Japanese Cotton – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

Japanese Cotton is an unbleached, pesticide-free wicking material originally grown for the cosmetic and medical industries, now widely adopted in vaping rebuildables. Its long, parallel fibres create capillary channels that draw juice from the juice well or tank into the coil, delivering consistent flavour and vapour. Because it is chlorine-free and heat-resistant, Japanese Cotton avoids the “cottony” taste common in pharmacy cotton and lasts longer between re-wicks.

Technical Details

Japanese Cotton sheets are typically 30–40 mm wide, 70–90 mm long and 0.5–0.8 mm thick, weighing ~10 g per 100 sheets. The fibres are combed so they run in one direction, maximising juice channel efficiency and minimising hot spots. The most common variants are:

  • Pads – pre-compressed squares ideal for RTAs and RDAs.
  • Shoelace / Bacon Cotton – pre-twisted strands that fit easily through micro-coils.
  • MUJI Organic – unbranded, budget-friendly version sold in supermarkets.

All variants retain roughly 15–20 times their weight in e-liquid and withstand temperatures up to 220 °C before scorching.

Usage & Tips

  • Preparation: Tear a strip slightly wider than your coil ID, roll the end, and twist through. Trim so the tails just touch the juice well floor—too long causes flooding, too short causes dry hits.
  • Priming:Drip e-liquid until the cotton darkens evenly; wait 5 minutes on first fill to saturate fully.
  • Common Issues: If flavour drops, check for “juice control” ring settings—closing it too much starves the wick. Gunky coils? Rinse under warm water, dry burn lightly, and re-wick.
  • Safety: Use only 100 % organic, unbleached Japanese Cotton; coloured or perfumed cosmetic pads may contain residues.

History & Context

Japanese Cotton entered the vaping scene around 2013 when hobbyists discovered medical-grade cotton pads delivered cleaner flavour than silica wick. As rebuildable atomisers gained popularity, brands like Koh Gen Do and Shiseido became household names among Australian vapers, driving the shift toward organic, high-absorbency wicking materials.

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