Are you tired of cigarettes, but your nicotine cravings are making it hard for you to quit? Many, tired of cigarettes and their suffocating tobacco smoke, are looking for better alternatives to quell their nicotine cravings. Lucky for you, two such saviors have emerged. One is relatively new and very trendy, called nicotine pouches, and the other is our good old vapes.
Whether you are a veteran user or want to quit smoking once and for all, choosing between them can be a tricky decision. So, with a new product in the market, you might also wonder, “Are nicotine pouches better than vaping?
All your questions will be answered today in this article. So, read on till the end if you want a helping hand in making the best decision.
What are Nicotine Pouches?
Smokeless and tobacco-free, nicotine pouches are an alternative to traditional cigarettes. They consist of small, discreet pouches containing nicotine, plant fibers, sweeteners, and water. These bags are put in the space between your gums and lips to allow nicotine absorption through the oral mucosa.
Nicotine pouches are an easy way to consume nicotine and come in different strengths and flavors that cater to different preferences. Their user-friendliness and apparent health benefits have made them more popular than traditional cigarettes.
How to Use Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches are fairly easy to use once you get the hang of it. You just have to follow a few simple steps.
Step 1: Placement
Choose a pouch according to your preferred nicotine intake. Take the pouch from its container and place it comfortably between your lips and gum. Ensure it is snuggly fitted so as to allow proper absorption.
Step 2: Allow Absorption and Enjoy
Allow the pouch to remain in its place for the next 30 to 60 minutes, and enjoy while the nicotine is gradually absorbed by your oral mucosa. At first, there might be a tingling sensation indicating that the nicotine has started taking effect.
Step 3: Disposal
Dispose of your used pouch responsibly after use. Most pouches can be disposed of in regular bins, and some come with dedicated containers to dispose of them.
What are the Effects of Nicotine Pouches?
Nicotine pouches have several effects and benefits for people who choose them over traditional cigarettes. Discussed below are a few of them.
Improved Focus and Mood
Nicotine is a potent CNS stimulant that stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like Dopamine and noradrenaline. They help improve your cognitive functions and relieve stress and anxiety. Additionally, your mood improves, which helps you focus better.
Reduced risk of Psychiatric Illnesses
Studies have shown that nicotine use helps reduce symptoms of depression as well as helps increase REM sleep time. REM sleep is important for sound sleep and better mental health. Thus, nicotine pouches help achieve that without the added side effects of tobacco and smoke.
Potential Aid To Quit Smoking
An individual who wants to quit or reduce tobacco consumption can turn to nicotine pouches for help. Your nicotine craving can still be satisfied without the need to burn and inhale dangerous toxins contained in cigarettes.
Weight Loss
Nicotine consumption has the added benefit of losing weight. Studies show that nicotine users burn 60 more calories a day than non-users. It’s also seen that nicotine use helps you feel satiated, lessening your food intake and thereby reducing weight.
What are Vapes?
Vapes are short for e-cigarettes or vaping devices. These are battery-powered gadgets that warm up a liquid (e-liquid or vape juice) to generate an aerosol or vapor that is inhaled by users. The e-liquid contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals such as propylene glycol.
Vapes come in many different designs and sizes, from slim pens to larger mods catering to all preferences. Vaping is popular amongst people who do not like the conventional method of smoking and want to try something different. Moreover, vapes allow for variation in nicotine concentration and flavor choices, hence attracting many people.
How to use Vapes?
Vaping devices should be handled and stored with care. That's why it's important to understand how to use them to prevent accidents or misuse. Just follow the given steps.
Step 1: Fill or insert the E-liquid
For those who use refillable vapes, open up the tank or cartridge and fill it with your preferred e-liquid. Make sure not to overfill it. In the case of pre-filled pods, just insert them into your device. Allow the liquid to saturate in the coil by letting it sit for a few minutes.
Step 2: Turn on the Device
The majority of vapes are turned on by the press of a button, while others work when one inhales through its mouthpiece. Follow the instructions manual given by the manufacturer for your specific device.
Step 3: Inhale
As soon as you have turned it on, gently inhale through the mouthpiece. Some vapes may come with adjustable airflow, which enables users to control how much vapor they inhale at a time.
Step 4: Adjust Settings (if applicable)
More advanced pens might feature various settings such as wattage or temperature control. Adjust these settings based on your preference, and also make sure that you are within the limits provided by the manufacturer.
Step 4: Turn off and Store
Turn off your device after use. Don't neglect the storage conditions of the e-liquid, and make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
What are the effects of Vapes?
Vapes are buzzing amongst people as an alternative to traditional cigarettes and have many added benefits. Listed here are some of the effects vapes have.
Euphoria
Vaping gives you a euphoric feeling associated with nicotine consumption and helps you relax. The happy hormone or Dopamine is responsible, making vaping one of the most popular nicotine consumption devices.
Smoking cessation aid
People adopt vaping as a way to stop smoking traditional cigarettes. It minimizes the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, all the while catering to your nicotine cravings. As the amounts of nicotine within the e-liquid can be controlled by vaping devices, it may assist you in reducing your intake gradually.
Relief from Anxiety
Individuals may experience considerable relief from anxiety and stress due to the calming effects of nicotine in vapes. It can make you feel better and reduce tension and symptoms of depression.
Nicotine Pouches vs. Vaping
Nicotine pouches and vapes are two different alternatives to traditional smoking. Let's discuss their differences.
| Feature | Nicotine Pouches | Vaping |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Method | Nicotine gets into your system through the oral mucosa by putting it between your gums and lips. | Nicotine is consumed in the form of aerosols or vapors after heating up the e-liquid or vape juice |
| Nicotine content and control | Generally, within a range of predetermined nicotine content, you can select a pouch based on your preferences | For those who wish to gradually reduce their nicotine intake, vapes provide more flexibility with adjustable nicotine levels contained in e-liquids. |
| Health Considerations | They are smokeless, eliminating the exposure to harmful chemicals associated with burning while also reducing oral irritation or gum health issues. | Compared to smoking, vaping may cut risks but can still cause health issues due to inhalation of aerosolized chemicals. |
| Contents | They contain nicotine, plant-based fibers, various flavors, and sweeteners. | Vapes have vaping juice or e-liquid, which contains nicotine, water, sweeteners, flavors, and chemicals like propylene glycol and vegetable glycerine. |
| Form and portability | They are small, portable, and easy to use anywhere, without visible smoke or the need to be repeatedly charged. | They are in much larger forms, such as pens or mods, need to be refilled with e-liquid, and require charging and maintenance. |
Conclusion
To sum up, the decision between vaping vs nicotine pouches comes down to personal choices and interests. On the one hand, nicotine pouches offer a private, smoke-free experience, while on the other, vaping offers customization and flexibility over your nicotine intake.
As such, people who prefer uncomplicated lifestyles and better health benefits should consider nicotine pouches over vapes. Nevertheless, both choices are a non-conventional way of smoking with their own perks.
But don't forget to do your research and buy nicotine pouches and vapes from trusted sources so as to avoid health complications associated with lower-grade products.
FAQs - Your Questions Answered
Q.1 What happens if you swallow a nicotine pouch?
Nicotine pouches are not meant to be swallowed. If you have accidentally done so, rinse your mouth thoroughly and look out for symptoms such as nausea or abdominal pain. If you experience these, seek medical help promptly.
Q.2 How long is nicotine detectable from vaping in urine?
Depending on the frequency and intensity of use, nicotine from vaping can typically be detected in urine for around 1-3 days.
Q.3 Are nicotine pouches bad for your gums?
Although nicotine pouches are safe, they can rarely cause irritation of gums and oral tissues.