VE Society News

A renowned and respected dental expert has come out in support of vaping, urging smokers who are unable to quit to switch to vaping products or, where vaping products are unavailable, heated tobacco products (HTP). Fernando Fernandez, president of the Philippine College of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (PCOMS) is urging smokers to do this “as a harm reduction measure,” as he reportedly believes that they mitigate the risk of oral cancer.

Encouraging Smokers to Use Vaping Products

“We warn our patients who are smokers that smoking is the leading cause of oral cancer and strongly advise them to quit smoking. For those who cannot or do not want to quit smoking by themselves or with currently approved methods, we convince them to switch to non-combustible alternatives,” said Fernandez.

Fernandez, who was once the president of the Philippine Dental Association, also said that encouraging patients to switch to the “safer” alternatives is a much better and more efficient strategy “than watching our patients who smoke, die of oral cancer.” He went on to speak about information from several studies, including that of Public Health England in the UK that found vaping to likely be at least “95% less harmful” than smoking. He also cited the UK Parliament Science and Technology group which has indicated that vaping presents an “opportunity to significantly accelerate already declining smoking rates.”

One of PCOMS’ largest goals is to promote awareness of oral cancer among Filipino dentists. “The dentist is the first line of defence against oral cancer. He or she will almost always be the first healthcare professional to notice potentially cancerous lesions in the patient’s mouth and other early symptoms of oral cancer,” Fernandez added.

Vaping’s Oral Health Benefits

Fernandez’s comments do not represent the first time that vaping’s oral health benefits have been discussed. In 2017, an Italian study looked at the oral condition of real-world vapers who had just switched to e-cigarettes from smoking. The clinical observation study took place at the Unit of Periodontology at the Calabrodental Clinic in Crotone and published in December of the same year.

The clinical observation study involved 110 participants and indicated that the shift from smoking to e-cigarettes and vaping devices “greatly improved” their oral health. Oral examinations took place at the start of the study then twice more every 60 days.

At the beginning of the study, 61% of participants in Group 1 (who had smoked for less than 10 years) and 65% of participants in Group 2 (who had smoked for longer than 10 years) experienced bleeding gums. At the end of the study, 92% in Group 1 and 98% in Group 2 no longer had any signs of this dental problem.

Another problem associated with smoking is the presence of plaque. At the start of the study, 85% from Group 1 had a ‘plaque index score’ of one out of three, with only 15 of them having zero plaque. In Group 2, three-quarters of participants had a plaque index score of two and none of them had zero. At the end of the study, 92% from Group 1 and 87% from Group 2 had a plaque index score of zero.

In a report published on their study, the researchers concluded that e-cigarettes can be “considered as a valuable alternative to tobacco cigarettes, but with a positive impact on periodontal and general health status.”

Quit Smoking With Nicotine E-Cigarettes

At Vaper Empire, we stock a comprehensive range of premium vaping products that we have developed in-house—from our market-leading cig-a-like e-cigs to our premium nicotine e-liquid—that satisfy the needs of every type of vaper.

Visit the Vaper Empire store to access the full range of Vaper Empire vaping products and accessories with express shipping to all of mainland Australia.

In June 2019, San Francisco became the first city in the United States to ban e-cigarettes until their health effects become clearer.

From late January, famous vaping shops and cafes like Gone With the Smoke and Vapor Den became a distant whiff of bubblegum-flavoured vapour; they were forced to close. While vaping has been banned in SF, the sale of tobacco cigarettes will continue. “San Francisco has never been afraid to lead. That will always be the case when the health of our children is on the line,” said San Francisco’s city attorney Dennis Herrera in a statement shortly after the ban was passed.

This ban and the subsequent closing of vaping establishments follows earlier action by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the national regulator, which issued proposed guidelines giving companies until 2021 to have their e-cigarette products evaluated officially.

Although there were other places in the world where e-cigarettes were outlawed prior to San Francisco, the fact that such action was taken in the United States—the “land of the free”—marked a significant event in the world of vaping.

Teenage Vapers

Behind the ban on e-cigarettes in San Francisco is something that has been touted as an “epidemic”—teenage vaping. More than one in four American teens have admitted to trying vaping, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Furthermore, a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reported that 12% of 16- and 17-year-old Americans were medically addicted to nicotine, causing the study's authors to begin to raise the alarm and make announcements regarding the effect that nicotine has on a developing adolescent’s brain. Recently, the FDA described the use of e-cigarettes among teens as “a crisis among America’s youth”.

This is not the only bad press that vaping, and the wider vape community, has faced. In fact, since its inception in the mid-2000s and its popularisation throughout the 2010s, vaping has had an uphill struggle and has had to fight off more than its fair share of negative coverage and smear campaigns.

Most of the bad press surrounding vaping comes from one key area: the impact on our health. With a lack of long-term data on vaping's health implications due to the relatively short period of time that vaping has been around, inconsistencies in how governments approach vaping have risen around the world. For example, officials in the US are beginning to crack down on vaping while at the same time, the UK is promoting e-cigarettes as a viable alternative to smoking and as a way to quit.

The Damaging Impact of Bad Press

Where the truth lies and whether or not vaping is “safe” and/or “healthier” is a major argument that is worthy of consideration, but this is a topic for another time as what we are examining in this article today is the impact that all this bad press is having, and the impression it is leaving on smokers and former smokers.

A new report from Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes, indicates that recent data shows that a majority of smokers over the age of 50 are deciding to return to smoking cigarettes after having switched to e-cigarettes and vapes. Although some of this can be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic—the pandemic has made it more difficult, especially for the older generations, to buy vaping supplies—we cannot ignore the potentially obvious underlying cause: bad press and regulatory crackdowns.

