Product Watch: Vape toggles hit between mouth or lungs

A new vaping product, the GeekVape Nano 3, offers a toggle switch that goes from one mode – in which the aerosol is first drawn into the mouth before being inhaled into the lungs – to a second mode that allows up to fivefold greater device airflow capacity. The company promises “bolder flavor and bigger cloud” in this second mode, known as “Restricted Direct-to-Lung” mode.

It has not been authorized for sale by the FDA.

This concerns pulmonologist and UW-CTRI Director Dr. Hasmeena Kathuria.

“We know that nicotine stresses the cardiopulmonary system and is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress and respiratory harm,” she said.

“Studies have also found higher rates of bronchitis, pneumonia and chronic cough among youth who vape. The last thing we need is a product designed to generate larger aerosol clouds and increase users’ exposure to these substances.”

The company promises “bolder flavor and bigger cloud” in this mode, known as restricted direct-to-lung (RDL) mode.

The other mode is called mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping because the user first draws the aerosol into their mouth and then inhales it into their lungs. This mode is typically used with higher nicotine concentrations and produces smaller aerosol clouds than direct-to-lung vaping.

The company advertises different colors and a battery that lasts three days on a full charge.

“The bottom line is, our lungs are designed to breathe in clean air,” Kathuria said, “not chemicals.”

Washington Post

Kathuria also wrote about her concerns with companies promoting nicotine under the banner of “wellness.” This was published by the Washington Post, Wired and The Conversation. The Wall Street Journal also referenced the piece by name. The total daily reach of those publications is approximately 31.4 million according to Audience Insights and the publications. You can read the piece in The Conversation for free here.

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