Former smokers share their views on e-cigarettes

Although the e-cigarette is now recognised as the best tool for smoking cessation, many smokers are still hesitant to start their vaping journey. So, we thought the best people to tell you about it are those who have actually been helped by e-cigarettes. Via one of our Facebook posts, vapers give us their thoughts and share their experiences. How did they go about it? What were the benefits? Did they face any challenges? These stories are here to answer all your questions.

• Julien :

"I've been vaping for five years, and I quit smoking two years ago.

When I used to smoke behind the wheel on my way to work, I would choke and struggle for breath. It was a shock that pushed me to quit smoking. Since then, I can breathe again and I feel much better.

Long live vaping and long live life !"

• Jean :

"I've been vaping for three years after smoking for 21 years. Today, I've got my breath back, I haven't gained weight, and I don't smell of tobacco anymore. 3 years of discovering vaping in all its forms and, above all, helping others make the switch. It's not necessarily easy at first. I tried 5 or 6 years ago with some basic gear bought at a high price in a shop that wasn't really helpful. It was only 3 years ago that I truly quit smoking, thanks to the help of a shop manager who guided me and took the time to explain everything I needed to know. Today, more than just a substitute, it has become a passion. The passion for rediscovered taste."

• Isabelle :

"I've been vaping for 3 years and have had no issues at all. I started vaping with a refillable puff/disposable after going for my occupational health check-up. The doctor advised me to vape instead of smoking cigarettes..."

• Débora :

"I haven't been using e-cigarettes for very long (3 months), but I have absolutely no regrets! I don't cough like I used to, I no longer have the urge to smoke as soon as I wake up, and my sense of taste and smell has come back."

• Frédérique :

"Completely off cigarettes for 2 years thanks to vaping, with no cravings felt. I gradually reduced my nicotine levels down to 0 mg. I make my own e-liquids, which is cheaper. Fresh complexion, much better breathing, my chest isn't congested when I wake up, no more tobacco smell, and extra cash in my pocket! In two years, ZERO issues."

• Farias :

"As a professional singer and a vaper of 5 years, I don't cough anymore. My voice is clear again, and I don't get hoarse at all. I've got my sense of taste back, my breathing is better, and my skin is clear..."

• Bastien :

"After a year of vaping, I don't cough in the morning anymore, my sense of taste is back, I get out of breath much less, and my car doesn't smell like cigarettes anymore...

In my opinion, it's one of the best choices I've ever made !"

• Sebastien :

"I started smoking at 13 (so I had a heavy dependency). I'm 33 now. I never even considered quitting one day because it seemed impossible… It's now been 3 months since I discovered vaping, and I haven't touched a single cigarette since."

• Florentin :

"I had been smoking since I was 15. I've now been a vaper for 3 years. Before that, I was on 25 to 30 cigarettes a day with asthma, and I used to get smoking-related bronchitis. When I switched to vaping, I got some of my breath back. I finally managed to quit cigarettes for good, which I hadn't been able to do with nicotine gum, etc... Since then, it's become a passion, and in my view, it's less damaging to health. Of course, I haven't had any severe bronchitis like that since, and my asthma is settling down bit by bit :)"

• Franck :

"It's been over a year since I quit smoking for e-cigarettes, and I no longer get that stale, pasty mouth feeling in the morning. I can taste food again and my breathing has improved. So, long live vaping !"

• Laetitia :

"I started vaping 20 months ago following the diagnosis of my COPD and emphysema.. 20 months ago, I only had 47% of my lung capacity left; by June 2019, I had recovered 84%... That says it all! "

• Anonymous :

"It's only been two weeks since I quit smoking and took up vaping, but I already feel much better. Vaping is cheaper for me and less harmful than tobacco. There are plenty of flavours, and you can choose the nicotine strength that suits you. You manage your consumption exactly how you want. Granted, the ideal thing would be not to smoke or vape anything at all. Never start vaping if you weren't a smoker before."

• Miguel :

"The e-cig is THE method that allowed me to break up with my beloved cigarettes. I kept the hand-to-mouth action as well as a bit of nicotine (3mg, as nicotine binds the flavours), but that's it. Different gourmet flavours depending on my mood, and various setups to match. I've always gone for products that meet French standards, which guarantees quality hardware and consumables."

• Jamal :

"With vaping, I got my breath back and was able to get back into sport without any trouble, whereas when I was a smoker, I couldn't even walk up the stairs without losing my breath. Vaping saved me !"

If you would also like to share your own vaping experience and help smokers make the switch, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would be delighted to publish it :)

If you are here because you want to quit smoking and these testimonials have convinced you, come and explore our starter kits for beginners here.