According to Billy Gifford, the CEO of Altria, who spoke in a virtual meeting with investors, older consumers of vaping products are primarily purchasing discounted cigarettes after the “sustained vilification” of vaping products and the FDA’s push towards strictly regulating them. One of the more recent moves by the U.S. FDA has been the requirement for vape product vendors to apply for product approval under the premarket tobacco regulations.

“Over the last several months, we’ve observed an increase in the number of age 50 and older smokers in the cigarette category,” Gifford said during his virtual meeting. “We believe these smokers had previously switched to e-vapour products, but recently returned to cigarettes due to negative publicity and regulatory and legislative developments in the e-vapour category.”

Shaking Up the Vaping Industry

The FDA’s enforcement actions against e-cigarette manufacturers and vaping product vendors have shaken up the U.S. vaping industry. However, it is not only U.S. firms that have and will suffer. The impact of actions by U.S. regulators and official bodies are often felt worldwide.

Despite the actions of the FDA and others, however, vaping is still considered a safer alternative to cigarettes by public health organizations across the world. In the UK, Public Health England was the world’s first health body to endorse regulated e-cigarettes when it said that the scientific evidence that they've reviewed in their government-mandated e-cigarette evidence review suggests that they are 95% safer than cigarettes. In fact, the FDA itself, in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has also said that vaping products are “theoretically” safer than cigarettes.

The fact that people seem to be making the switch from e-cigarettes back to smoking may be indicative of serious misinformation and misperceptions about the huge risk gap between smoking and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) like e-cigarettes. Only time will tell whether other countries like Australia will go along similar lines to the US or will instead take what appears to be a more science-based approach like the UK. As for the issue of misinformation, Greek cardiologist Konstantinos Farsalinos, discussing Altria’s findings, said, “Drastic measures are needed so that smokers will receive reasonable, unbiased, and evidence-based messages [to] make informed decisions”.

According to the American College of Cardiology, e-cigarettes are far more effective for quitting smoking than counselling alone.

This revelation, which was published at the end of March, follows a clinical trial and study where smokers who received counselling to quit smoking and used e-cigarettes containing nicotine were found to be more than twice as likely to successfully quit altogether in contrast to those who received counselling alone but did not use e-cigarettes.

The Canadian Study

The research study enrolled 376 individual participants from all across Canada. Participants were on average 53 years old and had smoked an average of a pack per day for around 35 years. All those involved were identified as motivated to quit, with over 90% of the individuals having previously attempted to quit via smoking cessation medications and/or behavioural therapies in the past and, of course, failed.

The Vaper Empire Viggo Series pod vape is a powerful pocket-friendly e-cigarette filled with our own blend of nicotine salt e-liquid that is specially formulated for superior nicotine absorption and throat hit.

One-third of the participants were placed in a group that received nicotine e-cigarettes and one third received non-nicotine e-cigarettes. The individuals in these groups did not know which type they were using. The final third was assigned to the group where only cessation counselling was provided. All participants involved received counselling, around 100 minutes’ worth over the course of the 12 weeks, and those with e-cigarettes were told that they could vape as much as they felt was necessary.

Progress was reported via three phone calls and two in-person clinic visits during the 12-week treatment period. To ensure that none of the participants had smoked cigarettes, breath tests were administered to test for carbon monoxide. Those who passed the breath test were identified as having successfully quit. The researchers also accounted for whether the participants had at least reduced their total cigarette consumption per day in comparison to their total consumption at the start of the study.

Quitting Smoking In 12 Weeks

In as little as 12 weeks of the clinical trial, 21.9% of the participants who had used nicotine e-cigarettes were able to quit smoking altogether. This is in comparison to 17.3% of participants given non-nicotine e-cigarettes and 9.1% who only received counselling. This means that overall, the participants were 2.4 times more likely to ditch the dirty smoking habit than those who did not use e-cigarettes at all—a brilliant result.

“These findings show that nicotine e-cigarettes are effective for smoking cessation in the short term,” said lead study author Mark J. Eisenberg, MD, MPH, a cardiologist at the Jewish General Hospital, professor of medicine at McGill University. “Vaping with counselling is more effective than counselling alone, although it’s not a magic bullet for smoking cessation.”

Although the study has now ended, the researchers will continue to collect data for 12 months, with the last follow-up due by September of this year. This research data will help paint a clearer picture of whether e-cigarettes are a successful long-term cessation product or whether the effects are merely felt in the short term. It may also help provide some clarity on the health front, too.

Why Vaping Works

Vaper Empire's V-Pack II Series cig-a-like kit.

One reason and perhaps the most important reason that so many people are able to quit smoking by vaping is because of the nicotine present in nicotine e-cigarettes, which are filled with nicotine-containing vape juice. Vaping also provides a similar sensation to smoking as e-cigs produce an inhalable vapour that is, in some sense, similar to tobacco smoke. However, while the vapour produced by e-cigs may appear to be similar, it is actually quite different. For instance, e-cigarette vapour does not contain any tar, which is more than can be said about tobacco smoke. So while different, both e-cigarette vapour and tobacco smoke contain nicotine, which is certainly an important factor for cigarette smokers who are trying to switch to vaping in order to quit smoking.

While not all vaping devices resemble the cigarettes they aim to displace, cig-a-likes do. Cig-a-likes, a type of e-cigarette, are often similar in shape and size to conventional cigarettes. Some cig-a-likes, like our very own V-Pack II Series, even come with portable charging cases that resemble a cigarette packet. For this reason, cig-a-likes appeal to some smokers who are trying to quit smoking. And they don't just appeal, they work! As electronic nicotine delivery systems, cig-a-likes are one of the many types of vaping devices that deliver nicotine to users via vapour, making them a suitable alternative to cigarettes.

