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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to feel positively evangelical about electronic cigarettes?

983 replies

KatyTheCleaningLady · 27/09/2013 15:07

I was reading the AIBU thread about the husband vaping in the house with a newborn. I was struck by the passionate testimonials from former smokers, saying they couldn't have done it without e-cigs. I had tried a puff one of those things that look like a cigarette and was underwhelmed. But I didn't know about the more advanced set ups where you can fill them up with your flavour of choice. Anyway, I was intrigued. I smoked a pack a day for 25 years, and never quit more than a few months at a time, no matter which methods I tried.

nb84 encouraged me to give it a try and told me what to buy to get started.

I ordered a starter kit that night. It arrived the next day and I fell in love. I have three of them, now (one always charging, one near to hand, and one in my purse ready to go) and eight different flavours of the juice.

I don't want to smoke cigarettes any more. I like this better. It tastes really good. It feels good. And it doesn't stink. My hands, clothing, and breath don't reek anymore. I don't have to keep going outside. I don't have to feel like a smelly pariah. My husband can't smell it even when I'm sitting right next to him.

And I don't have to try and not think about the fact that my mother died of cancer after spending her last decade debilitated by emphysema.

And instead of paying £8 a day for fags, I can buy a week's worth of juice for £10. The hardware was less than £20 to get started and will require only £10 a month going forward. Of course, I can spend more. Many people geek out on it as a hobby because the gadgets are fun and constantly improving.

I'm not worried about putting on weight like people usually do when giving up the cancer sticks. In fact, I snack less. I no longer crave sweets. I would normally nibble all day, especially Haribo sweets. I don't want them anymore because I am tasting a bunch of sweet flavours all day long.

I'm so happy that I want to tell everyone - every smoker and everyone who loves a smoker - about it. Grin

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meddie · 30/09/2013 14:41

To clean i remove the coil head. Swill it in warm water then pat dry. Then i attach it back onto the battery and leaving the top cap off i do short bursts. You will see little puffs of smoke then gradually you will see the coils glow red. Thats the dry burn. It may be different for your model, thats why you should google or you tube for your model.

onlysettleforbutterflies · 30/09/2013 14:53

Ok will have my last fag at bedtime and start with my morning coffee tomorrow.

KatyTheCleaningLady · 30/09/2013 15:18

There are Youtube videos on how to clean and dry burn coils.

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PlentyOfPubeGardens · 30/09/2013 15:18

Thanks for this thread Katy!

I've had a couple of false starts with ecigs - once with a fagalike from the newsagent and more recently with a fairly standard pv bought by a friend which wasn't really hitting the spot so got shoved to the back of a drawer.

Having read this thread, I took it out again and noticed that the liquid is only 6mg, so ... I am about to order the 5 bottle pick and mix from Vaping Vision. I don't have a sweet tooth and the fruity flavours don't appeal at all, so I've chosen RY4, Vanilla, Mocha, Rum and Desert Ship - all at 18mg. I'm also getting 3 more clearomisers which should keep me going for a while and one of those cheapo starter kits from Paradise Vape so I've got a spare.

Wish me luck, I can't wait!

KatyTheCleaningLady · 30/09/2013 15:19

meddie, how long would you say a coil lasts if cleaned in this manner?

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KatyTheCleaningLady · 30/09/2013 15:20

Good Luck, PlentyofPubegardens!

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PlentyOfPubeGardens · 30/09/2013 15:31

The Paradise Vape kits seem to have disappeared before I could put my order in. They must have sold out. Probably all the new customers from this thread Grin Oh well, I'll check back in a few days. I've ordered everything I need to get started with the pv I have.

KatyTheCleaningLady · 30/09/2013 15:42

I bought one this morning as a backup! Grin

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KatyTheCleaningLady · 30/09/2013 15:52

But, if someone wants a good starter kit, I actually bought this one(because, as I said the other day, I initially thought that site looked sort of dodgy):

www.vapeescape.co.uk/Basic-Vaping-Kits/Intro-Vision-Kit/Intro-Vision-Kit.html

The vendor has a very good reputation and their prices are fair. Also, the web site makes it very clear what everything is, what to buy with stuff, etc.

It's possible to hunt around and find something maybe cheaper, but I don't regret my purchase at all.

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meddie · 30/09/2013 17:41

Katy cleaning just helps improve the flavour if your coils are gunked up. I have had coils last few weeks to a few months. but if you notice it doesnt seem to vape as well or isnt working. Its worth trying a clean and burn before you replace it

waikikamookau · 30/09/2013 18:00

www.vapingvision.co.uk/products/5-bottle-pick-and-mix.html
is good, free postage and arrives in double quick time

Melbourme · 01/10/2013 13:25

I want to buy one of these for my mum, she had a go with a cigarette lookalike one she bought in a newsagent but didn't really get on with it.

