Vape Airflow Explained: How to Find Your Perfect Draw

When it comes to vaping, airflow matters.

Every vape device uses airflow, but only some allow you to adjust it. That’s a shame, because getting airflow right can help you find the sweet spot for flavour, vapour, throat hit and even how warm your vape is.

So in this post we’ll explore:

• what airflow is
• the difference between fixed and adjustable airflow
• how to adjust airflow to get the best results

What is airflow in vaping?

Airflow simply refers to the air that flows through your pod or tank. It helps cool the coil to prevent overheating, it mixes with vapour to create the inhale and exhale, and in some devices it can be adjusted to produce a tight, medium or airy draw.

Because airflow plays such a central role in vaping, the way it is delivered can make a big difference to your experience.

This brings us to an important distinction in vaping: fixed airflow versus adjustable airflow.

What’s the difference between fixed and adjustable airflow?

Fixed airflow

Fixed airflow means the air flowing through the pod can not be adjusted. This airflow type is commonly found on cigalikes and prefilled pod devices, where a single airflow is set across the range.

This is fine if the inhale suits you, but if it doesn’t, your only option is to change devices. Modern prefilled devices often deliver a decent draw, but there is only so far a one-size-fits-all design can take you.

Adjustable airflow

Adjustable airflow gives you control over the flow of air. Adjustment is usually handled by a ring or dial, though some devices instead offer a few preset options such as “restricted” or “airy.” Either way, it gives you the chance to fine-tune your vape until it feels just right.

How airflow affects vaping

Airflow has a big impact on the way your vape feels.

• Flavour: A tighter airflow usually gives stronger, more concentrated flavour. An open airflow produces a lighter flavour.
• Vapour production: Open airflow creates bigger clouds, while restricted airflow keeps vapour output lower.
• Throat hit: A tighter draw makes the hit feel stronger and harsher, while open airflow produces a smoother inhale.
• Warmth of vapour: Restricted airflow keeps vapour warmer; open airflow gives a cooler vape.
• Juice use: More airflow can mean more juice use, because you’re creating more vapour.

However, airflow isn’t the only factor that shapes your vape. Coil resistance, wattage, and e-liquid choice all play an important role too.

At a glance comparison:

	Tighter airflow	Open airflow
Flavour	Stronger	Lighter
Vapour	Less	More
Throat hit	Harsher	Smoother
Warmth	Warmer	Cooler
Juice use	Lower	Higher

 

Choosing the right airflow for your style

The right airflow setting depends on how you like to vape. Airflow is a big part of this, but your coil resistance, wattage, and e-liquid type all play a role too.

• Mouth-to-Lung (MTL):
  MTL vaping is designed to feel similar to smoking a cigarette - a tighter draw, a stronger throat hit, and higher nicotine levels. Restricted airflow supports this style, but it also relies on using higher-resistance coils, lower wattages, and e-liquids with higher nicotine strengths.
• Direct-Lung (DL):
  DL vaping is about inhaling directly into the lungs, with open airflow, bigger clouds, and a smoother throat hit. Along with open airflow, you’ll typically need lower-resistance coils, higher wattages, and e-liquids with lower nicotine strengths.
• Restricted Direct-Lung (RDL):
  Some vapers prefer something in between MTL and DL. Not too open, not too closed, with satisfying but not extreme vapour production. Many refillable pod kits with adjustable airflow are now designed to offer this “best of both worlds” option.

Because so many factors influence your vape, the best approach is to experiment. Start with airflow settings that match your coil and e-liquid choice, then adjust until you find the balance of flavour, vapour, and throat hit that feels right for you.

Learn more: Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) Vs Direct-Lung (DL) Inhale Explained.

A practical guide to adjusting airflow

On most modern devices, adjusting airflow is quick and simple.

The most common method is a small ring at the base of a tank or pod – just twist it to open or restrict the airflow. Some pod systems use a slider or switch instead, and a few offer preset options such as “restricted” or “airy”.

If you’re new to adjustable airflow, here are some easy tips to get started:

• Start in the middle: Set the airflow halfway open for a balanced starting point.
• Too harsh? Open the airflow a little more to smooth out the draw.
• Flavour feels weak? Close the airflow slightly to concentrate flavour.
• Warmer or cooler vape: Restricted airflow usually feels warmer, while more open airflow feels cooler.

Airflow is only one part of the picture. Coil resistance, wattage and e-liquid strength also shape the way your vape feels, so the best approach is to experiment with small adjustments. Together, these factors make a big difference, and you’ll quickly discover the setting that feels right for you.

