How Do e-Cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Vaping Systems Use Tobacco Compared to Cigarettes?

To begin, it helps to understand which products contain real tobacco. Cigarettes contain real tobacco, but the taste of cigarettes is the taste of burnt tobacco. While smokefree alternatives offer benefits in comparison to continued cigarette smoking, not all smokefree alternatives contain real tobacco, and understanding this helps set expectations for the overall experience when switching.

One type of smokefree alternative that does not utilise real tobacco are e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat up and vapourise e-liquids containing flavour and nicotine. As a result, the e-liquid itself does not contain real tobacco, though there are a lot of e-liquids that are tobacco flavoured.

On the other hand, heated tobacco vaping products are a smokefree alternative to cigarettes that utilise real tobacco. In general, heated tobacco vaping devices heat up specially made tobacco to a precise temperature, allowing the adult user to experience tobacco without having it burn.

Since e-cigarettes utilise e-liquid and not real tobacco, the experience an 18+ user gets from using these vs cigarettes will differ. E-liquid comes in a variety of flavours, which can provide a different experience than what is typically associated with cigarettes.

However, even e-liquids that are tobacco flavoured will not be the same as a cigarette because ultimately, a vape creates vapour, not smoke, and does not use real tobacco to deliver the aerosol. The flavour that smokers are used to is that of the tobacco that is created when the cigarette burns. When an 18+ vaper uses an e-cigarette, a vapour is created from the e-liquid being in contact with the heating element, and that is what the 18+ user tastes. That is a key difference of e-cigarettes vs a traditional cigarette. Understanding that it will not be entirely the same experience is a key factor in a successful switch.

Heated tobacco vaping products like IQOS heat real, specially prepared tobacco, and not liquids like e-cigarettes do. Instead, it heats real tobacco to a precise temperature to deliver a tobacco infused vapour, which is not the same as a cigarette which is burned and delivers smoke.

Crucially, with IQOS, tobacco never burns. That is the main principle of a heated tobacco vaping device which brings benefits in comparison to continued smoking. The absence of combustion and smoke from heated tobacco results in no smoke smell, no ash, and no smoke.

Experienced e-cigarette users can mix their own e-liquid flavours but for most e-cigarette users who want a reliable consistent flavour experience, then factory filled pods are definitely the way to go.

There are changes to expect if you are considering switching from smoking to e-cigarette or heated tobacco vaping. With both, it is necessary to make an initial investment in purchasing a vape device. Some brands offer a kit that can help you to switch from cigarettes, which generally includes the device and a charging cable. With either smokefree alternative, a little research is required to find the best heated tobacco or e-cigarette vaping product for 18+ smokers looking to switch.

Another change to anticipate is routine. Both e-cigarette and heated tobacco vaping need charging and general maintenance. You may need to take care of it with proper storage and cleaning to ensure the device stays in good working condition.

It's worth noting that you can buy mint, menthol and tobacco e-liquid pods and heated tobacco products at many dairies, convenience stores and petrol outlets, similar to where 18+ smokers normally purchase cigarettes from. A wider range of flavours are available from Specialist Vape Retailers.

Lastly but most importantly, one of the biggest changes an 18+ user might experience when switching to an e-cigarette or heated tobacco vape from smoking cigarettes is all the benefits that come with a smokefree alternative.

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful or potentially harmful chemicals resulting from combustion. In the case of IQOS, no combustion means no smoke, no ash and less lingering smell than cigarettes.

Important information: IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.

When it comes to heated tobacco vaping vs e-cigarettes, the smokefree alternative that is better for an 18+ user will depend on personal preferences, as well as the desire to leave cigarettes behind and switch to a less harmful alternative.

Smokefree alternatives are not equivalent to quitting tobacco and nicotine use altogether, so they are not cessation aids. Since these products still contain nicotine, they are addictive. If you are an 18+ smoker and have concerns around health, then the best option to reduce the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. However, for those 18+ smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke, switching completely to smokefree alternatives is a better choice than continuing to smoke cigarettes.

The technologies used in e-cigarettes and heated tobacco vaping products are ultimately different, making the end experience for the 18+ user different as well. E-cigarettes can be an option for 18+ smokers who are looking for a completely new experience with advanced customisation possibilities, while heated tobacco vaping devices may allow for a tobacco experience that can seem familiar to 18+ smokers, all while being technologically advanced.

At the end of the day, thanks to rapid advances in science and technology, better alternatives now exist for those 18+ smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke. Learn more about the IQOS range of smokefree alternatives below.