Top 10 Questions About Vaping – Your Complete Guide
Is Vaping Worse Than Smoking?
This is perhaps the most important question we receive at our in-store and online vape shop, and the answer is clear: vaping is significantly less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes.
According to Public Health England, vaping is at least 95% less harmful than smoking. This finding has been supported by numerous independent studies and remains the cornerstone of the UK’s harm reduction approach to tobacco.
When you smoke a cigarette, combustion releases over 7,000 chemicals, including tar, carbon monoxide, and dozens of carcinogens. Vaping, by contrast, heats e-liquid to produce vapour without combustion, dramatically reducing exposure to these harmful substances.
The NHS actively recommends vaping as a quit-smoking tool, and stop smoking services across the UK—including Smoke Free Hampshire, which works alongside our vape shops—often suggest vaping as an effective way to transition away from tobacco.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy a Vape in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, you must be at least 18 years old to purchase vaping products. This includes e-cigarettes, vape kits, e-liquids, and all related accessories.
At White Vape Co, we take age verification seriously. Whether you visit our vape shop in Hythe, Holbury, or Totton, or purchase from our online vape shop at whitevapeco.uk, we operate a Challenge 25 policy. This means if you look under 25, you’ll be asked for valid photo ID before completing your purchase.
It’s also illegal to buy vaping products on behalf of someone under 18. These regulations exist to protect young people, and as a responsible UK vape shop, we’re committed to upholding them.
What Happens When You Quit Smoking and Start Vaping?
Making the switch from cigarettes to vaping triggers a remarkable recovery process in your body. Here’s what many of our customers experience:
Within 24 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in your blood drop to normal, and your lungs begin clearing mucus.
Within 2-12 weeks: Circulation improves, and lung function begins to recover. Many people notice they can breathe more easily and have more energy.
Within 3-9 months: Coughing and wheezing reduce significantly. The cilia in your lungs regenerate, improving their ability to fight infection.
Long term: Your risk of heart disease and stroke continues to decrease. Your sense of taste and smell improve noticeably.
Many customers who visit our Southampton area vape shops tell us they wish they’d made the switch sooner. The key is finding the right device and nicotine strength—something our knowledgeable staff can help with in store or via our online vape shop.
How Many Cigarettes Are in a Vape?
This is a tricky question because vaping and smoking deliver nicotine differently. However, we can provide some helpful comparisons.
A typical disposable vape with 2ml of 20mg/ml e-liquid contains roughly the same amount of nicotine as 20-40 cigarettes, though absorption rates differ. Most disposable vapes are rated for approximately 600 puffs, which many users find equivalent to about one to two packs of cigarettes in terms of satisfaction.
For refillable devices, a 10ml bottle of e-liquid at 20mg/ml strength contains 200mg of nicotine total. Since a single cigarette delivers roughly 1-2mg of absorbed nicotine, a 10ml bottle might be roughly equivalent to 100-200 cigarettes—though individual vaping habits vary considerably.
The staff at our vape shops in Hythe, Holbury, and Totton can help you find the right nicotine strength based on your current smoking habits, ensuring a smooth transition.
Why Does My Vape Taste Burnt?
A burnt taste is one of the most common complaints we hear at our UK vape shop, and it’s usually easy to fix. Here are the main causes:
Dry wicking material: If you vape before the wick is properly saturated, it burns the cotton. Always prime new coils by adding a few drops of e-liquid directly onto the cotton and waiting several minutes before your first puff.
Low e-liquid levels: When your tank runs low, the wick can’t absorb liquid properly. Keep your tank at least one-quarter full.
Chain vaping: Taking puffs in rapid succession doesn’t give the wick time to re-saturate. Wait 15-20 seconds between puffs.
Worn-out coils: Coils don’t last forever. Most need replacing every one to four weeks, depending on usage. If cleaning doesn’t help, it’s time for a new coil.
Wrong power settings: Using wattage that’s too high for your coil will burn the wick. Check your coil’s recommended range and stay within it.
Pop into any of our vape shops in Southampton and we’ll help diagnose the problem—often it’s a simple fix that’ll have you vaping smoothly again in minutes.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Disposable Vapes?
With the 2025 ban on disposable vapes now in effect in the UK, many vapers are looking for sustainable alternatives. The good news is that reusable systems often provide a better experience whilst being kinder to both your wallet and the environment.
Pod systems: These compact devices use refillable or replaceable pods. They’re just as portable and convenient as disposables but create far less waste. Many offer a similar draw style to disposables, making the transition seamless.
