Switching from smoking or unsure which vaping device to choose? MTL (mouth-to-lung) and DTL (direct-to-lung) vaping influence everything, from device type and nicotine strength to vapour size and discretion. Costs, setup, and ease of use also vary, and we’ll cover those later.

We help adult smokers and vapers find the right style for a satisfying experience, with step-by-step tips and product recommendations.

MTL vs DTL: What Do They Mean & How Do You Do It?

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung) Vaping

MTL mimics smoking, drawing vapour into your mouth first, then into your lungs. Ideal for adult smokers exploring different nicotine options.

Key Features:

• Tighter airflow, cigarette-like throat hit
• Works with higher nicotine (10–20mg)
  
• Best with 50/50 VG/PG E-Liquids or prefilled E-Liquid pods
  

How to Vape MTL:

1. Draw slowly into your mouth.
2. Hold briefly to taste the flavour.
3. Inhale gently into your lungs.
4. Exhale slowly.

DTL (Direct-to-Lung) Vaping

DTL draws vapour straight into your lungs in one smooth breath, producing bigger clouds and enhanced flavour. Adult vapers often choose DTL for larger vapour clouds, smoother inhalation, and enhanced flavour delivery.

Key Features:

• Looser airflow for smoother inhalation
• Works best with lower nicotine (3–6mg)
• Often paired with 60–70% VG E-Liquids
  

How to Vape DTL:

1. Inhale steadily into your lungs.
2. Exhale fully to release larger clouds.
   

MTL and DTL Vaping: Quick Comparison

Advantages and Disadvantages

MTL Advantages:

• Compact and portable, perfect for on-the-go vaping
• Cigarette-like inhale helps adult smokers switch smoothly
• Stronger nicotine satisfaction with smaller puffs
• Efficient E-Liquid use, lasting longer between refills
• Available in prefilled or refillable pods

MTL Disadvantages:

• Smaller vapour clouds
• Flavour intensity can be subtle
• Tighter airflow may feel restrictive

DTL Advantages:

• Produces larger clouds, enhancing the vaping experience
• Looser airflow highlights flavour subtleties
• Smoother inhale, easier on the throat
• Flexible puffing style, including crossover devices
• Ideal for flavour-focused vaping

DTL Disadvantages:

• Uses more E-Liquid
• Less discreet
• Requires more advanced devices and lower nicotine strengths

MTL & DTL Misconceptions

• MTL is weak: MTL can still provide full flavour and satisfying nicotine delivery even if you choose lower nicotine delivery.
  
• MTL is for beginners only: Experienced vapers often enjoy MTL for discretion or higher nicotine delivery.
• MTL is cheaper: smaller pods and simpler components reduce initial and ongoing costs, though total spend still depends on how often you vape and the type of pods use.
• DTL is only for cloud-chasers: DTL can be used for flavour-focused vaping, not just big clouds.
• DTL is only for advanced vapers: Some adjustable pod-mods make DTL accessible even for beginners.
• One style fits all: Many adult vapers use both MTL and DTL depending on time, place, or nicotine strength.

Nicotine, E-Liquid, Device & Coil Guide

Choosing MTL or DTL is just the first step. The right combination of nicotine, E-Liquid, device, and coil ensures you get the best experience.

Nicotine & E-Liquid Guide

Nicotine Strengths

• MTL: Higher strengths (10–20mg) provide a noticeable throat hit with smaller puffs; ideal for adult smokers switching.
• DTL: Lower strengths (1.5–6mg) allow smooth, long inhales and larger clouds; preferred by adult vapers for flavour clarity.

General Guideline

• Stronger nicotine + smaller puffs = MTL
• Lower nicotine + bigger puffs = DTL

VG/PG Ratios

• PG: Thinner, carries flavour, stronger throat hit; suits MTL pods and refillable kits.
• VG: Thicker, denser vapour, smoother inhale; suits DTL devices and larger tanks.

Device & Coil Guide

Notes:

• Refillable pods may support both MTL and DTL depending on coil resistance and airflow.
• Prefilled pods are convenient for adult smokers switching from cigarettes.
• Mods (including sub-ohm/pod-mods) produce bigger clouds and use separate coils.
  

MTL vs DTL Cost Comparison

Aside from nicotine strength, airflow, and device type, costs can vary significantly between MTL and DTL setups. Understanding the typical device and monthly expenses helps adult vapers and smokers make an informed choice.

Typical Monthly Breakdown

Quick Takeaways:

• MTL devices: Compact, higher-resistance coils, ideal for discreet, nicotine-satisfying draws, not as costly.
• DTL devices: Medium/large, lower-resistance coils, perfect for bigger clouds and immersive flavour, cost more.
• Many adult vapers switch between MTL for discretion and DTL for relaxed sessions.

