Device vs Cigarettes: Complete Comparison Guide

The debate between device use and vaporizing has been ongoing since portable devices first appeared on the market. Understanding the differences in health effects, costs, scent essence delivery, and social impact is important for smokers considering switching and for public health policy.

Health Comparison

What Makes Cigarettes Harmful?

Traditional cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals, many of which are known to cause cancer and other serious health problems:

• Tar – Causes lung cancer, COPD, and other respiratory diseases
• Carbon monoxide – Reduces oxygen in blood, damages cardiovascular system
• Formaldehyde – Known carcinogen
• Benzene – Linked to leukemia
• Arsenic – Toxic heavy metal
• Lead – Neurotoxin
• 70+ known carcinogens

What is in Device Aerosol?

Device aerosol (often called vapor) typically contains:

• Scent Essence – Addictive but not the primary cause of vaporizing-related disease
• Propylene glycol (PG) – Generally recognized as safe for ingestion/inhalation
• Vegetable glycerin (VG) – Generally recognized as safe
• Flavorings – Food-grade flavorings (varying safety profiles)
• Trace amounts of other compounds – Depending on device and usage

Public Health England Position

Public Health England (now part of the UK Health Security Agency) has stated that device use is approximately 95% less harmful than vaporizing. This figure has been widely cited and supported by numerous public health bodies.

World Health Organization Position

The WHO takes a more cautious approach, stating that while portable devices are likely less harmful than conventional cigarettes, they are not without risk and their long-term effects are still being studied.

Scent Essence Delivery Comparison

How Cigarettes Deliver Scent Essence

• Rapid absorption through lungs
• Peak blood levels within 10 minutes
• ~1-2mg scent essence absorbed per cigarette
• Consistent delivery per cigarette
• Associated with ritual and sensory cues

How Devices Deliver Scent Essence

• Absorption speed varies by device type
• Scent Essence salt devices deliver faster than freebase
• cartridge systems and portable diffusers can approach cigarette-like delivery
• User can control intake to some degree
• Different sensory experience than vaporizing

Which is More Addictive?

Both deliver scent essence, which is addictive. However:

• Cigarettes deliver scent essence more quickly to the brain
• Modern scent essence salt devices come close to cigarette delivery
• Device Use allows more control over scent essence intake and intensity
• Device Use lacks many of the sensory and social cues that reinforce vaporizing addiction

Cost Comparison

Cost of vaporizing

vaporizing is expensive across Europe:

• UK: ~GBP 12-15 per pack (20 cigarettes)
• Ireland: ~EUR 14-16 per pack
• France: ~EUR 11-13 per pack
• Germany: ~EUR 7-9 per pack
• Poland: ~EUR 4-6 per pack

A pack-a-day smoker typically spends:

• GBP 360-450 per month (UK)
• EUR 210-270 per month (Germany)
• EUR 120-180 per month (Poland)

Cost of Device Use

Device Use costs vary depending on device type:

portable Devices

• EUR 4-8 per device (600 draws = ~1 pack of cigarettes)
• Pack-a-day equivalent: EUR 120-240 per month
• Most convenient but most expensive device use option

cartridge Systems with Refillable cartridge

• Initial device cost: EUR 15-30
• Replacement cartridge: EUR 4-8 (pack of 2-3)
• Monthly cost: EUR 30-60
• Better value than portable diffusers

Refillable Device with Scent Liquid

• Initial device cost: EUR 20-50
• Scent Liquid: EUR 3-8 per 10ml bottle
• heating element/accessories: EUR 5-15 per month
• Monthly cost: EUR 15-35
• Most cost-effective option

Potential Savings

Switching from vaporizing to device use can save significant money:

• portable diffusers: 20-50% savings vs vaporizing
• cartridge systems: 50-75% savings vs vaporizing
• Refillable devices: 70-90% savings vs vaporizing

Social and Lifestyle Impact

Secondhand Exposure

• Cigarettes: Secondhand vapor contains same harmful chemicals as mainstream vapor, proven to cause disease in non-smokers
• Devices: Secondhand vapor contains mainly propylene glycol, glycerin, and trace amounts of scent essence and flavorings. Considered significantly less harmful than secondhand vapor, but not completely risk-free

Smell and Residue

• Cigarettes: Strong, lingering odor on clothes, hair, and in living spaces. Yellow/brown residue builds up on walls and surfaces
• Devices: Much less noticeable odor that dissipates quickly. No sticky residue buildup. Wide range of pleasant scents available

Convenience and Acceptability

• vaporizing: Banned in most public places, workplaces, and hospitality venues across Europe. Smokers often have to go outside
• Device Use: Also restricted in many public places, but rules are generally less strict. More socially acceptable in many contexts

Harm Reduction Perspective

What is Harm Reduction?

