E-Cig FAQClear, concise answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) about Electronic Cigarettes.
1) What is an Electronic Cigarette/Personal Vaporizer (E-Cig or PV) and how do they work?
An Electronic Cigarette or Personal Vaporizer is a device that simulates conventional cigarette smoking by using electricity to vaporize a liquid containing nicotine. In contrast to regular cigarettes (aka "analogs") nothing is burned and no ash or butt is produced.
For a more detailed explanation please see our E-Cig 101 page. 2) Are Electronic Cigarettes safe?First, we are going to point out and emphasize that E-Cigs are NOT FDA approved in general or as a cessation method for regular cigarettes. Electronic smoking technologies are pretty new so extensive, long-term test results are simply not available.
However we are of the opinion (as are many medical professionals) that E-Cigarettes are almost certainly less damaging than smoking tobacco. Tobacco releases over 4000 KNOWN chemicals when burned, some of which are carcinogens and many others have been identified as causing damage to ones health.
Simply we make no claims as to the medical aspects of E-Cigs & PV's. We strongly suggest that you research the matter if you desire further information. A good place to start is at the e-cigarette-forum (ECF). ECF - Health & Medical Issues "Damn it Jim, I'm a Webmaster Not a Doctor!"
3) How much do E-Cigs Cost in relation to conventional cigarettes?While many sites selling E-Cigs claim that E-Cigs are 75% (or higher) less expensive than analogs we feel that this figure is a bit inflated. We estimate that if you smoke a pack a day at $5 a pack, or about $150 per month, you will spend about half of that on E-cigs. In other words we feel that in reality E-Cigs cost about half as much as analogs (of course if you are paying more than $5 per pack the savings percentage will be higher).
Also, keep in mind that the price of tobacco cigarettes is not likely to come down anytime soon and it is quite likely that escalating taxes and other factors will keep the price of conventional cigarettes spiraling upwards for the foreseeable future.
The average smoker starting E-Cigs can expect an initial outlay of about $70 to $100 for a starter kit & enough cartridges/juice to last a month. After the initial purchase the average pack a day smoker will spend about $60-$80 per month on juice/cartridges, replacement atomizers and batteries.
4) Can you really smoke an E-Cigarette anywhere?
This is very much a gray area. We would say from a legal aspect that E-Cigs are not specifically banned, or permitted for that matter, in most public places. From a personal standpoint we think it depends on how much attention you are willing to draw to yourself. In other words if you start "vaping" (smoking an E-Cig) on a bus or airplane are you willing to deal with the questions and stares that it is undoubtedly going to generate?
We do know this. If you currently have to go outside to smoke a cigarette at home you should have no problem "vaping" in your house. We have heard of very few people that have to leave the house to use their PV.
E-Cigarettes do not generate the lingering second hand smoke (or the associated dangers) of analogs, are virtually odorless after a few seconds & do not stain walls or other objects.
5) Are Electronic Cigarettes legal?
Yes! E-Cigs are legal in the U.S.A. Since they are a relatively new device they are still being evaluated by the FDA & although we feel that a ban of E-Cigs is not likely some sort of government regulation and control in the future is probably inevitable. For more detailed information regarding the legality & regulation of E-Cigs we recommend visiting this forum at the ECF:
ECF - The Law & E-Cigarettes
6) How does vaping an E-Cig compare with smoking a tobacco cigarette?
First, we'd like to point out that the two are NOT identical. E-Liquid does not produce the exact flavor of a tobacco cigarette. From a nicotine standpoint an E-Cig will more than satisfy your needs and if you vape heavily you may find yourself scaling back the nicotine content of your juice.
E-Cigs are not right for everyone and some will stick with analogs. However, many prefer E-Cigs for many reasons such as the variety of flavors & the reduced cost of vaping. We have heard many stories from people that have switched to E-Cigs but still smoke analogs on occasion.
We feel that the major disadvantage of E-Cigs is convenience. They do require care, maintenance and are a bit more work than simply lighting up a cigarette. However for many this is not a drawback as E-Cigs become more of a hobby than simply a habit.