Vaping Etiquette & Tips

MTL: Discreet, smaller clouds; suitable for indoor or public use.
DTL: Larger clouds; best outdoors or in vaping-friendly areas.

General Tips:

• Follow local laws and venue policies
• Maintain your device to avoid leaks
• Respect others; avoid blowing clouds directly at people
• Consider carrying both MTL and DTL devices

Are There Any Alternatives to MTL/DTL Vaping?

RDL (Restricted Direct-to-Lung) sits right between MTL and DTL. It offers a looser, airier draw than mouth-to-lung, but doesn’t require the full power or airflow of a DTL setup.

You’ll usually find it on adjustable pod systems or pod mods that let you switch coils or tweak airflow.

• Airflow: Semi-restricted, giving a balance of vapour and flavour.
• Coil resistance: Typically 0.6–0.9Ω, allowing moderate vapour with less heat than sub-ohm DTL coils.
• E-Liquid type: Works best with 50/50 or 60/40 VG/PG E-Liquids — thick enough for vapour, but smooth enough for nicotine salts.
• Best for: Vapers who want more vapour than MTL but without the intensity (and E-Liquid use) of full DTL setups.

Look for adjustable airflow settings or pod/mod systems marketed as ‘MTL/DTL adjustable', these usually support RDL draws.

General Considerations for Choosing Your Style

• Device Longevity: MTL devices are reusable and durable, but don’t last as long as mods. However, mods may require more care due to higher wattage and coil replacements.
• Nicotine Progression: Starting with higher nicotine MTL can ease the transition from smoking. Over time, some users lower nicotine when exploring DTL or RDL for bigger clouds or smoother draws.
• Flavour Perception: DTL can enhance flavour even at lower nicotine strengths because of larger vapour volume and higher VG E-Liquids.
• Portability vs Experience: MTL devices are discreet and convenient for on-the-go vaping. DTL devices are larger but provide a more immersive, flavour-rich experience.
• Device Compatibility: Some devices are flexible, supporting both MTL and DTL (or RDL) with adjustable airflow or coil swaps, ideal for vapers who want to experiment.

Do’s & Don’ts When Switching Styles

Do:

• Start with your preferred style and gradually experiment with RDL or DTL.
• Check coil resistance and E-Liquid compatibility when changing devices.
• Keep devices and pods clean to avoid leaks and burnt hits.
• Respect others, use discretion indoors or in public.

Don’t:

• Don’t use DTL E-Liquid in an MTL coil; it can leak or burn.
• Don’t chain vape excessively on high-strength nicotine; start slow.
• Don’t ignore airflow adjustments; incorrect settings affect flavour and vapour.
• Don’t mix high VG E-Liquids in devices not designed for it.

Conclusion

MTL and DTL are distinct vaping styles, each with unique airflow, nicotine strengths, and device considerations. With IVG products like the XL35 and IVG Shortfills, adult nicotine users can enjoy both styles effortlessly using pre-mixed pods and built-in coils, no specialist setups required.

Recommended Products

MTL (Mouth-to-Lung)

IVG offers a wide range of devices and prefilled pods suitable for MTL vaping, ideal for adult smokers switching from cigarettes:

• IVG XL35 – our biggest reusable device with up to 35,000 puffs.
• IVG PRO 12  – Slightly looser draw, giving a smooth inhale while still providing satisfying nicotine.
• SMART MAX  – Tighter draw, closer to a cigarette-like throat hit; ideal for those wanting maximum discretion.
  

DTL (Direct-to-Lung)

• IVG Shortfills – Designed for lower nicotine, higher VG E-Liquids; perfect for bigger clouds and flavour-focused DTL vaping.
  

FAQs – MTL vs DTL Vaping

Q: What’s the main difference between MTL and DTL Vaping?

A: MTL mimics smoking with smaller clouds; DTL produces larger clouds with smoother inhales.

Q: Which style is best for beginners?

A: MTL pods are generally easiest to start with. DTL suits those wanting bigger clouds and enhanced flavour.

Q: Can I use the same E-Liquid for both MTL and DTL?

A: No. MTL = 50/50 PG/VG, higher nicotine. DTL = 60–70% VG, lower nicotine.

Q: Can I switch styles on one device?

A: Some adjustable devices support both MTL and DTL; check airflow, coil, and E-Liquid compatibility.

Q: Which style costs less?

A: MTL is cheaper, with less components and lower E-Liquid use. DTL costs more due to coil replacements and higher E-Liquid consumption.

Q: Can I progress to RDL or DTL later?

A: Yes. Many adult vapers start with MTL, then experiment with RDL or DTL as confidence grows.