What is MTL Vaping?

MTL vaping, or mouth-to-lung vaping, is a style where you draw vapour into your mouth first, hold it briefly, and then inhale it into your lungs. This mimics the way you smoke a traditional cigarette. It uses devices with tighter airflow, higher resistance coils, and often higher nicotine e-liquids for a stronger throat hit and discreet vapour production, making it ideal for new vapers and ex-smokers.

Key Features of MTL Vaping

• Inhalation: Vapour first fills the mouth, then is inhaled into the lungs
• Draw: Tight, restricted airflow, similar to a cigarette
• Vapour: Less dense, more discreet clouds
• Throat hit: More pronounced, satisfying for nicotine cravings
• E-liquids: Works best with higher nicotine strengths and higher PG ratios
• Devices: Common in starter kits and pod systems

Who is MTL Vaping For? 

• New vapers: Provides a familiar experience when transitioning from smoking
• Ex-smokers: Offers a similar sensation to smoking cigarettes with the satisfying throat hit
• Those seeking discreet vaping: Produces smaller vapour clouds that don't draw attention
• Nicotine users: Effective for satisfying nicotine needs with higher strengths
• Budget-conscious vapers: Uses less e-liquid and battery power than other styles

How is MTL Vaping Different?

MTL vaping differs from other forms of vaping because it uses higher-resistance coils (typically 1.0 ohm and above) and lower-wattage settings. This combination leads to longer battery life and more efficient e-liquid consumption. The restricted airflow creates a tighter draw that closely resembles the sensation of smoking.

For more information about getting started with vaping, check out our guide for new vapers.

What are the Pros and Cons of MTL Vaping?

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of mouth-to-lung vaping helps you decide whether this MTL style of vaping suits your needs.

If you've previously used disposable vape kits and are considering alternatives, our guides can help you determine which option is right for you. Read about the best alternatives to disposable vapes or explore the best vape kits to replace disposables.

How to Vape MTL Correctly

Vaping MTL correctly ensures you get the best experience from your device. The technique is straightforward, especially if you've smoked cigarettes before.

Start by gently drawing vapour into your mouth. Hold it there briefly, allowing the vapour to settle. Then inhale the vapour into your lungs before exhaling. This two-step process mirrors smoking a traditional cigarette, which explains why mouth to lung vaping feels natural and beneficial to people who have recently quit smoking.

Airflow settings play a crucial role in achieving a proper MTL hit. You need to set your device to a tighter airflow, so it mimics the restricted draw of smoking. Most MTL devices come with adjustable airflow, so experiment to find your preferred setting.

You also need to pick vape kits and e-liquids that are appropriate for this type of vaping. The right combination of device, coil resistance, and e-liquid ensures optimal performance and satisfaction. We'll explain more about these choices further in this guide.

What Type of Coil Should I Use For Mouth to Lung Vaping?

High-resistance coils, typically ranging from 1.0 to 2.0 ohms, are ideal for mouth-to-lung vaping, as they provide a tighter draw, similar to smoking a traditional cigarette. These coils work at lower wattages (usually between 10W and 20W), which preserves battery life and reduces e-liquid consumption.

Coils made from materials like Kanthal are commonly used for the MTL style of vaping due to their durability and consistent performance. Kanthal coils heat evenly and maintain their resistance well over time, making them reliable for daily MTL vaping.

When replacing coils, ensure you select ones specifically designed for MTL vaping. Using the wrong coil resistance can result in poor flavour, weak throat hit, or burnt taste. Browse our selection of vape coils to find compatible options for your device.

What Battery is Recommended For Mouth to Lung Vaping?

Two primary considerations matter when choosing an MTL vape battery: capacity and power output.

MTL vape kits typically don't require as much power as advanced vape devices. A battery with a capacity of 500mAh and up is generally sufficient for most MTL devices. However, a battery capacity of around 1000mAh is typically ideal for most MTL vapers, as it should provide a full day of vaping without requiring a recharge.

