Changes in puffing topography and subjective effects over a 2-week period in e-cigarette naïve smokers: Effects of device type and nicotine concentrations.

Introduction:
This text discusses the results of a study examining the changes in puffing topography and subjective effects over a two-week period in e-cigarette naïve smokers. The study compares the effects of device type and nicotine concentrations on puffing topography, smoking behavior, craving, withdrawal symptoms, and satisfaction. The study aims to provide relevant information that can be used by those supporting smokers using e-cigarettes in a quit attempt.

Key points:

* The study used a mixed-participants design with the between-subject factor Device type (Cigalike, Tank18 and Tank6) and the within-subject factor Time (Baseline, Week1 and Week2).
* Participants were randomly allocated to one of the three conditions and were instructed to abstain from smoking for an hour before the start of the session. They were then instructed to rate their craving and withdrawal symptoms, before receiving instructions on how to use their e-cigarette and to vape ad libitum for 20 mins.
* Puffing topography data was collected at each session and analyzed using a video-processing software. Craving and withdrawal symptoms were measured before and after EC use at baseline, week1 and 2. Subjective effects related to EC use were assessed at the end of each lab session using a two-part visual analogue scale.
* The study found that puffing topography changed over time, with an increase in puff duration and inter-puff intervals and a decrease in puff number. There was no significant difference in puff duration between conditions, but participants in the Cigalike condition took more puffs and had shorter inter-puff intervals compared to those in the Tank18 and Tank6 conditions.
* There was a significant reduction in craving and withdrawal symptoms in each session, but there was no significant difference between conditions. The ability of e-cigarettes to reduce craving and alleviate withdrawal symptoms significantly increased from baseline to week1 and week2.
* Participants using the cigalikes and Tank6 reported a decrease in overall positive effects, while those using the Tank18 reported stable satisfaction levels. Both Tank6 and Tank18 yielded greater satisfaction levels compared to the cigalike.
* There were three reports of complete cessation, all of which used the tank device. The cigalike was associated with a comparable reduction in CPD compared with the tank devices, suggesting that changes in puffing topography can partly compensate for poor nicotine delivery in the short term.

Main message:
The study suggests that e-cigarettes can help promote smoking reduction, at least in the short term, and that higher nicotine concentrations and tank style e-cigarettes should be recommended over cigalikes to smokers considering using e-cigarettes in a quit attempt. The study also highlights the importance of educating smokers on how to use their devices for craving relief and alleviating withdrawal symptoms. The findings cannot be generalized to other e-cigarette device types and e-liquids due to the wide variations in device models and brands' ability to deliver nicotine and e-liquid formulation.

Kimber CF, Soar K, Dawkins LE. Changes in puffing topography and subjective effects over a 2-week period in e-cigarette naïve smokers: Effects of device type and nicotine concentrations. addictive behaviors. 2021;118:106909. doi:10.1016/j.addbeh.2021.106909