What is the difference between IQOS and e-cigarettes?

IQOS tobacco heating system and e-cigarettes are both smoke-free alternatives to cigarettes for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.

Both are electronic devices, and do not generate smoke like cigarettes. But there is one feature that distinguishes IQOS tobacco heating system from e-cigarettes: contrary to vaporizing an e-liquid, IQOS heats real tobacco, producing tobacco vapor.

The technology of IQOS is fundamentally different from e-cigarettes. IQOS heats a specially designed tobacco stick up to 350°C instead of burning it. The tobacco stick is made of real tobacco. Meanwhile, e-cigarettes vaporize the so-called e-liquid that may have various flavors and may contain nicotine.

The nicotine in the produced aerosol while using IQOS always comes from the real tobacco in the tobacco stick. This nicotine may come from different sources regarding e-cigarettes.

What are e-cigarettes?

E-cigarettes are electronic hand-held devices that are smoke-free alternative to cigarettes. In general, they are powered by a battery and heat e-liquids in order to generate an aerosol or what some users call vapor. The e-liquids may have various flavors and may contain nicotine.

How do e-cigarettes work?

E-cigarettes heat and vaporize e-liquids in a wide range of temperature from 100°C-250°C. They achieve this by drawing the liquid from a tank and putting it in contact with a battery powered heating element. When the liquid is evaporated it is drawn from the device through a mouthpiece.

Without question, the best decision any smoker can make is to quit tobacco and nicotine use altogether. While not risk free, IQOS and e-cigarette are smoke-free alternative for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke or use other nicotine products.