You’ve made the switch from cigarettes to vaping. You pick up your sleek new pod kit, take a nice long puff... and end up in a coughing fit like you've just inhaled a bonfire.
Sound familiar?
Don’t worry — you’re not the only one. I’ve had countless customers walk in, slightly embarrassed, and whisper, “Why does vaping make me cough more than smoking ever did?” It’s a common issue — especially for beginners — but thankfully, there are some simple fixes.
Let’s break down why that cough might be kicking off, and how you can vape smoother and more comfortably.
Why Does Vaping Make Some People Cough?
Here are the most common reasons — all based on what we see daily in the shop:
✅ 1. The Inhale Technique Is Different
Smoking and vaping aren’t quite the same motion. With cigarettes, you take short, sharp puffs. Vaping — especially with mouth-to-lung (MTL) kits — often works better with a slow, gentle draw.
The fix:
Try taking a slower, longer inhale. Don’t suck it in like a cig. Think sipping tea, not hoovering the lounge.
✅ 2. Too Much Nicotine, Too Soon
One of the biggest culprits for coughing is high nicotine strength — especially if you’re using 20mg nic salts and your body’s not used to it yet.
The fix:
Start lower! Try 10mg nic salts or even 6mg freebase if you're using a higher-powered device. You can always move up if needed — but coughing is your body saying, “Oi, too strong!”
✅ 3. You’re Using the Wrong Juice in the Wrong Kit
We’ve all done it. High-VG liquid in a little pod system = not great. Likewise, strong nic salts in a sub-ohm cloud beast = recipe for a coughing fit.
The fix:
- Use 50/50 or nic salt e-liquids in MTL kits and pods
- Use high VG (70/30) juices in sub-ohm, DTL devices
Match your juice to your device — and you’ll notice the difference instantly.
✅ 4. You’re Still Adjusting From Smoking
Cigarettes contain anesthetising chemicals that dull the throat and lungs. When you switch to vaping, you lose those numbing agents — so everything suddenly feels more intense.
The fix:
Give it time. Your lungs are adjusting and healing — which is a good thing! The coughing will usually ease off in a week or two.
✅ 5. Dry Hit or Burnt Coil
If your vape tastes burnt or harsh and triggers an instant cough, your coil might be dry, old, or burnt out.
The fix:
- Replace your coil or pod
- Make sure your coil is primed properly
- Don’t chain vape — give your coil time to soak between hits
✅ 6. Overly Cold or Sweet Juice
Super-cold ice vapes or overly sweet juices can irritate some people’s throats. Some “cooling agents” like WS-23 feel refreshing to one person — and harsh to another.
The fix:
Try a milder fruit, dessert, or tobacco flavour. Avoid “Ice” in the name if you’re sensitive.
✅ 7. You’re Dehydrated
Vaping (especially high-PG juice) can dry your throat out. That dryness can trigger a cough — especially if you’re vaping throughout the day.
The fix:
Drink more water! Even just a few sips between puffs can make a big difference.
Final Thoughts from the Shop Floor
Coughing when you first start vaping is totally normal — and usually temporary. The key is to listen to your body, adjust your kit and juice, and don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works for you.
If you’re unsure what to try next, pop into the shop or drop us a message. We’ll help you fine-tune your setup so you can actually enjoy your vape — no cough sweets required.
Disclaimer: This blog is based on shop floor experience and is not medical advice. Always speak to a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about persistent coughing or lung symptoms.