The lower power requirements of MTL vaping mean your battery lasts longer between charges compared to advanced vape kits that operate at higher wattages. This makes MTL devices particularly convenient for people who vape throughout the day but don't want to carry charging cables or power banks.

What are the Best MTL Vape Kits?

Several excellent MTL vaping devices cater to different preferences and experience levels. Here are some of the best options:

For beginners:

• Elf Bar Mate 500 Kit: Simple, refillable device with pre-filled pods that offers the convenience of disposables with ongoing cost savings
• VUSE Pro Pod Kit: Reliable pod system with excellent battery life and consistent flavour delivery

For intermediate vapers:

• SKE Crystal Plus Pod Vape Kit: Versatile pod kit with adjustable airflow and good battery capacity
• Uwell Caliburn A3: Popular choice with excellent build quality and flavour production

For experienced MTL vapers:

• Aspire Zelos M80: Complete vape kit with adjustable power settings and excellent MTL performance
• Voopoo G Argus Pod Kit: Versatile device with adjustable airflow and power settings for customised MTL experience

Browse our complete selection of vape kits or explore vape starter kits for beginner-friendly options.

Which E-Liquids Work Best For MTL Vaping?

Choosing the right e-liquid significantly impacts your mouth to lung vaping experience. Three main factors determine whether an e-liquid suits MTL vaping: nicotine type, PG/VG ratio, and nicotine strength.

Nicotine salts work exceptionally well for MTL vaping due to their smoother throat hit and quicker nicotine absorption. Nicotine salt e-liquids allow you to use higher nicotine strengths (typically 10mg to 20mg) without the harsh throat hit that freebase nicotine can produce at these levels. Browse our range of nic salt e-liquids for MTL-compatible options.

Higher PG ratios (typically 50/50 or 60/40 PG/VG) are ideal for MTL vaping as they provide better flavour delivery and a stronger throat hit. These thinner liquids work well with the smaller coils and tighter airflow of MTL devices, preventing leaking and ensuring consistent wicking.

Low-wattage compatible e-liquids, specifically designed for MTL devices, help preserve coil longevity while enhancing flavour. These liquids don't require high temperatures to vaporise effectively, which means your coils last longer and maintain better flavour throughout their lifespan.

Popular e-liquid brands for MTL vaping:

• Elf Bar ELFLIQ - Available in familiar disposable flavours
• Lost Mary MARYLIQ - Nic salt formulations perfect for MTL
• IVG 6000 - Wide flavour range with MTL-friendly ratios
• Bar Juice - Designed to replicate disposable vape experiences
• SKE Crystal Salts - Smooth nic salts for pod systems

For more recommendations, read our guide to the best e-liquids.

Does MTL Vaping Use Less Vape Juice?

Yes, MTL vaping typically uses less vape juice than DTL (Direct-to-Lung) vaping. The MTL style of vaping involves taking smaller puffs that consume less liquid per inhale compared to the deep, lung-filling draws of DTL vaping.

The lower wattage settings and higher-resistance coils used in MTL vaping also contribute to reduced e-liquid consumption. Your e-liquid bottles will last longer with MTL devices, making this style more economical for regular vapers.

Is Mouth to Lung Vaping Better? 

MTL vaping can be better if you want a vaping experience that closely mimics smoking cigarettes. The method particularly appeals to specific types of vapers who value the familiar sensation and effective nicotine delivery. MTL vaping works well for new vapers, ex-smokers, budget-conscious vapers, and those seeking discreet vaping, who appreciate the smaller vapour clouds.

Many vapers start with MTL and eventually explore other styles as their preferences develop. Some stick with MTL permanently because it meets their needs, while others discover they prefer different vaping methods over time.

Whether MTL vaping is right for you depends on what you want from your vaping experience. If you're transitioning from smoking or prefer a tighter draw with strong throat hit, MTL vaping offers significant advantages. To understand how MTL compares to other vaping styles, read our guide on MTL vs DTL vaping.