7-Aug-2025

MTL vs. DTL: A Comprehensive Guide to Vaping Techniques

For adult users exploring vaping techniques and styles, choosing between Mouth-to-Lung (MTL) vaping and Direct-to-Lung (DTL) vaping can feel confusing at first. Vaping styles shape how vapour is inhaled, how strong the inhalation feels, and whether you prioritise flavour or cloud chasing. This guide explains the difference between MTL and DTL, breaking down the essentials – from coil resistance to e-liquid choice – so you can match the right vape kit to your preferences.

What Is Mouth-To-Lung (MTL) Vaping?

If you wonder, “What does MTL stand for?” the answer is Mouth-to-Lung. MTL vaping mimics the draw of traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes: vapour is held in the mouth first, then inhaled into the lungs.

MTL Vape Features

• Coil resistance: typically 1.0 ohm or higher

• E-liquid: often 50/50 VG/PG or nicotine salts for a smoother inhalation

• Vape Experience: noticeable inhalation, moderate vapour, tighter airflow

• Devices: compact MTL pod kits, vape pens, or starter kits with smaller drip tips.

Because the inhale feels familiar, MTL vaping is popular with adult users switching from smoking.

Read our guide on what vaping is and how to vape to know more about vaping.

What Is Direct-to-Lung (DTL) Vaping?

If you wonder, “What does DTL stand for?” the answer is Direct-to-Lung. DTL vaping involves inhaling vapour straight into the lungs, similar to breathing in from a shisha hose.

DTL Vape Features

• Coil resistance: sub-ohm (below 1.0 ohm)

• E-liquid: high-VG bases and blends (e.g. 70VG/30PG) for thick clouds

• Experience: smooth inhale, large vapour volume, open airflow — or a more controlled draw with restricted direct-to-lung devices

• Devices: high-wattage vape mods, sub-ohm tanks, wide bore drip tips

DTL vaping suits users who value flavour saturation and big cloud production, and many modern vape kits are designed with a DTL circuit to support high power output and airflow adjustability.

What Is Sub-Ohm Vaping?

In vaping, ohm measures a coil’s electrical resistance. Sub-ohm devices use resistance coils below 1.0 ohm, allowing more power to reach the coil and generating warmer vapour, richer flavour, and dense cloud chase. Because of the higher vapour output, sub-ohm kits pair naturally with DTL circuit devices, high-VG e-liquids, and adjustable airflow.

A well-designed DTL circuit ensures consistent vapour output and helps maintain stable performance during high-wattage vaping sessions. They’re generally best suited to experienced adult users comfortable managing wattage and resistance coil changes.

Are you curious about how sub-ohm vaping works? Check out our article on sub-ohm vaping explained.

Why Coil Resistance Matters

• Higher resistance (≥ 1 ohm): cooler vapour, tighter draw – ideal for MTL vaping and propylene glycol-rich liquids.

• Lower resistance (< 1 ohm): warmer vapour, greater output – essential for DTL vaping and sub-ohm tanks.

A burnt taste or drop in flavour typically means the device needs coil replacements. Devices built for DTL vaping often feature a DTL circuit to help manage heat and airflow efficiently.

MTL vs DTL: Key Differences

Vaping Styles: What to Choose

Whether you're switching from smoking or using an e-cigarette, finding the right vaping style can improve your experience.

Flavour Profile and Familiarity If you prefer a cigarette-like draw with flavour clarity and a defined inhalation, an MTL pod or slim vape kit is likely your match. These setups work well with lower nicotine strength, resulting in longer battery life and less e-liquid use.

Clouds and Intensity If large clouds and a smoother inhale are your goal, DTL vaping delivers. High-VG e-liquids, adjustable airflow and sub-ohm coils combine to produce dense vapour and a warmer, more immersive experience.

Matching E-Liquids to Your Vaping Style

Choosing the right blend with vegetable glycerin (VG) for vapour and propylene glycol (PG) for flavour helps prevent dry inhalation and preserves coil performance. Matching your e-liquid to your vape kit matters.

Nicotine salt e-liquids are commonly used with MTL devices due to their smoother inhalation and efficient nicotine delivery, even at lower power levels. They work especially well in compact vape kits or starter kits that use higher-resistance coils, providing a satisfying experience for adult users seeking a familiar inhalation style.

Discover the difference between nic salts and regular e-liquids.

Quick Decision Guide

• Are you new to vaping? Start with an MTL vaping kit for a familiar draw.

• Do you prefer big clouds? Go for a DTL vaping sub-ohm setup.

• Are you looking for flexibility? Try pod mods or devices with swappable resistance coils so you can switch between mouth-to-lung vaping and direct-to-lung vaping.

• Consider your preferred nicotine strength and nicotine concentrations when choosing e-liquids.

Starter kits are a great entry point for adult users exploring MTL vaping, as they often come with user-friendly settings, compatible resistance coils, and a simple setup. Many starter kits are designed to be compact and intuitive.

Are you still deciding on a device? Browse our vape kits for smokers.

Smoke Free Alternatives

If you're exploring smoke-free options, see what happens when you switch to other alternatives in this IQOS article on smoke-free alternatives.

To explore heated tobacco options, learn more about IQOS ILUMA, a device that heats tobacco sticks without burning.

• IQOS ILUMA ONE Kit Bundle

• IQOS ILUMA I Prime

• TEREA Tobacco Sticks

IQOS is not risk-free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults.