While all vapes may look the same to the untrained eye, there are two main categories. MTL, which stands for Mouth To Lung, is the most common form of vaping where users inhale the vapor into the mouth first, whereas DTL, Direct To Lung, bypasses the mouth straight to the lungs.

So, which one suits your vaping style more? Read on to find out all about MTL and DTL, and help you decide which route your vaping journey is going to take. 

Understanding MTL Vaping 

Found in colorful and fruity disposable vapes favored by people transitioning from traditional smoking, Mouth-to-lung (MTL) vapes are where most vapers start their journey. Similar to an actual cigarette, vapers take a puff into the mouth first, hold it for a few seconds, and then take it into the lungs. 

MTL devices are usually compact as they use less wattage and don’t require a big battery pack. They must be compatible with higher nicotine e-liquid and have higher resistance coils that produce less vapor and require less power. The design of the mouthpiece, or drip tip, is often small to restrict the amount of vapor and preserve the wattage. 

People making the switch from smoking cigarettes, especially heavy users, will appreciate the high nicotine in the e-liquid used in MTL vapes. The e-liquid also has more propylene glycol (PG) than standard e-liquids because it is thinner than vegetable glycerin (VG) and shouldn’t clog the vape up.  

Pros of MTL Vaping

• Less intense on the lungs than DTL
• Higher levels of nicotine should satisfy people
• Produces less vapor than DTL, which works out great for stealth vapers. 

Cons of MTL Vaping

• Limited vapor production 
• Potential for a dry and unpleasant hit if your e-liquid runs out prematurely

Understanding DTL Vaping 

Direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping is for more experienced vapers. Also known as “sub ohm” vaping, this style bypasses the mouth and goes straight to the lungs using a slow, deep breath. DTL vapes are typically larger than MTL vapes because they require a bigger battery to produce the enormous plumes of vapor they’re known for.

DTL vapers aim to inhale big vapor clouds using smaller resistance coils and more prominent mouthpieces. While you can still get a good nicotine hit from a DTL vape, nicotine levels are often lower to compensate for the size of the hit being larger. 

Pros of DTL Vaping

• Big clouds of vapor
• Enhanced flavor 

Cons of DTL Vaping

• Higher e-liquid consumption
• Less of a throat hit than MTL

MTL vs. DTL Vaping 

MTL vapes are designed for subtle and discreet vaping, requiring less wattage, so can be available in smaller sizes that fit effortlessly into the pocket or bag. In contrast, DTL vapes, much like the big clouds they produce, are anything but subtle, which makes them a perfect fit for the proud vaper who wants the whole street to look like a flair has gone off. 

Commonly, MTL vapes feature a smaller mouthpiece to limit the amount of vapor, and DTL vapes have a bigger mouthpiece to have the opposite effect. With this in mind, MTL vapes usually use less e-liquid with every draw, so they often contain higher nicotine levels than DTL vapes. 

MTL vapes have coils with resistance above 1 ohm to limit power and e-liquid usage, and DTL vapes are usually lower than 1 ohm (“sub-ohm) to heat e-liquid to a higher temperature and produce more vapor. 

Now that we’ve discussed the hardware and what makes MTL and DTL vapes different, it’s time to dive into the nitty gritty of your experience. From throat hit to vapor production and flavor, DTL vaping is a more intense experience. However, an MTL vape will provide more nicotine with less vapor. The e-liquid you use in each vape is different, too. 

While MTL vapes work well with higher amounts of propylene glycol (PG) to avoid clogging or Nic Salts, which people who want to inhale a more natural form of nicotine will enjoy, DTL vapes are more compatible with thicker liquids with high vegetable glycerin (VG) contents to produce large clouds while you vape. 

Choosing the Right Vaping Style 

“Seconds out,” it’s time for round two of the big MTL Vs. DTL debate, so which vape cloud has a silver lining for your personal preferences and vaping goals? You’ll need to consider how much nicotine you want to inhale, how big a cloud you want to produce, how much you value flavor and throat hit, and how much strain you want to put on your lungs. 

If your vaping goal is to quit regular smoking and less strain on your lungs, an MTL vape may suit you best, while more experienced vapers who want a serious hit may prefer a DTL vape. Equally as crucial to your vaping goals are your personal preferences. Both MTL and DTL vapes provide ample flavor, but MTL vapes are much more subtle and create much less vapor than DTL vapes. 

Conclusion 

New vapers who are shifting from cigarettes may prefer to start their vaping journey with an MTL vape, which more closely reflects traditional smoking by passing through the mouth to the lungs first. DTL vapes are more suited to experienced vapers who value big vapor clouds and want to bypass the mouth on the way to the lungs. 

DTL vapes can provide more flavor, bigger clouds, and more opportunities for customizing your vape. The world of vapes is constantly changing, with the latest trends ranging from nicotine-free vapes to even more compact vapes and further advancements in vape mods. Be sure to experiment with vaping styles before settling on one for good.