When you are looking at the different types of vaping options out there, it is likely that you will have come across the terms MTL and DTL. These acronyms stand for mouth-to-lung and direct-to-lung and describe the way that vapers inhale the vapour their device produces.
Choosing between MTL and DTL vaping significantly impacts the overall vaping experience, including everything from device requirements to throat hit, vapour production, and more.
Discover everything you need to know about MTL, DTL and RDTL (restricted-direct-to-lung) vaping styles so that you can confidently make the right choice for your preferred vaping experience.
What is mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping?
The MTL, or mouth-to-lung, inhale technique is one where the vapour is first drawn into the mouth and then inhaled into the lungs. The experience is similar to smoking a cigarette, which means it is ideal for those who are new to vaping. It is characterised by a tight draw, discreet vapour, more pronounced throat hit, and intense flavour. MTL vaping is an efficient choice for higher nicotine strengths and nicotine salts.
If you prefer a MTL vaping experience, then compact, low-powered devices are recommended. Higher PG e-liquids (e.g., 50/50 PG/VG or nic salts) are most suitable as are higher resistance coils (0.8 ohm and above).
The majority of starter kits and a large number of pod systems are MTL, because they are designed to offer an alternative to smoking and this vaping style replicates how you would smoke a cigarette. MTL vaping tends to feel familiar and comfortable for new vapers who are making the transition from smoking to vaping.
What is direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping?
With DTL, or direct-to-lung-vaping, you are inhaling vapour directly into your lungs, like you might with a shisha. This method of inhalation offers an open, airy draw, large vapour clouds and a smoother throat hit than MTL, as well as bold flavours.
E-liquids with lower nicotine strengths are more suitable for DTL vaping, due to the high vapour volume it produces. The best vape kits for DTL vaping include powerful sub-ohm devices with wide airflow and lower resistance coils (below 0.8 ohm). The most suitable vape juices are higher VG e-liquids, ideally 70VG/30PG or higher, which have a thick consistency and great vapour production.
Vape kits that suit DTL vaping tend to be more advanced and are aimed at vapers who already have experience. This is because DTL vaping does not replicate smoking in the same way that MTL vaping does, making is less intuitive for those first making the switch from cigarettes.
What is restricted direct-to-lung vaping?
RDTL, or restricted-direct-to-lung, vaping is a blend of both MTL and DTL. It is a relatively new vaping style that is growing in popularity. You will find that not all kits offer it, but that there are an increasing number of new devices with RDTL options as the style continues to become more easily available.
Sometimes referred to as RDL, RDTL vaping is most commonly seen in intermediate devices. It is recognised as a good way for those who were using a starter kit to transition to a more advanced kit, as the RDTL style bridges the gap and offers a smoother transition from MTL to DTL vaping.
Often, the devices that offer RDTL will also offer MTL, and will have two different pod/coil options that allow vapers to switch to the one that suits each different vaping style. Interested in finding out more? Check out our guide to RDTL vaping.
MTL vs. DTL: key differences
Here is a quick view of the differences between MTL and DTL vaping styles:
| MTL | DTL | |
| Inhale method | Vapour drawn into mouth first, then lungs | Vapour drawn directly into lungs |
| Vapour production | Discreet vapour production for smaller clouds | Dense vapour production for bigger clouds |
| Throat hit | More distinct throat hit, especially at higher nicotine strengths | Smooth throat hit |
| Nicotine strength suitability | Suited to all nicotine strengths | Suited to lower nicotine strengths |
| E-liquid PG/VG ratio | 50/50 or high PG e-liquids | Higher VG e-liquids, ideally 70VG/30PG ratio or above |
| Coil resistance | 0.8 ohm and above | Below 0.8 ohm |
| Device type | Starter and intermediate kits | Advanced kits |
Choosing the vaping style that works for you
New vapers who are making the switch from smoking to vaping should definitely start off with a MTL device to better replicate the act of smoking during your quit attempt. However, if you have been vaping for a little while you might be wondering which style is best for you.
If you are trying to choose between MTL and DTL vaping, there are a few factors to think about. One is your previous smoking habits, and the nicotine levels you prefer. Higher nicotine strengths are best to be used with a MTL style, which might be better for those who were once heavy smokers. Likewise, if a strong throat hit is a priority for you, then MTL vaping has an advantage.
Another is how much vapour you like. If you prefer dense clouds, then DTL might be the way to go. There are also devices that offer adjustable airflow to let you experiment with your draws and, if you aren’t sure, you could try the RDTL middle ground.
On the other hand, some vapers choose to have two different devices so that they can enjoy both vaping styles. They have an advanced vape kit as their primary device for DTL vaping, as well as a secondary pod kit or starter kit that they use for higher nicotine strengths, nic salts, or just to enjoy a MTL vape whenever they want to. This is a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Conclusion: experiment and enjoy your vaping experience
Ultimately, there is no absolute “right” vaping style. It all comes down to your individual preferences. Experiment with MTL, RDTL and DTL to find which suits you best and enjoy the freedom to explore the range of high-quality options available at Evapo. If you have any questions, be sure to pop into a shop and ask our knowledgeable team, or enjoy browsing the brilliant range of MTL and DTL vape kits online.