By replacing a harmful cigarette with what Public Health England has found to likely be an at least 95% less harmful alternative that contains nicotine, an e-cigarette, many people find that they are able to satisfy their nicotine cravings that they would otherwise have turned to cigarettes for. Over time, this begins to dampen the ‘urge’ to smoke a cigarette until it has disappeared completely, at which point the person has successfully quit. It is not uncommon for those quitting to start vaping with strong nicotine e-cigarettes and then gradually reduce this strength as their cravings become more manageable and less intrusive.

Are You Ready To Quit Smoking?

If you are a smoker who is looking to quit, Vaper Empire has everything you need. Our expert support staff is always ready to help and our online vape shop carries everything from e-cigarette starter kits to premium vape juice in numerous flavours and strengths. To quit smoking and start vaping today, visit our online store and place your order now. We ship all orders express and we deliver our vaping products to vapers in all areas of Australia and New Zealand. Order now you will receive your vaping supplies in as little as 3-5 days!

You have probably dealt with a leaking vape tank before, but what about a leaking vape pod? Just like tanks, pods can be prone to leaking, and this can lead to a messy and frustrating experience. As tempting as it may be to blame the pod, this is not always the case. Sometimes, it’s down to you and how you are handling the pod. Knowing how to fix a leaking vape pod (or even better, prevent it altogether) is a good idea if you are going to be using vape pods a lot.

Don’t Ignore Leaks

Pod systems are extremely portable, convenient, and easy to use. However, one of the most common complaints when it comes to pod-based vaping is leaks. A pod that is leaking is not just a massive pain, it is a complete waste of money. What’s more, it can damage your pod system over time as the vape juice seeps into the system’s components and crystallises into a sticky resin or hard mass. If this gets into your battery connections and other components, it can cause malfunctions and worse yet, it has the potential to eventually break the device entirely.

A leak also has the potential to damage more than your vape pod. If e-liquid leaks onto your clothes, into your bag, or on any of your other possessions, it will turn them into a sticky oily mess, causing potentially irreparable damage to more delicate items.

So, it goes without saying that if your device is leaking then you should definitely be looking to fix it as soon as possible (and looking for ways to prevent it from happening again!)

What Causes a Vape Pod Leak

The first thing that you need to do is figure out what is causing your pod to leak. There are lots of common causes of this, with these being some of the most common:

Mishandling the Pod

While pods may appear to be sturdy, they're not impervious to damage caused by mishandling. Squeezing a pod the wrong way can cause it to leak. The same is true for biting it while it's in your mouth. Actions such as these, which are tantamount to user error, can result in structural damage that in turn causes pods to leak. This is why you should always exercise caution when handling your pods.

Using a Cartridge for Too Long

If you are not changing your cartridge often, it may start leaking. This is because the fibres found in the wick will start to fray and lose their ability to hold on to e-liquid. When this happens, the e-liquid simply seeps through it over time and has nowhere to go other than directly out of your device.

A Low Battery

A low battery can actually cause your e-liquid to leak out of your pod because if the battery isn’t strong enough, it cannot turn your e-liquid into vapour. With a low battery, each draw will pull e-liquid through your mouthpiece rather than vapour because it is simply not being vapourised.

Defective Hardware

In some cases, defective hardware is to blame. Pods themselves can be defective upon arrival, and not just pods but device batteries as well. For instance, if the opening on your device where the pod is inserted is too tight, it can squeeze the pod when it's inserted, causing it to leak.

Excessive Vaping

Vaping excessively can cause e-juice to leak out of the mouthpiece. When this happens, the easy solution is to vape in a less aggressive manner, allowing the vape to essentially cooldown between puffs.

Tips to Stop Vape Pod Leaks

By being careful and making slight adjustments to your vaping habits, you can quite easily avoid messy and unpleasant leaks. Here are a few top tips:

1. Don’t Drag Too Hard

Taking too hard of a drag on your pod can draw way too much liquid into the mouthpiece. This is true even if the battery is sufficiently charged. It is important to understand that pod systems aren’t necessarily as powerful as vape pens and almost certainly not as powerful as box mods, they are designed for a more subtle and laidback experience. So, if you are going to use one, be sure to only pull hard enough to get some vapour into your mouth---don’t take super hard drags.

2. Keep Your Battery Charged

Remember that a low battery can cause leaks, so never let your battery go too low. How often you charge up your device’s battery depends on how you use your device, but you should certainly be looking at doing it every few days at least. If you find that your battery isn’t able to hold its charge well anymore, it may be time to buy a new one. You can buy replacement pod vape batteries for the Vaper Empire VIGGO from our online store.

3. Regularly Change Cartridges

Disposable vape pods are designed to be changed relatively frequently. The rate at which you should change your cartridges depends on how often you vape. Over time, you will figure this out for yourself by trial and error. When you do figure it out, be sure to stay on top of switching them out to avoid leaky pods and burnt out coils. With our VIGGO Series pod system, it's easy to tell when it's time to replace your pods because all VIGGOpods are designed to allow users to see exactly how much e-liquid is left inside thanks to their transparent design.

4. Make Sure Everything Is Tightened

When you screw in a new pod, make sure that it is tight enough and that nothing is dripping out. Hold the device at a few different angles to test this out. At the same time, make sure not to tighten it too much because this will damage your equipment’s seals and lead to leaks in the long term.

5. Check Your O-Rings

Over time, O-rings can degrade and fail naturally. If you have a leaking problem that you can’t seem to solve with anything else, it could be caused by this. Check your O-rings and if they look a little worse for wear, it’s time to replace them. Make a habit of checking your O-rings often too.

