How to Stay Safe While Vaping: A Kenyan Wellness Guide for Vapers

Vaping may be a less harmful alternative to smoking, but it’s not risk-free. Whether you're a hobbyist or transitioning from cigarettes, these vape safety tips will help you enjoy the experience while protecting your health.

1. Choosing Quality Devices and E-Liquids

Shop vapes and E-liquids from reputable brands such as Elf Bar, KK Energy, Tugboat, Yuoto, Voopoo, Vaporesso, Geek, Uwell,Smok, Vapengin Jupiter, Happy Bar, ISGO Bar, Ultimate Juice, Nasty and Core by Dinner Lady that come with safety certifications. Vaping products from these brands have been affirmed to be very safe for vapers. The vapes and e-liquids are lab-tested to ensure ingredients are to exact amounts then a clear labelling is done for vapers to choose what best suits them. In Kenya you can buy these devices and products from trusted e-cigarette store like Dally Vapes Nairobi.

2. Understand Your Vaping Style

There are two styles of vaping Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) and Direct-to-Lung (DTL). People who are just starting the vaping journey are advised to use Mouth-to Lung vaping devices. There are a number of disposable vapes and refillable vapes that offer MTL vaping style. They include Elfbar BC5000, Lost Mary, Vaporesso XROS 3 (0.6Ω and 1.0Ω mesh), Uwell Caliburn G2 (Coil: 1.2Ω ). They a smooth and gentler vaping experience. Direct-to-Lung is ideal for vapers who enjoy big clouds, intense vapor production and lower nicotine levels. These devices uses high wattages and are more sophisticated. They are used commonly by seasoned vapers. These include Vaporesso Armour Max 220W, SMOK Morph 3 Kit, Voopoo Drag 4 Kit and Vaporesso Target 200 Kit. Using the wrong vaping style can cause coughing, throat irritation or nicotine overload.

3. Keep Well Hydrated

When vaping and especially with high PG e-juices can result to drying out of your mouth and throat. Ensure you take plenty of water regularly before, during and even after vaping to stay hydrated. When feeling extra dry avoid taking caffeine as this will cause more dryness. Use water instead.

4. Prevent Sore Throat and Irritation

To avoid sore throat and irritation use higher VG e-liquids for smoother hits. You are also advised to always prime your coils to avoid dry burns before actively using the kit. Whenever the vapor feels too hot check the device wattage and lower accordingly. Don’t too hot puffs as they will hurt your throat.

5. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Brush your teeth and tongue twice daily to ensure nothing is left sticking in your mouth. You can use alcohol-free mouthwash once in a while. Chewing sugar-free gum will also help stimulate saliva and reduce bad breath. Never go to bed before cleaning your mouth after vaping.

6. Store E-Liquids Properly

E-liquids are sensitive and need to be stored in the right conditions. Keep the bottles air-tight and in a cool and dark place. Avoid exposing to heat and sunlight to prevent chemical breakdown that will lead to your juice going bad or lowering the quality. Also use child-proof caps and label your bottles then keep out of reach of children and pets.

7. Clean Your Device Regularly

For refillable devices such as mods rinse the vaping kit’s tank with warm water weekly to avoid layers of juice building up bacteria getting a medium to thrive on. Coils of such devices need to be replaced every 1-2 weeks depending on your usage or when flavor drops. Wipe down mouthpieces regularly to prevent bacterial buildup that can cause chest infections.

8. Use the Right Nicotine Strength

People dive into vaping for different varied reasons. There are those who are trying to quit from traditional smoking by transitioning to vaping. They start vaping to regulate their nicotine uptake by titrating down consumption until they are able to use free nicotine vapes. At this point they quit smoking and vaping without nicotine withdrawal struggles. On the other hand, there are those who vape for fun. They can use free nicotine vapes or low strength nicotine vaping devices. They are mostly cloud chasers who vape occasionally. The other group of vapers are those who do it daily for nicotine cravings. They prefer vaping which is safer as compared to smoking. They have a ‘class’ and thus they choose vaping that combines style and class. Understanding your vaping needs will help you use the right nicotine strength. While vaping always watch for signs of overuse or nicotine overdose such as dizziness, nausea, extreme mouth and throat dryness or headaches.

9. Avoid Chain Vaping

Chain vaping makes your vape coils to overheat resulting to hot puffs getting to your throat. This will hurt and irritate your throat as well well as your lungs. It can also result to nicotine overuse that will cause headaches, dizziness and nausea. Chain vaping can also lead to choking or coughing uncontrollably. Take breaks between puffs to let your coil cool and remain safe while vaping.

10. Know When to Replace Your Battery

Never vape while using batteries that are dented, swollen or overheating. Such batteries are a health hazard and should be disposed responsibly. When buying batteries for vaping kits such as mods buy from reputable and trusted vape shops like Dally Vapes Nairobi who only stock original vaping products in Kenya.

NB// Most importantly when charging batteries use only manufacturer-approved chargers and never leave your vape charging overnight.

11. Rotate Flavors to Avoid Vaper’s Tongue

Vaper’s Tongue is a temporary condition where you suddenly lose the ability to taste your vape juice. This occurs despite the fact that everything else working normally. It’s occurs commonly to vapers who use a single flavor for too long. It can also happen to people who engage in chain vaping.

To prevent Vaper’s Tongue its recommended that vapers switch between flavor profiles every few days. Also stay well hydrated and practice good oral hygiene. If it happens take short breaks from vaping if flavors seem muted and avoid chain vaping.

12. Avoid DIY Mods Unless You’re an Experienced Vaper

DIY Mods is the short form for “Do-It-Yourself Modifications”. These are custom-built vape devices created by enthusiasts who want full control over their vaping experience. These devices are better left for advanced vapers who are knowledgeable about wattages and ohms. They can be very dangerous for users without proper knowledge and using them randomly. What may seem as a simple mistake in resistance or battery handling can cause abnormal performance, short circuits or explosions.

NB// Stick to regulated mods unless you’ve mastered Ohm’s Law and battery safety.

13. Observe Vaping Etiquette

Ensure you vape responsibly by respecting public spaces. Don’t vape in closed public spaces or near non-vapers or smokers. If you find yourself in private homes, events or shared spaces ask for permission before you start vaping randomly. Also don’t vape in front of teens who are always curious on what is around them.

14. Pay Attention to Your Body

Too much vaping at a go can make you feel dizzy, nausea or develop a persistent cough. Always take break while vaping. It happens mostly to youths due to peer pressure vaping to outshine others. If the later happens switch to lower nicotine or try nicotine-free vaping options. You are also advised to consult a doctor if the symptoms persist.

15. Stay Informed about Vaping Through Dally Vapes Nairobi’s blog and other Global Vape Communities

Normalize reading vape blogs like the ones done by Dally Vapes Nairobi to ensure you always get vaping tips that will help you vape safely. Also join forums like E-Cigarette Forum and Planet of the Vapes to learn from experienced vapers about safe practices, product reviews and modern technologies introduced. In such insightful forums you can ask questions and share your experiences to help others.