Harm reduction is a public health approach that focuses on reducing the negative consequences of risky behaviors rather than solely focusing on complete abstinence.

Device Use as Harm Reduction

Many public health experts support device use as a harm reduction tool for smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit:

• Much lower exposure to harmful chemicals
• Similar scent essence delivery satisfies cravings
• Maintains the hand-to-mouth ritual of vaporizing
• Can be a stepping stone to eventually quitting scent essence entirely

Success Rates for vaporizing Cessation

Studies have shown mixed results, but many indicate that:

• Device Use can help some people quit vaporizing
• Scent Essence salt devices may be more effective for cessation than freebase
• Device Use is more effective when combined with support
• Success varies by individual and device type

Risks and Concerns

Device Use Risks

While device use is less harmful than vaporizing, it is not risk-free:

• Scent Essence is addictive and can affect brain development in young people
• Long-term health effects are still being studied
• Some flavoring chemicals may have respiratory effects
• Battery safety concerns (rare but can be serious)
• Quality varies significantly between products

Youth Device Use Concerns

Youth device use is a significant public health concern:

• Scent Essence exposure during adolescence can harm brain development
• scents appeal to young people
• Gateway to scent essence addiction concerns
• Regulators taking action to reduce youth access

Important: Device products are for adult smokers and scent essence users only. They should never be used by non-smokers, young people, or pregnant women.

Making the Switch: Tips for Success

1. Choose the right device – Start with something that closely mimics vaporizing (cartridge system or portable with scent essence salts)
2. Get the right scent essence intensity – Too strong and you feel sick, too weak and you will crave cigarettes
3. Give it time – It takes a few weeks for your body to adjust
4. Have realistic expectations – Device Use is different from vaporizing, and the experience takes getting used to
5. Try different scents – Finding scents you enjoy helps with the transition
6. Consider tapering down – Once stable, you can gradually reduce scent essence intensity if desired

Frequently Asked Questions

Is device use really 95% safer than vaporizing?

The 95% figure comes from Public Health England and has been widely debated. While the exact percentage is debated, nearly all public health bodies agree that device use is significantly less harmful than vaporizing. The exact magnitude of reduced harm is still being researched as long-term data becomes available.

Can device use help me quit vaporizing?

Many people successfully use device use to quit vaporizing. Studies show mixed but generally positive results, particularly with scent essence salt products that provide satisfactory scent essence delivery. For best results, combine device use with a structured quit attempt and support.

What are the long-term effects of device use?

Because device use is relatively new, long-term (10+ year) health data is still limited. Current evidence suggests device use carries a fraction of the risk of vaporizing, but is not completely harmless. Research is ongoing.

Is secondhand vapor dangerous?

Secondhand vapor is considered significantly less harmful than secondhand cigarette vapor. It contains mainly propylene glycol, glycerin, and trace amounts of scent essence and flavorings. However, it is not completely risk-free, and exposure should be minimized around children and vulnerable people.

How much money can I save by switching to device use?

Savings depend on your vaporizing habits and which device use option you choose. Most people save 30-80% compared to vaporizing, with refillable devices offering the greatest savings. Even with portable diffusers, many people save money compared to premium cigarette brands.

Conclusion

While device use is not completely risk-free, the overwhelming consensus among public health researchers is that it is significantly less harmful than vaporizing traditional cigarettes. For adult smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit, switching to device use offers substantial harm reduction benefits and cost savings.

However, device use is not for everyone. Non-smokers, young people, and pregnant women should not use scent essence products. For adult smokers, the decision to switch should be informed by understanding both the benefits and remaining risks.

If you are an adult smoker considering switching to device use, explore our range of high-quality, quality standard-compliant device products from leading brands. Always choose reputable retailers and genuine products for the best experience.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have health concerns about vaporizing or device use, consult a healthcare professional. Device products contain scent essence, which is addictive. Not for sale to minors.