6. Allow Time Between Puffs

Taking rips off your vape one after the other can overload your vape, causing it to leak. By vaping less aggressively, you can avoid potential leaks caused by overuse. If you're not getting enough vapour or if the vapour isn't potent enough, you can try increasing the voltage or wattage if your device is equipped with either of these features. You may also want to consider increasing the nicotine strength of the e-juice that you're vaping.

7. Blow Through The Mouthpiece

If your pod is starting to leak, one trick you may find useful is to gently blow through your pod's mouthpiece after first detaching it from your device battery. Don't worry, e-liquid shouldn't start pouring out the other side when you do this because an airhole on the other end of the pod should allow the air to escape; the e-liquid will simply be pushed back into the pod.

Visit the Vaper Empire Online Vape Store

At Vaper Empire, we have our very own vape pod system, the VIGGO. It's equipped with easy-draw activation and leakproof technology that works to keep your e-liquid where it’s intended to be (in your pod!)

As Australia’s leading premium e-cigarette company, we also stock a huge range of other vaping devices, accessories, and replacement parts. We also stock our own bespoke ranges of classic and artisan e-liquid ranges developed by our in-house mixologists. With shipping to mainland Australia in as little as three-to-five business days, there truly is no better place to shop for vaping supplies!

UPDATE: The Australian Government has officially postponed the nicotine import ban until January 2021. This delay couldn't have happened without all of you uniting together to oppose it. Thank you all for taking the time to sign petitions and share your stories. This shows that Australian Vapers have a voice and we will be heard by those in power.

The Vaper Empire vape store is open and accepting orders!

Now is the time to keep up the momentum. Over the next six months, Vaper Empire will continue to work with advocacy groups and the Government to push for commonsense regulations for the industry. Our work is not complete, but we are more united and determined than ever. Thank you again for making this happen!

Today the Australian Health Department announced a plan that would effectively block all imports of nicotine for vaping, starting 1 July 2020. This plan is a serious threat that will likely impact your ability to continue vaping nicotine liquids.

As a valued member of the Vaper Empire family, we would like to answer some of the urgent questions customers have regarding this new plan and what it could mean for you.

If your questions have not been answered below, please contact us at [email protected]

What exactly does the proposal say?

Under the proposed guidelines, Australians will no longer be able to import nicotine for their own personal use. Only doctors or medical suppliers will be able to import nicotine with the permission granted by the Health Department.

This means that from the 1st of July, 2020, Vaper Empire and all other online suppliers will no longer be able to offer Australians nicotine for vaping, should the plan go ahead.

Department of Health (ODC) proposal

Can I still purchase nicotine e-liquid before 1 July 2020?

Yes | We will continue offering nicotine e-liquid until the plan comes into force. The proposed nicotine ban is scheduled to become effective on 1 July 2020. At that time, Vaper Empire will be required to cease sales of all nicotine e-liquid and only be able to offer nicotine-free e-liquid as an alternative. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as we know more.

Can I still purchase nicotine e-liquid after 1 July 2020?

Unlikely | Currently this is a proposed ban and the situation could change prior to the ban being implemented on 1 July 2020. However, if the proposal is enacted, the importation of e-liquid containing nicotine will be deemed illegal after this date and we will no longer be able to offer nicotine e-liquid.

Will I still be able to get e-cigarettes?

Yes | The Australian Government’s recent proposal DOES NOT apply to e-cigarette devices or nicotine-free e-liquid, only e-liquid containing nicotine.

Should I stock up on my nicotine e-liquid supplies?

Yes | As of right now, Vaper Empire is operating normally. However, with the expectation that this proposal will come into force on 1 July 2020, we recommend that you quickly stock up on your e-liquid supplies in anticipation of the ban.

What will happen to my existing order if it's not delivered by 1 July?

"The Australian Border Force (ABF) may seize e-cigarettes containing nicotine which arrive in Australia on or after 1 July 2020".

Will I get a refund if I paid for my order and it's seized by the ABF?

If the proposal does come into effect on 1 July 2020 and your order has been seized by the ABF, it is our policy to reimburse any customers affected. If this happens to you, please contact us:

If you need assistance, please contact us at [email protected]
or call us on 1800 VAPERS (1800 827 377)
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We understand that access to vaping supplies and nicotine is important – and shouldn’t – simply stop. We are working hard to fight for the future of vaping in Australia and will be in touch in the coming days.

On behalf of the entire Vaper Empire family, we thank you for your support and your loyalty and will continue to keep you updated through this dynamic situation.

Wishing You Well,
The VE Team

A vaping device is an investment and it is something that you need to look after to prolong its life and get the best bang for your buck. Even if your device isn’t as expensive and highbrow as some of your friends’ devices, you are still going to spend a fair chunk of money on accessories, e-liquids, disposable pods. Most people go into vaping knowing this, however, there is another cost that some people don’t consider---replacement parts.

Replacement parts are something that nobody wants to spend money on, but unfortunately, it is necessary. With vaping devices, wear and tear are unavoidable and even the most high-tech vapes succumb to the toll time takes on them.

How to Prolong Your Vape’s Life

While unavoidable, with maintenance and the right level of care, you can dramatically mitigate the cost of replacement parts and keep your devices alive and well for the longest time possible.

A vaping device requires maintenance on several levels due to the number of components it has. Even the simplest of devices have components like wicks, coils, and batteries that will need replacing as time goes by.

In this post, we are going to look at the two components that most commonly need replacing and what you can do to keep them in good condition and make them last longer.

