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Mouth to Lung (MTL) and Direct to Lung (DTL) Vaping Explained - TABlites
December 1, 2022 Jonathan Greenfield

Mouth to Lung (MTL) and Direct to Lung (DTL) Vaping Explained

If you’re new to the world of vaping, you might have heard the terms mouth to lung (MTL) and direct to lung (DTL) used to describe different styles of vaping - but what do they actually mean?

MTL and DTL are the two terms used to describe the different vaping styles or inhaling techniques. Both styles provide a completely different texture of vapour, flavour, temperature, ‘throat hit’, and sensation.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about mouth to lung vs direct to lung vaping to help make choosing your next vape kit as easy as possible.

Mouth to Lung (MTL) and Direct to Lung (DTL) Vaping Explained - diagram

MTL (mouth to lung) vape meaning

MTL or Mouth to Lung vaping is where the vapour from an electronic cigarette is inhaled into your mouth, then into your lungs. It’s a two-step process that is usually more comfortable for new vapers, as well as ex-smokers because of how similar the throat hit is to that of tobacco cigarette smoking.

If you’re looking for a discrete way of vaping, MTL vaping will also be the best option for you. Smaller vapour clouds are produced with this style of vaping, so you can subtly vape while on the go.

To vape MTL style:

  1. Take a long and smooth inhale into the mouth
  2. Hold it in your mouth, then draw into your lungs
  3. Exhale the vapour

Check out our Top 10 Best MTL Vape Kits to find the perfect MTL vape for you.

DTL (direct to lung) vape meaning

DTL or Direct to Lung vaping is where the vapour from an electronic cigarette is inhaled directly into your lungs. This one-step inhaling technique requires a long and steady draw (3-5 seconds) and is best suited to more experienced vapers.

The DTL style of vaping is designed to produce large, thick and dense clouds of vapour, with a looser and more airy inhale.

To vape DTL style:

  1. Take a long, steady, and smooth inhale directly to your lungs (3-5 second draw)
  2. Exhale the vapour

RDL (restricted direct to lung) vape meaning

A third vaping style has emerged more recently known as RDL or Restricted Direct to Lung vaping. This term refers to an inhaling technique that is somewhere between MTL and DTL and is used when a vape is airy but not quite as airy as a full-on DTL inhale.

With RDL vaping, the flavour is similar to DTL, but the throat hit is more similar to MTL.

Which style of vaping is right for you?

For new vapers

If you’re new to vaping, you should start with MTL. This is the ideal vaping style for devices with a tighter draw, higher nicotine levels, and which deliver a better throat hit. DTL can be quite intense for first-time vapers, so it’s best to work up to this style of vaping.

Ex-smokers will also benefit from starting with MTL vaping as it more closely resembles the experience of smoking a tobacco cigarette.

For those who want the best flavour

Some vapers believe you get more flavour from your vape when you use an MTL vaping technique.

Although there’s no exact science behind it, this could be because the vapour spends more time in your mouth with MTL vaping, where you have more taste buds. What’s more, e-liquid recipes work best with higher VG ratios, which are most compatible with the MTL style of vaping.

For the best cloud production/intense vaping experience

DTL inhaling is more suitable for people who like blowing big clouds of vapour and prefer a more intense vaping experience.

If you aren’t satisfied with smaller vapour clouds and are looking for a really flavoursome hit, then DTL and sub-ohm vaping is for you.

How do MTL vape kits work?

MTL vape kits feature a tight draw (restricted airflow) to closely match the inhale from a regular tobacco cigarette. They are generally lower-powered devices with smaller batteries compared to DTL kits.

These kits are compatible with high-resistance atomiser vape coils (resistance of more than 1Ω). However, recently, more modern MTL devices have featured sub-ohm coils. If you’re not sure which coil to choose for your MTL vape, check out our ultimate guide to vape coils.

MTL devices are designed to be used with high PG e-liquids (50% PG or higher), including nicotine salt e-liquids, to produce a discreet amount of vapour. MTL kits can be used with all nicotine strength e-liquids (0mg-20mg), to provide a satisfying throat hit at the strength you choose.

What vape kit should I choose for MTL vaping?

Pod system kits have become massively popular for MTL vaping. They are lightweight, compact, and portable vape kits that can be refilled with e-liquid, and the coil can be replaced once it has come to the end of its life.

Pod kits are intended for beginner vapers and more experienced vapers alike looking for uncomplicated, inexpensive, and reliable e-cigarettes for use while on the go. Don’t be put off by the cheap price tag; pod kits are excellent devices and some offer clever functionality and large battery capacity, served in a small, lightweight, and compact package ideal for on-the-go vaping.

How do DTL vape kits work?

DTL vape kits, often known as sub-ohm vape kits, refer to vape devices that use atomiser coils below 1.0Ω in resistance. When combined with high VG e-liquid and a high-powered vape mod, they deliver satisfying, smooth, and mouth-watering clouds of vapour.

Direct to lung kits often feature increased power and advanced modes that allow you to tailor, customise, and take your vaping game to the next level. They’re best suited to experienced vapers because they’re more complicated to use. A high level of power and improved battery life will provide increased flavour and vapour production that smaller MTL kits can’t achieve.

Due to the higher power output and the sub-ohm coil, it is best to use a thicker e-liquid. A high VG e-liquid with a VG concentration between 70% and 80% will suit your sub-ohm device well, delivering a highly flavoursome hit with large vapour production.

To learn more about DTL and sub-ohm vaping, check out our ultimate guide to sub-ohm vaping.

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Find the right vape for you at TABlites

Now that the mystery of mouth to lung vs direct to lung vaping has been explained, it’s time to decide which inhalation technique is best for you and find a vape that suits your preferences.

At TABlites, we stock a wide range of vape kits, with both MTL and DTL-compatible options available. If you’re new to vaping, check out our collection of starter vape kits, which are easy for beginners to use.

Need some help finding the right vape for your needs? The TABlites team will be happy to assist you. Give us a call on 0161 723 0064 or email us at sales@tablites.com.

Filed in: 50/50 E-Liquid, Direct To Lung, DTL, High PG, High VG, Mouth To Lung, MTL, Nic Salt, Vape How To, Vaping
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