Before modernity knocked, people were smoking cigarettes and hating those smelly fumes because they had no better ways of taking nicotine. Technology has changed all that. You can now enjoy the best feel of nicotine hits without having to hold your nose to avoid the smoke and smell. This is where nicotine pouches and vapes come in. Even better, these two new fashions have become popular, and a lot of people now prefer them over direct cigarette smoke.
While the new fashions are loved because of their ability to reduce the nasty effects caused by cigarettes, there are still debates on which of the two is the real winner in a “battle of the best.” Here, we delve into the real facts about each of them to give users a little edge in their ultimate decision-making process.
What Are Nicotine Pouches?
Instead of taking nicotine through vapor or smoke, people have figured out that you can actually take it by placing a small package between the gum and the lip. This package is infused with nicotine. As the infusion mixes with saliva and gets into contact with blood vessels, nicotine is automatically absorbed into the bloodstream, delivering the needed “hit” to the user.
Note that this method requires no smoking or inhalation and, therefore, does not produce any smoke or vapor. Once absorbed into the bloodstream, it takes up to 30 minutes for the nicotine content to reach the brain and activate the “hit” effect. After that, you can dispose of the pouch.
Also, nicotine pouches are tobacco-free, do not produce any distinct smell, and you do not need any special device to use them. Their low-maintenance, discreet usage has become a huge selling point for them, especially among people who want nicotine hits without announcing their usage to everyone.
What Are Vapes?
In simple terms, vapes are fairly small-sized electronic devices that hold an e-liquid inside them. The e-liquid is infused with a nicotine dose. The vape device has a mechanism that produces heat directed to the e-liquid when activated. When this liquid is heated, it produces a vapor that the user can then inhale into their lungs and get a nicotine hit.
When you set about getting your hit from the vaping device, you literally act like you are smoking a cigarette. You simply put the assigned end of the device in your mouth and inhale the vapor. You can feel the hit settling in within seconds. Even better yet, vapes come in lots of flavors, so you do not have to endure the choking smell of cigarette smoke. Also, vapes do not contain tobacco, and that is a big win for those trying to ditch cigarettes.
There are different types of vaping devices - single-use or disposable, refillable, and customized. Vapes have become a go-to option for people looking for tobacco-free nicotine experience with flavored vapor. Some examples of the flavors popular in vapes include strawberry and vanilla.
Comparing Nicotine Pouches to Vapes
First off, it is worth noting that both nicotine pouches and vapes are used to deliver a nicotine “hit” to the user. They mainly differ in terms of how this hit is delivered. However, there are a few other factors involved that may lead a user to settle for their better choice between them. Here, we look at a few of the main factors that play the biggest roles in this regard.
Usage
Nicotine pouches are used by placing the package between the gum and the lip in the mouth. The nicotine concentration seeps through the vessels to get into the bloodstream and ultimately into the brain. This is very different from the way vapes are used. Vapes mimic actual cigarette smoking, whereby the user inhales the vapor from the vape device into their lungs.
Vapes involve the use of a special device, while nicotine pouches are just that - small nicotine pouches that can be used directly without having to pass through a secondary device.
Cost Comparison
From a critical point of view, vapes are a bit more expensive compared to nicotine pouches. For a user to start using vapes, they have to purchase the initial vape device as well as the nicotine provision that comes with it. They have to refill the e-liquid every time it finishes. If the vape device is non-reusable, the user incurs a further cost of purchasing a new device every other day. The initial cost can range between $10 to $50, depending on the type of vape device.
This is different from the nicotine pouches in that they do not come with any extra devices. You use them just as they are. The only time a user incurs costs is when replenishing their supply. Nicotine packages can cost between $5 and $10. These can last for days - depending on how frequently the user needs a pouch.
User Experience and Preferences
Due to how they are used, nicotine pouches deliver a steady dose of nicotine over time, sometimes lasting up to 30 minutes. They are also ideal for discreet use without raising any eyebrows. Users who enjoy a steady dose of nicotine that does not produce vapor would go for this choice. However, nicotine pouches are a bit short in terms of the varieties of flavors available. Available flavors include citrus, berry, and mint. More are expected to be introduced as the pouches get popular.
On the other hand, vapes are a great choice for people who need a more immediate hit coupled with a feel of the smoking experience. They produce vapor that mimics cigarette smoke. For this reason, their use is noticeable by other people. On the flip side, this can be great for those who wish to utilize the aromatic vapor to boost their social experience when among other people. Also, vapes come in numerous flavors representing various fruits, desserts, and menthol tastes.
Vapes Vs Nicotine Pouches
Below is a representation of the facts about nicotine pouches and vapes as compared to each other:
|
Test/ Question |
Nicotine Pouches |
Vapes |
|
Contains Tobacco? |
No |
No |
|
Contains Nicotine? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Different Flavors Available? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Produces Smoke? |
No |
Yes |
|
Different Strengths Available? |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Mode of Usage |
Placed between gum and lip |
Inhaled |
Transitioning Between Nicotine Pouches and Vaping
As is often the case, some users may wish to switch from using vaping devices to using nicotine pouches or vice versa. It is understandable that people often need a change of taste and experience. However, such changes need a plan. There are a few steps that you should take when considering making the switch:
- Select the right products: It is a fact that different people want different nicotine concentrations and flavors. Decide which strength of nicotine you need and select a flavor as well. There are numerous flavors and a good number of concentrations to choose from. Generally, nicotine concentrations run from 0mg to 20mg. Bottle capacities for e-liquids can start at 5ml to over 250ml. Pick according to your preference.
Pros and Cons of Using Nicotine Pouches
Pros
- They are cheaper than vapes.
- They are odorless and smokeless and, therefore, ideal for discreet use.
- They are less bulky and can be easily portable.
Cons
- They take a longer time (20-30 minutes) to deliver the hit.
Pros and Cons of Using Vapes
Pros
- They take a shorter time (usually within seconds) to deliver the hit.
- They come in more flavor varieties.
- They can be easily portable, depending on the type of device.
Cons
- They are not ideal for discreet use.
Nicotine Pouches Vs Vapes: The Final Pick
First off, cigarettes seem to be losing the battle for dominance as vapers turn to nicotine pouches and vapes. Perhaps one of the strongest reasons vapes and pouches are preferred is that they are actually tobacco-free modes of getting a nicotine hit without having to deal with the hated cigarette smoke. That is not to say that nicotine pouches and vapes do not have their differences. They actually do, each with its pros and cons.
You can point out the main differences between nicotine pouches and vapes by looking at how they are consumed, their smoke content, varieties of flavors available, portability, and the length of time it takes for the nicotine hit to kick in in the brain. You take your pick between the two depending on your individual preferences. Those who want to use nicotine discreetly may choose nicotine pouches, while those who like using it in a social setting can blow their clouds with vapes.
Either way, nicotine pouches and vapes have stolen people’s hearts and are now preferable choices for smokers who want to try something new. This way, they can enjoy a nicotine experience without the tobacco aspect or start their journey of quitting cigarettes altogether.
FAQs
Are nicotine pouches and vapes better for your health?
Yes. Generally, nicotine pouches and vapes are perceived as better options compared to actual cigarettes. They do not produce the cloudy, undesirable smell commonly associated with cigarettes. They are also tobacco-free, and their nicotine concentration can be controlled according to a user’s needs.
Which intake method delivers nicotine hits faster?
Vaping delivers the nicotine hit faster. This is because for the nicotine pouch, the concentration has to be absorbed into the bloodstream and then transported to the brain - and this can take time. Vaping sends the nicotine-infused vapor directly into the lungs by inhaling, enabling it to reach the brain and activate its effect much faster.
How do nicotine pouches compare to vapes in flavor?
Both come in different flavors, and users have the power to select the flavors that best appeal to them. However, while the flavors in nicotine pouches are dissolved along with the concentration in liquid form, the vape flavors are produced in the form of a vapor. Note that users can also choose the amount of vapor they would like to get from a vape. Some produce a lot of it, while others emit much less vapor.
Can you use nicotine pouches discreetly?
Yes. A nicotine pouch does not produce any vapor when used. It, therefore, does not attract attention from those close by, meaning that you can enjoy your favorite “hit” experience privately. They also do not produce cigarette-like smells. This is one reason why a lot of people opt for nicotine pouches.
Are nicotine pouches and vapes cheap options?
From a health standpoint, nicotine pouches and vapes can be validated as cheap options as compared to cigarette smoking. This is because they have fewer health hazards, have more controllable usage, and carry no stigma. As a matter of fact, nicotine pouches and vapes have become the go-to choices for people trying to quit cigarette smoking. In this case, they may also be the cheap option economically.
Are nicotine pouches cheaper than vapes?
Yes. With nicotine pouches, you only need to buy and start using immediately. That is not the case with vapes. With vapes, you have to buy the device itself, the heating coil, and flavor with the e-liquid. You may also have to buy an extra charger. This makes vapes a bit more expensive than nicotine pouches.