The Battery

The battery is your vape’s most important component. It is its heart and without it, the device would simply not work. For the best vaping experience, you want a battery that is able to be charged to full capacity and maintain its life for as long as possible. What you may not know, however, is that there are many common mistakes that people make, and these add up over time to reduce the battery’s effectiveness.

Not keeping the battery fully charged

Although it is not always possible to keep your device fully charged, for example when vaping away from home, you should charge it to full as often as possible. Li-ion batteries, which vapes use, are known for degrading over time and one thing that causes quicker degradation is only charging the battery partway full or leaving the battery uncharged for a long time.

Overcharging the battery

While not fully charging your batteries can be problematic, overcharging is too. Overcharging can damage the battery’s cells and is also a fire hazard, especially when the battery is left charging for days on end. With charging, it is all about finding the right balance---learn how long it takes yours on average to charge to full and make a point to remember it.

Leaving the device turned on

Lots of people make the mistake of leaving their device turned on when they aren’t using it. Many vapers think this is fine because power use is minimal when the device isn’t being used. Whilst this is true, there is still power flowing through it, sapping the device’s battery. Although the battery can be recharged, vape batteries have a finite number of charge cycles (the number of times it can be drained and recharged before needing to be replaced) and idling your vape eats into these cycles.

Using high voltage and wattage settings

Some devices have variable voltage and wattage controls that give their users ultimate control over their vaping experience. With these devices, it can be easy to give in to temptation and whack the settings up to full and leave them there, but this can significantly shorten your battery’s life. If you have a device with these controls, we recommend only turning these settings up when you specifically want a high-level experience, otherwise turn them down.

The Coil

Vantage Series CE4 cartomiser tanks with built-in coils.

Another key component is the coil, and they can be quite expensive. The coil is your vape’s heating element that turns your e-liquid into vapour that can be inhaled and exhaled, and it can usually be found wrapped around or otherwise in contact with the wick. Due to the coil’s function, it is sometimes not possible to avoid stressing it---there is a reason the coil is the most commonly replaced component.

If you want to keep your coils going for longer, try making some changes to your vaping habits or regularly maintain them by:

Priming your coil

The most important coil tip we can give you is to prime it before you use it. Most devices will include a small manual that will give you step-by-step instructions on how to do this---keep it until priming becomes your sixth sense.

To prime a new coil, install it into the device. Then, locate the holes in the coil’s head that are used to transport e-liquid from the tank to the wick, and add several drops of e-liquid, slowly and one at a time, until the cotton wick looks saturated. Let the coil sit for a few hours so that the e-liquid can work its way through the cotton entirely. Next, fill your tank with e-liquid and reassemble your vape.

Once you have done this, you can begin using the vape. Start on the lowest wattage setting and slowly work your way from low to high throughout the course of your first tank. This slowly breaks in your vape and its components and avoids any damage. Once you have done it, you can use your vape as normal.

Changing your e-liquid

Some e-liquids cause more ‘damage’ to coils than others. Those that are high in vegetable glycerine (VG) are thicker and as such, they are far more likely to become lodged in your coil as they are more difficult for the wick to absorb. This increases the risk of dry hits and, over time, leaves behind a residue that can solidify and damage your coil. Changing to a lower VG e-liquid is a quick fix for this problem.

Something else to watch out for is e-liquids that contain extra ingredients like sugar. The heat from your coil can cause this sugar to crystallize and leave a solid residue on your coil. So, avoid e-liquids with sugar wherever possible---sugar is an unnecessary filler ingredient commonly found in cheaper e-liquids.

Washing them

Washing your coils is something you can do to avoid the problems above and make your vape coils last a lot longer. If you do use an e-liquid that is high in VG, washing your coils is a good way to avoid gunky buildup.

It is quite easy to wash your coils by running it under warm water and then leaving it to dry for 24 hours. If you want to make your coil extra clean though, you can soak it in clear alcohol (rubbing alcohol, for example) for a few hours and then leaving it to dry on a paper towel. You don’t need to wash the alcohol off your coil because it will evaporate into the air over time. Be sure to only use clear alcohols, though, and make sure you allow plenty of time for the alcohol to evaporate before using.

Need Replacement Components?

If you are looking for replacement components for your device, check out our range at the Vaper Empire online store. We are Australia’s number one retailer of vaping devices, products, accessories, and e-liquids, and we ship everything to mainland Australia within as little as three-to-five business days.

If you’ve been vaping for a little while now, chances are that you’ve heard the term “steeping” in relation to vape juice. Whether you’ve heard your friends talking about it or read it in passing online, it is a commonly used technique in the vaping community that is used to enhance the flavour of e-liquid.

What is E-Liquid Steeping?

Steeping is all about the age and flavour quality of your e-liquid.

Steeping e-liquid involves allowing it to age to achieve a better flavour, and there are many ways to do this. Essentially, steeping means letting e-liquid sit for a while so that the ingredients in it can blend together to amplify the flavour and eliminate alcohol-based ingredients that can alter it somewhat.

In short, the act of steeping mixes the VG/PG e-liquid base, flavourings, and nicotine, and then oxidizes the juice. This oxidation process darkens the colour of the e-liquid and improves the flavour.

Why Steep E-Liquid?

Your e-liquid, if it’s one that you have bought, began to steep the moment it was bottled and has been sitting there doing so ever since. It is not necessary to do anything or carry out any additional steps to steep your e-liquid, so there is no reason why you shouldn’t let it happen. However, as we will explore later, there are things you can do to improve the steeping process.

So, why should you do it? Because the steeping process brings out your e-liquid’s flavour, making for a more enjoyable vaping experience. If you learn how to steep your e-liquid properly, you will enjoy a much better flavour, something you want if you use “top-shelf” e-liquids like Vaper Empire’s Artisan range.

