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Several transitioning smokers wonder whether they should integrate nicotine into their vapes or not. Everyone has different needs, and the best way to determine the correct nicotine strength or style is to listen to your body. 

You can tweak several variables to create the perfect vaping experience. Still, nicotine levels are a primary consideration when weaning from cigarettes. As vaping continues to gain popularity, so does the debate over which type of e-liquid works best for your vape kit. We'll go over the differences between freebase and nicotine and how to find the right nicotine strength for you. 

Freebase vs. Nicotine Salt: What's the Difference?

Choosing between freebase and nicotine salt boils down to preference and your body's needs. Let’s discuss the differences between freebase and nicotine salt vape juices.

Freebase 

Freebase is the simplest and most common nicotine form in vaping and was the only available option when vaping first gained popularity. Unlike cigarettes, freebase nicotine enters your bloodstream slower through vapour, thus delivering the dose for a more extended period. It requires mixing ammonia with pure nicotine since the body doesn't absorb it well.

The freebase nicotine's pH level produces a recognisable sensation on the throat in higher concentrations. Some people like the sensation, while others can’t handle it. While adjusting may take some time, most people adapt to the feeling after finding the right strength.

Nicotine Salt

On the other hand, nicotine salt (also known as salt nicotine, nic salt, or salt nic) is the vaping industry's recent innovation. However, you can find nicotine naturally in tobacco plants. 

They are available in different formulations created by mixing organic acids with freebase nicotine, producing other properties when you inhale it.

Nicotine benzoate and salicylate are the most common forms of nicotine salt. Nicotine benzoate was the first nicotine salt introduced to the vaping industry. Unlike freebase nicotine, nicotine benzoate travels faster to your bloodstream and significantly reduces throat sensation. 

On the other hand, nicotine salicylate continues to gain popularity since it produces an even lesser throat sensation than nicotine benzoate. 

Nicotine salts are excellent for rapidly reducing cravings and can give the same nicotine delivery feels as a cigarette. Reduced throat sensations mean higher nicotine salt strengths and can provide a smoother vaping experience. At the same time, nicotine salt is more chemically stable and lasts longer.

Finding the Right Nicotine Strength

We usually measure nicotine in mg/mL or as a percentage. For instance, 3mg/mL or 0.3% is a low strength. When choosing a nicotine strength, you must consider your device and smoking habits.  

Considering Your Vape Device

Devices for mouth-to-lung vaping produce smaller vapour amounts, so higher nicotine strength is ideal. 

On the other hand, lower nicotine strengths work best for direct-to-lung vaping devices since they produce more significant vapour amounts.

Examining Your Smoking Habits

After considering your device, it's time to evaluate your smoking habits. Staying honest with yourself is crucial if you want the best chances at success and make the most out of your vaping kits.  

Lower your nicotine levels to a more comfortable and satisfying level if you find the vapour too harsh or nauseous. On the other hand, consider increasing your nicotine levels if you're not satisfied when vaping too frequently. 

Trial and error still work best to help find your ideal nicotine type and strength, even if you already have a good base. While heavy smokers may like the low nicotine concentrations, light smokers might need a higher power to avoid cigarettes.

The Takeaway

Vaping continues to gain popularity because smokers want to dodge the harmful combustions from cigarette bums. However, to get the best out of your vaping experience, you must consider your device and smoking habits before picking a vape juice.