Alternative smoking devices, like vapes, are on the rise among everybody, from former smokers toyoung adults looking for a tasty nicotine fix.

While the most common types of vapes aremouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct-to-lung (DTL), the more unconventional “nose vape” is also gaining popularity amongst the vaping community.

Delivering a hit of vapor directly to the nasal cavity, users love the quick hit of nicotine to the bloodstream. But is this vaping here to stay, or is it a flash in the pan? Here, we take a closer look at what nose vaping is and the issues surrounding it. 

What is a Nose Vape?

Nose vapes are a type of vape that delivers vapor and nicotine through the nose instead of the mouth. The main difference between traditional vapes or e-cigarettes and nose vapes is that vapor is absorbed through the mucous membranes rather than the lungs or mouth.

Vaping through the nose may lead to faster absorption, so you’ll feel that nicotine hits quicker, a stronger flavor sensation, and you don’t get the same throat irritation that is associated with regular vaping. The main components of a nose are:

• Nasal Adapter -This device replaces a mouthpiece and is either designed to be single-pronged for one nostril or dual-pronged to fit both. 

• Heating Element -raises the temperature high enough to produce vapor.

• Cartridge or chamber -holds your vape juice.

• Battery- A power source is needed to turn the heating element on. 

How Does a Nose Vape Work?

Nose vapes, like regular vapes, are designed to deliver nicotine, CBD, or essential oils to the bloodstream. But, unlike regular vapes, the delivery method is through the nasal cavity.

Like a nasal decongestant spray, users put the nose vape up a nostril and cover the other side or both nostrils if it is designed to do so. It’s essential to breathe in slowly and gently to avoid irritation.

The Popularity and Appeal of Nose Vapes

If we were releasing this article on April 1, you may think this was an April Fools, but nose vapes are very real and growing in popularity. Users get the same positives that are associated with traditional vaping, like convenience and discreteness, with a different sensory experience.

Just like the cloud chasers of the past who dreamed of making enormous plumes with their mod devices, nose vapes have a particular attraction for hipsters with a penchant for niche vaping devices. 

Health Considerations and Risks

Nose vaping doesn’t come without risks, just like regular vaping. While vaping through the mouth can lead to an irritated throat, inhaling through the nostrils may lead to dryness and, in some cases, nosebleeds.

Longer-term use may lead to tissue damage, a reduced sense of smell, and an increased susceptibility to infections. There aren’t enough conclusive studies into regular vaping to fully understand the long-term health effects, and there are even fewer available surrounding nose vapes.

Regular vaping is linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems and cardiovascular issues, while it isn’t clear what damage nose vaping could do in the long term. As the saying goes, better the devil, you know, and the risks of nose vaping may outweigh the potential positives until more studies are available. 

Legality and Regulation

Due to being so new on the scene, most nose vapes available online come with the warning that they are not intended as a smoking cessation device and haven't been tested.

When anything comes with this kind of warning, it's probably best to stick to brands of regular vapes that you know have been tested and have a higher quality standard. If you intend to use one, use high-quality vape liquid to avoid inhaling unwanted chemicals into the body.

Currently, nose vaping is allowed anywhere where regular vaping is permitted. However, if the popularity of nose vapes continues to rise, more regulations may arise that differ from regular vapes. 

Is It Safe or Just a Fad?

Therise of regular vaping is much easier to track than nose vapes because it isn’t a mainstream product. However, there is anecdotal evidence that people were experimenting with inhaling through the nose back in the early 2010s to increase the flavor and absorption of nicotine.

There isn’t enough evidence available to say whether nose vaping is a safe practice, and it isn’t a recommended method of smoking cessation, especially when so many trustworthy methods are available.

It’s also unlikely that this method will ever break through to the mainstream because most people aren’t comfortable sticking something up their nose and inhaling it, especially in public places. 

Conclusion

Nose vaping has gained some popularity lately and is one for the hipsters out there, but it’s unclear whether it’ll ever make it to the mainstream due to the antisocial nature of inhaling vapor through one or both nostrils.

There isn’t enough scientific evidence at this point to fully understand the practice of nose vaping, so it isn’t recommended to try it, especially as most products available online come with a worrying warning. If you intend to try it, go slowly and be mindful of the health implications of overdoing it. Alternatively, stick to regular vaping and try one of Vessels’stylish and sophisticated vapes instead.