Steeping is also helpful if you have an e-liquid flavour that is a little bit too harsh, strong, or sweet for your taste buds. Over time, these flavours will be mellowed out and made more enjoyable.

How Long Does Steeping Take?

That depends entirely on the vape juice and your perception of flavour. Fruity flavours, for example, tend to require the least amount of steeping time because they are generally lighter on the palate. In fact, steeping them for too long can mean that their flavour disappears entirely, so do be sure to keep checking on them. Heavier flavours, such as tobacco e-liquid or those based on desserts, typically require more steeping because there is a greater, richer depth of flavour.

For lighter flavours, we recommend steeping for a couple of days to a week. After this time, check on them to see how the flavour has evolved and steep for longer if necessary. For heavier flavours, we recommend a steeping time of at least two weeks but sometimes as many as four.

The whole point of steeping is to get the optimal flavour that you are satisfied with. So, if it tastes good to you after one week, so be it. Some people like to steep their e-liquid for a couple of weeks whereas some people leave them to sit for months on end. Taste is a highly subjective matter---what’s good to you is not necessarily good to someone else.

Side note: Before you start steeping your e-liquid, check the bottle’s manufacturing date because you may not even need to steep it at all. If you buy a fruit-based e-liquid that is already a few months old, it’s more than likely good to go. In contrast, if you buy a richer flavoured e-liquid that is only a couple weeks old, it will need to sit for a while.

How to Steep E-Liquid: The Basic Method

All you need to do to steep your e-liquid is seal the bottle up with its lid and place it in a cool, dark place for an extended period of time. That’s it. You do have to give the bottle an occasional shake, but there’s really not all that much to it.

Once you have done this, it is simply a matter of waiting for the magic to happen. Do note that it is important that you leave the e-liquid in the dark for as long as possible because the light can tarnish your e-liquid.

How to Steep E-Liquid: Other Methods

If the slow and simple steeping method isn’t good enough for you, there are plenty of others you can try. Here are five steeping methods that we like the best that anybody can do at home:

Use a Slow Cooker

1. Fill up the slow cooker’s crockpot with water.
2. Place the e-liquid bottles in a zip-lock bag and remove as much air as possible.
3. Place the cooker on low and place the bottles in the crockpot.
4. Leave the bottles to sit for 30 minutes to 4+ hours.
5. Remove and uncap the bottles, let them breathe for a few minutes, then re-cap and shake vigorously.

Use a Bathtub

1. Fill a deep bowl with warm water. The water should be hot but not unpleasant.
2. Seal your bottles in a zip-lock bag before placing them in the bath.
3. When the water has cooled to room temperature, remove the bottles.
4. Uncap the bottles and let them breathe. Re-cap the bottles and shake vigorously.

Use Your Car (during warm/hot weather)

1. Pack up your e-liquid in a zip-lock bag.
2. Place the bottles in your car’s glovebox.
3. Uncap the bottles and let them breathe. Re-cap the bottles and shake vigorously.

Use a Microwave

1. Place the bottles in the microwave and run on high power for around 10 seconds.
2. Remove the bottles and let them breathe. Re-cap the bottles and shake vigorously.
3. Let the bottle cool down and test the e-liquid. Repeat the process if necessary.

Use Hot Rice (No, Really!)

1. Fill a bowl up with dry, uncooked rice. Heat it in the microwave until it’s hot.
2. Place your e-liquid bottles in the rice and completely cover them.
3. Remove the bottles and let them breathe. Re-cap the bottles and shake vigorously.
4. When the e-liquid has cooled down, test the juice. Repeat the process if necessary.

Want to Try Your Hand at Steeping?

Steeping is honestly so simple; anybody can do it. It doesn’t require any special skills, tools, or knowledge. You’re simply sitting back and letting time do its thing (or speeding it up by using one of the above methods!)

Most people who have never steeped their e-liquids before usually end up being blown away by just how much better and more refined their favourite e-liquids become with time. So, why not try this out for yourself? At Vaper Empire, we have a range of high-end ‘Artisan’ e-liquids that include many deep, bold flavours that are perfect for steeping.

Visit the Vaper Empire online store to find out more about them!

Are you ready to take the plunge into the world of vaping? If so, this quick introduction will set you up with all the basics that you need to know about an activity that has taken the world by storm.

Although vaping may seem intimidating and overwhelming to those who are just starting out, with a few helpful tips, answers to common questions, and the right guidance, you will be well on your way to vaping like a pro in almost no time.

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the use of an electronic cigarette (“e-cig”) to inhale an e-liquid ("vape juice") in vapour form. These vape juices come in all types of flavours and can either be nicotine-free or contain nicotine in varying concentrations. The ingredients of these juices usually contain a base substance (either propylene glycol or vegetable glycerine) along with flavourings and often nicotine. At Vaper Empire, we manufacture and sell a wide variety of vape juice flavours in varying nicotine strengths, ranging from nicotine-free to high strength with various options in between.

To make vapour from this vape juice, the device uses a heating element called an atomiser. This consists of a porous wick surrounded by a coil heating element. When the coil heats up, the liquid-soaked wick turns the liquid into vapour which can be inhaled and exhaled. Vaping devices are rechargeable using USB charging cables or charging packs, much like a smartphone. You can find various vape chargers for sale in the accessories section of our online vape store.

Why Start Vaping?

Every person has their own reason to start vaping, however, for many, the main reason is to quit smoking.

The U.S. CDC and the U.K. NHS both have reported that cigarette smoking has vast negative effects on health. In contrast, studies into vaping suggest that vaping is likely much less harmful than smoking.

