what is vaping?
All advisors

What is vaping?

Vaping is the use of e-cigarettes. The word has its origin from the English "vaporizer" which means vaporizer. Since e-vaporizing is considered significantly less harmful than smoking tobacco cigarettes and therefore enjoys increasing popularity. E-cigarettes which are also called vapes are now available in countless different forms. Disposable e-cigarettes are currently in vogue, as they can be used without any prior knowledge and offer an excellent taste experience. Around the hype of colored disposable e-cigarettes, however, the demand for vapes with refillable liquid is also increasing. E-liquids are available for purchase in countless flavors and aromas, so that every vaporizer can find an alternative for their preferences. In addition to the positive aspects of the e-cigarette, the protection of minors is currently a major issue. Since e-cigarettes are currently still subject to the Food Act, no age controls are prescribed and the products, which are also popular with young people, can also be purchased by underage persons. In this article, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vaping and explain what you should look out for when buying an e-cigarette.

The advantages and disadvantages of vaping compared to smoking

Vaping offers many advantages compared to smoking tobacco. However, there are also negative aspects, which we will also discuss in detail.

Advantages of the e-cigarette

Advantages vaping

No combustion process

With the e-cigarette, no tobacco is burned. An e-liquid is vaporized, which usually consists of 50 percent vegetable glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG). Since there is no combustion process, the e-cigarette vapor does not contain harmful tar substances that stick to the lungs, unlike tobacco cigarette smoke. Even though there are still no confirmed scientific studies on the effects of vaping, it is safe to assume that the health consequences are significantly harmful.

E-Liquids - huge variety of flavors

Another great advantage of the e-cigarette is the variety of flavors. E Liquids are available in countless flavors and they usually taste very intense fruits, desserts or soft drinks. The E-Liquidwhich is used in vapes contains PG and VG flavors, which are also approved for food. Vaping does not cause stinky smoke, it spreads a slightly sweet taste, which dissipates after a few minutes. You can therefore - if you want - vape indoors without any problems, since hardly any odor emissions are produced.

Ready for use at any time

A vape, unlike a cigarette, is not only enough for 10 puffs. An e-cigarette is ready for use at any time and you can also take just one puff and then put it aside again.

Disadvantages of the e-cigarette

Disadvantages vaping

Nicotine addictive substance

Most e-cigarettes contain 20mg/ml of liquid nicotine. This is a dosage which can be compared to strong cigarettes. Those who decide to vape will only get rid of their nicotine addiction if they choose nicotine-free products. Unlike tobacco cigarettes, however, there are vapes in various nicotine strengths and also completely without nicotine and you thus also have the possibility to slowly minimize the contained nicotine without withdrawal symptoms occurring.

Higher number of puffs than smoking

Since e-cigarettes can be used indoors and on the go without any problems, there is a risk that the user will inhale significantly more puffs than with tobacco cigarettes. It is therefore possible that smokers who switch to e-cigarettes are even more exposed to nicotine than before.

How e-cigarettes work

The operation of the e-cigarette is quickly explained. A battery heats the vaporizer head in which coils (heating coils) are located. The heated coils then vaporize the e-liquid, which is in the tank. The resulting vapor can then be inhaled by pulling the mouthpiece.

Different types of e-cigarette

There are now various types of e-cigarettes and a large number of manufacturers. We will go into the three most important categories, which are relevant for beginners and switchers.

Disposable e-cigarettes

Disposable vapes 1

The disposable e-cigarette is also known as a disposable vape or e-shisha and has become extremely popular with the masses in recent years thanks to brands such as Elfbar, Aroma King and Vozol. The devices are the perfect products for getting started in the world of vaping, as they are very easy to use and the taste is excellent. With disposable e-cigarettes, the battery and e-liquid are built into the device and, thanks to the automatic draw, you don't even have to press a button to vape. All you have to do is unpack the device and you can enjoy taking a drag from the mouthpiece and inhaling the vapor. A major disadvantage of disposable e-cigarettes is their miserable environmental footprint. An e-shisha has to be disposed of as soon as the battery or the e-liquid it contains runs out. We should all be aware that this trend has a negative impact on the environment. As the colored disposable vapes are also extremely popular with young people, the issue of youth protection is particularly important for e-shisha. e-shisha of great importance.

