Heated Tobacco Device vs E-Cigarettes: What’s different?

Woman holding a gold IQOS heated tobacco device

The first time you heard of heated tobacco devices, did you perhaps think that they were the same thing as electronic cigarettes? While both products are electronic, smoke-free alternatives for legal-aged smokers (18+), there are some key differences to be aware of when making a choice between IQOS heated tobacco vs. e-cigarettes.

What are e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes?

Electronic cigarettes are one type of alternative to smoking. They are handheld devices that come in various sizes, with customization options. Some e-cigarettes are disposable, while others can be reused. In general, electronic cigarettes heat e-liquids to generate an aerosol, also called a vapor. Those adults (18+) who use e-cigarettes also use e-liquids or e-juice, which come in various flavors, and may contain nicotine. 

Electronic cigarettes heat and vaporize e-liquids between a wide range of temperatures – it could be anywhere from 100° C to 250°C. The e-liquid is drawn from a disposable cartridge or the tank of the electronic cigarette and put into contact with a battery-powered heating component. Heating the e-liquid creates vapor, which can be drawn from the device through a mouthpiece.

IQOS 3 DUO device in Brilliant Gold

What is IQOS Heated Tobacco Device?

IQOS is a heated tobacco device developed by Philip Morris International that uses an innovative tobacco heating system called HeatControl™ Technology. This type of tobacco heating technology is often called “heat-not-burn”, because it heats tobacco instead of burning it. Burning is what happens when a person smoke conventional cigarette. 

Heating tobacco instead of burning it is the most crucial part of what makes IQOS an alternative to continued smoking. With IQOS, a tobacco stick called HEETS™, which is made of real, processed tobacco, is inserted into the IQOS holder and onto a heating blade, with a heating temperature controlled and does not exceed 350°C.  This heats the tobacco from the inside of the tobacco stick, releasing tobacco flavor in the form of vapor or smoke-free aerosol with no fire, no ash, and no cigarette smoke.

 

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Important Information: This product is not risk free and provides nicotine, which is addictive. Only for use by adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

IQOS are only for adult smokers who otherwise wish to continue to use tobacco or nicotine containing products.

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. 

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