How to Start Vaping: Choosing Your Hardware

It is impossible to write a cover-all guide about how to start vaping that everybody can follow to the letter. This is because everybody is different. What you want and need from vaping is entirely different from what the next person wants and needs, and this will have a direct influence on the vaping equipment and supplies that you need to buy.

However, there are some things that you should ask yourself first:

• How often do I smoke, and how much?
• How serious is my smoking habit?
• How often will I be using my vape?
• How much do I want to spend on getting started?

Once you have answers to these questions, you can start looking at vaping kits that fall within your price range. If you are a less “serious” smoker, you may get by on a more basic kit. If you are somebody who smokes a whole lot, you may need a more powerful device to calm your cravings.

Basic Devices

The V-Pack II Series by Vaper Empire takes cig-a-like vaping to the next level with a convenient charging case that's 100% portable.

Your “basic” devices cover the likes of cig-a-like “e-cig” devices and, in some cases, pod systems. Both are extremely easy to use, often requiring little knowledge of vaping to master, making them ideal for beginner vapers. While not as powerful as some of the more advanced systems available, cig-a-likes and pod vapes are great for casual smokers who are making the switch to vaping. While similar to one another, pod vapes often utilize nicotine salts instead of freebase nicotine, making them suitable for heavy smokers.

While cig-a-likes are generally less powerful than other types of nicotine vapes, their cigarette-like design provides smokers with a level of familiarity that may make it easier for some smokers to switch.

Intermediate Devices

Intermediate devices are what people usually graduate on to from basic devices, however, some people may start on them directly. These cover your more powerful e-cigs and vape pens and commonly feature devices with bigger tanks, more powerful batteries, and variable controls like voltage and wattage. They are a good starting point for heavy smokers.

Advanced Devices

Finally, we have more advanced devices, commonly called “box mods” or “vape mods”. These devices come with the biggest tanks and most powerful batteries that are capable of pushing through enough power to create thick, dense vapour clouds. They are commonly used by vaping fanatics who like to participate in “vaping games” and tricks. They are not often a good starting point for beginners due to their power and the knowledge required to use them, however, there are exceptions. One such exception is Vaper Empire's very own Vibe Series, which boasts a powerful battery and large tank without the complexity often associated with such devices. With the Vibe Series, all it takes is the press of a button to start vaping.

How to Start Vaping: Choosing Your E-Liquid

Vaper Empire offers vapers in Australia and New Zealand many vape juice flavours and nicotine strengths to choose from.

Aside from your device, the most important choice is that of which e-liquid you will be using with it. Due to all the choices available, though, this is easier said than done.

One of the main things you need to consider is what concentration of nicotine it contains, its “strength”. Deciding which nicotine strength e-liquid to buy can be difficult, especially when you are trying to balance enjoyment with your nicotine cravings. This is because many ex-smokers don’t know exactly how much nicotine their bodies have been exposed to on an average day.

Choosing the right e-liquid with the right nicotine level is essential for getting the best vaping experience, especially if you are just switching over from cigarettes. Choose one that’s too low and it may not quell your cravings, which can potentially lead to a smoking “relapse”. Choose one that is too high and it may be too intense and off-putting.

Most e-liquids are sold in a range of concentrations. As a beginner, we recommend employing trial and error by putting a range of them to the test so that you can find the right one for your nicotine cravings. As a guide, Vaper Empire recommends the following:

• Those smoking strong, unfiltered cigarettes should start at around the 30mg/mL to 36mg/mL nicotine strength range.
• Those smoking “regular’ cigarettes should start at around the 16mg/mL to 20mg/mL nicotine strength range.
• Those smoking lighter and ultra-light cigarettes should start at around the 6mg/mL to 12mg/mL nicotine strength range.

Nicotine strength is always clearly marked on the bottle (and, if buying online, on the product page) and tends to go up in sixes from 0mg/mL up to 36mg/mL plus.

As time goes by and your cravings begin to be less severe, you can start reducing the strength of the e-liquid you use in stages. There are many examples of former smokers who have started all the way up at the higher end of the nicotine strength scale and then gone all the way down to 0mg/mL (nicotine free) e-liquid over time.

Many people take up vaping as a way to quit smoking by replacing cigarettes with a product that can satisfy their nicotine cravings. In addition to ex-smokers, however, there is an entire class of vape user that vapes for the fun and enjoyment of it, and a big part of the vaping community are so-called vaping “party tricks” and “games” that can be used to wow other people.

These tricks range from the super easy to the super difficult, and one of the most popular of them all is the smoke ring, also called a “vape ring” or “O ring”, which actually originated with smokers. It looks impressive and it is deceptively easy to do.

Here’s how you can start blowing your own vape rings.

The Method

First of all, you will need some form of vaping device. You can make vape rings with pretty much any device that produces a fair amount of vapour. The only type of device you may have trouble with, depending on the manufacturer, are cig-a-likes, also known as basic e-cigs. For the best results, we recommend using a vape pen like our V-Twist Series or a more powerful vape like our Vibe Series to blow vape rings with and for other vaping tricks.

1. Take a pull on your vape and inhale into your throat.
2. Press your tongue down and towards the back of your throat.
3. Make an ‘O’ shape with your lips.
4. Push a small amount of vapour out using your throat in a pulsing motion.

That’s it. The size of the O you make with your lips will correlate to the size of the ‘ring’ that is produced. If you want to make bigger, fatter rings then tuck your lips in instead of pushing them out---this is a common mistake.

If you’re struggling:

• Keep your lips steady as you’re pushing the small bit of air out.
• Make sure that your tongue is as far back as possible.
• Try to push a small amount of air out of your lower throat without taking a breath and without moving your lower jaw. Once you can do this, you should find it easier to make vape rings.