Cartridge systems

What are cartridge systems?

With a cartridge system you can put pods pre-filled with e-liquid on a rechargeable battery carrier. E-cigarettes of this type are comparable in taste to disposable e-cigarettes, but they are significantly more ecological and also cheaper to buy. The handling is also very easy and the aroma is excellent. Cartridge systems are the perfect choice for vaporizers who are looking for a simple, reliable and ecological product.

Pod systems

What are pod systems?

Pod systems are the cheapest and most versatile way to steam. They consist of a battery carrier and a liquid tank, which you can fill up yourself with e-liquid. The independent filling of the e-liquid is not witchcraft, but it requires a bit of practice until you get the hang of it. Known manufacturers of pod systems are Uwell, Geekvape, Aspire, Lost Vape and many more. E-liquids come in countless flavors and are offered in bottles ranging from 10ml to 100ml. Vaping with a pod system is by far the most affordable way to "smoke". In addition to the e-liquid, there are additional costs for replacing the vaporizer heads, which must be changed after about two weeks.

Tips for safe vaping

safe vaping

There are a few points you should keep in mind for safe vaping so that you can minimize the risks.

Buy only original products

When buying e-cigarettes, make sure that you only buy original products. Buy the products in a specialist store or in an established online store that also offers you expert personal advice. Disposable e-cigarettes from well-known brands such as Elfbar contain a QR code on the packaging, thanks to which you can check the authenticity of the product.

Choose the appropriate nicotine content

E-cigarettes are available in Switzerland with 20mg, 10mg, 6mg, 3mg nicotine, or nicotine-free. Choose the right nicotine content for your needs and reduce the nicotine intake if necessary. For heavy ex-smokers 20mg nicotine is the best choice, for moderate smokers 10mg nicotine.

Avoid charred coils

The biggest advantage of the e-cigarette is the fact that there is no combustion process. However, when the coils of the vape carbonize, combustion also takes place and you inhale pollutants. Therefore, we recommend you to immediately change the coils or put away the disposable e-cigarette as soon as a burnt taste appears. If you are using a pod system, you can shape a handkerchief into a wick and then insert it into the mouthpiece of the vape. If the handkerchief turns brown or black, the vaporizer head is charred and you should change it immediately.

Less is more

The following also applies to vaping: less is more! For your health, it is always better to reduce the consumption of disposable e-cigarettes and vapes. As with smoking tobacco, stick to the rule of vaping outdoors only, so that you can reduce the daily number of puffs with your vaporizer.

Regulation of e-cigarettes

The regulation of e-cigarettes is still in its infancy in Switzerland. Currently (as of 2023), e-cigarettes and e-liquids are still considered novel foods under Swiss law. With the new Tobacco Products Actwhich is due to come into force in 2024, e-cigarettes will also be heavily regulated in Switzerland. Taxes will be introduced on e-liquids and age control regulations will be introduced in the same way as for tobacco.

Controversies surrounding the regulation of vapes

Every year in Switzerland alone, 9000 people die from the consequences of tobacco cigarettes. Vaping is the only alternative to tobacco that offers a similar experience of pleasure. No wonder vapes are often the best solution for smokers who cannot quit tobacco cigarettes even with great efforts. Therefore, vaping should definitely be cheaper than smoking in the future, so that as many consumers as possible make the switch to e-cigarettes. It should also be ensured that the choice of liquids and devices is not restricted in order to keep the attractiveness of e-cigarettes high and to minimize the harm of smoking.

Buy e-cigarettes

E-cigarettes can now be bought at kiosks, supermarkets or even gas stations. However, we recommend you to order vapes in specialized stores or at a good online store on the Internet. A vape store offers a much better selection and you benefit not only from a wide assortment, but also from competent advice for customers. This way you get expert answers to your questions and can make sure that you find the right e-cigarette and liquid, which perfectly fits your needs. An e-cigarette store offers you everything you need for vaping, makes you aware of risks and provides you with the necessary accessories.

Conclusion about vaping

Vaping is still the best alternative to smoking and can help minimize the devastating health effects of tobacco. However, vapes also carry risks and the trend of disposable e-cigarettes among young people should be countered with clear age controls. The vape should neither be downplayed nor demonized, because it offers great opportunities, especially for smokers who can't get off cigarettes any other way.

Back to the overview