Thousands of smokers are now turning to e-cigarettes, more commonly known as vapes, to help them quit smoking. In fact, vaping has become one of the most popular stop-smoking aids in England, with growing evidence showing it can help smokers quit for good.

If you’re considering making the switch, here are some common questions and answers to help you get started.

What’s the Difference Between Vapes and Cigarettes?

Vapes allow you to inhale nicotine through vapour instead of smoke, a process known as vaping. Some e-liquids are even nicotine-free. Unlike cigarettes, vapes do not contain tobacco and don’t produce harmful tar or carbon monoxide, making them a significantly less harmful alternative for smokers.

Can Vaping Help You Quit Smoking?

Many smokers have successfully used vaping to quit cigarettes. With a wide range of vape devices and e-liquid strengths available, it’s important to find the setup that works best for your needs.

To increase your chances of quitting successfully, use your vape regularly enough to manage nicotine cravings and continue using it for as long as needed to stay smoke-free.

Are Vapes Safe?

While vaping is not completely risk-free, it is considered far less harmful than smoking. Research suggests vaping is at least 95% less harmful than cigarettes. Although vape liquids and vapour can contain some chemicals also found in tobacco smoke, they are present at much lower levels.

What About Nicotine?

Nicotine itself is relatively harmless. Most of the damage caused by smoking comes from the toxic chemicals produced when tobacco burns, not from nicotine alone.

Is Vape Vapour Harmful to Others?

Current evidence shows that vaping poses very little risk to people nearby. This is very different from second-hand cigarette smoke, which is known to be harmful.

Where Can You Vape?

Unlike smoking, vaping is not covered by UK laws banning smoking in public places. However, businesses and organisations may have their own vaping policies, so it’s always best to check first.

According to Professor John Newton, Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England:

“The evidence is clear - vaping is far less harmful than smoking. For smokers who have struggled to quit before, e-cigarettes may be one of the most effective options available.”

We’ll be expanding this guide soon with more advice on quitting smoking, choosing the right disposable vape, and eventually upgrading to one of our popular pod kits.