Advanced Tips for Better Smoke Rings

If you’ve got the basics down, there are a few ‘advanced’ tips that you can use to blow better smoke rings:

• Slightly jut your jaw forward to push out the smoke rings faster and farther.
• Make them look better by curling your lips just as the vapour leaves your mouth.
• Add some backspin to them by pushing your tongue forward as the vapour is leaving your mouth. When you do this, however, keep the tongue at the bottom of your mouth behind the teeth. Use the middle of your tongue to quickly push the vapour out.

Common Reasons Why People Can’t Blow Them

Not everybody has good luck with blowing smoke rings, and it is common for people to initially struggle. Here are four common reasons why you might be having trouble:

Poor Form

The most common reason that people struggle to make vape rings is poor form. It is really important to form the right shape with your mouth and push your tongue as far down and back as is possible. This allows enough vapour to get to the ‘O’ shape and make a ring. It also helps to push your lips against your teeth and not pucker too much. It’s all about finding the right balance.

Poor Technique

Although applying spin is an optional extra, it really helps. This is because applying spin helps keep smoke rings in shape for much longer. If you simply just blow vapour rings without any spin, the ring will dissipate quickly after it forms, if it forms at all.

Not Enough Vapour

If you are not inhaling a sufficient amount of vapour, then there is no way that you’ll be able to make rings from it. This is because the rings are made from lots of vapour. So, if you’re having trouble, check that your tank has enough e-liquid in it.

Unsuitable Surroundings

Your environment has a big impact on how successful you’ll find blowing vape rings. If you are in a windy environment, for example, then any rings will be blown away before you can see them. Ideally, you want a calm environment with little-to-no air movement for the best chance of success.

Wrong Vape Juice

In some cases, vapers will find that they're simply using the wrong e-juice. Vape liquids that have a higher concentration of VG work better when it comes to performing vape tricks. The reason for this is simple: the VG helps produce larger clouds of vapour.

While some vape tricksters prefer to use e-liquids that contain only VG and no PG, there are those who use a 50/50 ratio of VG to PG. By some accounts, it's the 70VG/30PG ratio that works best for performing tricks while vaping.

The Best E-Liquid for Blowing Vape Rings

At Vaper Empire, we manufacture and sell our own high-quality e-liquid in a range of collections, flavours, and nicotine strengths. All of our e-liquids work great for blowing vape rings, and you can find the full range at the Vaper Empire online store.

It is estimated by the New South Wales Environmental Protection Agency (NSW EPA) that 7 billion cigarette butts are littered in Australia each year. They represent the most reported litter item throughout the country, a whopping 20% of all items reported.

The Cigarette Butt Problem

The problem with cigarette butts is they are made from a fibrous plastic material that sits in the environment. It does not decompose easily and because butts are small, they can easily be blown away by the wind and cause problems on a wider scale.

Current estimates are that your average cigarette butt can take up to 12 months in fresh air and 5 years in saltwater to break down. Given that a cigarette butt is full of harmful chemicals that can leach into soil and water, the problem is worse than many people realise. Although it has little impact on humans, the effects on marine life and helpful bacteria are huge.

Cigarette butts can also be eaten by birds and other animals, and the chemicals from these butts can cause harm. In particularly small animals, they can cause blockages and digestive issues. The problem is so bad that researchers have called for a complete redesign on cigarette butts and harsher punishments for those caught irresponsibly disposing of them.

How Vaping Helps Reduce Cigarette Butt Litter

Many smokers use e-cigarettes and vapes to help them ditch the dirty smoking habit, with research from the UK indicating that e-cigarettes are up to 95% less harmful than traditional cigarettes. However, it is not just the person’s health that switching from smoking to vaping saves; it helps the environment, too.

This is because e-cigs and other vaping devices result in more wastage litter than combustible cigarettes. Most vaping devices are reusable and can be reused for many years before they need replacing, and many of the components can be diligently recycled from an old device. It's not just the device, either---vape product manufacturers have gone a long way to making sure that their packaging, including bottles for ‘e-liquids’ and other items, is fully recyclable and made from recycled materials.

All this means that you are far less likely to find e-cigarettes, vapes, packaging, and other related waste irresponsibly tossed to the side of the road. And even if some questionable individual was to do this, it is much easier to clean up the mess and there is a lower potential for harm to wildlife and the wider environment.

Vaper Empire's VIGGO Series vape pods are recyclable.

Different vapes and devices create different amounts of litter, though. Some of the most common types are:

• Disposable e-cigarettes
• Pod mod devices
• Refillable devices like vape pens and box mods

Disposable e-cigarettes are by far the ones that create the most litter. This is because they are what they say they are---disposable. These devices generally last for a few hundred puffs before they need to be thrown away. However, even a trashed disposable e-cigarette saves on the number of potentially trashed cigarette butts because your average disposable e-cig will last for as long as 40 cigarettes.

Next up the vaping food chain are your pod devices. These are slightly more environmentally friendly because the devices themselves last for a long time and the replaceable pods in closed-pod systems can usually be recycled when they are empty. Our VIGGOpods, for example, are designed to be recycled. These pods themselves will last for several hundred, if not thousand, puffs before they need replacing.

Finally, refillable devices like vape pens and box mods represent the devices that are the best for the environment. You can get through several thousand puffs with these before components need replacing, the most commonly replaced one being the coil---a small piece of metal that is used to turn the vape juice into vapour.

Here at Vaper Empire, we offer a range of refillable vapes that allow vapers to reuse tanks and cartridges. You can browse our complete selection of vaping devices on our online vape shop.