HOW DOES IQOS DIFFER FROM E-CIGARETTES AND VAPES?

The smoker, who is considering switching to an electronic alternative, faces a difficult choice. The modern market for gadgets for smokers offers devices for every taste - vapes, electronic cigarettes, tobacco-heating systems, sub-systems, even electronic hookahs. You can find almost any design and shape, varying from vape flash drives and small devices visually similar to a cigarette to pipes and bulky hand-sized containers.

How do all these gadgets differ?

How do smoke-free gadgets for smokers work?

During the smoking process, tobacco and paper components of cigarettes burn at temperatures above 800°C (at the tip of the cigarette). The result is smoke that contains over 6,000 different chemical compounds. Many of them are hazardous or potentially hazardous to health. About 100 of these are attributed to smoking-related diseases. The most dangerous of them, according to health organizations, are resins, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, acrolein, benzopyrene, etc.

Smoke-free gadgets for smokers (tobacco-heating systems, electronic cigarettes, vapes) have a divergent principle of action that excludes the combustion process. Depending on the technology, these devices either vaporize liquid or heat the tobacco. We cannot affirm for all devices, however IQOS research confirms, that IQOS emits on average 95% lower levels of harmful chemicals compared to cigarettes.*

Important information: It does not necessarily equal a 95% reduction in risk. IQOS is not risk-free.

*Compared to the smoke of a reference cigarette (3R4F).

What is a tobacco heating system?

Tobacco heating systems are gadgets in which tobacco does not burn, like in a cigarette, but only heats up to a certain, strictly controlled, temperature.

Examples of tobacco heating systems: IQOS, glo, Jouz.

IQOS heats tobacco up to 300-350°C (instead of 800°C, at which a cigarette burns). This temperature is sufficient for the aromatic tobacco aerosol to evaporate from the tobacco itself. The technology behind IQOS is called HeatControl™. There is a ceramic heating blade inside the holder. Once the stick is inserted into the holder, the blade enters the tobacco and IQOS is turned on, the device will start heating the tobacco stick from the inside.

Tobacco heating systems can be of various shapes and configurations. For example, it can consist of two elements - a holder and a charger (like IQOS 2.4 Plus and IQOS 3 DUO) or be a one-piece, monolithic device (like IQOS 3 Multi).

IQOS is sometimes referred to as an electronic cigarette or vape. This statement is incorrect. It is not correct to call IQOS an electronic cigarette. IQOS does not work with liquid, but exclusively with tobacco sticks specifically designed for this particular device.

You can buy IQOS in specialized IQOS brand stores, online on the official website or in partner networks. All points of sale are displayed on the interactive map on this website or in the “Find us” section in VIBER Assistant.

Brief characteristics of tobacco-heating systems:

• those heat the tobacco, without burning it;
• no liquids;
• tobacco aerosol is released.

What is an electronic cigarette?

Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are devices made for smokers that heat a special liquid and convert it into steam. They consist of a heating element, a container for liquid and a battery. The filling for electronic cigarettes contains glycerin, propylene glycol, water, flavorings and synthetic nicotine. Electronic cigarettes with refueling liquids can be purchased at many vape shops and online.

Brief characteristics of e-cigarette:

• liquid filling;
• liquid evaporation;
• steam is released;
• self-refueling.

What is a vape?

Vapes are electronic vaporizers that, like electronic cigarettes, convert liquid into vapor. Essentially, vaping and e-cigarettes are the same thing. They both heat and vaporize the liquid; their filling is also identical in composition.

What is the difference between vapes and e-cigarettes? Usually, it's in size and power. Vapes often have a more powerful battery and liquid tank with a larger capacity, and also allow the user to adjust the degree of heating and the intensity of steam. Vapes are widespread and sold in numerous vape shops.

Brief characteristics of vapes:

• liquid filling;
• large tank capacity;
• liquid evaporation;
• steam;
• self-refueling.

What is a pod-system?

Pod systems (vapes with saline nicotine) are a smaller version of conventional vapes, where removable cartridges (pods) are used instead of a tank into which liquid is poured. Hence the name of the gadget - pod system. Inside the pods there is either a regular vaper liquid or the so-called liquid nicotine salts.

Otherwise, the principle of action is the same as for vapes and e-cigarettes. Electronics heats the liquid until steam is generated.

Examples of pod systems: Juul, Logic, Joint.

Brief characteristics of pod systems:

• liquid or liquid saline nicotine;
• removable disposable capsule pods;
• liquid evaporation;
• steam.

E-cigarettes, vapes and tobacco heating systems – What is the difference?

The main difference between e-cigarettes, vapes and tobacco heating systems is in technology. The first two categories of devices vaporize special liquids, while IQOS heats the tobacco, resulting in an aerosol release.

Unlike most models of vapes and e-cigarettes, IQOS does not need to be refilled with liquids.

You can click here to learn more about technology behind IQOS, or find the answers to your questions here. You can also contact our Customer Service Center by calling +37444004767, or by mail: contact.am@iqos.com.