Why People Use Both Vapes and Nicotine Pouches: A Look at Dual Use

TL;DR - What is dual use of vaping and nicotine pouches?

Dual use refers to combining vaping and nicotine pouches to manage nicotine cravings in various settings. Vaping provides inhaled nicotine, while pouches offer a smokeless, discreet option. Users often vape at home and switch to pouches in public or restricted spaces, ensuring constant nicotine delivery without smoking.

Let’s get this out of the way: there’s no peer-reviewed science behind what I’m about to share - just personal experience and a lot of flights. I’m a former smoker of 16 years who switched to vaping in 2012. While vaping helped me quit tobacco, public restrictions often made me feel lumped in with the smokers. Nowhere was this more frustrating than on long-haul flights, particularly my annual trip back to South Africa.

Then came nicotine pouches.

In 2023, faced with the usual nicotine cravings at Heathrow, I stumbled upon Nordic Spirit pouches. Skeptical but desperate, I tried them. To my surprise, they worked. Discreet, smokeless, and surprisingly effective, they helped me manage cravings during the flight. I walked out of Cape Town Airport calm and relaxed. I didn’t ditch vaping, but found a new sidekick.

If you’re fed up with nicotine restrictions or looking for a smoother quit journey, dual use might be the combo you didn’t know you needed.

What Is Dual Use?

Before diving into the benefits of combining nicotine alternatives, it helps to understand what we mean by vaping and nicotine pouches, and how people use them together rather than as replacements for one another.

Vaping and Nicotine Pouches Defined

Vaping involves inhaling vapour produced by a vape kit, delivering nicotine without combustion. Nicotine pouches are small, tobacco-free sachets placed under the upper lip, slowly releasing nicotine through the gum.

Both are popular smoking alternatives in the UK. Vaping is widely recognised for helping smokers quit, while nicotine pouches offer a discreet method without the need to inhale.

What Does “Dual Use” Mean in Practice?

Rather than replacing one method entirely, dual users combine vaping and nicotine pouches based on the situation they’re in. You might vape at home, but use pouches at work or during travel. It’s about matching the method to the moment.

Why Combine Vaping with Nicotine Pouches?

Combining two nicotine delivery methods might seem excessive or complicated at first, but there are practical benefits to this hybrid approach. From dealing with restrictions to seeking more flexibility, dual use has its perks.

Benefits of using both nicotine pouches and vaping:

• Manage cravings in vape-free zones like planes and offices.

• Avoid unwanted visibility of vapour in public.

• Portable backup for on-the-go use.

• Balance nicotine levels throughout the day.

• Reduce relapse risk when quitting smoking.

Managing Cravings in Restricted Settings

In the UK, vaping is banned in many indoor public areas including concert halls, planes, trains, offices and even some outdoor venues like pub gardens. Nicotine pouches step in where vaping can’t. They’re:

• Legal to use in most indoor public places.

• Quick to use and odourless.

• Virtually invisible once in place.

So whether you’re stuck in a meeting, on a flight or in a cinema, pouches let you manage cravings quietly and effectively. Once you’re outdoors again, you can switch to your vape.

The Convenience Factor

A standout benefit of pouches is their ease of use and practicality. Nicotine pouches offer:

• Portability: No device, no charging.

• Discretion: No clouds or odours.

• Simplicity: Just pop one in, and go.

For vapers, they’re a handy backup when carrying a vape kit isn’t practical.

Is It Safe to Use Both Nicotine Pouches and Vapes?

Health and safety are fair concerns when using any nicotine product, let alone two. While there’s limited research on combining them, here’s what we do know.

What We Know About Safety

Long-term research on dual use is still limited. However, both vaping and nicotine pouches are widely seen as much safer than smoking. This is largely because they avoid tobacco and combustion - the process that creates tar and harmful toxins.

The NHS supports vaping as a quit aid for smoking, and while it doesn’t endorse nicotine pouches explicitly, it does recommend other similar nicotine alternatives like gum and patches which use the same ingredients and provide the same result. (1) Nicotine pouches are legally regulated in the UK and free from tobacco.

What About Addiction Risk?

