With VApril just around the corner this is the perfect time to take the plunge and make the switch from smoking to vaping.
What is VApril?
VApril is an annual campaign that runs the length of April with the aim of educating the public about the benefits of vaping as a smoking alternative and supporting smokers in making the switch to vaping.
This year will be the 9th campaign, and over the years VApril has established itself as the largest vaping education campaign in the world, continuing to grow every year.
The campaign is organised by the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), and although the main focus of their vaping awareness campaign is to assist smokers in making the switch to vaping, they are also working to educate current vapers on how the Tobacco & Vapes Bill may bring in changes to the current regulations around vaping. They are also encouraging current vapers to speak up for vaping and share how it has helped them become smoke-free, as it is important that the voices of those most affected by any upcoming regulatory changes are heard. If you want to find out more about the Tobacco & Vapes Bill and what is actually means for the future of vaping check out our post ‘What you need to know about the UK Tobacco and Vapes Bill’.
As a founding member of UKVIA we take great pride in supporting the annual VApril campaign here at Evapo and supporting those who are making the switch from smoking to vaping. You can head over to vapril.org to access the huge range of resources and expert advice available during the campaign.
Why make the switch to vaping?
Quitting smoking isn’t easy but making the switch to a vape kit can greatly improve your chances of a successful quit. In fact, the Cochrane review found e-cigarettes to be twice as effective as nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) like nicotine patches and gum at assisting with smoking cessation. So far, an estimate 5.4 million adults in the UK are using a vape kit, and over half of all successful quite attempts made over the last five years have included the use of a vape. In fact, the most recent ONS data shows that there are now more vapers in the UK than smokers.
Not only are e-cigarettes an effective alternative to smoking, but the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities have found vaping to be at least 95% less harmful than smoking. This is because vapes do not produce the countless harmful toxins that cigarettes release upon combustion, like carbon monoxide and arsenic. This allows you to manage your nicotine cravings during a quit attempt without all the harmful substances produced during smoking.
Vaping also helps to address the physical act of smoking. Unlike gum or patches, an e-cigarette replicates the feel and act of smoking, as the user needs to inhale the vapour. We have all seen the stereotypical depiction of a smoker who is trying to quit and is constantly chewing on pens and fidgeting with their hands, and for many people this is a real part of the struggle of quitting smoking. Having a device that replicates the act of smoking and can be used during those times that you would usually take a cigarette break, can make a real difference in the chances of a successful quit.
Which starter vape kit should I use?
There are a few different types of starter vape kit to choose from, each with their own merits that make them suitable for different types of users.
Prefilled pod vape kits
If you are thinking about making the switch to vaping but are a little wary about having to learn how to use a new device, a prefilled pod vape kit may be the perfect option to get you started. They are some of the most user-friendly types of vape kit and make it really easy to get to grips with using an e-cigarette.
Prefilled pod kits, like the Elf Bar 600 or Lost Mary BM600, have an extremely small, compact design which makes them easy to carry with you wherever you go. The device can be recharged whenever needed, which is easy to do via USB-C cable, so you can even charge them through a computer or games console. Because they contain a relatively small battery, they are quick to charge making it easy to ensure your device is always ready when you need it.
As the name suggests, the pods for these devices come prefilled with e-liquid so you do not have to worry about refilling your pod or carrying spare e-liquid. The pod simply clicks in and out of place, and when a pod is empty it can be disposed of and replaced with a new one. Pods for these devices are available in a wide variety of flavours, and some like the Vuse pods for devices like the Vuse Ultra vape kit are even available in a choice of different nicotine strengths.
Some prefilled pod kits even allow for a higher e-liquid capacity, which means you can get a higher puff count before needing to replace the pod. These devices are commonly referred to as big puff vapes and will usually either hold multiple 2ml pods at a time or offer a pod along with a larger refill. For example, the Elf Bar JoinOne 15 Classic kit can hold a 2ml pod & 10ml refill, for a total of 12ml of vape juice per pod change. Depending on the e-liquid capacity and design of the device, there are a huge variety of different big puff vapes with different puff counts. Where standard 2ml prefilled pod kits will usually offer up to 600 puffs per pod, some big puff vapes can offer thousands of puffs before you will need to replace the pod pack. Take the DOJO Blast 30K Pro, which comes with two pod changes in the box to be able to offer up to 30,000 puffs before you will need to buy more.
