Comparison of Measurement Methods for Electronic Cigarette Puff Topography.

Introduction:
This article compares the measurement of electronic cigarette (ECIG) puff topography using a mouthpiece-based device, the eTop, and mouthpiece-free video recordings. The study aims to determine if the use of a mouthpiece affects natural puffing behavior and the reliability and validity of the eTop device in measuring ECIG topography.

Key Points:

* The study included ECIG-naïve cigarette smokers and ECIG-experienced users.
* Participants puffed on a standardized ECIG via eTop or conventionally while both sessions were videotaped.
* There were no statistically significant differences between methods in topography, heart rate, or abstinence-related subjective effects.
* Both methods were accurate and reliable.
* The use of a mouthpiece was perceived to alter aspects of ECIG puffing, such as reducing enjoyment.
* ECIG topography measurement methods are an important regulatory tool as they can be used to understand the interplay between product design and user behavior to predict toxicant exposure.

Main Message:
The mouthpiece-based eTop measures ECIG topography precisely as when no mouthpiece is used and interferes minimally with subjective ECIG experience. Therefore, it can be used as a reliable and valid tool for measuring ECIG topography in regulatory contexts.

Felicione NJ, Karaoghlanian N, Shihadeh a, Eissenberg T, Blank MD. Comparison of Measurement Methods for Electronic Cigarette Puff Topography. Tobacco regulatory science. 2020;6(5):318-330. doi:10.18001/TRS.6.5.2