subject: Smart Smoking With Electronic Cigarettes [print this page] An electronic cigarette, E cigarette or e cig, is a device powered by a battery that provides inhaled doses of a nicotine or non-nicotine vaporised solution. It was invented by Hon Lik, a Chinese medicine practitioner, in China 2003. Since its introduction to the market the next year, E-cigarettes have become popular across the globe.
E cigarettes can give their users a similar flavour and physical sensation to that of inhaled tobacco smoke although no smoke or combustion actually takes place. These cigarettes come in the shape of an elongated tube, usually designed to resemble the outward appearance of cigarettes, cigars and pipes, etc. There is also the 'pen style' design that resembles a ball-point pen. Most electronic cigarettes are re-useable devices that come with replaceable and refillable parts. A number of disposable electronic cigarettes have also been developed.
There is also the choice between the automatic and manual models. In the automatic models, the air inhaled by the user is detected by a sensor which activates a heating element that vaporises a flavoured liquid solution stored in the mouthpiece, which may contain nicotine. In the manual models, the user needs to press a button to activate the heating element to produce the vapour which is inhaled. There is also an LED (available in various colours) on the opposite end of most models that is activated during inhalation and resembles the glow of a traditional cigarette.
Although there are several forms of E cigarettes, they all have common components: a mouthpiece, a heating element and some form of battery component. The mouthpiece, also known as the 'cartridge' is usually a small plastic cup which holds an absorbent material that is saturated with a flavoured liquid solution. When the solution is depleted, it can either be refilled or replaced with another cartridge. The direct dripping method can also be used instead of refilling or replacing. By removing the cartridge, drops of e-liquid can be directly dripped onto the atomiser bridge. The heating element or 'atomiser' vaporises the liquid in the mouthpiece so that it can be inhaled. Some models come with a combination of an atomiser and pre-filled disposable component referred to as a 'cartomiser'. The battery is generally the largest component of an electronic cigarette as it powers the heating element.
Several brands of E cigarettes are available for ordering on the Internet. This is convenient as users are able to quickly and easily find a wide variety of choice regarding the designs and costs. There are mini E cigarette kits, super mini E cigarette kits, mini E cigarette cartridges, super mini E cigarette cartridges, E cigarette atomiser, E cigarette batteries, E cigarette chargers, E cigarette case and various E liquids (depending on strength and flavour) offered by various manufacturers.
E cigarettes provide a cost effective and convenient nicotine delivery method. An E cigarette emits a smoke-like vapour that looks and acts like traditional smoke but has no lingering odour. This makes them a great choice for people who are trying to reduce their dependency on tobacco. Another advantage of this device is that all parts are replaceable and can be bought as and when they are needed. Hence, electronic cigarettes are by far a smoker's smart choice.