Refillable vape kits
If you would prefer a device that allows you the freedom to choose your own e-liquid flavour and strength, a refillable vape kit like the VOOPOO Argus G3 Mini may be a better fit.
These devices maintain a compact design while allowing you to repeatedly refill the pod or tank with your chosen compatible e-liquid, giving you more freedom to choose.
Where you are limited with prefilled pod kits to the flavours and strengths available within your chosen brand’s range, refillable vape kits like the OXVA Xlim Pro 2 and Aspire Gotek X can be filled with any 50/50 or high PG e-liquid. This gives you more control over the nicotine strength and flavour and gives you more room to experiment with different flavours and brands of e-liquid.
Which e-liquid do I need?
Choosing the right e-liquid for you is largely down to personal preference but also depends on your previous smoking habits.
Finding the right nicotine strength
Choosing the right nicotine strength to suit your needs is a crucial part of your stop smoking journey. E-liquids are available in a variety of nicotine strengths so that you can match your e-liquid to your previous nicotine intake and manage your nicotine cravings without any nasty withdrawal symptoms.
As a general rule, we use the following guide to help new vapers choose the nicotine strength they start with:
- Light smokers who only smoke a couple of cigarettes a day, social smokers and non-daily smokers would be best suited to a 3 mg/ml e-liquid, as this is the lowest strength. If you are an infrequent smoker and are using your e-cigarette more to address the physical habit of smoking and not nicotine cravings you may even want to consider a nicotine free e-liquid.
- Those who smoke between 5 – 10 cigarettes a day would likely find a 6 mg/ml e-liquid best suits their needs.
- Moderate smokers, between 10 – 20 cigarettes a day, are recommended a 10 or 12 mg/ml e-liquid.
- Heavy smokers, those who smoker 20+ a day, would be best to start off using a high strength e-liquid, an 18 or 20 mg/ml.
However, there may be a certain amount of trial and error in finding the best fit for your needs. Once you have started using your e-liquid there is still room to move up or down a strength if you feel it is not satisfying your nicotine cravings sufficiently or is a bit too strong.
Choosing a flavour
When choosing your first e-liquid it is easy to assume you should start with a tobacco flavour, and this is certainly the best option for some vapers. However, many people quickly realise that they were not smoking for the taste and choose to branch out to different flavours like menthols, fruits, or desserts.
There are a huge variety of flavours available, and generally it’s a good idea to start out with flavours you already know you love. For example, if you love cola flavoured things then chances are you will enjoy a cola flavoured e-liquid, and you can never go wrong with your favourite fruit! In fact, over half (51%) of vapers prefer a fruit flavoured vape juice, which is one of the many reasons that the topic of vape flavours has been so widely discussed as part of the Tobacco & Vapes Bill.
It’s a good idea to experiment with different flavours and to change it up from time to time as this will make you more inclined to continue picking up your vape kit in favour of returning to smoking and make it a more enjoyable experience.
Spotting illicit vape products
If you are concerned about accidentally purchasing a vape that is not genuine or non-compliant, there are a few red flags that you can look out for.
Authenticity
Most vape kits, pods, coils, and other vaping products will have some form of authenticity that will allow you to check that the product is genuine. This will often be in the form of a number or QR code that can be scanned or entered into the manufacturer's website.
Packaging and labels
All nicotine-containing vaping products are required to have nicotine warnings on the packaging, if these are not present it is a very clear indication that the product is not legal. You can also look out for spelling errors, misprints, and branding/logo errors on the packaging which may indicate that it is not genuine.
Nicotine strength
The highest nicotine strength allowed by law in the UK is 20 mg/ml, so any products claiming to exceed this strength should be avoided. Products with a nicotine strength higher than 20 mg/ml, or 2%, are not compliant and have therefore likely not been subject to the necessary quality and safety checks, meaning they could contain ingredients that are not sanctioned for use in vape juice in the UK.
Shop with trusted retailers
Our best advice to ensure that you are not purchasing fake or illicit vaping products is to only shop with reputable retailers. Responsible businesses will ensure that all of the products they sell are genuine and compliant with all UK regulations.
If you are thinking about making the switch this VApril why not pop into your local Evapo store or reach out to our friendly Customer Service team for advice and support.
Sources
cochrane.org 17/11/2022
ons.gov.uk 04/11/2025
gov.uk 29/09/2022
