Mouth to Lung (MTL) and Direct Lung (DL) are two commonly used terms in the world of e-cigarettes. What do these terms actually mean?
There are two ways to inhale vapor using an e-cigarette: Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) or Direct-Lung (DL). In this article we explain which method might be most suitable for you, what the differences are between the two, and what you should pay attention to when purchasing an e-cigarette.
Mouth-To-Lung (MTL)
MTL stand for mouth-to-lung. This simply means that when you take a puff you first collect the vapor in your mouth before it is inhaled into your lungs. For people who have just made the switch, this is often the easiest and most well known way to vape/smoke. With regular cigarettes, inhaling the smoke is usually done the MTL way.
MTL inhaling is a less intense way of vaping than DL because you inhale the vapor a bit calmer. In addition, the taste of MTL will come out better because the vapor will stay in the mouth longer, and the taste buds on the tongue can absorb the taste better.
In relation to the products, there is also a difference for MTL vaping and certain products might work better than others. For example, e-liquids with higher PG-values (50% or above) work better for this type of inhaling and we recommend clearomizers with a higher Ohmage coil and a smaller airflow.
Why choose MTL?
- Most similar to regular smoking;
- Lower e-liquid consumption;
- The vapor is a bit cooler;
- Flavour will taste richer;
Direct Lung (DL)
While DL-vaping you inhale the vapor directly into the lungs, without holding it in the mouth first. This is comparable with taking a deep breath or using a Shisha. DL inhaling can hit a bit more intense than MTL and is different from what people are used to when smoking a normal cigarette. Our advice for new vapers is to first start with MTL and after a while possibly switch to DL.
DL gives more vapor per drag and therefore larger clouds. As mentioned, this can take a little while before getting used to, but for those who do it this way it can certainly give more satisfaction than MTL. You get more vapor per puff and therefore more nicotine. For the before mentioned reasons, it is in most cases sufficient to use an e-liquid with a lower nicotine level. Be especially careful with putting a too high nicotine level liquid in DL devices, as too much nicotine with DL gives off a very strong throat-hit. This can be experienced as unpleasant and can lead to an itchy cough. Our rule of thumb when DL vaping with larger Clearomizers with sub-ohm coils, is 8mg of nicotine as a max, but this can vary per person!
Why choose DL?
- Can give more satisfaction;
- Larger vapor clouds.
What suits you best?
For people new to vaping we would advice MTL. This method is most similar to traditional smoking and is therefore easier to get used to during the switch.
If you want more intense vapor with larger clouds, choose the DL method. For this you need to use larger box mods and sub-ohm coils, the only disadvantage of DL vaping is that you go through your e-liquids faster than with MTL.
Which device is best for you?
Multiple types of electronic cigarettes are suitable for MTL and/or DL. On our product pages it is always stated whether the e-cigarette is suitable for MTL and/or DL. Unable to figure it out? Please visit one of our stores or contact our customer support.
