Posts Tagged ‘e-cig benefits’

What is Nicotine and is it Harmful?

Monday, February 20th, 2012

Nicotine itself is the substance smokers and vapers (e-cigarette users) crave…puffing on an analog or electronic cigarette is simply the delivery method for this nicotine.

Thousands of deaths each year are attributed to smoking traditional cigarettes, which is why there is some ambiguity on whether the nicotine itself is harmful. Numerous studies have shown that other substances in the cigarette smoke like tar and carcinogens amplify these risks, not the nicotine itself.

The substance nicotine is in fact naturally occurring and is derived from the tobacco plant Nicotiana tabacum and is considered an alkaloid, which is basically a naturally occurring compound comprised mostly of nitrogen. Its chemical formula is C10H14N2.

Nicotine certainly has physical impacts but whether it’s harmful or not is up for debate. Some have claimed that it causes cancer but it is not proven.

What nicotine does do is stimulate the production of dopamine within seconds of being inhaled. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that regulates emotions and feelings of pleasure. Nicotine’s effects on the brain are similar, albeit to much lesser degree, than cocaine or amphetamines. This fact is why many make the claim that nicotine is as addictive as cocaine and heroin.

Besides these psychological effects, ingesting nicotine also causes increased heart rate and blood pressure and restricts blood flow to the heart. Interestingly, nicotine can act as either a stimulant or a depressant. Nicotine also has the effect of increasing alertness and enhancing mental performance.

While these effects are relatively minor, NICOTINE IS VERY ADDICTIVE

People who are addicted to nicotine do experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop smoking or otherwise ingesting nicotine. Anger, anxiety, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite and cravings for nicotine are very real.

These effects though subside within 3-4 weeks in most people…cravings and hunger though may go on for months.

Nicotine’s addictive nature is largely due to the dose and rapid delivery to the brain when vaping or smoking cigarettes.

So in the end, nicotine is very addictive but it isn’t necessarily too harmful. Other substances in cigarette smoke like tar and carcinogens are largely responsible for health effects connected with smoking. Simply ingesting nicotine, while it has its effects, is relatively harmless.

Comparing Costs between E-Cigarettes and Traditional Smokes

Friday, December 16th, 2011

One of the first questions we’re asked about vaping is cost. While many e-cigarette retailers claim you can save lots of money by switching, there are not too many specific comparisons to regular cigarettes.

Over the years, the cost of traditional cigarettes (…or ‘analog’ cigarettes as they’re known to experienced vapers) have dramatically increased. In fact, the cost per pack has nearly doubled in the past 5 years!!

Some of this is due to increased cost for the raw material – tobacco. But other factors like federal, state and local taxes though have been a main driver too. In 2009 for example, the federal government raised its excise tax on cigarettes from $0.39 to $1.01. And in light of constraining budgets, many states have raised their taxes on cigarettes in order to raise operating revenues.

State tobacco taxes range in amount from a mere $0.17 per pack in Missouri to an astounding $4.35 per pack in New York State. Even some localities like New York City assess taxes on tobacco products, resulting in a cost of well over $10 per pack in some areas!!

E-cigarettes are not subject to these taxes (…not yet anyway. It’s been suggested by some that e-cigarettes be subject to the same taxes as analogs. We strongly oppose any moves like this.)

The absence of these taxes alone makes e-cigarettes compelling in terms of cost. Although up-front cost may be slightly more than a week’s worth of analogs, the ongoing cost are significantly less unless you try multiple models and buy large quantities of the most expensive nicotine liquid.

Let’s take a look at the following scenario to illustrate.

Let’s say George averages a pack a day at a cost of $6 per pack. That works out to around to around $72 per week. Monthly, George spends around $290, which works out to nearly $3500 annually.

Keep in mind though – this doesn’t include cost for lighters, ashtrays, air fresheners and the cost of replacing clothes with burn holes in them.

One day, George discovers Modern Vapor and e-cigarettes and decides to make the switch. His first expense will be a starter kit, which averages around $50-$70 but can be as low as $25 or as high as $130 for our Sidesho starter kit. Let’s say he chooses the $75 kit, which includes everything he needs to get started.

From here, all George will need to invest in are replacement parts like batteries, atomizers and of course e-liquid. On average, this will cost anywhere from $20-$40 per week depending on how much George enjoys vaping and the type of e-liquid he chooses.

If we use the high estimate, George is looking at an ongoing cost of around $2100 annually, significantly less than the $3500 annual cost of analog cigarettes.

As you can see from this basic example, the cost of vaping, even when using high estimates, can be significantly cheaper than traditional smoking. Of course, George could do certain things to mitigate his costs even more like clean his atomizers, fill his own cartridges or even make his own e-liquid.

If you’re looking for a lower cost alternative to traditional cigarettes, you can’t overlook the potential of e-cigarettes from Modern Vapor. Check out our line of e-cig starter kits – the Sidesho, 902 and Lux – today and begin seeing the savings for yourself today.

Do Regular Cigarettes Taste Awful After Vaping?

Monday, October 10th, 2011

Many people who try electronic cigarettes do so because they’re looking for an alternative to regular smokes. Perhaps you’ve been a smoker for many years and want to quit but feel like you’re unable.

Nicotine is a very powerful drug that’s highly addictive. For instance, it’s commonly believed that quitting cigarettes (…or nicotine more specifically) can be as difficult as quitting heroin. It’s hard to believe that something so common could be so addictive but it is.

For those unable to kick the habit, electronic cigarettes offer an alternative that’s not quite so damaging. E-cigs do not contain many of the harmful chemicals and components found in traditional cigarettes…they really only contain nicotine, which is ultimately the substance we crave.

When a smoker makes the switch to vaping and electronic cigarettes, many are unsure of whether the digital devices will actually work in helping them kick their former smoking habits.

While results are mixed, many vapers do officially become former smokers.

One of the main reasons why is the fact that many vapers claim regular cigarettes have a foul taste once they’re used e-cigs for a while…the effects are also more pronounced with one vaper claiming that smoking a cigarette made him feel light headed and dizzy.

Another thing too is the smell – after quitting, many ex-smokers say cigarettes smell awful to them. Electronic cigarettes do not produce this putrid odor so once you use them for a while instead of traditional smokes, it’s easy to detect the smell of a regular cigarette.

It’s well known that quitting smoking helps you dramatically improve your sense of smell and taste buds. So when you puff on a cigarette after not doing so for a while, it’s easy to see how a regular cigarette will taste and smell pretty bad.

Many vapers writing on electronic cigarette forums back up this claim. Unsure of how electronic cigarettes will work, many keep a pack of their favorite smokes around just in case. But once they’ve used an electronic cigarette for a while, their sense of smell and taste return. When trying to puff on a regular cigarette, they begin to realize how distasteful they really are.

It’s certainly unclear why the use of electronic cigarettes makes traditional smokes taste awful. Have you had this experience? Tell us about it by leaving us a comment.

5 Reasons Others Frown on Smoking (…and how e-cigs can help you avoid them)

Wednesday, September 21st, 2011

If you’re a smoker, or former smoker, how many times have you felt like people were looking at you with disdain for your habit? Perhaps some have even said “…you know that’s bad for you” or “…stop polluting my air” or other such statements.

The fact is this – smoking just isn’t the glamorous activity it once was. Smoking has been on a steady decline for a few decades now. People today are a bit more health conscious than they were even 10 years ago.

Besides people’s changing attitudes, there are many more restrictions on where you can light up. If you’ve flown on a plane, you’ve certainly heard the warnings about smoking on an airplane being a federal crime. Many states have passed indoor smoking bans…but New York City has a gone a step further by banning smoking in public altogether.

What’s led to this negative attitude toward smoking? Below are 5 negative effects of smoking that most people find objectionable.

  1. Odor/Smell
  2. Litter
  3. 2nd Hand Smoke
  4. Healthcare Costs
  5. Physical Appearance

For further explanation along with some ways electric cigarettes help you avoid these negative perceptions, check out our newest knowledge center article – 5 Reasons Society Frowns upon Smoking and How Electric Cigarettes Help you avoid them – today for more.

Common (…and Dangerous) Chemicals Found in Regular Cigarettes

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

Ever stop and think about why regular cigarettes are considered to be dangerous? Is it mind numbing to think about the literally thousands of chemical substances, many of which are known to cause cancer?

Over the years, much research has been done to study the chemical composition of traditional smokes. Much of the buzz surrounding e-cigarettes is that they offer a safer alternative – which is true when comparing the chemical composition of each.

On one hand, nicotine liquid for e-cigarettes contains only a few substances, most of which are relatively harmless. Propylene glycol is the most prevalent, and is a substance found in many foods for example. The actual nicotine is considered to be the worst substance in e-cigarettes, especially in terms of addiction.

