Is Snus Better Than Vaping?

Is Snus Better Than Vaping?

There is no clear-cut answer when comparing snus and vaping. The effects of these two products are not the same, and the choice depends on individual preferences, health concerns, and lifestyle. Both snus and vaping involve nicotine, which carries inherent risks, but they each have their unique impacts on health. In this blog, we will explore the differences, risks, and benefits of snus and vaping, helping you make a more informed choice.

Snus (Smokeless Tobacco) or Nicotine Pouches:

• How it's used: Snus is placed under the upper lip, allowing the nicotine to be absorbed through the mouth without inhalation of any vapour or smoke.
• Potential risk
  • Addiction: Snus contains nicotine, a highly addictive substance, which can lead to dependence over time.
    
  • Oral Health: Long-term use can cause gum irritation, and tooth discoloration, and potentially increase the risk of oral cancer.
    
  • Cardiovascular Risks: Nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate, which can contribute to cardiovascular problems.

Vaping:

• How it's used: Vaping involves inhaling vapour produced by an e-cigarette or vape device, where a liquid (e-liquid) containing nicotine is heated and turned into vapour.
  
• Potential Risk
  • Lung Issues: Vaping has been linked to various respiratory problems, including EVALI (E-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury), a condition that affects the lungs and can be life-threatening.
  • Addiction: Like snus, vaping products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive.
  • Harmful Chemicals: Vaping devices can release harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and acrolein, which are associated with respiratory damage when inhaled.

What is Snus?

Snus is a smokeless tobacco product originating from Sweden, primarily used in Scandinavian countries. It typically comes in loose tobacco form or in small, teabag-like pouches that are placed under the upper lip. While traditional snus contains tobacco, modern nicotine pouches (sometimes called "tobacco-free snus") do not.

Nicotine pouches are legal in the UK since it does not contain tobacco. These pouches are filled with nicotine-infused powder, along with sweeteners and flavourings, and release nicotine gradually when used. They are designed to provide a discreet and convenient way to consume nicotine. 

Unlike cigarettes, snus doesn't involve combustion, meaning there is no smoke, which some consider a safer option. Nicotine pouches are available in various strengths, with some delivering nicotine levels significantly higher than those found in cigarettes. They have become in the UK market due to their benefits for smokers who want to quit cigarettes. The comparison of snus (nicotine pouches) with vape will help you choose the most suitable method. 

What is Vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling vapor produced by an electronic device, typically referred to as an e-cigarette or vape pen. These devices heat a liquid (often referred to as e-liquid or vape juice) that contains nicotine, flavourings, and other chemicals. The vapour is then inhaled, allowing nicotine to enter the bloodstream through the lungs.

Vaping was initially marketed as a smoking cessation tool, but its popularity has grown, particularly among young people and those seeking alternatives to traditional smoking. Like nicotine pouches, vaping avoids the harmful effects of smoking, such as the inhalation of tar and carbon monoxide. 

There are different types of vaping devices including disposable vapes such as Lost Mary 4 in 1, Hayati Twist 5000 Heisenberg and IVG Smart 5500 with prefilled vape juice. These devices often come with a fixed level of nicotine. Meanwhile, there are refillable vape kits such as Voopoo Drag S, in which you can freely choose your vape juice and desired nicotine level.

A Comparison: Snus Vs Vaping

When comparing snus to vaping, several factors come into play, including consumption methods, nicotine delivery, and health risks.

Nicotine Delivery and Addiction

Both snus and vaping can lead to nicotine dependence. The nicotine levels in nicotine pouches can be quite high, and some users may consume more nicotine than they would from a cigarette. This can lead to stronger addiction potential. However, vaping allows for customizable nicotine levels, meaning users can choose a strength that suits their needs, though it can also contribute to dependence.

Nicotine itself is a highly addictive substance, and both snus and vaping products may make it difficult for users to quit once they start. For some, these products may serve as a transition from smoking. 

Health Risks

While both snus and vaping are considered less harmful than smoking traditional cigarettes, they are not without their risks.

Health Risks of Snus

• Oral health: Snus can cause oral issues like gum recession and tooth decay. Prolonged use may increase the risk of oral cancer, although the risks are lower than those associated with smoking.
• Cardiovascular health: Research on nicotine pouches indicates a risk to cardiovascular health due to the high levels of nicotine, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
• Addiction: Nicotine, the addictive compound in snus, can cause dependency, and snus users may become addicted over time.

Health Risks of Vaping

• Lung health: The long-term effects of inhaling vapour are still unclear, but vaping has been linked to respiratory issues and, in some cases, serious lung damage. Some chemicals in e-liquids, such as diacetyl, have been linked to a condition known as "popcorn lung."
• Nicotine addiction: Similar to snus, vaping products can lead to nicotine dependence, particularly when users opt for high-nicotine e-liquids.
• Other chemicals: The aerosol produced by e-cigarettes may contain harmful substances like formaldehyde and acrolein, which could have negative health effects when inhaled over time.

Legal Issues

Snus and vaping products face different levels of regulation around the world.

• Snus: While snus is banned in the EU (except in Sweden), nicotine pouches are increasingly popular in markets like the UK, where they remain unregulated by tobacco laws. However, these products are subject to general consumer safety regulations.
• Vaping: Vaping products are regulated in many countries, including the UK, where they are subject to age restrictions and advertising rules. Read about the TPD regulations on vape products. 

Environmental Impacts

Both snus and vaping have environmental consequences, though in different ways.

• Snus: The disposal of used pouches and the packaging waste from nicotine pouches contribute to environmental pollution, as these items are not biodegradable.
• Vaping: Vaping devices, particularly disposable e-cigarettes, create electronic waste. Additionally, the disposal of e-liquid containers and batteries adds to environmental concerns. Using disposable vape 10000 puffs or higher puff count can help reduce the environmental impacts. 

Conclusions

So, is snus better than vaping? The answer isn't straightforward, as both products carry health risks and their effects vary based on individual needs and preferences. However, in the UK, snus is illegal, making vaping a more accessible and legal option. Vaping is also widely recommended by the NHS as a smoking cessation tool, offering a safer alternative for those looking to quit smoking. Vaping is regulated and widely available in the UK, ensuring a more reliable and safe option for users. Shop all authentic vape products and TPD-Compliant safe vape devices at WizVape, your one-stop shop with hundreds of vape deals.

FAQs

Is snus or vape worse?

There’s no clear answer to this, as both snus and vaping come with their own set of risks. However, if you're looking for a legal and regulated option, vaping is often recommended by health professionals like the NHS as a safer alternative to smoking. 

Is snus better for your lungs?

Yes, snus is better for your lungs compared to vaping. Since snus is used orally (under the lip) and does not require inhalation, it does not directly affect lung health. The primary health risks of snus are related to oral health (gum disease, tooth decay) and the cardiovascular system due to nicotine.

What are the benefits of snus?

The benefits of snus include a lower health risk compared to smoking, more discreet usage, and being smokeless, but it still comes with potential health concerns, especially in terms of oral and cardiovascular health.