When to consider adjustable airflow

If you’re happy with the way your current vape performs, there’s no need to change. Fixed-airflow devices can provide a consistent, satisfying experience without any adjustments.

That said, adjustable airflow is worth considering if:

• You want more control over your vape. Adjustable airflow allows you to fine-tune flavour, vapour production, throat hit, and warmth until you find your ideal balance.
• You’d like to switch between different styles. With one refillable device, you can often move between mouth-to-lung and direct-lung just by changing the coil and tweaking the airflow.
• You want flexibility with e-liquids. Adjustable airflow makes it easier to match different juices to different coils and wattages, whether you’re using nic salts, freebase, or shortfills.
• You’d like to reduce waste and cost. Adjustable airflow is usually found on refillable devices, which are more sustainable than prefilled kits and often cheaper to run in the long term.

In short, adjustable airflow isn’t essential for everyone - but if you enjoy experimenting, want flexibility, or are thinking about moving to a refillable vape, it’s a feature that can really improve your vaping experience.

Recommended devices

The best airflow option depends on how much control you want, and what kind of vaping experience you’re looking for. Here are some types of devices to consider:

• Fixed-airflow starter kits
  These are simple, no-fuss devices that deliver a consistent vape every time. They’re a good choice if you prefer convenience and don’t feel the need to adjust your draw.

• Refillable pod kits with adjustable airflow
  Many modern pod systems include a slider or dial that lets you open or restrict airflow. They’re ideal if you want the flexibility to switch between a tighter, cigarette-style draw and a looser, airier inhale - often just by changing coils and adjusting the airflow.

• Tanks and mods with airflow control
  For the greatest flexibility, refillable tanks and mods usually feature a rotating airflow ring. These allow you to fine-tune your vape in small increments, making them well suited to experienced vapers who like to experiment with different styles.

If you’re interested in exploring your options, take a look at our ranges of refillable vape kits, which includes both fixed and adjustable airflow devices.

TL;DR: Airflow and vaping

All vapes have airflow, but only some let you adjust it.

Adjustable airflow, found in many refillable kits, pods, tanks and mods, lets you fine-tune flavour, vapour, throat hit and warmth.

• Tighter airflow = stronger flavour, warmer vapour, harsher throat hit, less vapour, less juice used
• Open airflow = lighter flavour, cooler vapour, smoother throat hit, bigger clouds, more juice used

It is simple to adjust, usually with a ring or slider, and makes it easy to experiment until you find your sweet spot.

If you are happy with a fixed-airflow device there is no need to change. But adjustable refillable devices offer more flexibility, create less waste and can save money in the long run.

FAQs: Airflow and vaping

Does more airflow use more vape juice?
Often, yes. A wide-open airflow usually creates more vapour, which means you go through e-liquid faster. But remember - coil resistance, wattage, and e-liquid choice also have a big impact on how much juice you use.

What airflow should I vape at?
There’s no single “best” airflow setting. It depends on your device, coil, wattage, and personal preference. Start with the airflow half open, then adjust until you find the balance of flavour, vapour, and throat hit that feels right.

Why is my vape leaking from the airflow holes?
Leaking can happen if the coil is old, incorrectly fitted, or oversaturated with e-liquid. Using the wrong wattage for your coil or leaving the airflow wide open at low power can also make leaks more likely.

Is more airflow better for vaping?
Not necessarily. More airflow gives bigger clouds and a smoother throat hit, while tighter airflow delivers stronger flavour and a cigarette-like draw. The “better” option is whichever suits your style.

Can you adjust airflow on pod kits?
Many modern refillable pod systems include adjustable airflow - often with a slider or dial. Prefilled pods and basic starter kits are more likely to have fixed airflow.

Does airflow affect coil life?
Indirectly. Airflow helps cool the coil, which can prevent overheating and extend lifespan. However, coil life is mainly affected by wattage, e-liquid type, and how often you vape.

Related categories

• Prefilled pod kits
• Refillable vape kits
• Refillable pod vapes
• Mod and tank kits
• Vape tanks

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• Vape Juice Guide: The Best E-Liquid for Pods, Mods & More
• Anatomy of the Perfect Vape Device
• Choosing a Vape Kit: Why Refillable Might Beat Prefilled
• A Beginner’s Guide to Vape Coils
• The Vaper’s Guide to Throat Hit