Posts Tagged ‘e-cig maintenance’

The First Few Days – Transitioning to Electronic Cigarettes

Thursday, February 2nd, 2012

Many vapers out there discovered e-cigarettes because they were looking for an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Many of our customers tell us privately they are smokers in search of this alternative.

While e-cigarettes look, feel and deliver the same thing (nicotine) as traditional cigarettes, they do not contain other addictive substances found in your pack of Marlboros. These Whole-Tobacco Alkaloids (WTAs) – substances like nornicotine, anabasine and others – will not be in any e-cigarette.

Therefore, if you stop smoking and opt to vape instead, you may still crave these substances.

It’s certainly okay if you crave a cigarette once you start vaping. In fact, if you feel like having one, have one. As long as your cigarette usage continues to decline, it’s no big deal if you “light one up.”

If you’re not satisfied with your progress in reducing traditional cigarette usage, you can do a few things to help you in your transition.

Read our latest e-cigarette knowledge center article – The First Few Days – Transitioning to Electronic Cigarettes – for more information.

In the end, there’s no magic timeline for completely transitioning to e-cigarettes. Many say the first week is the worst. Over time though, you should see your cigarette use decline and decline dramatically.

Automatic vs. Manual E-Cigarette Batteries

Tuesday, January 10th, 2012

If you’ve been browsing around at e-cigarettes, you’ve likely stumbled across a couple of different types of batteries – manual and automatic.

If you’re new to vaping, you may be scratching your head wondering what these terms mean. Either type can fit the same model but there are distinct differences between the two.

See below for a quick description of each type of battery.

Automatic Batteries

These e-cigarette batteries are automatic since the heating element is engaged when a pressure-sensitive switch inside the unit responds to air being drawn through. Once engaged, a heater coil is turned on, which vaporizes the nicotine e-liquid.

Pros

Great for beginners, especially if they’re traditional cigarette smokers looking to e-cigarettes as an alternative since automatic batteries work like a traditional cigarette – just puff and inhale. Also, battery consumption is more controlled, which helps maximize time between charges.

Cons

Automatic battery models are more vulnerable to damage due to leaking liquid. Since these models require an air channel through them, sooner or later, the unit will die out or get damaged. Automatic batteries also have restrictions on the length of the drag or number of drags per minute. While this helps maximize battery life, it poses some frustration to veteran users who desire more control over their vaping experience.

Manual Batteries

These e-cigarette batteries have a tiny push-button switch on the battery, which is sealed and less susceptible to damage from a leak. The user pushes the button to engage the heater coil, which vaporizes the nicotine e-liquid that’s inhaled.

Pros

Manual batteries give users more control over their vaping experience, allowing longer, more frequent drags. The unit can be pre-heated and left on for as long as you like.

Cons

With the ability to take longer drags more frequently though means the battery will not last as long.

As you can see, the big difference between automatic and manual e-cigarette batteries is the switch function. Is there a push button or do you inhale to activate the heating element?

One thing to remember is that you can switch between the two with many e-cigarette models, including our signature Sidesho model.

In the beginning, many choose to use automatic batteries since it most closely resembles a traditional cigarette. But as a newbie becomes a vaper, they may choose manual batteries so they can have more control over how they enjoy e-cigarettes.

Keep a Steady Flow of Juice by Charging your Electronic Cigarette Battery

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

As you know, electronic cigarettes work by powering an atomizer heating device. Nicotine liquid is heated and turns into a vapor in which you inhale.

Batteries for powering these devices require regular charging. Depending on the model e-cigarette you purchased and how you use it, this is anywhere between 3 and 8 days.

No matter how long, you will always have the need for an electronic cigarette battery charger.

Which one you choose depends on several factors including whether you spend a lot of time driving or at a computer.

Continue reading for 5 different e-cigarette battery charger options. Remember, it’s generally advisable to have 2 of these available to you. Also, most vapers have more than one battery on them at all times – while one is charging, you can still use your e-cigarette.

To see this list in more detail, we invite you check out our newest e-cigarette knowledge center article – Options for Charging your Electronic Cigarette Battery – to learn more.

1.       Personal Charging Cases (approximately $25)

2.       Manual Passthrough (approximately $16)

3.       A/C Wall Charger (approximately $13)

4.       2-AMP USB Car Charger (approximately $9)

5.       Universal USB Charger (approximately $8)

As you can see from these, you can easily be outfitted to charge your electronic cigarette batteries for a very low cost. Learn more about these charger options and find the one that’s right for you by visiting our electronic cigarette knowledge center today.

Extending the Life Span of your Battery and Atomizer

Wednesday, November 17th, 2010

Over time, components of your electronic cigarette wear out and require replacement. And while the cost is minimal, you certainly don’t want to be ordering new parts every time you turn around.

Two components that do eventually wear out are the electronic cigarette’s atomizer and battery. Taking steps to maximize the life span of these items will help reduce the cost of your vaping experience.

Continue reading for a quick description of ways you can maintain your atomizer and battery for maximum life span and learn more by visiting our newest knowledge center article – Ways to Extend the Life of your E-Cigarette Atomizer & Battery.

Atomizer – Your E-Cigarette’s heating Element

The average life expectancy of an atomizer is 2-3 months. One of the utmost important things for you to do to keep it in good order is to ensure it stays moist all the time.

Periodically cleaning the atomizer is also a good idea. Do this by separating it from the electronic cigarette and soaking it in some Coca-Cola for a few hours. Coke contains properties that break down particles. After soaking, take some tongs or pliers and hold it next to the outlet of a steaming tea kettle for a few minutes.

In addition to this general cleaning, you should also keep the contact points clean. Do this by taking a Q-Tip and wiping the contact point inside the atomizer on the screw side.

Battery – Ensuring you have the power to vape

Without a battery, you won’t have the power you need to use the atomizer so therefore, it’s an integral part of the vaping experience. Most electronic cigarette batteries last around 200-300 charges.

If you’re using a manual battery model, you want to be careful and not push the button too hard. This can potentially cause the button to stick or fall into the battery.

If you’re using an automatic battery, slightly unscrew the battery from the atomizer when you’re not using the electronic cigarette. Leaving them together will drain the battery quicker so be sure the contacts are not together when not using your unit.

Another important item you need to stay on top of is the electronic cigarette liquid. If you’re filling your own cartridges, you need to be careful and not overfill them as this could potentially leak and damage the battery.

DAMAGES FROM LEAKING E-LIQUID ARE NOT COVERED UNDER ANY WARRANTY

Besides staying on top of your e-liquid, you should also clean the contact points like you would for an atomizer. You can easily do this by taking a Q-Tip and wiping the threading for both the atomizer and battery.

These are just a few ways you can extend the life of your atomizer and battery. Learn more by reading our newest article – Ways to Extend the Life of your E-Cigarette Atomizer & Battery – or visit our electronic cigarette knowledge center today.