Vaping mouth to lung (MTL) is a vaping technique where vapor from an e-cigarette or vaporizer is inhaled directly into the lungs, similar to how you would take a drag from a traditional cigarette. It provides a tight draw and intense flavor, ideal for transitioning from smoking to vaping. Here’s a closer look at what vaping MTL involves and how it differs from direct lung inhaling.
How MTL Vaping Works
MTL vaping gets its name from the fact that vapor travels from the mouth down into the lungs, just like when inhaling from a cigarette. It involves taking a long, steady drag on your vape device while softly breathing in. This draws vapor into the mouth first before inhaling it down into the lungs in one smooth motion.
MTL vaping is only possible using vape devices and e-liquids designed for a tighter draw. Tanks need smaller air holes and require coils with a higher resistance (over 1 ohm). E-juices with a higher PG ratio also help to recreate the mouthfeel of cigarette smoke when inhaling MTL.
The tight draw of MTL vaping restricts the airflow and intensifies flavor. It also increases the throat hit, which is satisfying for smokers transitioning to vaping. The vapor does not need to be held in the lungs either, just like when smoking a cigarette normally.
MTL vs Direct Lung Inhales
MTL vaping differs from direct lung (DL) inhales where vapor is inhaled directly into the lungs without holding it in the mouth first. Sub ohm tanks and devices allow for a looser draw and more airflow for DL inhales. The vapor is often held in the lungs briefly to absorb more nicotine before exhaling dense clouds.
DL inhales produce bigger clouds and allow you to experience the full flavor profile of e-juices. The draw is more like breathing compared to the tight MTL draw. It can sometimes cause coughing for new vapers and those transitioning from smoking.
Here is a comparison between mouth to lung and direct lung vaping:
| Mouth to Lung | Direct Lung |
|---|---|
| Tight draw | Looser draw |
| Inhale vapor into mouth first | Inhale vapor directly into lungs |
| Higher nicotine | Lower nicotine often |
| Higher PG ratios | Higher VG ratios |
| Mimics cigarette draw | More like hookah draw |
| Better throat hit | Bigger clouds |
| Tighter airflow | More airflow |
| No need to hold vapor in | Vapor held in briefly |
| Less vapor production | More vapor production |
Both MTL and DL vaping are popular styles. MTL is recommended for transitioning from smoking, while DL vaping offers greater customization for cloud chasing and experimenting with tricks.
Benefits of Mouth to Lung Vaping
Here are some of the benefits that come with vaping mouth to lung:
- Closely mimics the draw and feel of smoking a cigarette
- Provides a satisfying throat hit
- Gives an intense flavor experience
- Easy to use for beginners
- Allows higher nicotine e-juice options
- More discreet with less vapor production
- Ideal transition for switching from smoking
The tight draw gives MTL vaping a very similar mouthfeel to inhaling tobacco smoke. This makes it the preferred option for many ex-smokers switching to vaping. The satisfying throat hit and rich flavors also make it more appealing compared to direct lung inhaling.
Higher nicotine e-liquids like 12mg or 18mg are commonly used for MTL vaping. This gives a similar nicotine experience to smoking around a pack a day based on the slower vapor absorption. The lower vapor production also allows for more discreet vaping in public.
Best Devices for Mouth to Lung Vaping
MTL vaping requires a device that can provide a tight draw and works efficiently with higher resistance coils. Here are some of the best options:
Pod Systems
Pod vapes like the Juul provide an extremely tight draw that closely mimics a cigarette. Their salt nicotine pods also give a strong throat hit. However, they have limited flavor options and are less cost effective compared to reusable pod kits.
AIO Vape Pens
All-in-one (AIO) vape pens with MTL coils offer the convenience of pod systems with more flexibility. Devices like the Aspire Breeze or Innokin EQ can be used with different e-liquids and coils while still providing a very tight draw.
MTL RTA Tanks
Mouth to lung rebuildable tank atomizers (RTAs) are designed for tighter airflow and higher resistance builds. Popular options include the Augvape Merlin, Innokin Ares 2, and Vandy Vape Berserker v2. These allow experienced vapers to customize coils and wicking for optimal MTL flavor.
MTL RDAs
Some rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs) work well for MTL vaping too. Squonk ready RDAs like the Vandy Vape Berserker V2 allow dripping e-liquid directly onto coils for intense flavor. Popular single coil RDA options include the Cthulhu Hastur and Vapefly Holic.
How to Inhale When Vaping MTL
Getting your vaping technique dialed in takes practice when switching from smoking to MTL vaping. Follow these tips for the best mouth to lung inhaling technique:
- Take a long, steady pull – around 3-5 seconds
- Draw vapor into the mouth first, not straight into lungs
- Allow vapor to pool in mouth briefly before inhaling
- Inhale vapor into lungs fully after it fills the mouth
- Exhale normally through nose/mouth after inhaling
- Keep lips sealed tightly around the drip tip
- Take shorter, sharper pulls for a stronger throat hit
Make sure to close your lips tightly around the drip tip when inhaling. Drawing vapor too quickly can make MTL vaping uncomfortable. Find your sweet spot through experience – a slow steady pull is recommended for new vapers.
Ideal Nicotine Strength for MTL Vaping
Mouth to lung vaping works best with e-juice containing higher nicotine concentrations like 12mg, 18mg or 25mg. This gives a satisfying throat hit and quicker nicotine absorption similar to smoking based on the slower inhalation method.