Simply put, there is no way to know for sure whether you will like E-Cigs or not without trying one!
7) What is the best E-Cig model?
There are many E-Cigs currently on the market in a variety of sizes, lengths, colors, etc. We have tried and tested many of them but not all. Of the models that we used we like the Joye 510, this is because it is affordable, durable, reliable & simply works better than other E-Cigs. These are some of the reasons that the Joye 510 is the most popular Electronic Cigarette made. And because it is so popular replacement parts & accessories are readily available.
We highly recommend the Joye to not only the first time buyer but also to veteran vapers. Many longtime E-Smokers still use the Joye 510 as their PV of choice.
We will be introducing more models for sale in the future but we doubt any of them will surpass the Joye 510 as the industry standard for value & quality!
The Joye 510 Dual E-Cig Starter Kit
8) How do I care for & maintain my E-Cig & keep it performing its best?
Basic E-Cig care & maintenance is pretty simple. Keep the batteries fully charged, keep the atomizer clean and don't let it dry out. Replace the cartridge or the cartridge filling when the performance diminishes and do not allow the cartridge to run too dry.
Important!! New atomizers are shipped with priming liquid in the atomizer coil & wick. This is to prevent corrosion & so they won't be dry when first used. The priming liquid has a somewhat unpleasant taste, when using a new atomizer we highly recommend that you burn off the priming fluid without inhaling (this is done by installing the battery to the atomizer and energizing the atomizer). Then add a few drops of E-Liquid directly to the atomizer and continue to "break-in" the atomizer without inhaling the vapor. Continue this process until the vapor taste is normal.
Please also be sure to charge the batteries the full 8 hours as recommended by the manufacturer on the first charge. This will insure that the batteries charge to their full capacity on subsequent charges (normal charging time is about 1 to 2 hours).
This is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to E-Cig care & maintenance. For complete information about maintaining and getting the best performance from your E-Cig we highly recommend visiting the ECF!
ECF - E-Cigarette Technical Information & Help
ECF -
E-Cigarette Maintenance
ECF - Modders (Modification) Forum
9) How can I get better performance from my cartridges & a better overall vaping experience?
Let's face it; the big problem with E-Cigs is the cartridges and the big problem with the cartridges is the polyfill. We don't usually comment or endorse specific "mods" but these two cartridge mods work great and will upgrade your overall vaping experience significantly. We know cause we use them! The following links contain complete illustrated instructions, they are easy, cheap & best of all...THEY WORK!
ZFM Zero Filler Mod - The best "Mod" we've ever seen, period. Scottyballs you are a genius...Thanks!
Brass Screen Mod - Another excellent solution to polyfill problems. Thank you Stric9!
10) What if I have questions that are not covered in the FAQ?
Nicotine Nirvana is highly committed to providing complete & factual information regarding the exciting new technologies of E-Cigarettes & PV's. We don't pretend to have all the answers but if you have questions that are not covered by this FAQ or our E-Cig 101 page please email us and we will respond to you promptly and personally.
We truly appreciate your interest & look forward to hearing from you!
Nicotine Nirvana is NOT in anyway affiliated with the e-cigarette-forum (ECF). We refer our visitors to the ECF because in our opinion it is the most comprehensive source of E-Cigarette information available.
At the ECF you will see ads & links to many of our competitors. We not only invite you but urge you to compare our prices and service to ANYONE elses!
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Nicotine Nirvana WILL NOT Accept Orders From ANYONE Under the Age of 18!
Nicotine Nirvana makes no claims regarding the medical aspects of the products offered at this site. The products offered at this site are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure or prevent any disease nor are they intended to replace the advice of any health care professional. These products are not approved as nor do we claim them to be tobacco cessation devices. Nicotine is a highly addictive substance and should not be used by anyone who is allergic or sensitive to nicotine or by woman who are pregnant or breast-feeding. Under no circumstances will Nicotine Nirvana be held liable or accept liability for any damages caused by or alleged to be caused by the use of any products offered at this site.
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