IQOS: A Closer Look at Heated Tobacco Sticks and Vaping
by TCF Group on Jul 13, 2023
IQOS: A Close Look at Heated Tobacco Sticks and Vaping
In the world of alternative nicotine products, IQOS has emerged as a popular choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional cigarettes.
But what exactly is IQOS, how does it compare to vaping, and why choose IQOS over a traditional cigarette?
In this article, we will explore the concept of IQOS, its distinction from vaping, the comparisons of Terea sticks to cigarettes, and address the question of whether heated tobacco is a safer alternative. Join us as we delve into the nuances of IQOS and its place in the evolving landscape of nicotine consumption.
What is IQOS?
IQOS, which stands for “I Quit Ordinary Smoking”, is a heated tobacco system developed by Philip Morris International (PMI). Unlike conventional cigarettes, IQOS does not burn tobacco, instead it heats tobacco sticks, also known as TEREA Sticks, at lower temperatures. This process generates a tobacco aerosol that users inhale, which provides nicotine satisfaction without combustion, ash, or smoke associated with traditional smoking. IQOS is designed for cigarette smokers as a cigarette-like experience, while potentially reducing the levels of harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke.
Is Heated Tobacco Vaping?
While both IQOS and vaping involve the consumption of nicotine, they operate on different principles. Vaping typically refers to the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), which produce an aerosol by heating e-liquid containing nicotine and other additives. In contrast, IQOS utilises a heated tobacco system, where tobacco is heated instead of being combusted. While both methods involve the inhalation of aerosols, the processes and products differ, leading to distinct experiences and potential effects on the user.
Heated Tobacco vs. Traditional Cigarettes: Is Heated Tobacco Safer?
When it comes to the question of why buy an IQOS over a traditional cigarette, it’s important to understand that both options carry their own set of risks and uncertainties. While heated tobacco significantly reduces the levels of harmful chemicals associated with combustion found in traditional cigarettes, it is not without potential risks. While IQOS reduces exposure to harmful toxins, it’s still a tobacco product that contains nicotine. Long-term effects of IQOS are not yet fully understood, but traditional cigarettes are far more harmful due to the toxic byproducts of combustion.
TEREA Sticks are a type of tobacco stick specifically designed for use with the IQOS heated tobacco system, delivering a tobacco sensation. The IQOS devices heat the TEREA stick to a lower temperature using Smartcore Induction Technology. This releases nicotine and flavour through an aerosol - whereas traditional cigarettes produce smoke through combustion. This means that TEREA sticks produce less byproducts such as tar and carbon monoxide compared to a traditional cigarette smoke. Furthermore, since TEREA sticks produce an aerosol rather than smoke, they may emit fewer particles and potentially less harmful substances into the environment as well as minimal odour, which may be a factor for individuals that are concerned about the impact of secondhand smoke.
Heated Tobacco vs. Vaping: Safety Considerations
While heated tobacco products like IQOS and e-cigarettes are both alternatives to traditional cigarettes, they operate on different principles and have distinct characteristics. IQOS TEREA tobacco sticks release nicotine and flavour without burning the tobacco, whereas e-cigarettes use e-liquid that contains nicotine, flavouring and other ingredients, which is heated by an atomizer or coil to produce vapour.
E-cigarette liquid offers a wide variety of flavours and customisable nicotine levels, which can vary one's vaping experience based on their device, e-liquid, and personal preference. IQOS, on the other hand, provides a tobacco-like experience with a taste and sensation closer to smoking traditional cigarettes. Users may find it similar to smoking in terms of the throat hit and nicotine delivery.
Where can I buy IQOS near me?
All 888 Vapour stores have a designated IQOS shop-in-shop experience in each store, with a wide range of device and TEREA options to choose from. Alternatively, if you wish to purchase online, all IQOS products are available for purchase on the 888 Vapour website.
Find your local store here: