Why Is My Vape Spitting?
Vape spitting is an issue that some adult vapers may encounter. There are different reasons why a vape could be spitting liquid, from incorrect wattage levels to a degraded coil.
Reasons for a Vape Spitting Liquid
There are several reasons why vape spitting might occur:
- A vape’s wattage is incorrect – for instance, when the wattage is too low, the vape may not be able to heat the e-liquid fast enough to vaporize it correctly.
- A coil has degraded – the interior of a coil might flood with e-liquid once it has degraded. This could cause the vape to spit liquid.
- The coil is over primed – when too much e-liquid is added around the coil (for example, during a coil change), excess e-liquid could result in a vape spitting.
- The airflow is blocked - when this occurs, a vape may not work properly. It might be possible to clear the airflow by cleaning the mouthpiece.
- The e-liquid is not suitable – an incorrect e-liquid could result in a spitting vape. Check the manufacturer’s advice if you are unsure about the right type of e-liquid to use.
What Can You Do to Prevent a Vape from Spitting?
Taking care of a device may keep it working and help preserve its longevity. The following precautionary measures might help in preventing future vape spitting incidents.
- Fill the tank carefully and do not overfill it – also consider that the method of cleaning the mouthpiece could mitigate a problem like excess e-liquid (where the tank is overfilled).
- Take care not to over prime the coil – a coil may need to be primed every time it is changed. Prime it as per manufacturer instructions and be careful not to over prime as this can lead to a spitting vape.
- Replace coils regularly - as with any component, coils typically degrade over time. Coils are a vape component that should be changed when necessary.
- Monitor the Vegetable Glycerin and Propylene Glycol content in e-liquid - both of these are common e-liquid ingredients. Some devices require an e-liquid that has a 50/50 balance of Vegetable Glycerin and Propylene Glycol. Other devices may have alternative requirements. Check the suitability of the e-liquid in use according to the manufacturer’s guidance.
- Avoid modifying the vape – many manufacturers recommend you do not adjust your vape to maximize its vapor production, as this can cause vapes to malfunction, or even stop working altogether.
- Practice good maintenance – manufacturers usually recommend regular vape cleaning. Wipe the mouthpiece and remove e-liquid residue from the chimney and beneath the coil to soak up any excess. You can also check your O-ring (if you have one) for damage and replace it if necessary.
- Store the device correctly – follow manufacturer guidance on how to correctly store your vape
Issues such as spitting and leaks in vapes may be prevented with proper care routines. Follow the links for more information about each issue.
Are There Any Smoke-Free Alternatives That Won’t Spit?
For those adult smokers interested in an alternative to smoking cigarettes who would prefer to avoid vape spitting, you might consider a smoke-free alternative that does not include e-liquid. IQOS heated tobacco is an option, available for adult smokers looking to switch from cigarettes. There are more than 19 million* IQOS users globally, of which 13.2 million** have completely quit cigarettes.
IQOS heats authentic tobacco instead of burning it. IQOS provides cigarette-like satisfaction*** and, unlike cigarettes, IQOS does not burn tobacco and therefore produces no smoke. As there is typically no e-liquid in heated tobacco, there is no chance of spitting liquid.
Important information: IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive.
* PMI Financials or estimates (excluding Russia and Ukraine), IQOS user panels and PMI Market Research. Status as of September, 2022. IQOS users for whom HeatSticks represent at least 5% of their daily tobacco consumption over the past 7 days.
** IQOS users who have completely quit cigarettes and for whom PMI HeatSticks represent at least 70% of their past 7-day heated tobacco consumption.
*** Source: 3 month clinical studies conducted in US and Japan with 160 adult smokers each under conditions (ambulatory).
IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. The best decision any adult smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. IQOS are not alternatives to quitting and are not designed as cessation aids.