
MTL vaping pairs perfectly with nicotine salts, offering the highest nicotine strengths available. This makes it ideal for heavy smokers making the switch, ensuring cravings are satisfied while maintaining a familiar throat hit. -
User-Friendly Design:
MTL pod kits are designed with simplicity in mind. Features like quick refills, easy pod or coil changes, and buttonless inhale activation make them hassle-free and seamless for new vapers transitioning from smoking.
Cons of Mouth-to-Lung Vaping
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May Feel Weaker Compared to DTL:
This is a common observation among DTL vapers who are accustomed to intense vapour production. While many started with MTL vaping to quit smoking, transitioning back after experiencing the powerful clouds of DTL can feel underwhelming and less satisfying. -
Might Seem “Outdated” to Some:
Vapers who have progressed from basic starter kits to advanced Sub-Ohm setups might find MTL vaping a step backward. With advanced box mods and Sub-Ohm tanks delivering a premium experience, reverting to MTL can feel like a return to earlier, less sophisticated devices. -
Limited Big Hit Capability:
While discretion is a benefit of MTL vaping, it does come with the trade-off of smaller hits. Unlike DTL vaping, which allows for one deep inhale to produce massive clouds, MTL requires two smaller breaths. Unless you’ve got superhero-like lung capacity, MTL won’t deliver the same large-scale vapour clouds. However, you can still achieve a satisfying hit by opting for high-PG e-liquids.
Direct to Lung Vaping: Pros
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Much More Impactful:
A DTL hit delivers significantly more intensity compared to MTL vaping. For those seeking a stronger throat hit, sub-ohm vaping offers the perfect solution. To maximize the experience, invest in a Sub-Ohm tank, an RDA, and high-VG e-liquids. You can easily refine your e-liquid selection by browsing shortfill vape juices and filtering by PG/VG ratio. -
Massive Vapour Clouds:
If creating thick, impressive clouds of vapour is your goal, DTL vaping delivers in spades. Expect voluminous plumes that elevate your vaping experience to the next level. -
Effortless Draw:
With DTL, you bypass the two-step process of holding vapour in your mouth before inhaling. The single-breath method makes for a simpler, more fluid draw. -
Big, Uninterrupted Hits:
DTL vaping ensures uninterrupted lung hits, allowing for deeper and fuller inhalation. For discreet DTL vaping, try using a high-ohm coil, take a deep lung hit, and hold for a few seconds to let the vapour dissipate slightly before fully inhaling.
Cons
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Extra Effort to Avoid Harsh Hits:
Mastering DTL vaping requires some fine-tuning. To minimize harsh throat hits, simply switch to a high-VG e-liquid and reduce your nicotine levels. It's a small adjustment for a smoother experience. -
Risk of Burning Cotton:
Running your tank dry is a common beginner mistake and can lead to burnt cotton. Keeping an eye on your juice level is essential. For a more low-maintenance approach, consider JUUL devices or hassle-free Pod Kits, many of which are compatible with nicotine salts. -
Reduced PG and Nicotine Options:
The intensity of DTL vaping often makes it necessary to lower your PG ratio and nicotine strength, which may not suit everyone’s preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing between Mouth-to-lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping comes down to personal preference and your vaping goals. MTL is ideal for those transitioning from smoking, offering a more familiar experience, subtle flavor delivery, and smaller vapor clouds. On the other hand, DTL caters to vapers seeking intense throat hits, larger clouds, and a more robust experience. Understanding these styles ensures you pick the method that aligns with your needs, making your vaping journey both enjoyable and satisfying.
Explore our wide range of MTL vape kits and accessories tailored for beginners. Visit the Vape Boyz website today and find everything you need to make the switch from smoking to vaping easy and enjoyable!
