In this article...
- How long should you expect a disposable to last?
- What factors affect the lifespan of a disposable?
- Alternatives to single-use vapes that can last longer
Have you noticed your disposable vapes aren't lasting as long? It can be frustrating when the light flashes and you realise your vape has reached the end of its life. It’s even more frustrating when they seem to be running out quicker than you're used to. You may have experienced this recently. The good news is that there is an explanation and numerous solutions to get more from your vape.
Why Does a Disposable Vape Stop Working?
Disposable vapes traditionally consist of a built-in battery, a coil and wick, and a reservoir of e-liquid. All of this is housed in a casing with a mouthpiece. Fundamentally, a disposable vape works in exactly the same way as an open-tank e-cigarette. The battery provides power to the atomizer, which heats the e-liquid to produce a vapour. The only difference is that you cannot refill it with e-liquid, and you cannot recharge the battery.
This means that once the e-liquid runs out or the battery runs out, the disposable vape will no longer work. Most manufacturers design disposable vapes so that the battery runs out prior to the e-liquid running dry. This is to stop vapers from experiencing unpleasant ‘dry hits’, which occur when there is no remaining e-liquid. With this considered, a disposable vape’s intended expiry is generally when the battery runs out.
In terms of length of time, this will vary depending on various factors. These include the power output of the device, the material of the atomizer head and the size of the battery. Different atomizer materials require different power outputs. They also have benefits and drawbacks in terms of flavour and vapour production. Generally, a higher power output means the battery will run out more quickly.
However, the most influential impact on lifespan is battery capacity. Each battery has a mAh rating. This stands for “milliampere hours”, and quantifies how much energy the cell can provide before it runs out. You may be thinking, why don't manufacturers just create disposable vapes with larger-capacity batteries? The answer takes us back to the e-liquid level.
Do Disposable Vapes Have a Maximum Capacity?
In terms of vape battery size, there is no maximum capacity. However, as mentioned earlier, the battery is designed to run out before the e-liquid runs out. There’s a limit to the amount of e-liquid that a vape can hold. This maximum e-liquid capacity is 2ml. This is a legal requirement under the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations (TRPR)
This ultimately means all traditional disposable vapes should last a similar amount of time. There will be some difference in lifespan due to the previously mentioned variables. Power output, atomizer head material, and the way you vape can have a bearing. These factors are relatively marginal so most disposable vapes should last a similar amount of time to each other.
That being said, some vapers have recently noticed the lifespan of market-leading disposables suddenly decline. Why is this, and how can you get longer-lasting vapes?
Why Don’t my Disposables Last as Long as They Used To?
If you think that your disposable vapes used to last longer than they do now, you may be right. The leader in the disposable vape market has recently changed the specification of its Elf Bar 600 and Lost Mary BM600 products for the UK market. Investigations alleged that the products often exceeded the maximum 2ml e-liquid capacity regulation. The Daily Mail exposed this in February 2023. Because of all the fuss, UK health regulators entered into consultation with some of the brands involved.
Many single use disposable vapes are now being checked to make sure they only contain 2ml of e-liquid. There are however newer devices that are permitted to contain 4 pods at once, or to be connected to a 10ml e-liquid, and still meet the capacity regulations as the pods or reservoir are still 2ml. These are known 4 in 1 vapes and Big Puff Vapes.
What Are the Alternatives to Disposable Vapes?
There are an endless number of different e-cigarettes on the market. All have different benefits, quirks, and features. Two products, in particular, have been designed specifically as disposable vape alternatives. The VLTZ flex, VLTZ re:fuel, and VLTZ flex Pro each provide an intense flavour experience, very similar to that of disposables. However, these products are more cost-effective, have a lesser environmental impact, and last much longer.
VLTZ flex
The VLTZ flex is a pre-filled pod vape. You have a rechargeable battery that will last around one full day between charges. You then have a pod that contains VLTZ e-liquid. This slots into the battery and you're good to go. As legally required, each pod contains 2ml of e-liquid - the same as a disposable. A pack of 2 flex pods costs just £5.99.
The battery is fully rechargeable so once it runs out, there's no need to throw it away like a disposable. Simply plug it in and it will be good to go again in an hour or so. Beyond cost-saving and sustainability, the Flex also offers excellent versatility. You can swap your flavour whenever you like by simply taking the pod out and replacing it with a new one. Keep the removed pod and return to that flavour whenever you like. 14 flavours are currently available with more on their way.
VLTZ re:fuel
This is an all-in-one vape that includes a 10ml bottle of VLTZ e-liquid. The re:fuel device holds a maximum of 2ml of e-liquid, as is legally required. However, the VLTZ re:fuel can be refilled with e-liquid. Once the e-liquid level runs low, simply top up from your 10ml VLTZ bottle, and you’re good to go again. A VLTZ re:fuel, including a 10ml bottle of VLTZ e-liquid costs just £9.99. This is equivalent to 5 disposable vapes in one.
The battery is also rechargeable. When the light flashes, there is no need to throw it away like your disposables. Simply plug it in and you'll be good to go again as soon as it has recharged. The only time you will need to dispose of the device is when the atomizer head reaches the end of its life. This usually happens after around 20 - 30ml of VLTZ e-liquid. That's the same as 10 - 15 disposable vapes.
VLTZ flex Pro
This choice of two different device designs and two styles of pods is a fantastic way to ditch the disposables and vape in a more cost-effective way. Choose from the VLTZ flex Pro Bar and the VLTZ flex Pro Box and enjoy the cross-compatibility of the pre-filled and refillable pods. The pre-filled pods contain VLTZ e-liquid and the refillable pods can be filled with your favourite VLTZ vape juice.
If you want to go one step further, you can also pick up a traditional open tank e-cigarette. Using 10ml VLTZ e-liquids with an open tank e-cigarette gives you the same great flavours as the disposables. However they feature replacement atomizer heads, and so represent the best value and most sustainable option. If this sounds good to you, Totally Wicked store Team Members or our customer service team will happily talk through your best options.