For heavy smokers, an 18mg or 25mg nicotine e-liquid is recommended when first transitioning to MTL vaping. Lower nicotine levels like 12mg or 6mg may suffice for lighter smokers.
Many vapers gradually step down their nicotine levels over time after transitioning to MTL vaping. However, staying on higher nicotine e-liquids is fine if it prevents cravings and keeps you off cigarettes.
It’s not recommended for DL vaping however, as absorbing higher nicotine this way can cause nausea or headaches more easily. Around 3mg to 6mg nicotine tends to be ideal for direct lung inhales.
Best PG/VG Ratios for MTL Vaping
E-liquids with a higher PG (propylene glycol) ratio are best suited for mouth to lung vaping. This is because PG:
- Provides a stronger throat hit
- Carries more flavor
- Creates less vapor
A 50/50 PG/VG ratio is a good starting point, but 60PG/40VG or 70PG/30VG works even better for maximizing throat hit and flavor.
Higher VG (vegetable glycerin) ratios tend to mute flavor and cause more issues wicking in MTL atomizers. They also create bigger clouds suited for DL vaping. A 30PG/70VG ratio or 20PG/80VG ratio is recommended for direct lung inhaling instead.
| PG/VG Ratio | Recommended Vaping Style |
|---|---|
| 70PG/30VG | MTL vaping |
| 60PG/40VG | MTL vaping |
| 50PG/50VG | MTL or restricted DL |
| 40PG/60VG | DL or restricted DL |
| 30PG/70VG | Direct lung inhales |
| 20PG/80VG | Direct lung cloud chasing |
MTL Coil Resistance Recommendations
Using coils with a higher resistance (over 1 ohm) is crucial for mouth to lung vaping. Lower resistance coils found in sub ohm tanks are designed for direct lung inhales.
The tight draw of MTL atomizers works best with coils in the following resistances:
- 1.2 ohms
- 1.5 ohms
- 1.6 ohms
- 1.8 ohms
- 2.0 ohms
Trying coils between 1.0 to 1.8 ohms is recommended to find your ideal vaping experience. Using the right nicotine level and PG/VG ratio for your device also impacts performance.
Higher resistance coils around 2.0 ohms tend to work better for very high nicotine concentrations above 18mg. Lower resistance coils can over-deliver nicotine when paired with high strength e-liquid.
Transitioning from Smoking to MTL Vaping
Switching from smoking to vaping takes some adjustment. Here are some tips to help make the transition to MTL vaping smooth and successful:
- Get an MTL starter kit like a pod system or AIO pen
- Use e-liquid with enough nicotine to curb cravings (at least 12mg)
- Take slow, steady mouth to lung drags when vaping
- Try different PG/VG ratios to balance flavor and throat hit
- Stay hydrated and drink lots of water
- Accept coughing or throat irritation at first as your body adjusts
- Gradually step down nicotine levels once off cigarettes
- Don’t vape excessively when transitioning, pace yourself
Having the right MTL setup and nicotine levels prevents frustration and makes it easier to ditch cigarettes. Stick with it through initial adjustment pains – vaping will start to feel natural after you find the right settings and technique.
Safety Tips for MTL Vaping
Mouth to lung vaping is low risk, but you still need to take precautions for maximum safety:
- Use reputable branded e-liquid to avoid dangerous ingredients
- Change coils regularly to maintain flavor and prevent dry hits
- Stay hydrated when vaping, especially with higher nicotine
- Clean tanks and replace cotton/coils to avoid bacteria
- Monitor nicotine intake carefully when pairing high strength e-liquid with MTL
- Store e-liquid safely and keep away from children/pets
- Report any defective vape batteries or malfunctioning mods
- Dispose of old batteries properly by recycling, not trashing them
Following basic battery safety and hygiene habits minimizes any risks when MTL vaping. Pay close attention to nicotine intake as well if using e-liquids over 12mg strength.
Common Problems Faced with MTL Vaping
It can take some trial and error to get used to mouth to lung vaping. Here are some potential issues faced and how to troubleshoot them:
Not Enough Throat Hit
Try a higher PG ratio e-liquid or increase nicotine strength. Using higher resistance coils also boosts throat hit. Make sure airflow is limited by closing AFC holes if adjustable.
Too Harsh on Throat
Lower nicotine levels or PG ratio if throat hit is too intense. Stay hydrated and drink fluids. Allow body to adjust over 1-2 weeks.
Not Enough Vapor
Higher VG liquids produce more clouds but mute flavor. Open airflow more by adjusting AFC ring. Try slightly lower resistance coils.
Gurgling/Spitting
Close airflow holes slightly. Don’t overfill tank. Use thinner e-liquid. Check coil isn’t flooded and replace if needed. Gently blow into drip tip to clear flooding.
Lack of Flavor
Try higher PG ratio liquid. Switch to a fresh coil. Clean tank regularly and change cotton. Avoid chain vaping continuously.
Conclusion
Mouth to lung vaping provides an experience closely resembling smoking for smokers looking to make the switch. Following the beginner advice above on devices, e-liquid ratios, nicotine levels and inhaling technique sets you up for an easy transition to vaping. Experiment to find your optimal setup for flavor, throat hit and vapor production.
While it takes some adjusting at first, persevering through the initial learning curve is worthwhile. MTL vaping offers a discreet and satisfying alternative to keep you off the cigarettes for good.