What Is MTL Vaping?
If you're new to vaping, it can feel like there's a lot to figure out. But the variety and flexibility of vaping is what makes it so popular. With cigarettes, you choose a brand, open up the pack, and light up. Vaping offers a world of flavours, nicotine strengths, and devices.
One of the most important decisions you'll make is whether to use MTL or DTL vaping. Find out everything you need to know about mouth-to-lung vaping in this guide, including:
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What it is
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How it works
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Who it's best for
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MTL vs DTL vaping
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How to enjoy a seamless MTL vaping experience
What is MTL Vaping?
MTL vaping is the shortened term for the mouth-to-lung vaping style. It's how you inhale the vapour. For example, with MTL vaping, you draw the vapour into your mouth, inhale it into your lungs, then breathe it out.
The mouth-to-lung vaping style is popular because it replicates the smoking experience. So, ex-smokers or people who are trying to quit naturally gravitate towards MTL vapes.
How Does Mouth-to-Lung Vaping Work?
MTL vaping creates a cigarette-like, controlled draw by using a tight airflow and lower power vape kits. Its main characteristics make this vaping style the go-to option for former smokers or people who prefer a traditional inhale technique:
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Slower and gentler inhalation
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Smaller vapour clouds that resemble cigarette smoke
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Strong nicotine delivery for each hit
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More focused on flavour over cloud size
MTL vs DTL vs RDTL Vaping Style

The two main vaping styles are MTL and DTL - although RDTL vaping is gaining popularity. But what does each mean?
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MTL (Mouth-To-Lung): Most like traditional cigarette smoking, with vapour that goes from the mouth to the lungs. Users can access higher nicotine strengths, intense flavours, and more discreet vapour production.
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DTL (Direct to Lung): DTL vaping is different because it uses an open airflow, and the vapour goes straight to your lungs. This vaping style requires lower nicotine strengths, high VG e-liquids, and powerful sub-ohm vaping (or mod kits).
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RDTL: Restricted direct-to-lung vaping is a hybrid option. It offers more flavour than traditional DTL vaping, but has more resistance. Basically, it combines intense flavours with more vapour clouds.
Key Differences
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Feature |
MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) |
RDTL (Restricted Direct) |
DTL (Direct-to-Lung) |
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Vapour Volume |
Discreet, similar to cigarettes. |
Moderate vapour production. |
Large and dense clouds. |
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Best For... |
Beginners / Ex-smokers. |
People who want a combination of both styles. |
Cloud chasers who love producing high volumes of vapour. |
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Coil Resistance |
High (0.8 to 1.8 ohm). |
Mid (0.5 to 0.8 ohm). |
Low (0.1 to 0.6 ohm) |
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Recommended Vape Kit |
Varies - Some pods or pens are designed to facilitate RDTL vaping. It's the same with mod devices. |
Sub-Ohm/Mod Kits. |
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Wattage Range |
8-20W |
20-40W |
40-100W |
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Nicotine Strength |
Depends on your preferences, but most people choose strengths between 3mg and 20mg. |
RDL vaping is usually compatible with 6mg to 12mg strengths. |
Lower, often ranging from 0mg to 6mg. |
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E-Liquid Ratio |
50/50 PG/VG or High PG vape juice. Both freebase nicotine and nicotine salts are suitable. |
50/50 or 70/30 VG. |
70 to 80% VG e-liquids. |
The Best Vape Kits for MTL (Mouth to Lung) Vaping
A huge benefit of the MTL style is that you don't need complex or expensive vape devices. In most cases, simplicity works best. However, the right MTL device for your needs depends on whether you're new to vaping or are looking for an upgrade:
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Vape Pens: Starter vape pens like the 88Vape Deluxe are simple ways to transition from smoking. They have a compact design, are usually shaped like cigarettes, and some options come with clearomisers, which means you won't have to worry about coil changes.
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Pre-Filled Pods: Now that the UK disposable vapes ban is in place, pre-filled pod kits are becoming the go-to solution. You buy a device and replace each pre-filled pod when it's empty.
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Refillable Pod Kits: If you want to avoid coil changes but would like some flexibility with flavours, a refillable pod kit such as the 88Vape ProPod combines accessibility with versatility.
E-Liquids to Enhance Your MTL Vaping Experience
MTL vapers have plenty of e-liquid options available. However, the right choice for you depends on your nicotine needs and flavour preferences.
Nicotine Strengths
You'll find MTL vape juices ranging from 0mg to 20mg nicotine strengths. Heavy smokers should start with 18-20mg strengths, while moderate smokers or those with medium cravings can benefit from 6-11mg. You can also gradually cut down your nicotine intake.
PG/VG Ratio
The PG (propylene glycol) ratio is the most important factor for mouth-to-lung vaping. Unlike VG (vegetable glycerin), PG has a thinner consistency and offers a stronger throat hit. 50/50 PG & VG vape juices are the standard, but 70-80% PG blends can intensify your throat hit.
Flavours
Looking for traditional tobacco? Maybe you'd like a fruity vape or love refreshing menthol blasts. You'll often find flavours inspired by popular desserts, drinks, and sweets.
Common Mistakes New MTL Vapers Make
MTL vaping is one of the easiest ways to ditch tobacco smoke and experience a healthier lifestyle. Aside from its versatility and accessibility, vaping is also 95% less harmful than smoking. However, to get the most out of your experience, avoid these common mistakes that beginners make:
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Using Lots of Power: MTL coils are designed for lower wattages. If your vape kit has adjustable power settings, aim for a maximum output of 20W (depending on the coil).
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Choose the Right Nicotine Strength: If your nicotine strength is too high, it can cause nausea and dizziness. Lower nicotine strengths may not satisfy your cravings.
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Take it Slow: Just like cigarette smoking, take long and gentle puffs.
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Using High VG Vape Juices: High VG juices aren't made for MTL kits, and using them can impact your vaping experience, and kill your coils.
Is MTL Vaping Right for You?
When it comes to MTL and DTL vaping, it's all about what suits you best. While DTL vaping styles can suit experienced vapers, we recommend mouth-to-lung vaping if you're quitting smoking or want to replicate the traditional cigarette experience.
If you're ready to begin your journey or want to upgrade to a more advanced MTL vape device, 88Vape offers high-quality products at great prices. You can also benefit from free UK delivery when you spend £15.
Please get in touch with us if you need advice or have any questions.