Nicotine Pouches VS Vaping: Which Is Better?

Since people discovered the harm of cigarettes, there have been various methods to quit smoking. Of course, alternatives to smoking have been invented, too. Two of them are most conspicuous and profitable, namely vapes and nicotine pouches. Thanks to the courtesy of the FDA and other administrations, vapes are less available, especially the disposable kits. On the contrary, nicotine pouch brands owned by Big Tobacco are hardly impacted. I'd like to talk about the pros and cons of both ways of nicotine consumption and hope you can find the way that suits you best.

1. Is Nicotine Pouch Safer than Vaping?

Although both nicotine pouches and vaping are much healthier than smoking, some nicotine pouch users may argue that pouches are better than vapes in terms of safety. Is that True?

Well, if you plan to choose strictly based on safety, nicotine pouches are likely safer than vapes.

2. Why Are Nicotine Pouches Safer than Vapes?

As far as I know, a 2022 study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that nicotine pouches showed significantly fewer biomarkers of harm than smoking or vaping. Users had much lower levels of toxins linked to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and lung damage. Generally speaking, there are two seasons why you choose nic pouches if you safety is your priority.

(1) No Lung Exposure

Vape allergy is quite common, as PG allergy is quite common. Also, the culprit of EVALI, Vitamin E, is totally safe to eat or put on the skin, but has toxic effects when it is inhaled. Without inhalation and lung exposure, the damage of nicotine pouches, if any, is much easier to notice and manage.

(2) Nicotine Pouches VS Vapes: Simpler Composition

Non-vapers usually question the safety of vaping about its ingredients. The ingredient list with only PG, VG, and flavorings is not clear enough. E-juice and vaping tools made in China are also debated all the time. However, nicotine pouches only contain nicotine, fibers, flavorings, and pH adjusters, not to mention that most nicotine pouches are made in Europe or the United States, where public health and manufacturing standards are higher.

3. Why Do People Prefer Vapes to Pouches?

Toothpicks, Inhalers, and even nicotine gums have been sold for decades, but never steal the thunder of e-cigarettes. Why do people stick to vapes when other options are available and not strictly regulated?

(1) Oral Fixation

Most of the oral nicotine products are not chewable, especially the nicotine pouches. As a result, those who have oral fixation issues may find them less satisfying. Oral fixation is when a person carries unmet needs or unresolved conflict from the oral stage into adulthood. According to Sigmund Freud's theory, smokers with oral fixation tend to quit smoking with vapes to satisfy their needs for sucking and soothing in face of anxiety and stress.

(2) Social Awareness / Popularity

Although Zynners are not rare, nicotine pouches have not become a subculture yet, as it is more discreet and less expressive. On the other hand, vapers share their experience about different vape kits, homemade e-juice, and their favorite flavors all the time. Vapers also try to persuade their smoker friends to quit cigarettes. The vaping community is more popular and more accessible to former smokers.

4. Recommended Nicotine Pouches and Vapes

5. Conclusion

We can easily have consensus that whatever you choose, vapes or nicotine pouches, is much better than cigarettes. Since vapes are at stake, maybe we can try nicotine pouches instead at first. That's all about this topic and I'll see you next week.