But experts agree that as long as you don’t ingest nicotine liquid directly, the substance is no more harmful than caffeine.

Regular cigarettes on the other hand contain literally thousands of chemicals. Over 599 chemicals are approved by the U.S. Government for use in e-cigarettes. But when you light up, the burning causes some chemicals to change their composition…meaning, when you smoke, you’re actually ingesting some 4000 chemicals into your body!!

Of these, 69 are known carcinogens, or cancer-causing agents. Some of the most harmful include:

  • Acetone – found in nail polish remover
  • Ammonia – found in toilet bowl cleaner and other cleaning agents
  • Arsenic – found in rat poison and other insecticides
  • Benzene –  found in paint stripper/mineral spirits
  • Cadmium –  found in batteries
  • Carbon monoxide – commonly found in car exhaust
  • Hydrogen Cyanide – a substance used in gas chambers
  • Toluene – found in many industrial solvents
  • ….and many more!!

To list all of the harmful chemicals in cigarettes would take all day…just listing a few though should give anyone pause, especially if they’re a smoker.

Batteries, cleaning solvents, nail polish remover? Yuck!! Most of us don’t relish the thought of ingesting those substances.

But when you smoke, you’re certainly ingesting very dangerous components of these substances (…and more).

Next time you and/or a friend are smoking, think about these substances and what your body is ingesting. Doing so may prompt you to quit or seek less dangerous alternatives, like electronic cigarettes.

Related Posts

Research Evaluates Acute Effects of Electronic Cigarettes

Common Medical Conditions Linked to Traditional Cigarettes

Researchers Claim Electronic Cigarettes Safer than Traditional Smokes

6 Components of Cigarette Addiction


Getting your Electronic Cigarette Starter Kit and Accessories Lightning Fast

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Just what happens when you place an order with Modern Vapor? After you click that ‘order’ or ‘buy’ button, the fun is just beginning for us, and you!

Anytime we see someone new trying electronic cigarettes, we do our absolute best (…and not just for first-timers but for everyone) to get the order out as fast as possible. Depending on the time of day you place your order, purchases are shipped either the same day or early the next day.

Once your payment clears, then we’re ready to ship.

We send all of our e-cigarette orders through the United States Postal Service. Costs are as follows (all order amounts are subtotals):

  • Orders under $30 – $3.20
  • Orders from $30.01 to $54.99 – $5.95
  • Orders from $55 to $98.99 – $7.95
  • Orders $99 and above – FREE

All of these shipping costs are for orders within the United States. We do ship out of the country but considering the variety of rates, we ask customers contact us directly before placing an order to get an idea on shipping costs.

All of our shipments too are securely packaged to ensure your e-cigarette supplies make it to you in one piece. But if you’re not satisfied for any reason, Modern Vapor does accept returns within 14 days of your purchase.

And if you’re e-cigarette starter kit or accessories are damaged in shipment or defective, you have 30 days to return your purchases for either a replacement or full refund.

So to experience fast shipping, great customer service and above all, a revolutionary way to enjoy smoking, check out our wide variety of e-cigarette starter kits and accessories today.

Modern Vapor Introduces Points Based Reward Program

Wednesday, January 19th, 2011

Everywhere you look, some company is offering a rewards program. Your credit card perhaps has a rewards program…or maybe you get some kind of preferred customer discount if you travel a lot.

Modern Vapor is now offering a point-based rewards program, known simply as MyRewards, as a way to thank our most loyal customers.

All you’ve got to do to participate is to create an account on our website. Then, when you purchase a starter kit, some nicotine liquid or some spare atomizers and batteries, you will accrue points.

You earn 1 point for every dollar you spend with us.

Not only that, you begin accruing points immediately. There’s no minimum purchase…no waiting periods or anything like that.

Once you accrue enough points, let us know you want to redeem some and get yourself some free vaping accessories…it takes 30 MyRewards points to equal a $1 value on the site. Therefore if you want some electric cigarette accessory that cost $10, you will need to accrue 300 points to get it for free.

“After thinking about how to attract new customers and entice them to stay, we felt the MyRewards program was the way to go. Now our customers will be able to obtain free atomizers, batteries, electronic cigarette starter kits or any other product we offer with their points,” comments Sandra Kaeo, president of Modern Vapor.