Dual use is a comprehensive method to manage a nicotine addiction. But it also means you’re taking nicotine in two forms, which can lead to:

• Increased overall nicotine intake, which risks;

• Dependence if usage isn’t moderated.

• Feeling unwell from taking in more nicotine than your body can comfortably handle - symptoms can include nausea, dizziness, and restlessness.

If you’re using both regularly, you want to do so in moderation. Consider tracking your intake or consulting a stop-smoking advisor to manage your consumption.

Real-Life Scenarios: When Dual Use Works

Theory is one thing, but how does this actually play out day to day? Here’s how people mix and match based on their routines and environments.

Vaping at Home, Pouches on the Go

It’s all about context. You might:

• Vape on the sofa, then grab a pouch for your train commute.

• Use your vape on lunch breaks, but switch to a pouch during meetings.

• Stick to pouches on a night out where vaping feels intrusive.

For me, the combination helped maintain consistency. Rather than feeling like I was ‘Breaking’ my routine when I couldn’t vape, I just switched tools.

When should I use vaping vs nicotine pouches?

Should You Try Both?

So, is dual use right for you? It depends on your goals. Here’s how to think about it whether you’re quitting smoking or already vaping.

For Smokers Trying to Quit

Using nicotine pouches and vaping can help bridge the gap for smokers looking to quit, the flexibility helps reduce the temptation to relapse in vape-restricted situations or if your vape has run out of charge. Just be sure to choose nicotine strengths that match your needs, and don’t overlap one with the other.

Some good starting points:

• Vapers using 10mg e-liquid might try 6mg pouches

• Former heavy smokers using 20mg nic salts might need stronger pouches like 9mg or 11mg, but remember, with pouches - start low and work your way up.

For Current Vapers

If you don’t want to give up vaping but hate being caught out in restricted areas, give nicotine pouches a go. You don’t need to make a big switch - just carry them for when you can’t vape.

Start with a mild pouch and short sessions to see how your body reacts. Nordic Spirit and Zyn offer a range of strengths and flavours suitable for vapers.

What Are The Best Nicotine Pouches for Dual Use

If you’ve decided to use nicotine pouches as a backup to your vaping routine, our best tip is to start with a low nicotine strength. Absorbing nicotine though your gums can take a bit of getting used to and it's much easier to use a low option like a 3mg or 6mg tub of pouches to start with.

Top Nicotine Pouches for Dual Use

FAQ

Can you use nicotine pouches and vapes together?

Yes. Many users combine nicotine pouches and vaping to manage cravings in different situations. Pouches are discreet, smokeless, and can be used where vaping is restricted. They’re great for flying and indoor concerts.

Is dual use harmful?

It carries more risk than using one product alone but is far safer than smoking. The key is to monitor your nicotine intake and not overlap one with the other.

Are nicotine pouches legal in the UK?

Yes. They are tobacco-free and legally sold to adults over 18.

What nicotine pouch is best for travel?

Look for discreet, lower-strength options like Nordic Spirit 6mg in mint flavours. Nicotine pouches are ideal for flights or long train rides.

Final Thoughts

Dual use of nicotine pouches and vapes isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about staying flexible. For many, including myself, combining vaping and nicotine pouches offers a way to stay in control, no matter the setting. I find being able to switch to pouches allows me to fully focus on my indoor activities without the nagging distraction of craving anxiety, which is very liberating.

If smoking and vaping restrictions, daily routines, or cravings keep catching you out, consider a two-pronged approach. Take a look at our discounted vape bundle deals and grab yourself a full vape setup, and then why not pair it with a 3 for £10 nicotine pouch offer - and be prepared no matter the situation.

Have you had your own dual use experience? Share your story with us in the comments section below! 👇

Sources

1. Vaping to Quit Smoking - nhs.co.uk

    

www.vapesuperstore.co.uk contains general information about vaping and vapour products. The information provided is not medical advice, and should not be relied upon unless explicity cited. We do not make any warranties surrounding the health benefits, reliability and accuracy of written copy across all pages on our website, including blog content and content posted on social media.

Medical Information Disclaimer