For many adult smokers considering the switch from smoking cigarettes to smoke-free alternatives, the search can be overwhelming. The extensive number of alternatives readily available on the market may seem astonishing, but it helps to understand the different types of smoke-free products to help you make better decisions.
This article explores what these products are – from heated tobacco and e-cigarettes to nicotine pouches, and how they work. Importantly, these wide-ranging product types present an alternative to continued smoking. These products are not risk-free and contain nicotine, which is an addictive substance. The best decision any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. These alternatives should only be considered for adult smokers or nicotine users who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.
What are the Smoke-Free Alternatives to Smoking Cigarettes?
It is worth spending a little time researching the different types of smoke-free products available in shops or online. You might have heard of some, or all, of these.
- Vapes (or e-cigarettes)
- Heated tobacco
- Nicotine pouches
Why Choose Smoke-Free Alternatives?
The dangers of smoking cigarettes have been widely known for several decades now. Arguably, the most widely discussed harmful aspect of cigarettes are the substances and chemicals released because of combustion, which is the burning of tobacco. When a cigarette combusts, thousands of potentially harmful chemicals are released within the cigarette smoke. This poses irritation not only to you but to others around you too.
The number of harmful chemicals is reduced by removing the burning component in the process, but it must be acknowledged that smoke-free products are not risk-free. Vaping/e-cigarette products, heated tobacco and nicotine pouches are not risk-free, and contain nicotine, which is addictive. However, these alternatives to smoking don’t work in the same way that cigarettes do.
Vape (Or e-Cigarette, or e-Vapour) Devices
One of the better-known alternatives to smoking is vape devices, also known as e-cigarettes. These products make use of an e-liquid - typically containing Propylene Glycol and/or Vegetable Glycerine - that evaporates when heated.
There are four different types of vape - mod systems, vape pens, cigalikes, and pod devices, none of which uses real tobacco.
- Heated Tobacco - An alternative to smoking, heated tobacco devices heat tobacco instead of burning it. This is different from cigarettes, which rely on combustion to deliver tobacco.
- Nicotine pouches - A nicotine pouch is typically a small, individually packaged product that contains nicotine which gets delivered through the gums in your mouth. Pouches are smoke-free, vapour-free and tobacco-free, so they provide a convenient nicotine experience. This means there is no need to step outside to use one. A pouch can be an ideal and convenient choice for different nicotine moments.
Why Smoke-Free Alternatives?
When determining which smoke-free alternative type is right for your needs, a crucial factor to consider is personal preference and the type of experience you want. Some smokers might prefer a product that heats tobacco and provides a cigarette-like experience. A product that looks and feels quite different to a cigarette, and supports a deliberate change away from smoking, may work for others.
IQOS Product Range
IQOS heated tobacco works by heating tobacco to precise temperatures. This prevents combustion or burning, and instead releases the flavour of heated tobacco, without the problems typically brought on by combustion, ash or smoke. IQOS heated tobacco is available on our website.
The best option to reduce the health risks associated with the use of tobacco and nicotine products is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. However, for those adults who would otherwise continue to smoke, switching completely to smoke-free alternatives could be something worth considering over continuing to smoke cigarettes.
Learn more about the benefits of switching to IQOS smoke-free alternatives.
(Disclaimer: This article is for general information and educational purposes. Some of the information in this article is based on external, third-party sources and we make no representations or warranties of any kind regarding the accuracy, validity or completeness of such information.)
