Airflow in an e-cigarette - understanding and adjusting the air supply

Airflow describes the amount of air that flows through the atomiser when you inhale and mixes with the vapourised e-liquid. Almost every modern atomiser has a rotating ring or adjustable slots for this purpose – known as airflow control. The wider you open it, the more air flows past the coil. This cools the vapour, reduces the draw resistance and produces larger clouds. If you close the ring, the draw becomes tighter, the vapour warmer and the flavour more concentrated.

Airflow is therefore not the same as wattage or coil resistance, but it directly influences how both of these factors play out. If the airflow is too low and the power too high, the coil can overheat. If there is too much airflow and the power is too low, the vapour feels thin and cold. Finding the right balance makes the difference between a mediocre draw and a satisfying vaping experience.

The airflow on a vape is usually regulated via a ring at the bottom of the atomiser or via side sliders. This allows you to adjust the draw resistance, i.e. the amount of force you feel when taking a puff.

MTL – Mouth-to-Lung

With MTL, the airflow is significantly reduced. As with a traditional cigarette, you inhale first into your mouth, then into your lungs. Typical for pod systems, nicotine salt e-liquids and entry-level devices. Tight draw resistance, little vapour, intense flavour.

DL – Direct-Lung

Here, the airflow is wide open. You draw the vapour directly into your lungs, similar to a deep breath. Suitable for sub-ohm coils (under 1.0 ohms), higher wattages (40 W and above) and e-liquids with a high VG content.

RDL – Restricted Direct-Lung

The middle ground: more open than MTL, but not as airy as DL. Good for anyone who wants to balance flavour and vapour production.

The correct setting depends on the coil, e-liquid and personal preference. These points will help you fine-tune it:

• Adjust coil resistance: Coils under 0.6 ohms usually require plenty of airflow. Coils over 1.0 ohms work better with restricted airflow and deliver a more intense flavour.
• Consider the e-liquid ratio: A high VG content (70/30 or 80/20) produces thick vapour and works well with an open airflow. E-liquids with more PG and nicotine salt are better suited to a tight draw.
• Adjust gradually: Start with the ring half-open and adjust in small increments. A quarter turn can noticeably change the draw.
• Check the temperature: If the vapour becomes uncomfortably hot, open the airflow slightly or reduce the wattage. If the draw feels scratchy, this is often caused by insufficient airflow or too high a power setting.
• Check for condensation: If liquid collects in the airflow channel, it is often because the airflow is too open or the coil is not saturated enough. Blowing through briefly will remedy this.

A common mistake: setting the airflow once and never touching it again. Every new coil and every new e-liquid changes the ideal setting. Allow two minutes for fine-tuning when changing the tank.

Why does my vape taste bland despite a new coil?

This is often due to the airflow being opened too wide. Too much air dilutes the flavour. Close the ring by one or two notches and test again. Vapour that is too cold due to too low a wattage can also dampen the flavour.

What airflow setting is best for nicotine salt?

Nicotine salt e-liquids, typically at 10 to 20 mg/ml, are usually vaped in MTL style. For this, you need a restricted airflow, similar to the draw on a cigarette. Open the ring only slightly; otherwise, the nicotine hit will feel too mild.

Can too little airflow damage the coil?

Yes. If the airflow is severely restricted whilst the wattage is high, heat builds up in the atomiser head. The cotton can burn, producing a sharp, burnt taste (dry hit). In this case, either reduce the power or open the airflow.

Which is better – open or closed airflow?

Neither is objectively better. Open airflow produces more vapour and a cooler draw, whilst closed airflow delivers more flavour and throat hit. The key is that the coil, e-liquid and draw behaviour all work in harmony.

The airflow of an e-cigarette is not a minor detail, but a central part of your vaping experience. By consciously adjusting the airflow, you can get more flavour, more vapour, or exactly the draw resistance you prefer from every e-liquid and every coil. Next time you change your coil, take two minutes to fine-tune it. You’ll find suitable devices with precise airflow control in our selection of vaporisers – from tight MTL tanks to open sub-ohm models. If you’re just starting out, take a look at pod systems too.