IQOS Changes Your Smoking Life

 　　In modern society, people are striving for a healthier lifestyle, engaging in plenty of exercise, eating healthily, and seeking environments free from alcohol, caffeine, and smoke. As a result, a situation has arisen where smokers exist but have no places to smoke. Despite the rising prices of cigarettes and the increasing number of smoke-free areas, such as cafes and restaurants, the number of people quitting smoking remains low. Statistics show that 80% of smokers who try to quit resume smoking within a month, and another 15% relapse within a year. For most people, smoking is not just a habit; it is closely related to their physiological habits and serves as a social etiquette that helps them relax and regulate their mood. Therefore, many are not prepared to quit smoking, even though quitting could reduce their harm. They simply choose one or the other.

  　　Back in 2016, a new product from Philip Morris International, the IQOS heated tobacco device, also known as an e-cigarette, appeared on the Ukrainian market. The launch of this new product attracted a large number of smokers. Eye-catching statistics show that within two years, 42,000 people in Ukraine replaced traditional cigarettes with IQOS e-cigarettes, and globally, 5 million people chose e-cigarettes. What attracts these smokers who are forced to choose one or the other? Andrei Grabovski, a reporter for the Ukrainian Youth League Truth, decided to elaborate on this issue.

　　Why did I test IQOS?

  　　The reporter from the Ukrainian Youth League Truth shared his smoking journey, exploring the path of choosing one or the other and experimenting with e-cigarette devices.

  　　— I initially only smoked when I was with others. Andrei Grabovski recounted. — First, it was when I encountered something troubling and needed to release my stress, and also when I was overthinking. Secondly, it was during chats with colleagues in the smoking room, exchanging recent information. However, over time, I realized that the smell of smoke was unpleasant to my loved ones, and I also wanted to live in a fresher environment. So, I chose e-cigarettes. There was no harmful tar, no irritating smell, and my teeth were no longer yellow. At first, I found it quite interesting, but I still felt that the taste was not strong enough, so I often refilled the liquid to increase the concentration. Even with two refills, I still felt the taste was lacking. Later, I read that e-cigarettes could explode, which made me fearful. I then resumed smoking traditional cigarettes, but the idea of choosing one or the other made me leave them again. After failing with e-cigarettes, I decided to try IQOS.

  　　Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or IQOS: What’s the difference?

  　　The first step in smoking a traditional cigarette is to light it. When tobacco is ignited, what we inhale into our lungs are the combustion products — carbon monoxide, ammonia, benzene, and various tars.

  　　To reduce the quantity of these substances, the combustion step must be eliminated. Based on this principle, a device was created for smokers — without combustion, there are no harmful substances produced from burning.

  　　E-cigarettes and vaporizers are filled with liquid containing synthetic nicotine components (e-liquid). During the heating process, the liquid is vaporized, and users inhale the vapor containing nicotine and flavor additives. The main advantage of e-liquid technology is the ability to change flavors. Chocolate, menthol, vanilla, citrus — you can have it in any flavor you want. The downside is that refilling e-liquid can be cumbersome. Many people also find that the taste of e-cigarettes is not as rich as traditional cigarettes. Therefore, e-cigarette users often use them continuously throughout the day to try to match the richness of traditional cigarettes.

  　　IQOS does not contain liquid. This device must be used with specially designed heated tobacco sticks. IQOS heats tobacco to temperatures of 300-350 degrees Celsius without igniting it. Research shows that harmful substances released are 90% less than those from traditional combustible cigarettes.

  　　Because it uses real tobacco, the fit of the heated stick with the cigarette is very tight, making the experience of using IQOS tactilely similar to smoking traditional cigarettes. The benefit is a significant reduction in harmful substances, no smoke, and no unpleasant odors left on clothes.

  　　Impressions of IQOS

  　　Beautiful appearance

  　　I like beautiful things. — Andrei said. — I like high-end items, such as lighters, phones, and cufflinks; it’s my hobby. Therefore, the attractive design of IQOS caught my attention. It has a strong sense of design, looks high-end, and is very dignified.

  　　No smoke

  　　There is no unpleasant smoke smell during use. Compared to traditional cigarettes, the taste is milder.

  　　Now, let’s talk about the taste. For IQOS, the flavor options are much fewer than other e-cigarettes. Its main flavor is tobacco, which cannot be avoided. The heated sticks for IQOS are called HEETS. I have tried three types — full-bodied, classic, and menthol. As I mentioned earlier, the menthol and other flavored types do not suit me. I prefer the pure tobacco flavor. Although my HEETS Amber e-cigarette is the strongest flavor in the product lineup, I have not heard anyone complain about me smelling like a smoker.

  　　Safe and hygienic

  　　It is common for hot ash to fall onto clothes and burn holes due to the wind; IQOS has no combustion, so there is naturally no smoke or ash. Therefore, there is no worry about cigarettes damaging items or car seats.

  　　Health

  　　Harmful substances are reduced by 90%-95%, as mentioned earlier. Those who have been using IQOS for a long time have found that their symptoms of breathing difficulties (wheezing) have disappeared since they started using it.

  　　Easy to use

  　　Yes, it may be more complicated than using traditional cigarettes, but it is indeed simpler than using other e-cigarettes. Just plug the vaporizer into the heat stick and press a button, and you’re good to go. A heated tobacco stick can be inhaled for 13-14 puffs. If not in use, it can automatically shut off after 5-6 minutes.

  　　Can be used indoors

  　　No smoke, no ash, and passive smoking is eliminated. There will be no odors left on clothes or furniture. Therefore, IQOS can be used not only outdoors but also at home, in the office, in the car, or in bars. Speaking of bars, there are over 300 IQOS stores in Ukraine (140 of which are located in Kyiv). IQOS specialty stores indicate that IQOS can be used in-store and provide charging and tobacco stick services.

  　　Drawbacks of IQOS

  　　You cannot use two sticks in a row; you need to wait about two minutes for the heat stick to recharge. Although it only takes a few minutes to charge, it can be a bit frustrating if you want to smoke immediately.

  　　For those looking to quit smoking completely and eliminate nicotine, this is not a good method, as it still contains nicotine like traditional cigarettes. However, IQOS will make you feel more comfortable and cause much less harm to your body.

  　　IQOS — IQOS testing results

  　　The results of IQOS testing are clear: personality and convenience. Its merit lies in reducing fire hazards, eliminating unpleasant odors, making the smoking process acceptable to non-smokers, while allowing smokers to retain their habitual process and experience of smoking.