How to Inhale a Vape: Mouth-to-Lung vs Direct-to-Lung Explained
How to Inhale a Vape: Mouth-to-Lung vs Direct-to-Lung Explained
The two main ways to inhale a vape, which devices suit each, step-by-step instructions, common beginner mistakes and how to avoid coughing.
The short version
Most pens and pod systems, including CBD vape pens, are designed for mouth-to-lung (MTL): draw gently into your mouth for 2–3 seconds, then breathe it into your lungs. It feels closest to smoking and is gentlest for beginners.
Direct-to-lung (DTL) means inhaling straight into the lungs, and suits higher-airflow, sub-ohm devices with low-strength liquids. It produces big clouds but more coughing for beginners.
This guide to how to inhale a vape covers what you need to know, using UK guidance and the latest evidence. Inhaling a vape isn’t quite the same as smoking, and using the wrong technique for your device is the most common reason beginners cough or get a harsh hit. Here’s how to do it properly.
MTL vs DTL at a glance
| Mouth-to-lung (MTL) | Direct-to-lung (DTL) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Draw into the mouth, then inhale | Inhale straight into the lungs, like a deep breath |
| Feels like | Similar to a cigarette | Like breathing through a straw into the lungs |
| Devices | Pens, pod systems, pre-filled CBD pens | Sub-ohm tanks, high-airflow mods |
| Airflow | Tighter | Open |
| Liquid | Higher PG or 50/50, higher strength | High VG, low strength |
| Best for | Beginners, discreet use | Experienced vapers, big clouds |
How to do mouth-to-lung (MTL)
- Breathe out normally.
- Seal your lips around the mouthpiece.
- Draw slowly and gently for 2–3 seconds, as if sipping through a straw, holding the vapour in your mouth.
- Take the device away and breathe the vapour into your lungs with a little fresh air.
- Breathe out slowly.
This is the technique for CBD disposable-style pens and most pod kits.
How to do direct-to-lung (DTL)
- Breathe out.
- Open the airflow fully.
- Inhale slowly and steadily straight into your lungs for 3–4 seconds.
- Exhale.
Use only low-strength liquids for DTL, because you take in much more vapour per puff.
Common beginner mistakes
- Pulling too hard: causes coughing and can flood the coil.
- Puffing too fast: leads to dry, burnt hits. See why does my vape taste burnt?
- Wrong technique for the device: DTL on a tight MTL pen feels harsh.
- Too strong a liquid for DTL.
- Not staying hydrated.
Still coughing? Read how to vape without coughing.
Inhaling CBD vapes
Use MTL with CBD pens, starting with one or two gentle puffs and waiting 10–15 minutes. Work out the CBD per puff and keep within the FSA’s advice of no more than 10mg of CBD a day. See how much CBD should I vape?
Vaping isn’t risk-free. If you don’t smoke, the NHS advises you not to start. Never vape CBD oil drops or any oil-based product.
Want to learn tricks once you’re comfortable? See vape tricks for beginners and how to ghost vape.
How to inhale a vape: all our guides on vaping
This guide is our starting point for vaping. For more detail on specific questions, see:
- Why Does My Vape Burn My Throat?
- How to Vape Without Coughing
- Vape Tricks for Beginners
- How to Choose the Best Refillable Vape
- Sore Throat From Vaping
- How to Ghost Vape: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Ghost Trick
- Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
- How Many Calories Are in a Vape?
- Does Vaping Make You Gain Weight?
- Can You Vape After a Tooth Extraction?
- Do Geek Bars Have Nicotine?
- Are Vape Pens Refillable?
Related topics: What Does a CBD Vape Do? and Is CBD Legal in England?. For the latest UK guidance relevant to how to inhale a vape, see the NHS advice on vaping.
Key takeaways
- Mouth-to-lung (MTL) suits pens, pod kits and CBD pens, and is gentlest for beginners.
- Direct-to-lung (DTL) suits high-airflow, sub-ohm devices with low-strength liquids.
- Draw slowly for 2–3 seconds rather than pulling hard.
- Using the wrong technique for your device is the main cause of harsh hits.
- With CBD pens, start with one or two puffs and stay within 10mg a day.
CBD is a food supplement, not a medicine. Nothing in this article is medical advice. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The Food Standards Agency advises healthy adults to take no more than 10mg of CBD a day. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, speak to a healthcare professional before using CBD.
Sources & further reading
Inhaling a vape: FAQs
For most pens and pods, use mouth-to-lung: draw gently into your mouth for 2–3 seconds, then breathe the vapour into your lungs.
MTL means drawing vapour into your mouth first, like smoking. DTL means inhaling straight into your lungs, and suits high-airflow, sub-ohm devices.
Most beginners find MTL easier and gentler, especially on pens and pod systems.
Usually you’re pulling too hard, using DTL on an MTL device, or using a liquid that’s too strong. Slow down and adjust your settings.
Use gentle mouth-to-lung puffs of 2–3 seconds, start with one or two puffs, and wait 10–15 minutes before taking more.
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