The growing popularity of disposable vapes is down to a number of factors, but their efficacy as a nicotine replacement therapy must be one of the largest selling points. For people quitting smoking with vaping, these devices are revolutionary; according to the NHS, smokers are twice as likely to quit via vaping compared to other therapies.
However, you will see various numbers and phrases when referring to nicotine content. For those unfamiliar with vaping, these can be a little mystifying. Happily, nicotine in disposable vapes is easy to understand and by the end of this short article, you should be able to achieve the nicotine dose you require.
How Much Nicotine do Disposable Vapes Contain?
Disposables can be purchased in a variety of different nicotine strengths, but by far the most common are 20mg disposable vapes. 20mg is the highest concentration of nicotine that can be included in vape devices in the UK and provides more than enough of a nicotine hit for an ex-smoker.
However, for many including ex-smokers, 20mg may be too much nicotine than they need. 10mg disposable vapes are available from popular brands such as Elf Bar and provide the same amount of puffs and flavours, but with a much lower nicotine content.
It should also be noted that disposable vapes do not contain precisely the level of nicotine on the packaging. 20mg means 20 milligrams per millimetre, not that there is a total of 20mg in the actual device; the same goes for 10mg strengths. For this reason, there are other ways of expressing nicotine content, the most common being as a percentage.
What's the Difference Between 20mg and 2% Nicotine?
20mg and 2% are two ways of saying the same thing. A 20mg vape contains 20mg nicotine per 1ml of e-liquid, which is a 2% concentration. Some people find this a more accurate way of describing nicotine content, as vape devices can only contain up to 2ml of e-liquid if they contain nicotine.
Do All Disposable Vapes Contain Nicotine?
No, not all disposable vapes contain nicotine. While many disposable vapes do contain nicotine, there are also options available that are nicotine-free. These nicotine-free disposable vapes use the same ingredients and flavourings as nicotine disposable vapes, but have no nicotine content.
Interestingly, nicotine free disposable vapes are also not subject to the same restrictions as vapes that contain nicotine. The obvious advantage is that there is no limit on the amount of e-liquid they contain. A popular example is the Elux Legend 3500, which contains no nicotine but is capable of 3500 puffs per device due to its larger e-liquid tank.
It should be noted that nicotine free disposable vapes are not recommended as a smoking cessation tool. This is because they won’t satisfy the craving for nicotine like 20mg or 10mg disposable vapes. However, they can still be useful for ex-smokers looking to reduce their nicotine intake as the familiar action of vaping can help. For this purpose, we recommend starting at 20mg, then dropping to 10mg and then finally trying 0mg disposable vapes.
What is Nicotine Salt in Disposable Vapes?
Nicotine salt is a type of nicotine that is extracted from the tobacco plant in a different way than the nicotine used in traditional e-liquids. Nicotine salt is formed by combining nicotine with an organic acid, such as benzoic acid. This results in a form of nicotine that has a lower pH level than traditional nicotine, which makes it easier for the body to absorb and helps to provide a smoother vaping experience.
Nicotine salt is often used in disposable vape devices as it allows for a higher concentration of nicotine without the harsh throat hit that can be associated with traditional nicotine. This means that vapers can achieve a satisfying nicotine hit with less vapour and fewer puffs.
What is Freebase Nicotine in Disposable Vapes?
Some disposable vapes contain e-liquid that is made with freebase nicotine, which can provide a strong and intense nicotine hit. Freebase nicotine is an older form of nicotine which is created through a chemical process that involves removing the protons from the nicotine molecule. The result is a form of nicotine that is more alkaline and less stable than nicotine salts.
Disposable vapes that use freebase nicotine provide a stronger and more noticeable throat hit than nicotine salt. This can be a bonus for ex-smokers looking for a harsher throat hit which is closer to smoking a cigarette. However, freebase nicotine can be less effective at delivering nicotine to the body due to its higher pH level, which may result in overall lower satisfaction
Conclusion
Disposable vapes are a fantastic alternative to smoking precisely because of their nicotine content. As you can see from the above, the nicotine levels in disposable vapes is quite easy to understand. As a rule of thumb, 20mg is the most popular due to its high nicotine content which is perfect for ex-smokers. However, it's important to remember that 10mg and nicotine-free options are available, making disposable vapes useful for any stage of ex-smoker.