Check out our new rewards program today and if you don’t have an account, easily create one today and begin getting a little reward for shopping with us.

Vapor Differences in Various Nicotine Liquids

Tuesday, January 4th, 2011

Electronic cigarettes in fact have wide opportunity for customization. There are many reasons why people choose to smoke and many reasons why they enjoy it…electronic cigarettes give you a lot of opportunities to tailor your vaping experience to your unique tastes.

How much vapor you produce when enjoying your electronic cigarette is one item you can easily customize.

Perhaps you don’t care for the sight of smoke and prefer to be more discreet with your vaping activity. Or maybe you’re a former cigar smoker who really enjoyed the smoky environment created by your stogie.

How is it possible to customize this aspect of electronic cigarettes?

The secret lies in the mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) in the nicotine liquid you’re vaping.

The video below gives you a visual idea – it compares nicotine liquid containing 100% PG to one mixed with a certain percentage of VG.

As you see in the video, the 100% mixture gives off hardly any vapor. But when host Nilius either mixes some glycerin with the 100% PG mixture and tries an entirely different bottle with some VG pre-mixed in, you see a lot more vapor being given off.

In addition to this, Nilius explains the impact 100% PG mixture is having on his throat when he inhales…as he explains, you will certainly notice the vapor hitting your throat with the 100% mixture.

So if you like a kind of harsh feeling when you smoke, perhaps you should consider a 100% PG mixture.

Modern Vapor has a variety of nicotine liquids available – many flavors are available in both 100% PG and a PG/VG mixture. Which one you choose somewhat depends on smoothness and how much vapor you want to give off.

Enjoy the quick video on 100% PG and PG/VG mixtures and learn more about our wide selection of nicotine liquids today. And if you have any questions, please let us know.

Getting Started with Electronic Cigarettes

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Whether you’ve heard of e-cigarettes or not, you’ve certainly heard about the dangers of smoking traditional cigarettes. E-cigarettes can offer the same look and feel of traditional smoking but with much fewer harmful substances.

Many people are using smokeless electronic cigarettes to satisfy their cravings for nicotine. They’re much less intrusive than regular cigarettes or smokeless products like chew and snuff. While electronic cigarettes do contain a very addictive substance (nicotine), they DO NOT contain many of the carcinogens regular cigarettes do.

But many wonder how they can start using electronic cigarettes. Where can I buy them? What’s a good brand? How much does it cost?

You may have seen smokeless electronic cigarettes for sale in your local gas station or at a truck stop and many dealers around the Internet.

The Sidesho E-cigarette from Modern Vapor though provides an economical and dependable way to enjoy an alternative way to enjoy smoking. For as little as $29.95, you can get what you need to get started or get fully outfitted to enjoy smoking at home or on-the-go for only $119.95.

Once you purchase the Sidesho starter kit or one of our other smokeless electronic cigarette brands, you will be able to enjoy smoking anywhere. And once you run out of the nicotine e-juice, just refill your e-cig cartridge and continue vaping!

After the initial expense of the starter kit, you’re sure to see that vaping is a much less expensive habit to maintain than traditional smoking.

National Vapers Club Members Claim Electronic Cigarettes Help them Quit Smoking

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Technically, we’re not supposed to say electric cigarettes like our Sidesho E-cig can help you quit smoking. The law currently doesn’t allow us to as we can only say they’re an alternative to traditional cigarettes.

But a nationwide organization for vapers produced a quick video of many of its members who claim smokeless electronic cigarettes did indeed help them kick their smoking habits…rather than smoke a cigarette – which kills over 400,000 people every year – they vape!

Most if not all of the National Vapers Club’s members claim to have smoked at least 10 years but a few smoked 35-40 years. Smoking is one of the hardest habits to kick – as difficult as heroin some say. Many people try and fail several times before successfully giving cigarettes up for good.

Many people who try smokeless electronic cigarettes find they can still deliver nicotine and feeling of smoking without most if not all of the harmful side effects.

Traditional smoking gives off an unmistakable odor that affects your social life and maybe even your professional life too.

Vaping on the other hand is odor free or if there is any odor, it’s like cotton candy or some other pleasant smell.

If someone says they are able to give up cigarette smoking by switching to electric cigarettes then we say more power to them.

And after watching the short film, check out the National Vapers Club and find other vapers out there who can serve as a great support group and social outlet. Also find out about legislative and regulatory issues regarding electric cigarettes and more.