Would you recommend waiting til the Paradise kits are back in or buying the Intro-Vision kit? I'm a bit confused by all the different bits and pieces. It looks like ego C5 clearomizers are highly recommended but will they fit onto different kits? The Intro-Vision kit has Vision clearmomizers that go with it for example?

I'd really like to get this right as she's tried, and failed, to quit so many times over the years and it would be amazing if this could help her do it finally. She also only smokes around 8 a day so would an 11mg nicotine liquid be the best for her?

Thanks so much anyone who can answer my questions, I'm really excited by the possibilities of this!

CatelynStark · 01/10/2013 14:25

Well, my Ego CE4 starter kit arrived this morning so I charged it up and watched a YouTube tutorial on how to fill it (very easy - unscrew the mouthpiece bit and drip juice slowly down the side, so it doesn't get into the little center air hole).

I'm currently vaping vanilla cupcake - 50/50 36 (which is more vanilla-y than cake-y) and it's producing lots of lovely vapour! You have to remember to click the little button when you want to inhale. It doesn't give a huge throaty hit but it's ok.

Happy with it so far - and I got a free sample of rhubarb (which I'm hoping doesn't taste like rhubarb Grin)

I'm excited to learn more about it now - I want a big feck off pink sparkly one and do my own juices (that just sounds wrong)

Binkyridesagain · 01/10/2013 14:32

I am now 28.5 hours (not that I'm counting) into vaping. Last night was a little tough, I was craving rolling a cigarette, I didn't I resisted, I knew if I rolled I would smoke it.

This morning has been a lot easier, I didn't instantly want to smoke or roll. This afternoon has been great, as long as I don't go near my 'rolling' place I have no desire to do anything smoking related.

I have also noticed that in just this short pace of time that my DD, a smoker, stinks of fags and its horrible. She has mentioned though that she is going to give giving up a try now.

onlysettleforbutterflies · 01/10/2013 14:35

I had my last cigarette at 10pm last night, vaped on the way to work this morning and not really thought about it since. My difficult time is going to be my drive home, I didn't use to smoke during the day anyway, but would really enjoy a couple on my commute home.

SpookyRestingFace · 01/10/2013 14:42

Handy list of vendors HERE, some have discount codes.

Katy I felt the same about Paradise Vape initially, I thought it looked dodgy Grin - but pleased to say I've ordered from James several times now and had no problems at all.

The £7 kits are a huge bargain, I've had a few of them. If out of stock, you can buy the batteries HERE, they are cheap and cheerful and work well IME - all you need to go with them is a clearo and a USB charger.

MistressDeeCee · 01/10/2013 15:18

My £7 Paradise Vape kit has just arrived. Im currently charging the battery but now looking at the liquid & cartomiser (if thats what its called)..this is so naff, but...I cant work out where/how to put the liquid in Blush can anyone advise? oh, the shame...

KatyTheCleaningLady · 01/10/2013 15:25

There are videos on YouTube.

Unscrew the mouthpiece . Tip and squeeze fluid down the side of the tank, being careful not to get any in that little centre air tube or overflow into it. Screw top back in, snug but not over tight.

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KatyTheCleaningLady · 01/10/2013 15:31

Melbourne, don't wait for restock but check out a couple of other links for the same thing that some of us have posted. There's no guarantee that paradise vape will get them again or soon.

The ego style battery will take the vast majority of clearomizers and cartridges. I am currently experimenting with a couple of brands and styles. If it looks like the Vision ones, it will fit (as do many that look very different).

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KatyTheCleaningLady · 01/10/2013 15:34

And, yes, I think
11mg should be fine.

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Melbourme · 01/10/2013 15:38

Thanks Katy, really helpful!

weirdbird · 01/10/2013 15:43

So I bought one after reading this thread, I want to quit, have tried umpteen times before, have quit for 3 yrs before and started again.
I am using a tobacco liquid gold and silver. It still tastes incredibly sweet and not at all like I thought it would but have not smoked since it all arrived this morning. But would like something a bit more well tobacco tasting.
I smoked silk cut before

KatyTheCleaningLady · 01/10/2013 15:45

I hope she likes it! Good idea not to spend too much if it's not her idea to try it.

I think most people who take to it upgrade to fancier models, particularly ones where you can vary the voltage, but the basic one is good enough to start.

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KatyTheCleaningLady · 01/10/2013 15:48

Weirdbird, finding the exact match to tobacco flavours can be very hard. However, there are juices designed to taste like particular brands. Google "vaping liquid tastes like silk cut" and you will probably find some hints.

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KatyTheCleaningLady · 01/10/2013 15:49

Also, everyone, remember:the more gently you suck, the better it is. Wink

It takes some getting used to if you're used to puffing hard and fast.

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