Guide
Vaping Instead of Smoking: Making the Switch, Step by Step
Eliane Weber · iVape editorial team, products & e-liquids focus
April 26, 2026 · Updated July 21, 2026 · 6 min read
Many people turn to the e-cigarette to get away from smoking. Vaping mimics the familiar ritual (hand to mouth, draw, nicotine), but without combustion and tar. This guide shows you the switch from the cigarette, no theory, just clear steps.
Important: vaping is not risk-free and is for adults only (18+). Anyone who has never smoked should not start vaping either.
1. The right device: a pod, not a big mod
For anyone making the switch, a compact pod system is ideal. It draws like a cigarette (mouth to lung, "MTL"), it is small, discreet and easy to use, quite the opposite of bulky vaping devices. Details in the pod system guide.
2. The right nicotine strength
To keep cravings at bay, the body needs to get enough nicotine:
- Heavy smokers (a pack a day or more): 20 mg/ml nicotine salt.
- Light smokers: 10 mg/ml can be enough.
Nicotine salt feels smooth even at 20 mg, ideal for getting started. More on this in the nicotine strengths guide. A good starting point is, for example, the ELFBAR ELFA Pro in 20 mg.
3. Finding a flavour that lasts
At first a tobacco or menthol flavour helps, later many switch to fruit or dessert. The main thing is that you enjoy it: then you reach for the cigarette less often. Everything is also available without nicotine, for coming off nicotine later on.
4. Sticking with it: the first weeks
- Switch completely rather than mixing: anyone who keeps smoking alongside barely benefits.
- Always charged and filled: an empty battery is the most common reason for a relapse. Keep a stock of spare pods and liquid.
- Avoid triggers: coffee, a break, the after-work beer are classic "smoking triggers", keep the vape within reach.
- Lower the strength slowly: after a few months you can reduce the nicotine strength, if you want to.
5. Restocking without stress
So you never run out of supplies, iVape ships from its warehouse in Switzerland, with free delivery from CHF 29, often as soon as the next working day, for example to Zurich or Bern.
In short
- A compact pod system (MTL), no big device.
- 20 mg nicotine salt for heavy smokers, smooth on the draw.
- Find a flavour, switch completely, stay charged at all times.
- Lower the strength later, slowly, all the way down to 0 mg.
As of: April 2026. Sale only from age 18. Not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
- Which e-cigarette is best for switching from smoking to vaping?
- For anyone making the switch, a compact pod system is ideal. It draws like a cigarette (mouth to lung, MTL), is small, discreet and easy to use, quite the opposite of a bulky vaping device.
- What nicotine strength do I need when switching from cigarettes to vaping?
- Heavy smokers, a pack a day or more, do best with 20 mg/ml nicotine salt, for light smokers 10 mg/ml can be enough. Nicotine salt feels smooth even at 20 mg, which makes it a good choice for getting started.
- Should I switch to vaping completely or keep smoking alongside?
- Switch completely. Anyone who keeps smoking alongside barely benefits. Keep the vape within reach at classic smoking triggers like coffee, a break or the after-work beer.
- Why do people relapse after switching to vaping, and how do I avoid it?
- The most common reason for a relapse is an empty battery. Keep the device charged and filled at all times and keep a stock of spare pods and liquid.
- Can I lower the nicotine strength after switching to vaping?
- Yes. After a few months you can reduce the nicotine strength step by step, if you want to. Liquids and pods are available all the way down to 0 mg, meaning entirely without nicotine.
