- MTL – ’Mouth To Lung’
- DTL – ‘Direct To Lung’ (Sometimes referred to as ‘Straight to Lung’ or ‘Direct Lung’)
- RDTL / RDL – ‘Restricted Direct To Lung’ – Between MTL vaping and DTL vaping
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping is a popular style of vaping that simulates the sensation of smoking traditional cigarettes. This method involves drawing vapor into the mouth before inhaling it into the lungs. MTL vaping is particularly favored by ex-smokers and those who prefer a more controlled and discreet vaping experience. This article explores the various aspects of MTL vaping, including techniques, benefits, suitable nicotine strengths, PG/VG ratios, airflow configurations, and coil resistances.
The Mechanics of MTL Vaping
How to Vape Mouth-to-Lung
MTL vaping mimics the natural smoking process, making it an intuitive choice for ex-smokers. The process involves three simple steps:
- Draw Vapor into the Mouth: Take a long, steady draw of vapor into your mouth.
- Inhale into the Lungs: Once the vapor is in your mouth, inhale it into your lungs while simultaneously drawing in air.
- Exhale: Exhale the vapor.
Imagine drinking through a straw—liquid first enters your mouth before you swallow. Similarly, with MTL vaping, vapor is first held in the mouth before being inhaled into the lungs.
Why Choose MTL Vaping?
Similarity to Smoking
MTL vaping closely resembles the experience of smoking a traditional cigarette, providing a familiar sensation for those transitioning from smoking to vaping. This method delivers a satisfying throat hit and controls nicotine intake, making it an effective smoking cessation tool.
Stealth and Discretion
MTL vaping produces less visible vapor, allowing for discreet vaping sessions, often referred to as “stealth vaping.” This is particularly useful in crowded or public settings where large vapor clouds might be undesirable. Additionally, holding the vapor in the lungs for a few extra seconds before exhaling can further reduce visible plumes.
Economical Usage
MTL vaping is more economical compared to Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping. MTL tanks consume less e-liquid, making them a cost-effective choice for regular vapers. This method also tends to use higher resistance coils, which operate at lower wattages, further conserving e-liquid and battery life.
Key Considerations for MTL Vaping
Nicotine Strength
Selecting the appropriate nicotine strength is crucial for a satisfying MTL vaping experience. MTL vaping allows for the use of higher nicotine concentrations without causing discomfort, as the vapor is inhaled in smaller quantities compared to DTL vaping.
- Nicotine Strengths: Common choices range from 6mg to 20mg, depending on individual preferences and nicotine dependency.
- Nicotine Salts: For those who find high nicotine concentrations harsh, nicotine salts are a smoother alternative. Nicotine salts provide a more effective and quicker nicotine hit, making them ideal for new vapers and ex-smokers.
PG/VG Ratio
Propylene Glycol (PG) and Vegetable Glycerin (VG) are the primary ingredients in e-liquids. The ratio of PG to VG affects the throat hit, flavor intensity, and vapor production.
- 50PG/50VG: Offers a good throat hit and satisfactory vapor production, suitable for most MTL devices.
- 60VG/40PG: Provides a smoother vape with enhanced vapor production.
- 70VG/30PG: Some modern MTL devices can handle this ratio, but it’s essential to verify compatibility to avoid dry hits.
High PG e-liquids are generally preferred for MTL vaping due to their thinner consistency, which ensures proper wicking in MTL coils and enhances flavor delivery.
Airflow Configuration
Airflow plays a significant role in determining the vaping experience. MTL devices typically feature tighter airflow, which increases the resistance felt when drawing on the device. This tight airflow emulates the draw resistance of a cigarette and produces a warmer, more concentrated vapor.
- Tight Airflow: Ideal for MTL vaping, providing a satisfying throat hit and controlled vapor production.
- Wide Mouthpiece: MTL tanks have narrower mouthpieces compared to DTL tanks, focusing the vapor and enhancing the smoking-like experience.
Coil Resistance
Coil resistance is critical in defining the amount of vapor produced and the overall vaping experience. MTL coils generally have higher resistance, suitable for lower wattage settings.
- High Resistance Coils: Typically range from 0.8Ω to 2.8Ω, with common values being around 1.0Ω. These coils produce moderate vapor and are ideal for MTL vaping.
- Lower Wattage: MTL devices operate at lower wattages, usually between 11W and 20W, conserving e-liquid and battery life.
Benefits of MTL Vaping
Efficiency in Nicotine Delivery
MTL vaping is efficient in delivering nicotine, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to manage their nicotine intake. The higher nicotine concentrations used in MTL vaping ensure that cravings are quickly satisfied with fewer puffs.
Smooth Transition for Ex-Smokers
The similarity to smoking makes MTL vaping a smooth transition for ex-smokers. The familiar throat hit and draw resistance help replicate the smoking experience, aiding in smoking cessation efforts.
Flavor Intensity
MTL vaping enhances flavor intensity due to the higher PG content in the e-liquids and the slower draw technique. The vapor lingers in the mouth, allowing vapers to savor the e-liquid’s flavor profile fully.
Discreet and Convenient
MTL devices are typically smaller and more portable than DTL devices, making them convenient for on-the-go vaping. The reduced vapor production allows for discreet vaping in public or social settings.
Common MTL Vaping Devices
Vape Pens
Vape pens are popular among MTL vapers due to their simple design and ease of use. They often feature fixed wattage settings and higher resistance coils, making them ideal for beginners.
Pod Systems
Pod systems are compact and user-friendly, offering replaceable or refillable pods. These devices are perfect for MTL vaping, providing a satisfying throat hit and efficient nicotine delivery.
All-in-One (AiO) Kits
AiO kits integrate the tank and battery into a single unit, offering a streamlined and hassle-free vaping experience. They are designed for MTL vaping with higher resistance coils and tighter airflow.
Box Mod Kits
Box mod kits offer variable wattage settings and greater customization options. They can be configured for MTL vaping by using high resistance coils and adjusting the airflow to a tighter setting.
Cigalikes
Cigalikes are designed to resemble traditional cigarettes, making them a natural choice for smokers transitioning to vaping. They are simple, disposable devices with pre-filled cartridges, ideal for MTL vaping.
Advanced MTL Vaping Techniques
Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers (RDAs)
While RDAs are typically associated with advanced vapers and DTL vaping, certain RDAs are designed for MTL vaping. These RDAs offer superior flavor and vapor control but require a deeper understanding of coil building and wicking.
Variable Wattage and Temperature Control
Advanced MTL vapers may experiment with variable wattage and temperature control settings to fine-tune their vaping experience. Starting at a lower wattage and gradually increasing it helps identify the optimal setting for flavor and throat hit.
Conclusion
Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping offers a satisfying and economical alternative to smoking, making it an excellent choice for ex-smokers and those seeking a controlled vaping experience. By understanding the nuances of nicotine strength, PG/VG ratios, airflow, and coil resistance, vapers can tailor their MTL vaping setup to suit their preferences. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced vaper, MTL vaping provides a familiar, flavorful, and discreet way to enjoy vaping.