Vape pens: Slightly larger than pod systems, vape pens offer excellent battery life and often feature adjustable settings. They’re perfect for intermediate users who want more control.
Refillable bar-style devices: These look and feel like disposables but can be refilled and recharged. You get the familiar form factor with none of the waste.
At our online vape shop and in-store locations, we stock a wide range of alternatives to disposables. Our staff can recommend the perfect device based on your preferences and budget.
Can You Take a Vape on a Plane?
Yes, you can travel with your vape, but there are important rules to follow:
Carry-on only: Vaping devices containing lithium batteries must be packed in your hand luggage, never in checked baggage. This is an international aviation safety requirement.
E-liquid restrictions: E-liquids count towards your liquid allowance. Each container must be 100ml or less and fit in your clear, resealable liquids bag.
No vaping on board: Vaping is prohibited on all commercial flights. This includes using the toilet—smoke detectors will detect vapour and you may face serious penalties.
Check your destination: Vaping laws vary dramatically by country. Some destinations ban vaping products entirely, whilst others have restrictions on nicotine content. Research before you travel.
Before your trip, pop into our vape shop in Hythe, Holbury, or Totton—we can advise on travel-friendly devices and help you prepare for your journey.
Can You Vape When Pregnant?
Important: This is a question for your midwife or doctor, and we always recommend seeking professional medical advice.
That said, here’s what UK health authorities currently advise: whilst the safest option during pregnancy is to be completely nicotine-free, if you’re struggling to quit smoking, vaping is considered significantly less harmful than continuing to smoke.
Smoking during pregnancy carries serious risks including premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth. If vaping helps you stop smoking when other methods haven’t worked, it may be the lesser harm—but this is a decision to make with your healthcare provider.
Stop smoking services, including those partnered with our Southampton vape shops, offer free, confidential support for pregnant women looking to quit. They can discuss all options, including nicotine replacement therapy and behavioural support.
Does Vaping Make You Lose Weight?
This question often comes from smokers who’ve heard that quitting cigarettes leads to weight gain. Let’s separate fact from fiction.
Nicotine is a mild appetite suppressant, which is partly why some smokers gain weight when they quit—they’re no longer getting that effect, and they may snack more as a replacement habit. If you switch from smoking to vaping, you’re still getting nicotine, which may help manage appetite during the transition.
However, vaping should never be viewed as a weight loss tool. It’s not designed for this purpose, and the health effects of using nicotine products solely for weight management haven’t been studied extensively.
Many ex-smokers who switch to vaping report that having something to do with their hands and mouth helps prevent the snacking that often accompanies quitting. This behavioural aspect can be just as important as the nicotine itself.
How to Quit Vaping
For many people, vaping serves as a stepping stone away from cigarettes—and eventually, away from nicotine altogether. If you’ve reached the point where you want to quit vaping, here’s a sensible approach:
Gradually reduce nicotine strength: This is the most comfortable method. If you’re using 20mg e-liquid, step down to 12mg, then 6mg, then 3mg, and finally 0mg. Take as long as you need at each stage—there’s no rush.
Reduce frequency: Once you’re comfortable on lower nicotine levels, start extending the time between vaping sessions. Leave your device at home for short trips, then longer ones.
Find replacement habits: The hand-to-mouth action becomes ingrained. Chewing gum, drinking water, or keeping your hands busy can help manage the behavioural aspect.
Seek support: Stop smoking services also help people quit vaping. Free NHS support is available, and behavioural therapy significantly improves success rates.
At our UK vape shops, we stock a full range of nicotine strengths to support your journey, whatever direction it takes. Our staff have helped countless customers both start and eventually stop vaping.
Visit Your Local Southampton Area Vape Shop
Looking for a vape shop in Southampton? White Vape Co has three convenient locations surrounding the city, plus a comprehensive online store. Whether you’re just starting your vaping journey, looking for expert advice, or ready to take the next step towards a smoke-free life, our team is here to help.
White Vape Co Hythe – Just a short drive from Southampton city centre
White Vape Co Holbury – Serving Southampton’s Waterside community in Holbury and Fawley
White Vape Co Totton – Your local vape shop on Southampton’s doorstep
Can’t visit in person? Browse our complete range at whitevapeco.uk—Southampton’s favourite online vape shop—with fast UK delivery and the same expert customer service you’d receive in store.
As Southampton’s most trusted local vape shop, we’re proud to support smokers making the switch and vapers at every stage of their journey. Pop in today—we’d love to help.