Vaping has become a popular alternative to smoking, but just like smoking, it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most frustrating experiences for vapers is hitting a burnt vape, which occurs when the coil inside the device overheats, burning the wick or e-liquid. The question is, is it bad to hit a burnt vape? The answer is yes, and in this article, we’ll explore why hitting a burnt vape is harmful and provide solutions to prevent it.
Understanding Burnt Vapes
A burnt vape occurs when the coil inside your vape device gets overheated, usually due to insufficient e-liquid saturation. This can happen with both disposable and refillable vapes. When the wick isn’t properly saturated, the coil burns the dry wick instead of vaporizing the e-liquid, resulting in an unpleasant burnt taste.
This burnt taste is often described as harsh, acrid, and sometimes metallic. It’s not just unpleasant, but it can also signal potential risks to your health and the longevity of your device.
Health Risks of Hitting a Burnt Vape
Hitting a burnt vape doesn’t just affect the taste; it can have health consequences too. Here are some of the primary risks:
- Inhalation of Toxic Chemicals: When a vape coil burns, it releases toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde and acrolein. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals can cause respiratory irritation, and in severe cases, lead to lung damage.
- Systemic Toxicity: Burnt vapes can also release harmful compounds like chromium from the coil, especially if you’re using metal coils. Inhaling these compounds can lead to systemic toxicity, which impacts the functionality of your organs over time.
- Throat and Respiratory Irritation: A burnt hit often leads to a harsh throat hit, which can cause coughing and discomfort. Continued use of a burnt vape may aggravate the throat and lungs, particularly if you have pre-existing conditions.
Why Does a Vape Burn?
Several factors contribute to the occurrence of a burnt vape:
- Overused Coils: Coils have a limited lifespan, and over time, they become less effective at absorbing e-liquid, which can lead to burning. Regularly replacing your coils can prevent this.
- Insufficient E-Liquid: Running low on e-liquid or using the wrong type of e-liquid (too thick or too thin) can result in the wick not being properly saturated, leading to dry hits and burnt coils.
- High Wattage: Using your vape at too high of a wattage can cause the coil to overheat, burning the wick and producing a burnt taste.
How to Prevent Burnt Hits
Preventing burnt hits involves a few simple steps:
- Prime Your Coil: Always make sure to prime your coil before using it. This means saturating the wick with e-liquid before you start vaping. It ensures that the coil is properly saturated, reducing the chances of burning.
- Use the Correct Wattage: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wattage levels. Vaping at a wattage too high for your coil can cause it to overheat and burn.
- Monitor Your E-Liquid Levels: Ensure that your vape tank is always filled to an appropriate level. Running low on e-liquid can lead to dry hits and burnt coils.
- Replace Your Coils Regularly: Coils should be replaced every 1-4 weeks, depending on how frequently you vape. Waiting too long can result in burnt hits and decreased performance.
Final Thoughts: Is It Really That Bad?
In short, yes, it’s bad to hit a burnt vape. Aside from the unpleasant taste, burnt hits can expose you to harmful chemicals that affect your health over time. Additionally, vaping with a burnt coil can damage your device, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
The good news is that preventing burnt hits is relatively easy with proper maintenance and care. By priming your coils, using the right wattage, and monitoring your e-liquid levels, you can enjoy a smooth, flavorful vaping experience without the risk of burnt hits.
So, next time you experience a burnt taste, don’t ignore it. Take the necessary steps to replace your coil or adjust your settings, and prioritize your health and vaping enjoyment.
